Sony Handycam HD Camcorder microphone attachment?

Q. How can you attach a microphone device to a Sony Handycam HD Camcorder? Is it even possible? thank you.. :)

A. If the Sony Handycam has an audio input jack (mic jack) or proprietary Sony Active Interface Shoe (AIS), then yes.

But since "Handycam" is Sony's brandname for all their consumer grade camcorders and many of the Handycams do not have a mic jack or AIS - and you did not tell us which model Handycam you have, we have no way to know if your camcorder can connect an external mic or not.

The model number should be on the sticker on the bottom of the camcorder... DCR-HC52 or DCR-SX40 or HDR-HC5 or DCR-DVD405 or something like one of these examples...

Another option for you is to look in the camcorder's manual.

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How do I pick a wind muffler for a camcorder microphone?

Q. My mom wants to get a wind muffler for a camcorder. All I know is that the camcorder is a sony. How do I know what to get? Plz help asap she wants it for Christmas and I have to order it online. Thanks so much.
Thx but I am looking for some more specific information. There are no stores around me that carry these and since I have never seen them I am in need of details.

A. Do you know how to sew? if so, wander off to a place where you buy some thick fuzzy fabric, lots of ideas and designs online and make her one, it will be much more appreciated.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1081310/how_to_make_an_effectice_and_cheap_microphone_windscreen/

http://www.ehow.com/how_4898017_make-microphone-windscreen.html

http://www.joelandkaren.com/mic-zeppelin/

http://youtu.be/aAkueTFnnN4

Search youtube, use the search term 'Make a microphone windscreen' there and in any search engine and you will get a million ideas on how to do this.

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Is the Canon HV30 fine for a first-time filmmaker?

Q. I'm a wanna-be filmmaker (I'm not sure I can even call myself a "beginner" just yet). I've been looking at the Canon HV30 camcorder, which can shoot footage in 24p, and I like what I see.

Obviously, once I become more advanced and professional, I'd want a far more sophisticated video camera or just move on to film.

But, for now, would you consider the HV30 sufficient for a beginning independent filmmaker?

A. Any camcorder is fine for a beginner or novice filmmaker - especially those with HDV or miniDV recording media.

Your choice of the The Canon HV30 is a Great Choice. This camera has all the basic functions of the professional models on a much simpler scale. More importantly, this camera has only the features you need to concentrate on and learn first (such as focus, color, exposure, frame rate, and depth of field) before you move on to more advanced theory and techniques.

The automatic settings are better than normal. If you want to turn all the other features to automatic so you can concentrate on a single feature, you can do that too. It will allow you to practice your techniques and build you understanding of handling everything else relates to the camera such as scene, editing, and other considerations like film math (all the ratios, formulas, and conversions of frame rates, amounts of light, and resolutions).

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Beginner Filmmaker, what camera should I get?

Q. I have done a few short films on my dinky little $99 Walmart camera and my families $500 Sony camera, but I am ready to move up to something in the 900-2700 dollar range.

I have been looking for the camera that's right for me for about a month now. I can not seem to decide.

Can anyone recommend some good cameras? I would love it if the camera could achieve a "film look" to it, even if i need to buy special lenses.

Just a heads up: I am not a very technical person when it comes to cameras. I'm doing my best to learn this camera stuff before i attend film school next year.

Here are some examples of cameras I have been looking at. I have no idea if these are right for me or not, they just looked right for the price.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/406876-REG/Panasonic_DVX100BSC_AG_DVX100BQ_3_CCD_24p_Mini_DV.html#accessories




Thanks for any recommendations!

A. I think you will get better answers if you post this in the Camcorders section. This deals with just cameras.

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camera/camcorder tripod sizes?

Q. if there was a 60" tripod, does that mean each leg is 60" long? or that the maximum height the camera is will be 60" off the ground? if each leg was 60", then approx how high off the ground will the camera be if the legs were spread apart (sounds wrong but you know what I mean lol)

thanks.

A. Except for compact cameras, you will want a tripod that holds up to at least ten pounds

You will need a fluid head for your video camera and a three-way head for your dSLR

Here is a good under $100 tripod

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/439930-REG/Slik_615_320_500DX_Pro_Tripod_with.html

A fluid head ---

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241143-REG/Manfrotto_516_516_Pro_Video_Fluid.html

Here is what a tripod / fluid head system for your camcorder may cost.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/188673-REG/Cartoni_D601_D601_Delta_Aluminum_Tripod.html

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Camcorder Tripods (best cheap)?

Q. I'm trying to find a nice decent tripod that stays on the ground and the head tilts only when i want it to, and dosent automatically (like those loose ones). Any ideas? Uh i'm trying to find one thats cheap in price, and thats really good. Under lets say $50?

I found some at amazon. Should i get them or is there a better one?

http://www.amazon.ca/Sony-VCT-R100-Lightweight-Compact-Tripod/dp/B000EFIJTA/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280716763&sr=1-11

http://www.amazon.ca/Sony-VCTR640-Lightweight-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00006IRS3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280717023&sr=1-3

Thank.

A. I'd say both those tripods are over-rated and over-priced. Wal-Mart has one just as good as both of those for about 20 dollars. For a tripod of that type you shouldn't spend more then that. With the lightweight camcorders and cameras of the digital age, the only thing you need is the most basic. If you're worried about the camcorder staying still in heavy winds or while moving in a vehicle you weight down the tripod with a gym bag or what ever is handy.

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What is the best camcorder/camera for low light situations?

Q. I plan on doing some YouTube videos in the future, but the problem is that my room is kinda dark, and my cellphone is terrible when it comes to dark areas. Are there any cameras for $200 or under for low light situations?
If not in my price range, anything not too expensive is fine.

A. Your question #1: What is the best camcorder/camera for low light situations?
Response: Any camcorder with a large lens diameter (to let light in to the camcorder/camera) and large imaging chip (to process what little light comes in through the lens when it is dark.

Your question #2: "Are there any cameras for $200 or under for low light situations?"
Response: No.

"not too expensive" means different things to different people.

Consumer grade camcorders start at the low end with small (less than 30mm) diameter lenses and small (less than 1/6") single imaging chip. As the price goes up, the lens diameters and imaging chips get larger. At around $400, the lens diameter is around 37mm and the imaging chips can get as large as 1/4". At around $800 the lens diameter is around 43mm and the imaging chips approach 1/3". At around $1,200 the lens diameter is around 58mm and the imaging chips are around 1/3". As you continue up the price spectrum to high-end consumer (sometimes called "prosumer") camcorders, $3,000 finds 72mm lens diameter with 3CCD or 3CMOS 1/3" imaging chip arrays - these do quite well under low-light conditions.

So... what can you do if you can't afford a camcorder/camera that can behave well under low light conditions? It depends what you are capturing to video, but one relatively easy way (assuming you will be editing the video with a half decent editor) is to add LOTS of light so your room is no longer dark - then, using your editor, make it look dark... This is call shooting "day for night".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MaC44MU4iw

When you go this route, use whatever camera/camcorder you want - and make the investment in lighting and a decent video editor - not a camera/camcorder. For $200, assuming your computer has a fast CPU, 4 gig RAM or more and lots of hard drive space - Sony Vegas is affordable and a couple or three worklights from the hardware store like
http://www.amazon.com/Voltec-08-00210-500-Watt-Portable-Worklight/dp/B004ZMUHBG
would be plenty.

Learn about 3-point lighting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_point_lighting

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camcorders?

Q. I would like to buy a camcorder/video recorder for Christmas.It needs to be able to record at night/dark light can anyone recomend any as I don't have a clue! there is a Sony DCR52 in comet that's reasonably priced. Doesn't necessarily need to take still pics as I already posses a cracking camera.
Can anybody recomend one?

A. well, the camcorder i just got for my birthday which was like a week ago, is a jvc gr-d770 mini dv camcorder and it is very very good, you can put your vids on the computer and take still pictures which you said you dont want but you might was well get that so you have a camera and a camcorder, but it has a bright bright led light on it and its just amazing, here is the link from walmart
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5621883

but if your looking for a camcorder with night vision then its going to cost a lot of money and really its not worth it, just get one with a light
but hope this helps

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Which is the best one in both of Sony HDR-xr200v and HDR-xr500v?

Q. Hi, i want to buy camcorder for my new baby. so we are waiting for thanksgiving day.
i like SONY brand...so both of these HDR-xr200v and HDR-xr500v ,which is the best one and tell me the good deals site for camcorders...
thank you very much.

A. Sony HDRXR100 80GB HDD High Definition Camcorder (Silver)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q7VXM0?tag=amazonbestdeal09-20

Sony HDR-XR200V 120GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QBM9EM?tag=amazonbestdeal09-20

Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PY420O?tag=amazonbestdeal09-20


review:
1. Still capture at 12 megapixels is probably a waste of disk space (and the extra processing time that it takes to deal with the larger pictures). Unless there is something revolutionary about the way that the camcorder would interpolate the native 6.2-megapixel still capture up to 12 megapixels, I would use the interpolation capabilities of, say, Photoshop back at home and set the camcorder to grab stills at 6.2 megapixels (native). The trailing question is whether that 6.2-megapixel mode at 4:3 is actually native, without any scaling or interpolation; there is a 9-megapixel mode at 16:9 that is probably not native, but Sony does not clarify anywhere.

2. I cannot perceive any degradation in AVCHD image quality between (a) Steadymove ON; and (b) Steadymove Active ON. Is there any good reason to turn off Active mode (or Steadymove altogether)?

3. SonyStyle.com is notorious for sloppily recommending accessories. They do not associate the correct case with this camcorder. You will be very happy with the LCS-DAB model, which has a slot for the hand grip which allows for easy and safe removal. Unlike the almost-identical other versions, the LCS-DAB's slot is offset from center in a way that works with the location of the hand grip on the HDR-XR500V/520V.

4. Another ridiculous error on the SonyStyle.com site is the retail price on its newest compatible 37mm wide-angle lens. The VCL-HGE07A retails for $99 rather than $229, and is inferior to the VCL-HGA07 at $199. The newer model also doesn't come with a lens cap, which is ridiculous.

5. The NAVTEC maps are largely disappointing. Most consumer GPS devices only reserve 1gb or so for map data, thus Sony really cheaped out with the NAVTEC maps. Don't expect any more detail than city names and the very occasional major route number, even when zoomed in to the max.

6. Low-light sensitivity is extraordinarily good. I am anxious to read professional testing on this, but it is poised to beat professional cameras. This backlit CMOS invention might really be a no-brainer for all future camcorders. It is a simple re-shuffling of the layers in the CMOS sensor.

7. The flash works surprisingly well. I know that this comment could elicit grumbles, but I am quite seriously prepared to say that this device is a full-blown replacement for my non-SLR digital camera -- and, with geotagging to boot.

8. I cannot find any time-lapse feature. Not sure if manufacturers generally don't bother anymore, but this is a big disappointment. As for the slow-motion feature, which is locked into 3 seconds of footage slowed down to 12, it works okay but Sony is not forthcoming about the extent to which the signal degrades. It is certainly not equivalent to 1080/60i, though. What actually is it?

9. The camcorder comes with a "demonstration" video. It is stunningly corny -- and if it doesn't make you laugh, God help you! At least by the looks of the video, Sony created this camera for clean-cut, pudgy boomers who want to shoot videos of their children with "Hollywood production values." My favorite moment is when the daddy in the peach-colored cashmere sweater jumps up and down like a schoolgirl. He is one cheesecake slice away from some serious gut-bobbage.

10. As if the camera weren't already overpriced, it has inspired pricey new wish-list items for me: (a) that new Bluetooth microphone set which plugs into the proprietary Active Interface Shoe; (b) a wide-angle lens, maybe not the VCL-HGA07 if there is a better one for 37mm that's easy to use; (c) a Sony tripod with a remote-controlling handle which plugs into the A/V Control port; and (d) a Steadicam Merlin, of course!

11. It's confirmed: The only difference between this model and the HDR-XR520V is $200 less cost and half the hard disk space. However, with 120gb giving you many hours and the additional option of using removable flash memory, I don't see much reason to step up.

Original Question

good affordable camcorder?

Q. we have our first baby due in a few months and I of course need a good camcorder to capture all of my little ones first moments. My husband is kind of a nerd and wants to get an HD camcorder and all I want is something reliable. I mean this stuff wasn't available when my parents made our family videos and they were still fun to watch. What's a good solution that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg? Also my husband wants to get a digital camera with video instead of a camcorder. My worry is video time. what do you all suggest?

A. "Affordable" means different things to different people.

Poor home video happens for 5 main reasons:

1) The camcorder cannot capture good video.
2) The person capturing the video zooms and pans a lot and very fast.
3) The lighting when the video was captured was too low.
4) The person captured the video while holding the camcorder and they did not use a tripod or some other steadying device.
5) The person who edited the video used a poor compression method before uploading or burning to DVD.

What is your budget?

At a high level, regardless of media storage type, the camera $ ranges are:

Toys: less than $250
Entry level consumer: up to $500
Mid range consumer: up to $1,000
None of these will do "Good low light video quality". Their lenses and imaging chips are too small.

Larger lenses and imaging chips are in:
High end consumer or prosumer: up to $2000
Prosumer or pro: $3,000 and up.
The big lenses and big imaging chips used will result in good low-light video capture.

ALL camcorders' video can be edited on a computer - the trick is getting the video into the computer and into a format the video editor can use - this might be by direct connection between the camcorder and computer or additional hardware or software for converting video.

Step 1: Set your budget.
Step 2: Identify the camcorders that fit your budget.
Step 3: Learn what format the camera captures to.
Step 4: Understand how the video will transfer to YOUR computer.
Step 5: Learn how that video will work with YOUR video editor.
Step 6: Buy the camcorder.

Go out of order and you are setting yourself up for frustration and failure.

You did not tell us your budget or what computer you will edit on.

MiniDV tape based camcorders require a firewire port on your computer. MiniDV tape based camcorders provide best available video quality. Microsoft MovieMaker and Apple iMovie are bundled with the operating systems and will import the video. Do not re-use the tapes - they are the back-up/archive. The "DV" in miniDV = digital. It is as digital as the other digital storage mthods out there for consumer camcorders - and because DV and HDV compress the digital video less than the other methods, it continues to provide the best available video quality. Just because it is tape does not mean it is analog. Most professionals continue to use miniDV tape. Tapes come in 60 minute or 80 minute lengths (in SP mode - never use LP mode). At around $3 each, they are cheap.

Flash memory camcorders use USB to transfer video, but you have an extra step to archive or back-up the video (same with hard disc drive camcorders - more on them later). Depending on the editor, you may need to use a conversion program to get the video into a format the video editor can use. Fewer moving parts - in theory - make this more "reliable" for the shrt term, but the archive method relies on optical disc or hard drive - and that is not an acceptable digital archive media - back up, yes, but not archive (longer storage time)... Memory cards are still a bit expensive, but come in various sizes

Hard drive camcorders save to the same format that flash memory uses - but I don't recommend them because of some additional vibration and high altitude issues that cause them to not record video - I presume these will not be issues in your case. They have the same back-up/archive issue, too. When the hard drive is filled and you have not transferred to a computer, what do you do? They can record for hours and hours... You will need to change batteries several times before the hard disc fills.

DVD based camcorders are terrible for editing and uploading. They barely make useful doorstops.

DSC - Digital still cameras - take very highly compressed video that can be a challenge to edit.

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I need a camera/camcorder that has a long battery life and takes good pics and HD videos!?

Q. i'm going to a concert in december and i need a camera that takes good pics and LONG HD videos. also, it needs to have a really good battery life so it doesnt die right in the middle of the concert. any suggestions? help is much appreciated! :)

A. First I would check that you can take a video camera into the concert, most ban them only allowing cameras, and mobile phones. you could risk having your camera taken off you.

Most concerts are around 2 hours. Give or take, few if any cameras come with a battery that will last that long, to film a full two hours is a long time even the most dedicated fan probably wont record for that long, maybe a max of an hour. you could get a camera and then just get another battery, does not have to be expensive one.

I woudl suggest that you have a look at flash drive cameras, for two reasons, they have few moving parts and the batteries do last a llittle longer, the video I think is slightly better, than a HDD camera. your next problem will be the audio, and lighting. audio first you will need a camera that you can reduce the levels of the audio, or its going to sound very bad, most camcorder Mics are not great and are likely to pick up every sound that is around you. Lighting, you need a camera that you can adjust the light settings, or your video although recorded in HD will not be very good. Personally I would get a 16Gb or better 32Gb card, that will give you plenty of room to record in the highest quallity.

last thing How much do you want to spend, its impossible to say what camera you should get if we dont know how much you have, there is a huge difference between a camera that costs 100-200 or one that costs 500-1000.

I suggest you go to a store and talk to the sales people, tell them what you are looking for.

Enjoy you concert but dont forget to find out if cameras are allowed for you own sake

RR

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What is a camcorder with long battery life and recording capacity?

Q. I want to measure foot traffic on a street where I am planning to open a coffee shop. I would like to tape continuosly for 8 - 12 hours.

Is there a camcorder that would do that?

I don't necissarily need HD or High resolution or anything like that... I need a camera that would tape for a long time and one could stay on for a long time. Would prefer something portable.

A. Not a camcorder... but maybe a security camera and DVR. You need to supply power.
lowest quality video *might* work. http://www.ezwatch.com/ez-eye.html

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Camcorder - optical zoom?

Q. I have searched Google but I would still like someone to confirm that the bigger the optical zoom the better, i.e. 40x optical zoom is better than 10x optical zoom.
I was out with my parents today looking at camcorders and the Sony staff member told us that the less the better. Actually, what I think he said was the less optical zoom the better the quality. (Maybe all three of us heard him wrong and he was talking about digital zoom) Does having, say, a 25x rather than a 40x have any advantage in any way?

So, optical zoom is better... the bigger the number? The DCR-SR35E costs �399, has 30 GB, 40x optical zoom. The DCR-SR75E costs �599, has 60 GB, 25x optical zoom. The still pictures have a difference of 200,000 pixels. I'm just wondering why the more expensive one has an inferior optical zoom.

A. Looks like you are having fun out there :)

DCR-SR75E with the 25x optical zoom is the winning choice, due to its lens system.

Do not be tempted by the lower price and the 40x zoom on the other one. Being honest, you will never need the 40x zoom - and when you Do zoom @ 40x, I doubt it will be anything satisfactory.

In real life conditions, we hardly zoom over 3x for landscape and 8x for portraiture.

If your budget is right, go there again with your parents and get the DCR-SR75E !

p.s - you should also try out a few Canon camcorders if they are available there :)

Original Question

camcorders: what is dynamic zoom?

Q. Also, I've heard of optical and digital image stabilization, but what is electronic image stabilization?

What is advanced image stabilization then?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ok two more questions:
Is it important for a camcorder to take SD cards?
Also, is HD much better than SD? Does HD perform better under low light?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm buying a camcorder, can you tell? ;)
is dynamic or optical better?

A. EIS works reasonably well with high megapixel CCDs. EIS reduces the availble resolution so it helps to start with more pixels than needed. OIS uses optics to correct vibration so the full resolution of the CCD is not affected. There are times when stabilization is not desirable so it is best if either can be selected when needed. OIS not only keeps resolution, but unlike EIS it also eliminates motion blur. EIS will have blur at slower shutter settings. EIS is used mostly for video where some motion blur is tolorable and recorded pixels are much less than commonly used for still photography.

For still photography, optical zoom is best. For video, its a mixed bag. Now that megapixel CCDs are used in some cameras, 4x or 5x digital zoom can be used with little recorded resolution loss. Cameras cannot employ digital zoom and EIS at the same time. For a pocket camera, like the Flip or Kodak Zi8, the lens is fixed so there is no optical zoom, but the digital zoom compensates. When the zoom is less than 6x, stabilazation is not needed, so the loss of EIS capability is not a problem with these.

Low light performance is a function of CCD megapixels rather than SD or HD recording per se. Less pixels will get more light energy from the lens, so its a case of less is more. HD cameras, especially HD camera with megapixal CCDs have poor low light capability. Another situation is high megapixel CCDs have to be interpolated to produce a video picture. So a correctly sized (aka native resolution) CCD array (680k for SD, 3 MP for HD) will produce a shaper resolution picture than an over-sized megapixel CCD imager.

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Need a help on deciding a camcorder for short films?

Q. Camcorder will be used for small but high quality productions
-preferably Panasonic but doesn't really matter what brand
-full HD (1080p)
-fully manual options for white balance, iris opening, frames/second and focus
-zoom up to X50 at least
-preferably optional at least 60 frames a second
-white balance not preset (like you can set it to whites in the setting you are filming in)
-not touchscreen (they tend to wear out/ cause more trouble then they are worth)
-set out in normal camcorder form (not upright)
-preferably under $1000
-uses digital format only
-is BRAND NEW <- very important
-oh and if you can suggest a good tripod and case for it as well i will say thank you or something..

A. Hello there. Unlike a lot of people who ask questions about camcorders on this site, you appear to actually have a budget that stands up to what you want in a camera. Although $1000 is not great, you could get a nice camera for that.

Choosing a camera is highly based on opinion, and asking a question like this on a website which has such a large number of filmmakers looking at your question means you are probably going to get several answers contradicting each other. The truth of the matter is that the camera really is personal choice, all I can do if offer what I would do with that $1000, and more importantly why.

So first of is the camera. I'd go for a Canon T2i (about $750). The camera is mid range DSLR primarily designed for taking photographs, however it has a second function for filming which a lot of filmmakers and cinematographers are exploiting. The camera itself is the baby brother of the Canon 5D (used a lot to film TV commercials and some TV drama shows). The fact that it is designed for photographs means it has a very large sensor, so the image it produces when you use it for filming has a lot of detail in it. It also has a interchangeable lens mount so you can purchase a nice long lens to suite your need for 50x zoom. The one thing that you will have to get used to is that in this world of cameras, zoom is called focal length, and instead of being labeled __x zoom, it is labeled as a focal range in mm- for example 18-55mm. To get a zoom equivalent to 50x, you'll need to look into buying a lens that reaches about 300mm, so maybe the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom AF. It also has all the other features you listed- easy white balance controls, manual focus and iris and the camera itself goes up to 60fps.

I would personally recommend the Slik brand of Tripods. Very good brand and good customer support as well. I've put a link in the description to a cheap Canon T2i camera case on amazon.com.

Best of luck with your filmmaking, If you need anything pop me an email. Also, feel free to check out some of the filmmaking tutorials on my youtube channel (youtube.com/munnbrice).

Regards,
Brice.

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What is the best laptop on the market today under $750.00?

Q. Not a gamer, want to be able to transfer movies/pics between my HD camcorder, digital camera and cell phone. Should I look for something with S-video outputs and audio/video connectors for HDMI?

A. Any of the Dells are good!

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camcorder help please?

Q. A friend of mine is having a baby (my first pregnant friend I feel like i'm growing up!) and I want to get her a camcorder for the babyshower present. I think it's a good gift so she can capture her baby's growth after its born! Anyways, I have done a bit of research on the subject, but not sure what is the best type of camcorder to get. From what i can tell, there are three major kinds: DVD, flash drive, and hard drive. Can anyone tell me a little about the pros and cons of each of these and what they think would be the best one to get? Thanks! : )
when i said flash drive i meant to say flash memory.

A. What's your budget and what video quality are you expecting?

Is the plan for her to be able to edit the video?

You identified the 3 common consumer-grade media types. The fourth, still used by a few consumer grade camcorders (but more commonly used in prosumer and pro grade) is digital tape.

DVD camcorders use recordable DVD blanks. The standard def cams record to very compressed VOB files. Single sided miniDVDs store only 20 minutes of high quality video. Double sided can stoer 40 minutes. In either case, the video is VERY compressed and not meant to be edited. If the video is ripped from the DVDs for editing the video quality is generally very poor. No one should ever waste money or time with these. Ever. They barely make useful doorstops.

Hard disc drive and flash memory standard def camcorders record to MOD or MPG video files. Use a USB cable to get these files to a computer, convert the files to a format the video editor can use, edit, save as or export. These files are not as compressed as the DVD VOB files, but they are still compressed a lot. Hard disc drive and flash memory high def camcorders record to TOD or MTS video files. Use a USB cable to get these files to a computer, use and editor that can deal with MTS files or convert the TOD files to something more editor friendly, edit, save as or export. These files are compressed a lot. A relatively new computer with a FAST CPU is required to edit, transcode or even watch this video. Need lots of RAM and computer hard drive space too. Since the expectation is that once the video is transferred form the camcorder to the computer that the camcorder hard drive or flash memory is cleared for the next video to be captured, what happens to the computer hard drive when it is full? One way is to use a RAID1 multiple hard disc array in a NAS. Another is to burn data DVDs... Archiving video that was not used can be expensive.

Then there is miniDV tape. Digital tape. Relatively inexpensive $ per gig when compared to other storage methods, DV and HDV video quality is least compressed when compared to the other video formats. The digital video stopred on digital tape is just as digital as that which is stored on the hard disc drive, flash memory or DVD media - just less-compressed...

But it all starts with your budget... so before anyone can thow manufacturers and model numbers at you, we need to know what you are willing to spend.

Pocket cams: Flip, Xacti, Zi8 up to about $300
entry level consumer cams: Canon ZR960 (miniDV tape), FS200/300 (flash memory): standard definition: up to about $400; Sony HDR-CX100 series, Canon HF R series up to about $600
mid range consumer cams: Canon HV40 (miniDV tape), HF 100 up to about $1000
high end consumer cams: Canon HF S series; Sony HDR-CX500 series

Prosumer and pro-grade go up from here.

I don't recommend hard disc drive cams becasue their hard drive is not replaceable, they have known issues with vibration, it is too easy to fill the drive and be stuck - and they have known issues with high altitude. With flash memory or miniDV tape, just keep blank media around. They do not suffer form the vibration and high altitude issues.

With miniDV tape, the computer must have a firewire port for getting the video from the camcorder to the computer. If there is none or none can be added, then your only real choice is flash memory.

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video camera /camcorder?

Q. My daughter recently had a baby and I would like to purchase a cam corder for her. She does not have a computer.I do not understand all the technical aspects. Is there a recorder that I can purchase to capture moments of the baby, and then view them on the tv or another method?

A. All camcorders can connect to a TV if the TV has AV inputs (like those used for video games or a VCR or a DVD player).

Since she does not have a computer, there is no place to store or transfer video captured by a hard drive (HDD) based camcorder, so this is not a good solution.

What is your budget?

MiniDV tape and flash memory are removable, so when the tape or the memory card are full, just take it out of the camcorder and put in a new one. Flash memory is still pretty expensive - but either MiniDV tape or flash memory camcorders will do.

For a real camcorder, the Canon ZR900 or ZR930 miniDV tape based cameras are good options.
For a pocket camera that takes stills and some video, the Canon PowerShot family works pretty well.

PLEASE do not bother with a DVD based camcorder. They barely make decent doorstops.

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HQ camcorder under 400?

Q. I need a video camcorder with exceptional HQ video that is under 400 dollars. Maybe even cheaper if possible, but I just don't want to skip out on quality. I'm gonna use it to shoot videos, upload it to my macbook and edit it.

A. this may not be helpful but at best buy, there is a camcorder for $199




www.bestbuy.com

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Does anybody know of a good HD camcorder $400 or under?

Q. Well I just need a camcorder that can shoot in 1080p or above. Thanks

A. the JVC Everio camcorder is an excellant camcorder that takes very good, high-quality videos. Plus it's picture mode is amazing. I use it all the time for photo shoots. Especially at my brothers hockey and soccer games, it captures action shots GREAT! All you do is take maybe and hour and a half to charge it by plugging the AC cable in the wall to the back of the camcorder. And to upload, you have a USB cable which connects to your computer, to the front of the camcorder and pictures download quickly. For videos, it comes with a fantastic free program called PowerDirector which is simular to Windows Movie Maker but has a lot more effects which can be added! You must upload your video to this program anyway if your would like to upload it onto a site (e.g. Youtube, Facebook) to turn it into a MPEG file.
Check out Future Shop or Best Buy for your best deal. Both stores should have the camcorder included with a battery, an AC cable, an AV cable, USB cable, a shoulder strap, Remote Control and all software devices included. Check it out!

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Camcorders that support external microphones?

Q. Hey. My buddy and I are gonna' start doing a video-podcast, but we don't have a decent camera for it. I'm looking for a decent camcorder that's less than $250 that supports external microphones. We'd also like to know what wireless external camcorder microphones that are under $100 that are good quality.

A. I didnt find any camcorders in your budget, with an external mic, once you get above $300-400 then you will have a small choice. a good mic is going to be around the same price as the camera.

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/audio.php

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/right_mic_brockett.html

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/camcorders/category-question.html?qid=14101


There are a few ideas for you to think about.

RR

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I can't get my external microphone to work properly with my camcorder?

Q. I have a Canon HF R200 Camcorder and a Sennheiser freePORT presentation wireless microphone system. I connected the camera to the freePORT receiver unit via stereo XLR to 3.5mm jack. The camcorder is picking up sound from the microphone but it sounds muffled and like a robot is talking. I've tried adjusting the gain on the receiver unit, and tried both the line and mic settings on the camcorder. Any suggestions?
Thanks Dennis! I read the "effin" manual and tried both mic and line settings on the camera and had no success. I picked up a 1/4" mono to 3.5mm stereo converter and a 3.5mm stereo to 3.5mm stereo cable and it works like a charm. Not sure if I needed to convert the mono to stereo or if a 1/4" mono to 3.5mm mono would have worked fine. But either way, I'm up and running! Thanks!

A. Hi David:

Fellow Contributor Dave ("Palladini") is on the right track with your problem, but there are a few specific details that might also be causing your problem.

Your Sennheiser wireless receiver has 2 outputs: balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (1/4" phone jack). You are incorrectly calling your XLR to 3.5mm connection a "stereo" cable. XLR is mono, and since the Canon's 3.5mm mic jack is listed as stereo 3-conductor, you could have one of the balanced XLR connections improperly connecting to the camcorder's jack.

Try a simple 1/4" mono (two conductor) male plug to 3.5mm mono (two conductor) male plug cable, commonly found at Radio Shack or other electronics or music stores. Use the unbalanced output jack on the Sennheiser receiver AND turn down the Output Level knob to prevent distortion.

Also, I hate to harp on the old expression "Read your effin' manual", but page 79 of your HF-R200 manual (see my Sources below) labeled "Using other microphones" shows how you can change the Mic jack from Microphone level to Line level [click FUNC. > MENU > MIC Terminal Input > LINE or MIC Option ]. Using the LINE External Input option might give you undistorted wireless sound.

If the unbalanced connection doesn't work, instead of an extra mixer, as Dave suggested, a cheaper 20dB inline XLR pad (signal reducer) with your original patch cable (and adjustment of the Output Level knob) should give a clean mic-level signal to the camcorder, especially if you use the Sennheiser with a model that has no Line Input option.

On the topic of "mixers", a small gadget I keep in my camera bag is the Rolls Corporation DB14 A/V Presenter passive 2ch mixer which will properly take one XLR connection and feed it to a 3-conductor 3.5mm jack (as well as 2 stereo RCA connections). Even though this application is "backwards" from the labeled connection (normally 3.5mm "in" from a laptop to XLR "out"), the fact that it's a passive (no electronics or battery) circuit allows it to operate in either direction. This is exactly what I used last week for a Canon miniDV camcorder shoot. The twin knobs allow "padding" the signal to a proper level. Here's the product page: http://www.rolls.com/product.php?pid=DB14

The other thing that would cause "muffled" audio would be if you have the SK-2 belt pack transmitter, and it's incorrectly switched to "Instrument" instead of "Microphone". (See Sennheiser manual's Troubleshooting Chart on page 25.)

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

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Converting .mov (QuickTime) files to a format that can be edited on a PC using Windows Movie Maker (WMM)?

Q. I have an Aiptek digital camcorder bought in November of 2010. I believe it is an Aiptek HD-1 since I can't find anything on the Aiptek website that looks exactly like it but it at least has the same features. It has 720p HD recording capacity and has been a great little camera. I have all kinds of movies that I would like to put together for the friends I have made this summer so that they can look back on the fun times in the future. (I'm an intern from across the country.)

Here's my problem:
The camera ONLY records in .mov, regardless if I do HD (720p) or QVGA (WEB) at 30fps or WVGA (DVD) at 60fps. I record in the HD because it gives me the largest beginning aspect and I know that if you start with more pixels it's better because you're only going to lose them along the way. I've heard that the majority of converters will not only add frames and make your videos choppy but that they will actually try to compress your videos so that they're only good for viewing on a hand-held device. I'm not opposed to this, but I am opposed to being restricted to watching anything on a 3" (Zune) screen. No, I won't own an iPod because I want what's left of my eyesight.

Windows Movie Maker for xp does NOT recognize .mov files so I can only watch them in QuickTime. I do NOT have QuickTime Pro and don't know how to use it. I'm also wary of purchasing a $30 product that all it can do is convert. (Which is why I don't have Apple products to begin with. I have a thing against collecting stuff that only has a single use.)

I would like it to be free because I'm on a laptop with xp but my computer at home has Windows Vista and I can probably just do the Windows Live Movie Maker from there. But I'm hardpressed to ask an office of 30 people for their personal addresses so that I can work on this and send it to them after I finish. I was hoping to be able to finish this project by the end of the summer (August 6, 2010) to give it to them.

I can't get spyware or malware on this computer. It's borrowed and they need it when I get back.


SO:
I just need something that will convert a .mov file on a PC to a PC-friendly, HD-quality file I can edit in Windows Movie Maker for XP.

Thanks!

A. Hi, first, please make sure the video could be compatible with windows movie maker.
Here are Supportable formats for windows movie maker:
Video files: .asf, .avi, .wmv
Movie files: .mpeg1, .mpeg, .mpg, .m1v, .mp2
Audio files: .wav, .snd, .au, .aif, .aifc, .aiff
Windows Media files: .asf, .wm, .wma, .wmv
Still images: .bmp, .jpg, .jpeg, .jpe, .jfif, .gif
MP3 format audio: .mp3
If you do not have the right format, try a total video converter to convert it to .wmv which works well on windows movie maker. If you like, try this total video converter which im using now. it works great for me.
http://www.snowfoxsoft.com/video-converter.html
hope it helps

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video editing software?

Q. I have recently bought a corel video studio 2010 editing software but it had 3 other things with it corel paintshop photo 2010, corel dvd factory 2010 and corel windvd 2010 but the video editing isn't what i wanted i needed something which allows me to edit audio so just out audio and keep the video and put in music over it but that doesn't allow me to or at least i can't figure out how to. What is the best video editing software for editing BMX footage? I have just bought a new camcorder a panasonic sdr-s50. any help will be greatly appreciated

A. Aunsoft Video Converter helps you convert between various formats. It is the must-have conversion tool for video lovers, and enables you to enjoy movies on computer, to further edit video for creation, to present video on HDTV, and to publish video to YouTube ,MySpace in web-friendly format. You can control your video and music on popular portable devices including iPad, Nexus One, HTC Hero, Zune, iPod, PSP, Apple TV, iPhone anytime anywhere.

there's Halloween discounts and promotions at Aunsoft ,Get the products 50% OFF, it is really the big discount and this offer is only available between the 21th of October till the 4th of November.

Free products giveaway- just join in them to share this discounts via Facebooke and win free converters

http://www.aunsoft.com/halloween/

here we go

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Camcorder feature name?

Q. The feature is being able to see an overlay from a previous shot, so as to compare the previous still image (excerpt from a previously shot scene) to what's currently being seen by the camcorder. I need to compare these two right there at the set, right there on the camcorder, so I won't have to plug it into an editing program to do the comparison.

What is this feature called exactly?

A. I have been unable to find such a feature in a camcorder. Various google searches have turned up many references to this in editing software, but this is exactly what you don't want. I did find one reference to Samsung working on this in a still camera, here:

http://petapixel.com/2013/05/24/samsung-working-on-overlay-feature-to-help-strangers-snap-better-shots-of-you/

There are also references to Image Overlay in other cameras (like the Nikon D5100 in its Creative Effects menu - see here at the bottom of the page):

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d5100/features02.htm

There are other references like in the Panasonic HX-WA2A and HX-WA3A, but it wasn't clear if it meant what you want.
So, to answer your question it looks like the name is simply Image Overlay, but it is not a feature widely available. My own half hour searching really didn't turn anything up (which is probably why there are no other answers given here). Good luck!

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Good Camcorder?

Q. I need a good camcorder that has a very good quality and is also able to take pictures (5+ megapixels). Also, it would be good if it was small and around or below $300. thanks

A. Check out:

http://www.crutchfield.com

for comparisons between camcorders and prices. Once you've found the model you desire, look in the Sunday newspaper for ads at Circuit City, Comp USA, etc. until you find the best price. Crutchfield is usually a little more expensive, but does have great comparison tables and other customer support. Good luck.

Oh, I like the Panasonics (Matsushita) because I'm used to their format and find them to be very dependable.

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Which flip video camcorder should I buy?

Q. I'm looking to buy a flip video camcorder that is compatible with a macbook.
I'm thinking of a price range of $150-$300.

Any suggestions?

A. The Mino is an excellent option. It delivers a lot of awesome features.

You can save yourself some money and buy a used one for $80 instead of the full price of $125 at Amazon.
Link - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016BXRB6?ie=UTF8&tag=alldevs-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0016BXRB6

This is the competition ot the Flip series of camcorders, some are as good or better than the Flip.

Kodak Zi8 HD (1080p) - $150
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HOPUPC?ie=UTF8&tag=alldevs-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HOPUPC
http://gizmodo.com/5328408/kodak-zi8-1080p-pocket-camcorder-review-your-move-flip

Creative Labs Vado HD (720p) - $122
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JM1XWQ?ie=UTF8&tag=alldevs-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002JM1XWQ

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is the flip camcorder good?

Q. which particular one do you recommend?
like the specific name..

and is their a mini flip thats HD?
ive seen the original one and i don't really like how chunky it is..

and where can you buy it that is somewhat cheaper than other places?

A. I would go with the UltraHD. They are a little chunky but it might be the best pocket cam right now.

The last three videos here have been recorded with the UltraHD:
http://www.youtube.com/user/xmlspy

I like the UltraHD, price is pretty good too. (like $150 - http://bit.ly/au83Nf )

The competition for the Flip are:
Kodak Zi8 - http://bit.ly/afSudd
Creative Vado - http://us.store.creative.com/category/19937557301/1/Vado-Pocket-Video-Cams.htm

If you can wait then I would go for the Playsport:
http://gizmodo.com/5441046/kodak-playsport-rugged-pocket-cam-1080p-under-the-sea

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I have a question about the Iphone 4g?

Q. I was wondering if all the rumors were true? Is there really an iphone 4g coming out in may-july? did apple actually come out & say this or is it just one huge rumor? My upgrade is on april 13th is it worth saving until the summer?

A. The iPhone 4G is COMING!!!
December 12, 2009 - Are you ready? Release likely around June or July of 2010.

Lots of speculation is going around on the new iPhone 4g... in HD!!

Verizon Wireless is currently testing a CDMA version of the iPhone 4G and Verizon confirms they are making network changes to bring the iphone to their network. The new iPhone 4g is going to be loaded with awesome new features like video chat, multi-tasking and extreme downloading. (List of possible features below). Just when you think there is nothing else to come up with, more and more and more technology comes out. And it is on the rise, and not just at Apple, Inc!

Woo hoo! This iPhone 4g could also have dual core processors and higher and powerful graphic chips that can deliver higher video resolutions and better "still" images when taking pictures.

There are a few networks working on building a 4G network. T-mobile would be a likely carrier since they are GSM already. Sprint has a 4G network already... AT&T and Verizon Wireless are in the beginning stages. There are talks of Verizon Wireless getting iPhone sometime in 2010 since the exclusive contract with AT&T expires, but it could be renewed until 2012.

Whether or not it will be 4G will be up to them!... can they build in time? Regardless, there is much anticipation on how many people will leave AT&T for Verizon Wireless because of AT&T's lagging on app restrictions like Slingplayer and Google Voice and Skype (on #g network, not Wi-Fi).

AT&T's restrictions have caused the percentage of people that are JailBreaking their iPhones to rise since Jail Breaking usually comes with Cydia which is the app store for jail broken phones. Most of the applications, ringtones, and even iphone themes!...are free with Cydia. Winterboard is part of the download, and it very easily add's the changes to your phone so you dont have to figure how to do it on your own...it is VERY automated.

The Palm Pre on Sprint (Sprint now offering a 4G network) has made an attempt at being competitive with iPhone and Blackberry...but it's not looking good. Maybe their recent Android phone will help.

iPhone 4G looks promising in terms of being sleek, packed with new hardware and multi-tasking software. Very exciting.

A few features of iPhone 4G:

A new, sleeker body design.

OLED screen.

Multi-Tasking. (use multiple functions at once without going in and out of apps)

iChat camera (on the front so you can have video chat!!!)

32G (basic) and 64G of memory. Your sure to never run out.


Removable Battery.

Hi Definition Camera.

Hi Definition Camcorder.

Hi Definition audio.

Messaging light.

True GPS built in.

hope i helped you out :)

*sexxie*

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What is the best video camera for making low-budget YouTube movies?

Q. I am on a very low budget and plan on getting something a higher quality video camera later, but right now I can't really spend more than $500. What advice do you have?

A. HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview

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What is the best camera for making youtube videos.?

Q. Okay I am fixing to make youtube videos soon and I wanted to get a camera for I can film myself like daily grace or Shane Dawson. I don't want a flip camera or a webcam just something that can fit on a camera stand. Do you know something that is around 200.00 or 400.00

A. HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi processor computer with the big Graphics and sound cards that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files a HD camcorder produces.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

Avoid all that and get one of these.

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030

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