Camcorder HD recorder

[ReaderScars]

I would like to look into using a camcorder as a security camera. What I'm considering is something with an acceptable optical zoom and an output which would then go into some sort of hard disc recorder.

I'd leave the camera running over night on a mains adapter and just delete the footage on a daily basis if there's no need to keep it.

Is this likely to generate good quality footage at a cost effective price? It's purely to watch over a car about 30ft away from the window in which the camcorder would be situated. Comments, links etc welcomed...!

[Simpo Two]

It would need a 'video out' socket of some kind - not common on camcorders as they do their recording on board. At least it didn't used to be.

I suppose the modern way is a wireless webcam.

[ReaderScars]

Wireless webcam...hmmm....maybe, hadn't considered those. Will look into the camcorder output issue first before I consider a slightly diffferent platform.

Was looking at these as the recording platform - auto motion detect SD card based hardware:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350162503282?_trksid=p20...

This one a tenner more or so, has RCA i/o instead of 3.5mm jack sockets - and USB and 12v for use in the car...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Video-Recorder-Z...

Edited by ReaderScars on Monday 3rd March 23:33