What is a good quality relatively cheap camcorder?

Q. My priorities are: hd video quality and hd sound

My maximum is 500 dollars

The quality is SUPER IMPORTANT. Thanks!

A. Hi Pink Glasses,

That's a lot to wish for with a budget like that. Luckily HD camcorders are not that
expensive anymore these days. For real good sound you should go for a cam with an
external mic. option but that will narrow down your possibilities budgetwise..
You can take a look here for 2013 budget camcorders :

http://www.reviewgist.com/best-camcorders?page=5&type=Budge

or here :

http://www.squidoo.com/best-camcorder-for-the-money

Another option is to look for a used semi-pro cam, like this one :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JVC-GY-HM100U-PRO-HD-MEMORY-CARD-CAMERA-RECORDER-USED-1-/231099765432?pt=Camcorders_Professional_Video_Cameras&hash=item35ce9e92b8

This may be a useful link for everybody who's planning to buy a camcorder :

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-fUxQUtV7Rnl/learn/learningcenter/home/camcorders_faq.html

I hope this is helpful to you,

Freetings, Lance.

Original Question

Time to upgrade, but to what?

Q. Hi,
I have been shooting videos for almost 4 years with the same camera, the sony HDR-SR12 but I came to the point where I want more control, more options.
The camera I am looking for is the panasonic gh3 or black magic pocket cinema camera.
The panasonic gh3 seems very promising with its ability to record in ALL-I and 72 Mbits mov file, but the sensor size is small and the color space is quite poor. (8 bits 4:2:0)
In the other hand, the black magic pocket cinema camera is very portable, is able to interchange lenses, can record on raw files, and can record with 13 dynamic range which is incredible for its price! Again, I am not sure how the 16 mm sensor will affect the overall image quality.
I am well aware that coming from my sony hdr sr12 camera it will be a huge step up, but I would like to make every bucks I have worth it.
I shoot videos mainly for narrative, but for the upcoming project I will do a documentary film.
Also, how about Nikons and Canons?
Lastly my budget is 1500$, but I could wait and save money if needed.
Thank you for your generous inputs.

A. I would suggest that you take a look at the Canon VIXIA HF G20. It has many features that rival much more expensive cameras. It's the top of the line consumer camcorder for 2013. Go here for a few reviews:

http://camera-warehouse.com/camera-photo-video/camcorders/canon-vixia-hf-g20-hd-camcorder-with-hd-cmos-pro-and-32gb-internal-flash-memory-com/

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Camcorders???

Q. I have wanted to buy a new camcorder for a while now, but just recently started to actually shop around for one. I have been thinking about the sony handycam dcr sr42, but the reviews i read about it are not very promising. I do not know very much about cameras in general, so I was hoping someone could suggest a good camcorder that they have used before and really liked. I'll probably only use mine for stuff like home movies (vacations, recitals, etc.). I would like it to be a good size (not very large, easy to carry around) and take high quality footage that ca nbe easily transferred to a PC to be edited. I would also like to know which you think is more conveniant and easy to work with: tape, dvd, or hard drive based?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

A. Hello! Nice to share my hobby with you.

I have evolve from using camera starting from Hi-8, Digital 8, MiniDV, DVD and now Hard Disc base and of more than 8 years using various model and brand.

SONY cameras and CANON are most my preferred brand. Most cameras have pro and cons. But I assume that you are just a hobbyist and not taking picture professionally. You will learn to adapt and familiarized and learn to master the camcorder.

Go for 3 CCD cameras or the CMOS camera. Don�t even consider single CCD.

Go for High Definition Camcorder.

As for media, consider seriously Hard Disc Base camera. I have unpleasant experience using Tape and DVD. DVD base camera has a short recording time (about 20 Minutes per DVD). Hard Disc will have longer recording time and generally the hard disc camcorder is smaller in size.

As for Ease of editing, hard disc base Camcorder is the easiest. DVD second. Tape a bit of a hassle.

Only problem travelling with Hard Disc base Camcorder is that you need to have access to a PC on your journey as you need to download and save the clips captured on your camcorder hard disc to a PC or external hard storage before your hard disc space ran out.

As for my suggestion, get these accessories too. They are essential to you.
1. Additional Spare batteries
2. Desktop charger.
3. Good Carrying bag
4. Good Tripod
5. Lighting Accessories

Best Regards.

Original Question

camcorders?????

Q. I'm just really confused with the mini dv,flash card,hard drive and all the other types. I'm looking for a camcorder that you can easily upload to the computer. Also my price range is from about $100 to $200. And i want some decent quality for videos.(I don't really care about pictures that much). I checked consumer reports and the ones they selected were out of my price range. Can i have some good links. thanks

A. If pictures are no issue and you want to fire the videos into your computer, get a camcorder that uses miniDV tape as it's storage media as with this format there is no or very little file conversion to be done to get it into your computer.

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Which format is best for FCP X?

Q. I wanna convert my TM900 footage for editing in FCP X, but don't know which format should be the best? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

A. Hi Zeng,

I think you can find that answer here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasonic-avccam-camcorders/501335-fcp-x-tm900.html

Greetings, Lance

Original Question

Looking to buy Camcorder?

Q. Hi I had a Panasonic HDC-SD9 but I am getting tired of the ghosting / trailing effects.

I would like these features.

Around $600
1/3 image censor or bigger the 1/6 i heard was causing the trailing.
3ccd or 3mos*
mic input optional*
Records to SDHC "I already have a 8 GB Class 6 card"
17 Mbps or higher
Lots of recording options. Say HD SD recording at different bit rates. And Sizes like 640-480 720 1080 1920 at 30p 24p* 60p* 60i 30i
Works with FCP and iMovie SD9 worked.

Needs to have great indoor normal low light "like a celling light or lamp" quality. Because the SD9 would have horrible trailing and a lot of the time if the subject moved in front of something darker than the background the subject would look like a ghost. You could see right through them.

(*)optional not needed but would like

A. For your budget try Canon VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
24p Cinema Mode; 30p Progressive Mode
Full HD CMOS sensor (1920 x 1080)
Full HD Lens-to-Screen: 1920 x 1080 capture and recording
Microphone terminal with audio level control

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good camcorder?

Q. well i want a good one, but not too expensive. a good handy cam that i can use to video tape skate boarding, a hard drive would be nice. also i want a fully functional night vision mode that will work at 0 lux

A. Actually any brand will do. Personally I prefer Sony brand for a good picture quality and rugged camera

Original Question

Which camcorder is better?

Q. I can't decide between the Panasonic SDR-H-60 and the Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 and I don't have the much experience with camcorders so I don't know which to choose. I would just be shooting family stuff, and occasionaly YouTube videos so that means I'll be doing a little bit of video editing. If you've had experience can you please give me a list of the advantages and disadvantges, thanks in advance.

A. Check this out --> http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-sdr-h60/4540-6500_7-32815213.html?rid=33196959&rid=32815212&rid=32786399&tag=contentBody;compare

For me, high optical zoom and good optical stabilizer is very important so i would go with the Panasonic, but Sony has some advantages also like:

- Min illumination of 0.0 lux ( which is the light you'd get on those dark nights with only 1/4 of the moon out)

- 2000x digital zoom ( you'd need a tripod for that otherwise it's gonna be all blurry)

- Price

Click on " Full specifications " to see more info about both and choose the one that fits your need.
Good luck

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Best all around camcorder?

Q. I need an hd camcorder that has a pretty large zoom and 300 dollars or less (ish). I will be using it for makeup tutorials and shooting fast motion horse riding clips. I need an all around good camcorder 2013. Thanks

A. You should go with Sony HDR-CX220/B since your budget is $300.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX220-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B00AR95H0W/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=informazcom-20

It has good quality. Nice zoom. Supports full 1080p in 60 fps. Go read some reviews.

Original Question

What is the best camcorder in 2013?

Q. Hi

I Want to produce high quality short films, any detailed suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks
Ideally under 1500 dollars.

A. No budget? I'd start at the RED Epic. A buddy of mine uses one for indie projects and has great results.

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What does the numbers mean on a video camera? Like "12 x optical zoom"?

Q. Someone please tell me what all the numbers and pixle numbers mean on a video camera.
I need a really good "flip out screen" one.
- I also want it to go up to 1080p, ( i think its 1080 HD) or 720p HD.....
& it needs to zoom without getting blurry, what is that called?
I know if I'm recording a video on my regular camera, and I zoom in, it gets blurry when I zoom in, I need it not too.
Please answer all these questions and reccommend a good HD video flip out screen camera! :) Thanks!

A. There are two types of zoom optical, and digital, the one you want it optical, this is done by adjusting the lens (simply this shows you how it works http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zoom_prinzip.gif)

the other is digital zoom, its the same as having a picture on your computer and you zoom into it, all it does it make the pixels larger, thus making the picture/video blurry not good.

many cameras go up to about 30x optical zoom, but can be thousands when using digital zoom, ignore the digital.

Pixels are only for still pictures, not video, its called resolution, its very confusing when makers use this figure.

full HD is 1920 � 1080 multiply the two numbers and you get 2,073,600 (2MP) not as good as they say. for 1280 � 720 its 921,600 less than 1MP. so basically ignore the advertising.

As for a camera Cannot help you have not given a budget, the best thing is to go and have a look at some, decide how much you want to spend (try to keep to it) and get your hand on the cameras, play a little and find one that feels right for you.

Good luck

RR

Original Question

Can DSLR cameras zoom while taking a video?

Q. So I know that there are quite a few DSLRs out there with filming capabilities but I was wondering... Can you zoom in and zoom out while taking a video? And if it's possible, which DSLRs can do this (name please)?

I've been looking for a DSLR that can take high quality photos as well as take videos. I really want to find a DSLR which can zoom in/zoom out while taking a video simply because my normal digital camera can't (not to mention the horrid sound quality it has). I would truly truly love DSLRs if they can do this.See, I recently went to a concert and could not zoom in to my favourite member of the band with my normal camera :(

A. Zooming is determined by the lens, not the camera. If you have a zoom lens, then yes you can zoom. If you have a prime lens, then no, you cannot zoom.

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Video Software for HD camcorder?

Q. I have just bought a Panasonic HDC-SD60 camcorder. The software that comes with it is rubbish and I love Windows Movie Maker but HD videos can not be edited on windows movie maker. What is the best HD movie editing software to use that is nice and easy to use?

A. YOU NEED SOME GOOD
* Video Editing Software
* DVD & Blu-ray Burning Software
* Software Tutorials
* A/V Capture Devices

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Where can I find some video Capturing Software? To capture from my Dig Camcorder?

Q. I lost my original software for my Sony Digital 8 Camcorder. And, to get the software from Sony is going to cost me: $69! Does anyone know where I can find some software to download to capture video to my computer? Preferably free.
I lost my original software for my Sony Digital 8 Camcorder. And, to get the software from Sony is going to cost me: $69! Does anyone know where I can find some software to download to capture video to my computer? Preferably free. And...WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER doesn't work. It tells me that I have nothing to capture the video from my camera with.

A. Your computer should have come with Windows Movie Maker preloaded. Look under 'all programs'. That can be used to download video from any camera.

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Camcorder question here?

Q. Hi all.. quick question about my Sony Handycam CRX110..
Had it for a year and it worked great. Well the other day I had an 8GB 30 MB/S memory card in there and I noticed that during the video recording it would stop and go into very slow motion for 2-3 seconds. It would do this 1 or 2 times while recording. I usually use an 8GB 20 MB/S memory card so I tried that and noticed it a little bit but it wasn't that bad. I recorded about 15 clips and this only happened in about 2 or 3 of them. I didn't press any buttons and was just doing normal recording.

Does anyone know what this is? Or does this happen sometimes?

A. Hi Derek, and welcome to Yahoo!Answers:

The "speed class" of your memory cards is probably too slow. You should be using a Class 10 (45Mb/s or faster) SD card in your HD Handycam. High-Def video (especially action footage) contains a lot of data, and certain footage that can't compress easily can "clog" the data storage to the SD card.

If you are only seeing this "slow motion" effect on the LCD screen during record (and not during playback of the same footage), then what you are probably seeing is a small glitch while your camera starts a new "file" on longer video takes. Video files are limited to 2Gb or 4Gb file size, and long video sequences are broken-up into several segments. The processor chips in your camera have to buffer the video stream for a few seconds while one file is closed and a new one opened.

And don't skimp money by buying off-brand SD cards. There are a lot of counterfeit memory cards out there (low-speed cards masquerading as high-speed ones), and even Class 10 cards can have different max write-speed specs.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

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CamCorder does not work with Yahoo messenger XP?

Q. I have Panasonic Cam corder and it works with yahoo messenger with Win 98 but not with XP..I get black screen.How ever same Camcorder works with MSN with XP. Please help me. Sri

A. To download images from Yahoo! Messenger webcam go to site:
1<http://www.andy.w2s.co.uk/yahoo.camgrab2/camgrab2.htm>
This site includes a free version.Or,for extra fun,you may check out the site:
2.<http://stickercam.com>
This site allows you to add animated stickers to your webcam you broadcast and view as well as recording both of it.Sticker Cam allows you to record your viewing webcam,with your own webcam inserted(picture in picture),so you get to save & view both the webcams as one.Other features are also provided.

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What is the best mini camcorder for thats shockproof and waterproof?

Q. I also need it to shoot in HD and be 150$ or less. Waterproof, shockproof, and about the size of a flip cam

A. If you buy cheaply you will only end up having to replace the cheap rubbish. I made that mistake! only spent $120 and ended up throwing it away and starting again. Worth spending a little more and getting a great camera that will last. For snowboarding try GoPro they are amazing, you can get the non HD model even cheaper than HD and still get really incredible footage...unless you plan on showing your footage at the local cinema you really dont need HD anyway. The only down side is the mounts don't totally take all the shock out of the footage and you have to keep changing mounts, if you want your friends to have a go takes valuable slope time. Another option for steady shots and hands free filming try www.immortal.co.uk. They have sunnies with a video camera and mic built in (the mic doesn't really work well when flying down the slope but once stationary or away from wind is exceptionally good considering the size. www.immortal.co.uk have the stockist listed and you can buy online. I watched the Gadget Show review and they got really high rating! Good thing about the glasses is you can really quickly pass them around your friends without having to change helmet attachments. We had great fun with them our last trip! Hope that helps. BTW if you want to ignore my first suggestion try ebay! They have really cheap cameras (which I ended up throwing away).

Original Question

Are there HD Sony Camcorders available for sale that have UBS 3.0 port or cable?

Q.

A. Hi Matt:

From searching Sony's websites, using the keywords "USB 3.0", just the latest Sony Vaio laptops, and the Z-series Power Media Docks (with DVD or Blu-ray burners) show having the new SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports. None of the newest camcorders show any USB 3.0 ports, even though a Micro-B USB 3.0 (small form factor, as needed on small gadgets) connector exists. Unlike the "A"-end (computer side) of a USB 3.0 cable, with its backward-compatible plug design, the "Micro-B" connector (camera/gadget side) is not backward-compatible with Mini-B or Micro-B connections for USB 2.0 or 1.1.

Sony's "Picture Motion Browser" version 5.6 and higher, which is used to connect Sony cameras and camcorders to PCs & handle media files, has USB 3.0 enhancements enabled for any cameras that might have USB 3.0 model-specific features built in. PMB versions 5.5 and below won't be able to take advantage of USB 3.0 enhancements.

Windows 7 didn't initially ship with USB 3.0 support (Windows 8 has it built-in), and Intel & AMD just started supporting the new standard last year (with integrated support for chips shipping this year), so the new ports have been slow to take off.

The basic concept of USB, regardless of speed, still differs from FireWire (tiered star topology vs. daisy-chain topology), with FireWire's ability to supply 80% isochronous uninterrupted bandwidth for video streams that require constant guaranteed bandwidth. This is the reason you don't see USB ports utilized on low-compression high-data rate camcorders, such as DV, miniDV, HDV, and DVCAM models, except for still photo/memory-card transfers.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

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where to buy a good camcorder for a kids?

Q. i am a kid and i really want a camcorder so i a tryin to find out where to buy a good one i was thinkin target but not sure soooo please help and it cant be more than 150 dollars also dont know but was thinkin bout buyin the flip wat do u guys think?????

A. I highly recommend the Flip camera.
It's in your price range, and it can be easily found at a Target or Walmart store.
The price is the same in both stores.

The Flip is great.
It records in 720p, with 60fps, and up to 2 hours of video.

Have fun with your camera!

P.S. Don't listen to that other guy.
The flip IS a good camera.
You probably won't notice the difference between the Flip and other cameras.
So enjoy yourself.
You don't need to shop around forth best possible thing. You are a kid.

Good luck!!

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Best Type of Camcorder to Get?

Q. I have a broken down vhs c camcorder that I got about 8 or 9 years ago (about $500 then I think), after my first kid was born, so I figured it was time to upgrade. I have been looking around online and it looks like I have been out of the game too long, because now there are a hundred different types from a hundred different brands. The minidv, the dvds, the minidvds, the hard drive ones, the flash ones, on and on. I just want a cheap camera where I can record my kids growing up and maybe be able to transfer them to my computer so I could splice stuff together and record it all on a DVD. But not so cheap that like the audio and video don't sync you know? I have seen some real cheap ones for like for $100, but I don't know if that means they are garbage or if camcorder prices have just come down that far. After reviewing what everyone else says, all I get are opinions from people who love to digitally edit and put stuff on youtube, and I don't care about that, just want to record my kids, vacations, special moments, and watch in on TV sometime in the future. So what do all yall suggest? Thanks in advance.
wow dude, that is exactly what I was looking for! It sounds like the miniDV is the type I want. Thanks for your super explanation. 10 pts coming your way.....

A. The difference in consumer digital camcorders is the file formats/types that are written to the specific storage media and how that digital information can be transferred to a computer.

Digital video compression = discarded video data = reduced video quality

Standard definition consumer DVD based camcorders store to VOB/VOR/VRO format. These are the most compressed file types. This assumes your computer has a drawer loading DVD drive and you have downloaded and installed a DVD ripper like HandBrake to get the video off the DVD. High definition stores to AVCHD (MTS, MT2S) file type. These camcorders assume you do not want to edit the video or transfer to your computer for uploading. Is it possible to transfer to your computer to edit? Yes - but expect challenges. Typically, discs have a short record time. Consumer DVD based camcorders barely make useful doorstops.

Standard definition consumer hard disc drive (HDD) and flash memory camcorders use the same files formats - very highly compressed MPEG2 files. Under certain conditions, a translation utility like StreamClip might be required so your video editor can deal with the video. High Definition consumer HDD and flash memory camcorders store to AVCHD (MTS, MT2S). Editing this video requires current versions of video editors that can use AVCHD - MovieMaker is not one of them. HDD camcorders have known issues with vibration from loud audio and high altitude - in both cases, the hard disc drive heads can park and the camcorder will not record/capture video. Flash memory and miniDV tape do not have these problems. In order to create a back-up/archive of the video from HDD or flash memory camcorders, there is an extra step to create data file DVDs or copy the video to another hard drive for storage. Transferring video from HDD or flash memory camcorders uses USB.

Standard definition consumer and professional miniDV tape based camcorders store to DV format video. High Definition consumer and professional miniDV tape based camcorders store to HDV format video. DV and HDV are the least compressed of the available consumer video storage types. Most video editors can deal with DV and HDV format video (though older versions of MovieMaker won't deal with HDV, the current version under Vista should). If you do not re-use the miniDV tape, that tape is your archive/backup so there is no "extra step" to create data file DVDs or copy the video to another hard drive for storage. Transferring video from miniDV tape camcorders uses Firewire - also known as i.LINK, IEEE1394 and DV. If your computer does not have a firewire port, hopefully it has an available expansion slot so you can add one.

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. In the cases of miniDV tape, flash memory and DVD based camcorders, you do not need to edit... just use the camcorder as the playback "deck". When the miniDV tape, flash memory and DVD fills, pop it out and put in a new, empty one. With hard drive based camcorders, when you fill it you either need to transfer to a computer so you can delete what is on the camcorder's hard drive or you stop recording on it and get another camcorder. Of the three, miniDV tape, flash memory and DVD, miniDV tpae is currently the most affordable and provides best available video quality - and digital tape is an acceptable form of long term storage (DVD and flash emmory are not (this is from my previous life as an IT manager).

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What is the best waterproof camera for videoing four-wheelers in the mud?

Q.

A. you can check out :http://gizmodo.com/262461/sanyo-xacti-e1-worlds-first-waterproof-camcorder

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For recording musical covers on Youtube, should I get the Flip mino HD or the Flip Ultra HD?

Q. The camera will also be used to video random things. I am mainly concerned about the sound quality.

I currently use the Canon Powershot A1000 IS to record my "covers," but am looking to move to an HD camera that is affordable and portable.

A. There is no real advantage of the MinoHD vs the UltraHD. The Mino HD costs more money than the UltraHD, the Mino HD is thinner but that's the only advantage.

UltraHD - http://bit.ly/au83Nf
MinoHD - http://bit.ly/bK7U7I

Other cameras and pocket camcorder comparison:
http://gizmodo.com/5401862/ultimate-pocket-camcorder-comparison

If you are curious check my youtube to see the quality of the videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/JesseBAndersen?feature=mhw4

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I looking for a professional 3D camcorder under $800?

Q. My budget is extremely tight but I want a professional video camera under $800. Where can I possibly find that camcorder? My budget is up to $1000 but not more. Many thanks.

A. The only semi-professional 3D camcorder that I know under $800 is the Panasonic HDC-SDT750K, High Definition 3D Camcorder. The original value of this baby is normally $1400 but they have it on sale for $734 now.
The features include:
World's first 3D Shooting Camcorder*
Fulls HD 1080/60p Progressive Movie Recording
Advanced 3MOS System
Intelligent Auto
Hybrid OIS
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XREDVE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=digital-photography0a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399353&creativeASIN=B003XREDVE

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Whats the best camcorder under $400 to make films for youtube vfx & afterfx ?

Q. I mean to shoot video, not pictures, unlike my last post..

The real decent ones I know are like 2 thousand but I need something for now to get started thats still pretty good quality.

I tried my phone but its so grainy and horrible, using the galaxy s 3. I'm trying to get pretty good quality to do alot of compositing with 3d and vfx like freddiew, whatever can get me started under 400

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.

DSLR Cameras, all Makes, all Models, all have the same problem when video taping some long videos, all overheat at the 13 to 18 minute mark, depending on the Make and Model. This is unavoidable, it all has to with the fact, video is an afterthought in DSLR camera production.

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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Camcorder questions please help?

Q. I am looking to buy a Camcorder but I do not know where to began I am looking for one that is rather small has a touch screen and can take still photos out of the video Or just one that can take still photos as well as record videos Must have good quality as I will be using it for birthday parties and mostly child related stuff,I have two kids and I have a digital camera but the video quality stinks and doesn't record long at all,So I do not want another digital camera I want a camcorder If you guys know of a good brand please tell me or give me a link The ones I looked at was the Sony bloggie sport and Some says its good and others say its bad so IDK lol help?
I am picking it up later today so I need help quickly?

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 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 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.

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

Original Question

Confused on which camcorder to buy?

Q. I've been researching the different camcorders and I am getting overwhelmed. I thought I would like to get a DVD one for the convenience of already being on a disc. I heard that the picture quality is not great and the editing is a nightmare for some. I am nervous about mini tape ones aren't those going to be obsolete one day? All I want from my camcorder is to record my kids, sport events, birthdays and vacation, good quality picture some editing nothing professional either on my PC or the camera its self....

A. Good question!

as the owner of a myriad of camcorders, i can thoroughly recommend mini DV. Don't think the technology is 'old' quite the opposite, mini DV is the most reliable form of digital data storage, much more reliable than DVD or hardisk. in fact, NASA use them for digital storage.

The DVD ones are ok if all you want to do it record, then chuck it straight into the DVD player, but if you want to edit (which is a lot of fun, and easy to do) go with mini-DV.

the new harddisk camera's that are out are great in theory, but typically the data is compressed into a format that is difficult to use if you do want to edit it, plus, the are still suceptiple to 'crashing' just like a computer.

many top end camera's use Mini-DV tapes, don't get confused by their tape form, it's digital storage, and as long as you keep them away from extreme heat/cold (that is, DON'T leave them in your car for three months) you can't go wrong. I've recorded thousands of hours to mini-DV and they havn't failed me once.

in camera editing can be tricky, just a warning. there are a lot of great programs out there for editing, even something as basic as windows movie maker is a good place to start. just google video editing software and you'll be set!

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Is there a Digital8 camcorder that plays analog 8mm and hi8 tapes, and is compatible with Mac OS X?

Q. I want to edit my old analog tapes on my mac, and record new ones at digital quality. Surely there is a camcorder out there to suit my needs...?

A. You'd have to be careful when choosing a Digital-8 camcorder because they are not all backward compatible with 8mm & Hi8 video tapes.

Alternatively, you can use an analog/firewire converter device:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61745
that is if you still have the analog 8mm and Hi8 camcorders to playback the video tapes.

Original Question

I just bought a Halina DV3000 Digi-Camcorder, where do I get the Mac OS X driver for it?

Q. its connected via usb and i dont know how to get imovie to recognize it as a camcorder
it doesnt come up as a storage device and imovie wont capture its video

A. iMovie as it currently exists on your Mac will never recognize this camera directly.

When you connect the camera to your Mac using USB, the camera should appear as a storage device on the desktop. You should be able to double click on that stroage device icon to open it. Somewhere in there are the video files.

These video filess will most likely be eithere REALLY compressed MPEG2 or JPEG2000 files. In either case, iMovie cannot deal with them yet.

You need to download, install and use StreamClip
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
to convert those files to something iMovie can deal with - the most common file types are .mov, .dv and .mp4. Once they are converted, you can drag/drop the files into the iMovie clips pane or timeline.

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