Where can I get coupons for Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD Camcorder?

Q. Where can I find a discount online for Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD Camcorder

A. Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD Camcorder (Orange)
Color Name:Orange
Price: $169.00
Special Offers and Product Promotions

* Get 55 Free Prints: Purchase this or other qualifying Camera, Photo and Video products from Amazon.com and get 55 free prints, including 50 4 x 6-inch, four 5 x 7-inch, and one 8 x 10-inch, valued at $15.45--from Shutterfly. Applies only to purchases of products sold by Amazon.com, and does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site. Offer valid through November 30, 2009.

Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features

* 5-megapixel still photos
* HD MP4 1440 x 1080 video resolution
* 2.5-inch swivel screen; only weighs 7 ounces
* 5x optical, 20x digital zoom
* Memory Stick PRO Duo media recording

Technical Details

* Brand name: Sony
* Model number: MHS-CM1/D
* Color: Orange
* Aperture: F3.3
* Display: 2.5 inch 4:3 Panel LCD
* Power Source: Internal Battery, 9.6 volt AC Adaptor
* Storage Media: Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (Sold Separately)
* Optical Zoom: 5x
* Minimum Focal Length: 6.4 millimeters
* Maximum Focal Length: 31.4 millimeters
* Focus Modes: Auto
* Microphone: Built-In Stereo
* Picture Quality: Video: 1440 x 1080; Still: 5038K
* Shutter Speed: 1/30 to 1/4000
* White Balance: Auto
* File Formats: Video: MPEG4; Still Image: JPEG
* Width: 1.75 inches
* Length: 4.25 inches
* Height: 2.5 inches
* Weight: 7 ounces
* Warranty: One Year Limited
* What's in the box: MHS-CM1 Camera, AC Adaptor (AC-DL960), Rechargeable Battery Pack (Internal Battery Included), Component A/V Cable, A/V Connecting Cable, Wrist Strap, Application Software / USB Driver / (CD-ROM), USB Cable

Product Details

* Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 3 inches ; 2.4 pounds
* Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
* Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
* ASIN: B001P3O3MW
* Item model number: MHSCM1/D

Original Question

What is the best HD digital camcorder?

Q. I would like one with at least 3 CCD's, awesome zoom, and the ability to buy accessories that will make it possible to make blue ray DVD's. I have my eye on one but it is not on sale in stores yet, and I need it by the middle of March.
I have checked out various camcorder review sites, but they are from last year, and several new camcorders have been released since then that are not on the reviews. I haven't found one that is not out dated.

A. since you don't mention a budget i could recommend the sony hvr v1p.

personally, i am smitten with my v1p. its around US$4000 or so but it's excellent and offers 25p. basically this means it'll do a good job in making it look like film. some seasoned camera ops say it's as good as super 16mm (in the right hands of course!)

i shot a feature with it and i was very pleased. the blow up was surprisingly good.

any budget hd/hdv cam will make bluray discs as they are suited to 1440 x 1080 (and native 1920) resolutions. but to really make a great looking film you can go past the v1. it uses cmos sensors instead of ccd which i think does a better job.

good luck!

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I need a camcorder to record soccer games - what should I know about resolution?

Q. I'm trying out a Panasonic PVGS80 camcorder, and noticed that the zoom shots have great resolution, but the far away wide shots aren't very distinct. The camera has 1/6" CCD with 680,000 pixels, and 640x360 pixels in 16:9 widescreen mode, 640x480 in 4:3 regular mode. Is this camera just too wimpy to shoot half of a soccer field, or is there a way to make this work? Is there a better camcorder I could get for under $250? Thanks!

A. If you want detail you'll need a camcorder with a CCD or (C)MOS chip larger than 1/6", especially for what you have in mind. However, I can't see that you can get anything up to the job on your budget.

By the way, it's a DV camcorder, so your resolution stats are wrong. I take it you're in the USA, so your TV system is NTSC. The resolutions are 720 x 480 pixels in 4:3, which is the same for 16:9 because of the anamorphic optical processing (ie: it's not proper widescreen).

Readers in Europe should note that the equivalent resolution is 720 x 576, basically because our PAL TV system is better than that found in the USA.

Original Question

what are the important features when buying a camcorder?

Q. im looking towards a mini dvd camcorder

A. (First I would encourage against a DVD camcorder. You can only record 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes on a DVD. I bought a 600.00 Panasonic DVD camcorder. It was so annoying. You have to "finish" the DVD when you're done recording (on some DVD's), but you have to plug it into the wall for that to work and it takes a few minutes. So, if you were out taking video of a soccer game. Imagine you could only take video for 30 min., then you'd have to find a way to plug your camcorder in to finish it, which takes a few minutes.

Dude, go for a flash drive camcorder or a hard drive camcorder.

There are many things that you need to consider:

1.Price Range: If you have $500.00 to spend then ask, "What is the best $500.00 camera I can buy?"
2. Type of format you want to record in: you can record on to digital cassette tapes, dvd's, internal hard drives, or Flash memory. (Personally, if you want to know where the technology's going, buy either an internal hard drive camera, or a flash drive camera. I bet most camcorders will be Flash Drives b/c it has no moving parts. Flash Drives can hold up to 2 Gig's of Space right now which is more than an hour- double what you'd get on any DVD and probably digital cassette.
3. Finally consider what format the camcorder you buy records into. Some camcorders, though great, record into a weird format and are very difficult to use the data once you get it off the camera. Panasonic's are known to be great camcorders video-wise, but you have to be able to play with the video to be able to use it a lot. I recently bought a Sanyo xacti for 200.00 and totally love it. Although, it doesn't have all the quality of a 400.00 camera, it picks up light great in a dark room and the info is very easy to use.
If you can spend 500.00- go for an internal hard drive by Panasonic or Sony. Check out www.camcorderinfo.com for moreinfo. Oh, and be careful about HD. If you don't own an HD TV, then don't buy an HD camcorder.

Original Question

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DSLR vs. 3CCD camcorders?

Q. I'm a newb, to put it simply... And I'd like to know the differences between the two. Pros and cons of both, please? I would definitely appreciate it!
Also, stick to the facts and save the pretentious, artistic, I'm better than you bullshit.

A. DSLR is meant to take pictures
3CCD is meant to take movies.

You don't know the difference so you shouldn't purchase either.

Original Question

Does a 3CCD panasonic camcorder have a semi-proffessional high def look?

Q. Will it do for making a serious feature film? And any additional info please.

A. If you want high definition video, you need to buy a high definition camcorder. Panasonic makes several High Def camcorders with 3CCDs, including the HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1.

Most of the Panasonic 3CCD camcorders are standard definition and while they may be professional grade camcorders, will not record high definition images.

Original Question

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A good cheap camcorder?????????????

Q. I need a good, cheap camcorder (Not a flip!) with great picture and sound quality under $300 that supports mac OS X and is easy to get movies off the camera to my computer. I hope i'm not demanding too much :D 10 PTS for best answer

A. CHECK THIS OUT
Canon FS300 Flash Memory Camcorder (Silver) - 2010 MODEL
Technical Details
Color: Silver
* Records video directly to removable SD memory cards
* Ultra-Sleek, Compact and Lightweight Design (7.9 oz)
* Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom
* Canon DIGIC DV II Image Processor
* Dynamic SuperRange OIS corrects a full range of motion

ContourHD 1080p Full HD Helmet Camera
* Full HD Recording (1080p) - 1920x1080 pixels - 30fps
* 5 Megapixel Sensor
* Internal Microphone
* Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
* Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body

Original Question

What camcorder is better?

Q. Im looking to get a camcorder for
making videos on youtube more indoor filming like vlogs
and how to videos.
So How well do they do in lo-light and how to improve lo-lighting?


I've found these camcorders I like but not really sure
what one would be best for my
My options are a Sony handy cam dcr sx40,sx41

any other suggestions on other camcorders
Id also like to stay under $400 for the fact I wont be needing a
camcorder with so much features

thanks

A. Canon FS300 Flash Memory Camcorder (Silver) - 2010 MODEL
Technical Details
Color: Silver

* Records video directly to removable SD memory cards
* Ultra-Sleek, Compact and Lightweight Design (7.9 oz)
* Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom
* Canon DIGIC DV II Image Processor
* Dynamic SuperRange OIS corrects a full range of motion
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-FS300-Memory-Camcorder-Silver/dp/B00322ON1K/?tag=bdd-linking-005-20
$$$

Original Question

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Camcorder? Under $100?

Q. Ok so I really want a good functional camcorder. I want one that has the flip screen thin so I could videotape and see myself. I may open a YouTube account so I want something that's good for that too. Make sure that it films good. Like HD if possible?? Ok thanks guys. Please help

A. Hi Erica:

First, your budget is a bit low for good HD, but you can still shoot "Standard Def" 16:9 widescreen (which on YouTube fills up the wide-HD format screen and looks just fine, if not better than most home-HD camera footage). Good quality standard-def cameras are less expensive than HD models.

And you'll find 1 or 2 flip-screen camcorders in your price range, but they won't be very good quality. (DXG is one cheap brand that comes to mind, but I can't recommend you get one.) The original RCA EZ1000 has a flip-out screen and sells for around $79, but the current RCA EZ2050 only has a rear-screen (and sells for much less). Sakar makes one that looks almost identical (except for the purple Nickelodeon colors) to the RCA EZ1000 (and Sakar probably makes them both) -- see: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/834592-REG/Sakar_38063_Victorious_Digital_Camcorder.html

I'd recommend you look for a "refurbished" (repaired or re-boxed by the factory & good-as-new) model from a manufacturer's online store or an Authorized Dealer for the brand you want. That will save you money and give you a better model than your $100 would normally buy.

The other option is to shop a large local camera store or pawn shop for a used model in your price range. (Personally, I'd also shop on eBay, but I have years of experience in buying used camera gear without getting ripped-off.) At a local store or pawn shop, you can at least check that the camera is working before you buy it.

I'll poke around for some more affordable reversible-LCD models for you, and add an update to my post with some links about each one. Decent, cheap brands are Sanyo, Samsung, and Kodak (although the Kodaks don't have a flip-out screen).

One trick you can try on a non-hinged LCD screen model is stick a small mirror under the lens side (like some camera phones use to help you aim for self-portraits) or aim a larger mirror behind the camera's LCD screen so you can see yourself in the image when shooting a Vlog or video diary.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

Best camcorder under $100?

Q. I wanna know the absolute best camcorder i can get for 100 dollars i know im not gonna be getting anything amazing but i want something that will do okay in low light conditions and that will give me crisp 1080p video and that will not look grainy.

A. Get experience first. I would suggest getting the Canon ZR960. It is a miniDV camcorder which will allow you to easily upload and edit your video on MovieMaker (PC) or iMovie on Apple. The ZR960 also allows you to use an external microphone, one of the few at that price that do.

Spend $20 and buy "The Little Digital Video Book"

This will give you an excellent start, and leave some money for pizza while you are out shooting video - also very important.

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Best Video Capturing Software?

Q. What are some of the best video capturing software for mini dv, digital video camcorders? Thanks

A. I'm assuming you have limited experience with video editors based on your question. I wouldn't recommend the best unless you already are experienced (Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid, Final Cut (Mac), Sony Vegas Pro). They cost from about $700 to over $2000.

Look into Adobe Premiere Elements, Pinnacle Studio, Video Studio, Sony Vegas. You will be using your Firewire cable to capture video on your MiniDV. The capture is from within the video editing software. Plug it in, turn on the camera, open your editor and follow the Capture process.

Original Question

video capture software?

Q. i have a sony handy cam it uses a usb cable to connect to my computer i need a no frills free software program that just captures the video in good quality and dosen't drop frames what do you suggest. it dosent work in windows movie maker and in nero the video and sound shudders and drops frames like crazy.

A. I actually have a similar problem to Tom's. For some retarded reason, Sony sells mini-DVD camcorders with no firewire compatibility. They use USB only. To make things worse, my camcorder won't work with Roxio or Moviemaker or Adobe Premier. It will work only with the software supplied by Sony with the camcorder: Picture Package. When I try to capture video using Picture Package, I get a message saying the camcorder is connecting, but it never completes the connection, so I can't transfer the video.

Tom, I'm betting you're going to have to find a copy of Picture Package to make your video transfer, but I could be wrong. Try searching at the Sony support website to see if you can download the software you need.

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What should I get my 9 year old son for Christmas?

Q. HE ALREADY HAS VIDEO GAMES!I AM TRYING TO FIND HIM SOMETHING ELSE OTHER THAN THAT!THANKS!

A. I can relate to the video games .. I have the same issue with my son. Things that I am currently look @ for Xmas for my son is a video camcorder.. Last Xmas he got a digital camera and just took off with it. He loves to record moments so I wanted to add to that. How about a Chemist set, in addition there are a lot of great books out there for science.

Good luck .. and I know you will find the right thing that will suit your son.

Hugs from a Loving Mom to a Brilliant, as well as beautiful 8 year old Jared and Our Angel, Zachary (taken to soon but who will always remain in our heart) ~ Mel

Original Question

Old Camcorder Charger/Battery Question..?

Q. I have an old camcorder. It'll be 20 years on 9/2/08. Now, I am only 14 (15, TOMORROW!!!!! :DDD)

okay sry back to question.

I was just wondering if there is any possibly way to charge the batteries (we have 2) without harming the battery or any vital fluids leaking from the battery..?

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

If it matters, it is a Hitatchi/Silvania Compact Video.
OOPS! ANOTHER EDIT!

I forgot to mention that I lost the charger. Which may change some of your thoughts/answers drastically.
I also have a battery that is from April 1995, that went with the same charger, that is lost.

So yeahhh.

A. batteries wear out in 20 years. Buy a new one and a new charger made for the battery.

Original Question

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camcorder........?

Q. i thijnk im going to be getting a video camera soon so i can start making video blogs on stuff to put on youtube.
but whats the best type to get?
my mom said nothing too expensive either..

A. Do you already have a digital camera? The newer digital cameras have pretty good video modes (vga resolution at 30 fps) - that's good enough for video blogs & youtube, etc... By going this route, you also get the added benefit of not needing to transfer the video to your computer (which is a slow process).

If you do decide to get a camcorder, here's a good camcorder buying guide:
http://www.easycamcorders.com/content/Beginners-Guide.htm

Original Question

What does a camcorder's field guide inform you on?

Q.

A. There are many authors whom write guides on cameras, camcorders, etc. that typically just use the original operation guide (user's manual) of the device and expand on it (more or less). Some guides are not worth the money if they are not in-depth. There are many Camcorder Digital Field Guides for various Canon camcorders (see link for one such cam). If you are considering a guide, check on website that sells the book and see if you can review some sample pages. If not, go to a large book store and look through the guides. If you are not real familiar with using a camcorder, it's functions, buttons,. etc., then a guide may be good for you.

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Do all JVC everios have the same size thread?

Q. mine is the gz-hm320BU and it fits a 37 mm fisheye lens my friend wants to get an everio but he's getting a different model i want to know if his will also fit a 37 mm fisheye or not

A. Many JVC Everios have no thread an cannot support a lens filer or add-on lens. The GZ series are consumer grade. Your GZ-HM320BU was new in 2010. Consumer cams change about every 18 months, and yours is no longer available. This does not mean it is somehow "bad" or "obsolete - it is neither... but just the nature of consumer electronics.

JVC does not exactly make it easy on their website. But follow these steps:

http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?pathId=171 displays the current Everio high definition camcorders.
On any of them, click on "Compare".
Under "Select models to compare", click the top one to select it, then the right arrow. Or shift-click to select multiples (or all) and click the arrow to have them appear in the window to the right. Click "Display Chart". Scroll down to "Filter Diameter." Some have a 40.5mm or 46.0mm spec, but most are blank, hence, no threads. Remember (or write down) the models with the filter spec, then go back and see if those are any your friend wants to get.

That 37mm fisheye will also fit any other manufacturer's camcorder with the same 37mm filter spec. If it is decided to get a camcorder with a different filter diameter spec, see if you can find a "step-up" or "step-down" ring to be an adapter.

Original Question

How do I transfer video from the hard drive to the SD card on a JVC Everio GZ-MG630RU camcorder?

Q. I have a 2010 JVC Everio GZ-MG630RU camcorder. i recently bought a laptop with Win-7. i found out that Win-7 does not recognize my camcorder . My question is: how do i go about transferring the videos on my camcorders Hard Drive to the cameras mini SD card ?

Thanx

A. Excerpt from Amazon.com. Read your manual and your question makes no sense. Why do you want to copy from HDD to SD when the camera doesn't seem to have an mini SD card?

Everio Features

All 2009 Everios make sharing and watching videos easier than ever. New for this year is the One Touch Export function that allows Everio videos to be imported into iTunes and loaded into an iPod or iPhone. All 2009 Everios also offer One Touch DVD burning and the One Touch Upload function that JVC introduced to users in 2008 as a new and convenient way to upload videos to YouTube.

To use any of the three functions, simply connect Everio to a PC using the supplied USB cable. Then, the user chooses one of three buttons on the Everio: UPLOAD, EXPORT, or DIRECT DVD. Pressing the button will launch the appropriate Windows PC application that comes bundled with Everio, and the user simply follows the simple on-screen prompts. With just a few mouse clicks the process of uploading to YouTube, exporting to iTunes, burning to disc or transferring to an external hard disk drive will be completed. For uploading to YouTube, the user can perform an in-camera edit of any length video to fit the 10-minute YouTube limit.

For disc based archiving, there is an alternative to using a PC. JVC offers the CU-VD50 Direct DVD Burner/Player as an option, which allows burning of Everio videos to a DVD disc without having to use a PC.

The new Everio MediaBrowser software supplied with all Everio models is a Windows application providing an easy-to-search calendar-type graphical interface for indexing and finding video files. Thumbnail images of recorded videos and stills are superimposed on the calendar so it�s easy to see when any scene was recorded. The Everio MediaBrowser also allows easy playback, simple cut editing, and "Decomotion" to spruce up recorded footage with animated graphics for upload to YouTube. It also supports Export to iTunes, Upload to YouTube, burning to disc or transferring to HDD.

Another new feature found on all Everio camcorders is Digest Playback, which offers an easy and entertaining way to check the content residing on Everio�s HDD or SD/SDHC card. The function automatically selects highlight scenes from among the recorded content using JVC�s proprietary algorithm and plays back what looks like a "coming attractions" trailer for a movie. Sixty minutes of footage is condensed into five minutes of highlight scenes.

Other Everio features have been enhanced for 2009. Laser Touch Operation has been updated to allow control of zooming and recording using either the Laser Touch scroll bar or buttons next to the LCD screen, as well as by the standard zoom lever and REC button. And as before, Laser Touch makes it easy to browse through thumbnail images of recorded scenes and access menu selection. Power-linked operation, long offered by JVC, goes a step further this year. Simply opening the LCD monitor automatically opens the built-in lens cover and powers up the camcorder. Closing the LCD also closes the lens cover and shuts down the power. With Quick Restart, recording can start in about one second after the LCD is re-opened.

In addition to performance and convenience, the 2009 Everio line offers plenty of style and shooting comfort. A new design features elegant curves, a silver-framed LCD and a comfortable angled grip with a new dual use strap. The strap can be used in the usual camcorder fashion, supporting the user�s hand when shooting, or it can be extended and used as a wrist strap like the type on most digital still cameras.

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What is best camcorder I can buy for under $2,000?

Q. I would prefer not to spend in excess of $2,000. I would like a camera that can shoot in 1080. I'm going on vacation in a month and want to document my trip.

A. Not a fan of consumer, so called HD, crapcorders. If you care to look at other questions I explain why.

If this is your well-thought out choice, my advise is to get the cheapest HD camcorder that records at the maximum consumer data rate of about 11 gigs/hour and has the lens and features you like and understand. $400-$500 should do it. They will use the same H.264 compression and image quality as a $2000 camcorder.

This one is as good as any: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_r21#Specifications

Your best format for quality image, is the HDV format, which used MiniDv tapes and requires a firewire connection to get it to your computer for editing, these cameras are about $1000.

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

And the bargain is the standard def MiniDv cameras. They have a frame size 1/6th the size of HD, but get more data, 13 gigs/hour. In editing, they can be up-converted to HD frame sizes and have better quality than native HD camcorders. This little guy is a very good camera, despite it's price point.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/zr960

Or, up your budget to about $3500. This is the cheapest HD cam I would consider:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/hd_video_cameras/xf100

Original Question

Best Film look Indie Camcorder for £2,000?

Q. Hy in looking to purchase a camcorder preferably HD for £2000 or $3000, and has decent compatibility with Macs
Hy in looking to purchase a camcorder preferably HD for £2000 or $3000, and has decent compatibility with Macs and shoulder mounted?

A. The list is pretty short... and they are "prosumer" cams.
Sony HDR-FX1000 (will require an XLR adapter for pro grade mics)
Sony HDR-FX7 (if you can find one; will also require an XLR adapter for pro grade mics)

Neither are shoulder mount - the only one that is shoulder mount is the Sony HVR-HD1000 and since that has consumer-sized lenses and imaging chips, it is not recomended (and also requires an XLR adapter for pro grade mics).

All three are MiniDV tape based - which means a firewire port on the computer is required. The MacBook Air and most recently released MacBooks do not have a firewire port - and no way to add one). The most recently released MacBook Pro has a firewire 800 port so a 4-pin to 9-pin firewire cable will be needed. ALL other Macs made in the last 10 years or so will use a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire 400 cable.

The Canon HV30 or Sony HDR-HC9 are consumer-grade cams with medium sized lenses and imaging chips and are not recommended due to potential poor low-light behavior - though the HV30 can do 24p better than the HC9 can. The Sony HVR-A1 falls into a similar boat (but it does have XLR audio connections).

As for shoulder mount, look into using a "SpiderBrace" or similar shoulder mount system. Using a LANC with this (presuming the camcorder has a LANC port) will be useful.

Don't spend your whole budget on the camera - you will need mics, maybe a XLR adapter (like those from BeachTek or juicedLink), lighting, tripod or other steadying device (SpiderBrace, camera crane, Steadicam/Glidecam device, etc...). I don't think relying totally on shoulder mount is a good idea.

You may be able to do quite well if you stay in standard definition... The Sony DCR-VX2100 and Panasonic DVX100b are both quite capable cameras (shoot in DV widescreen).

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are there any video cameras for kids?

Q. ok, im looking for a camera for kids that is able to take pictures and short videos. i don't care if the camera has bad quality at pics and only shoots 2 minute videos. that's actually what i'm really looking for because i need to buy something cheap not expensive. do u know any names of cameras that im looking for? also pls don't tell me i should look on eBay or something. thank you
also i need it to be somwhere below the hundreds, thanks again

A. http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2620&e=cameralanding

They take decent quality pictures, I'm not sure about videos though. My little cousin has one and he's 5. He loves it! He always wants to take pics.

Hopefully thats helpful.

Original Question

what is the best video camera to take shots at soccer games, indoor basketball and kid parties inside?

Q.

A. Best is relative!

At least we know what you want to use the camera for, so that is a big help!

Start out with your audience, who is going to watch your video? Is it strictly for yourself, or do you want to make copies for other people, or is it for professional use?

Second, are you going to edit the video, will you want to edit video in the future?

Third, what is your budget? Do you need to buy accessories like a tripod (Highly recomended) cables, tapes, etc.


If you simply want something to play at home then a DVD recording camera might be the best bet. (I am not sure, but I know NERO DVD burning software has a quick copy feature that might allow you to burn copies for the grandparents.)

If you want to edit your video, I would recomend mini DV or hard drive cameras. It is easy to import the footage into a computer (Especially a Mac) and edit it, adding titles and special effects.

If you are looking to become a professional videographer, then you will need to purchase a 3 ccd mini-dv camera at a minimum, or you could look at the new HDV (High definition format) cameras.

Hope that helps
Tony

Professional videographer, I work daily with mini DV, in all forms from consumer to professional

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Best budget camcorder for low-light situations?

Q. Hello! I am taking a trip to NY and DC in April and I want a good camera that can record in low light (the city at night mostly) To be honest I really dont want to spent more that $300. I have been looking at camcorders like the sony webbie Aipteks line etc.

Any ideas?

A. You are not going to find a camcorder that records well at night for under $300. Period. Aipteks are in particular pretty horrible in low-light. Here's a test... look at the size of the lens, the glass itself, not the plastic part surrounding it. The size of the lens indicates something very signficant about the camera's light-gathering capability. Most of the Aiptek-type cameras have a tiny lens area, and often much of that lens area is shell, not lens.

I'd bet the Sony Webbie outperforms any of the Aipteks, but it's not great compared to many "real" camcorders. See here:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-MHS-PM1-Webbie-HD-First-Impressions-Camcorder-Review-36052.htm

You can find "real" camcorders in this range... something like the Canon FS-100. While this one is no great shakes at low-light, it's way beyond the range of these web-cam spinoffs like the Aipteks and the Webbie.. plus you get a real lens, large optical zoom, etc.

Even semi-pro camcorders are not all that great in the dark. Take my Sony... it's got a sensor about 15x larger than some of those webcam type camcorders, but it's still not ideal for low-light video... and it cost me $2600 some years back.

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What camcorders do you recommend?

Q. I need a camcorder that has a shoe mount on top but also a mic-in jack. I want a smaller camera though (like a handycam). Not looking for anything too expensive though. I'm looking on ebay but I'm not sure what to look for. My budget is about 150 for a used item.

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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Camera for young indie filmmaker?

Q. m a young indie filmmaker.I need a camera which makes short films professional looking.
I like to film short comedy skits etc.
I want a camera with really good sound quality for dialogue and really clear, professional image quality.
I also require 24p shooting.
ALL THIS FOR UNDER 500 DOLLARS!(Preferably 300)

A. I have a list of the best Camcorders out now:

http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&node=172421&tag=faumioew-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&brr=1&rd=1&creative=390957&tag=faumioe-20

Out of these i recommend Canon VIXIA HF R20 Full HD Camcorder with 8GB Internal Flash Memory :

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Camcorder-Internal-Memory/dp/B004HW7E7E/ref=zg_bs_172421_5&tag=faumioe-20

It will be perfect for you. Its features are:

- 8GB internal flash drive and 2 SDXC-compatible memory card slots
- Genuine Canon HD video lens with 28x advanced zoom
- Canon 3.28-megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
- Canon DIGIC DV III image processor
- Dynamic IS stabilizes a wide range of movements for smooth, steady video

Read this review by a user about the overall performance of the camera:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OHP5ZH4S5P9C/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004HW7E92&nodeID=&linkCode=&tag=faumioe-20

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A video camera for indie filmmaker... cinema quality?

Q. I've been researching a little on video cameras for a few upcoming projects. Short films for festivals, a web series, and possibly a feature length film or two... I don't know a lot about video cameras. I know I don't want a dslr and I would prefer one that does NOT have tapes of any sort. I'm looking at $1500 or less but have room to go higher if needed. I have been looking at the Canon Vixia HF G10. Is that appropriate for what I'm doing? Have any suggestions?

A. My definition of a professional video camera:

Lens diameter = 70mm or larger;
Imaging chip 1/3" 3CCD or 3MOS or larger;
XLR audio connectors;
Low compression video capture and storage.

The large lens diameter and large imaging chip are required for good low light behavior.

There is no "cinema quality" video camera that meets these requirements for under about $4,000. The closest is the Black Magic Design Cinema Camera (not the little one) and you have to add a lens. The Canon EOS Cinema Camera is great - but also more than you want to spend.

The closest is the Sony HDR-FX1000. It is a "prosumer" (HDR series) and lacks the XLR audio connectors (that the HVR-Z5 has). You can add an XLR adapter (juicedLink or BeachTek) to use XLR mics.

The Canon HF G10 has a 58mm lens filter diameter and is at the top of the consumer grade area at Canon. The XA series are the "pro" versions with XLR adapters.

Good for you for fighting the temptation to go the dSLR route. If video is important, then a camcorder is preferred. It is designed to capture video. And audio. Capturing still images is a secondary "convenience feature".

If stills are important, then use a still image capture device. Like a dSLR. Capturing video (and audio is a secondary "convenience feature". For example, if you read the documentation available for download from the manufacturer's web site, you will find most will overheat when capturing video "for prolonged periods" (about 15 minutes maximum) and stop video capture until it cools down (takes a long time)... or... check their built-in (mono) mic and no (or extremely limited) manual audio control. This means for your short list using an external audio recording device like a Zoom H2, H2n, H4n and take the extra steps to import and sync the audio when editing. There are generally file size and length limitations, too.

Basically you can easily end up spending more money and (learning) time you would not spend if you use the right tool for the task.

I am not saying any dSLR can't capture good video - they can - but they cannot be treated like a camcorder. There are workarounds for lots of things that you normally don't need to worry about when using a camcorder...

So... you get to either change your definition of "cinema quality" or increase your budget. And don't forget tripod or other steadying devices, lighting, camera crane, mics, cables, cases and upgrading your computer to be able to edit the video captured.

The best camcorders will capture low-compression HDV and HDCAM (Sony), DVCPro/HD (Panasonic), and MXF (Canon). Stay away from AVCHD unless you are in the Sony XDCAM area. The recording media (digital tape, flash memory) is not as important as the video quality.

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what is the best camcorder for the money?

Q. I am looking to buy a camcorder. What is the best one for the value? Also, some feature I would like. I want it to look good on a 42" HD TV. I would prefer not to use recordable media, unless that media can record 3 hours. So yea, let's go, let me know your view and experience.

A. ok so you want an hd camcorder, nothing that will record for less than 3 hours, any flash drive camcorder will do that and any HDD camcorder. best value that depends on one inportant thing how much do you want to spend, less than 100 less than 500 1000 5000, the choice is yours. a little more information will help.

do you want to just play directly from the camcorder to the tv or do you want to edit the video and put it on dvd. if its just to be shown from the camera to the tv then there is not a problem, if you want to edit the video then the more you compress the video (get more onto the media) then you are going to have problems editing the video on a low performance pc, if you want to put it onto a disk then you will need to use Blue Ray, then you will need a player (unless you already have one)

the media you record onto is price releted, flash dive camcorders start a lot cheaper then HDD, Flash drive is more reliable, then HDD. Quality of the video I think is better.



Good luck


RR

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what is the best camcorder with a hardrive?

Q.

A. Sony HDD's are the best in the market.
Check out the link to see what they have on offer- they may be a little pricey, but they are definately value-for-money! The best costs more!

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Sony or Panasonic camcorder?

Q. Okay, so these are the camcorders I'm tossing up between at the moment:

Sony HDR-SR1

Sony HDR-PJ10E

or

Panasonic SDR-S50

Which of these would you recommend? And if none of them, could you suggest some others? I really wanted to get the Sony HDR-XR150 but it's been discontinued :(

A. I would recommend a Canon MiniDV tape camcorder. I would do this to save you disappointment you will have when you you take your new HD camcorder, shoot something moving and discover that all HD camcorder in the Consumer level, interpolate the video, making the video near impossible to edit and motion videos mostly unwatchable. When the HD camcorder interpolates the video, what it does is not good for editing, You see, if you used one of those camcorders to shoot a video, say it was 1000 frames long. Of those 1000 frames, 800 of them were not shot or recorded by the person holding the camcorder. Those 800 frames were made by electronic circuitry within the camcorder and the are throughout the video, like this - one frame from lens assembly, 7 or 8 from the electronics within the camcorder, one frame from lens assembly, 7 or 8 from the electronics within the camcorder, one frame from lens assembly, 7 or 8 from the electronics within the camcorder, one frame from lens assembly, 7 or 8 from the electronics within the camcorder, From front to end of the video. Then there is the issue of the Multi core computer with a big graphics and sound card that is needed to view, edit and work with HD video.

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Good HD Panasonic camcorder?

Q. Try to give a link to the camcorder and if you can find the camcorder on bhphotovideo.com and post that link. I am looking at around $500-900.

A. http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders.75052_11002_7000000000000005702
this is the camcorder page on panasonic's web page.
personally i don't like panasonic and id go for sony but your choice.
it really depends what you want the camera for. if you want to take pictures and videos of memories that you wont want to edit much or preferable at all then you should definately go for a minidisc camcorder or a dvd camcorder (they are the same except one has a standard size dvd and one has a minidisc) they have pretty much no difference except the actual camera can be smaller if you get a minidisc one. ok so if you want to edit your footage then id get a harddrive one. the reason for this is the discs in most of those cameras are too advanced for stndard editing programs (ive got one) and that makes EXTREMELY hard to find a program to edit with. but i do prefer the disc cameras and have found a program to edit them which i can give you the name of if you would like. also a little tip if you are looking at getting a disc one. if you are shotting takes on something turn the camera off between each one (im not sure if this is panasonicbut a lot do this). otherwise all the stopped and started takes go in one folder and that doesnt sit well with most editing programs where as if they are in different files then they are far easier to handle and to get the one you actually want rather than having them all run after one another without a break.
if you click the type of camera you want on this page then you will get many examples in your price range.
good luck and email me if you need help with something
xx

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