[sci.electronics] URGENT: Advice needed re. stripped Canon E50 for @299

bjanes@ral.rpi.edu (Atle Bjanes) (01/24/91)

Hi folks, I need some advice here:  Lechmere (a chain of gizmo stores
in the N.E. has a camcorder clearance sale, selling demo units,
reconditioned units etc.

I am looking for a camcorder and the following was on sale:

	Canon 	E50	$299
	Canon	A1MkII	$699
	Sony	TR5	$299
	Sony	CCDF70	$399
	Sony	CCDF33	$299

All units have mf. warranty, but _no_ accessories (batteries, chargers,
RF modulators etc.).  I checked one mail order outfit and the
accessories for the E50 would be $250: charger/AC adapt. $150, 2hr.
batt. $60, RF mod. $40

Question 1:	Is the newer Canons (E53), that much better (worth
		$150) ?

	 2:	Is it possible to build my own charger (are the
		batteries regular NiCad and thus easy to charge, or
		are they that other kind which are much more critical
		to how they are charged)?

	 3: 	I guess I'm looking hard at the old E50 vs. a new E53.
		The E53 comes with a remote -- how much benefit is
		that really?

	 4: 	If there is anything better for the money (~$700) out 
		there, _please_ let me know as I am about to put down
		the $$$.

	Thanks,