Jumat, 09 Mei 2014

Night Vision Camcorder........?

Q. Hi! I was looking for a night vision camcorder (preferably $400 or less)... I came across only one and it seemed to have mixed reviews... it was the Bell & Howell DNV16HDZ Full HD Rogue Night Vision Camcorder. I would like something similar if possible. Thanks for any suggestions!

A. Hi Mason:

The Bell & Howell camcorders, in general, get mixed reviews because just like Polaroid (which used to be a giant American corporation in the instant camera business) the Bell & Howell name mainly exists as part of a "brand management company" that licenses its trademark to various gadgets and appliances (and even luggage & desklamps) made by different manufacturers (mostly in China).

Bell & Howell is no longer the well-respected movie camera/movie projector & audio-visual company it was in the last century. (Polaroid gadgets are now pretty much junk, too, from my personal experience.)

So just having a known name-brand that "used to be great" is no assurance of current quality.

I know you enjoy the outdoors and are planning an upcoming backpack trip (from your recent Q&A discussions), and a night-vision camcorder would be a cool thing to take along.

Camcorders with infrared sensitivity ("night vision") were a popular thing way-before the current fad of "Ghost Hunter" type TV shows came along, but some bad publicity with Sony's NightShot camcorders being able to "see through clothes" caused most of the major brands to filter-out the IR sensitivity of their consumer models.

You can still find "NightShot" (Sony), "Super LoLux" (JVC), and "Night Mode" (Canon) features, just not many in your price range. These all require at least some infrared light source (or dim ambient light from the surroundings) to register an image.

Here's a good article from last year, outlining popular camcorders with good IR sensitivity: http://www.squidoo.com/best-camcorders-with-night-vision A surprising entry in the article is the Funai pocket camcorder (model SV310FX1B) that's under-$100.

True military-style night vision uses image multiplier tubes (a/k/a "star scopes" from their ability to see by mere starlight), and these sort of lens attachments for camcorders run into the thousands of dollars (like the Astroscope brand).

I know most of the camcorders with decent prices are mail-order/online-only, but I'm a big advocate of "try before you buy". So read a few online articles like the one I linked to above (and do your own "night vision camcorders" search for reviews & prices) and make an informed decision within your budget.

To stretch your budget dollars, consider either a used NightShot model (I've had good luck on eBay) or shop places like Canon USA's refurbished camcorders section on their website: http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategorySort_10051_10051_-1_17252_lowPrice_list

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 


What's a good HD camcorder?
Q. I need one to post youtube videos and stuff, that has really good quality (in HD) but I need one that is affordable.
also one that is great at night.

A. The Canon hf100 is the best hd camcorder if your on a budget.Check this website for more info. http://fwd.five.tv/gadget-show/bestbuys/camcorders/camcorders-hi-def





Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar