What camcorder should i get?

What camcorder should I get to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

• I am trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu next month and I'm looking to buy a camcorder to take with me. What sort of camera would be best? I'm looking for the best possible quality camcorder I can get for up to around £250, as I imagine the scenery etc is going to be amazing! I think I'm looking for a mini-DV camcorder as I have used these before, know how to edit the footage well on my mac, and I've also heard that HDD camcorders shouldn't be used at high altitude. The Inca Trail goes up to around 4200m at its highest point. It will be sunny and hot during the days and below freezing at night (I will probably sleep with the batteries to keep them warm!!!). So I need something that will work throughout all this. Please help!

• Answer:

  I use Mini-dv camcorders, but I understand, the situation you are going to be in, with temp changes. As long as a Mini-dv camcorder Is at the current temp and is not exposed to quick temp changes then it will be ok. Its a good idea keeping the batteries warm. Hdd camera would also be ok but the problem is that ou are obviously going to be recording in the best possible quality available, this will eat up the HDD space are you going to be able to Download it to a laptop in case you fill up the drive? if not then go for the Mini-dv, fill a tape up and then just use another one, also as the tapes are not expensive then you can keep this amazing journey on the tapes as back up even if you edit the footage. Get the best Mini-dv camera you can for your money, Here is a link to a shop I expect you have, done you own search. http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/45/xx/200-270/5/2/criteresn.html As you know Mini-dv is tried and tested, all you need are plenty of tapes and batteries and dont forget you head cleaning tape, do this at the start of every days filming. Good luck Have a great time RR