Some good MiniDV Camcorder you like?

Q. Can you guys name a couple MiniDV Camcorders that include the features of Still photo (via SD Card), and a Microphone?
which one would you prefer?
Budget: $300

A. For under $500, the Panasonic PV-GS3xx line of camcorders offers some of the best bang for the buck on the market. It has 3CCDs which translates to better images than almost anything else in the under $1000 price range.

If you want MiniDV and high definition recording, the Canon HV20 is the hot item to have.

Before buying any camcorder, be sure to look over this collection of buying tips:

http://www.jakeludington.com/camcorder/20061016_10_tips_for_buying_a_digital_camcorder.html

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Need help selecting a camcorder for newbie filmmaker?

Q. Can someone please point me in the direction of a camcorder that would have a film finish for under $1000? I would use this camera to start shooting my own shorts and I would like to use this camera for a while. I've done some research and i'm pretty sure i want 3CCD instead of CMOS but if you have any other suggestions please let me know.

A. There is no camcorder - new - that meets both your requirements.

The Canon HV40 does DV/HDV and 24p and has a mic jack and manual audio control - but has a single CMOS chip

The Canon GL2 is 3CCD standard definition DV only - no 24p, has a mic jack and manual audio control and is over your budget.

Then comes the Panasonic AG-DVX100, Sony HDR-FX1000... and it goes up from there.

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What is a good video camera to film something like skateboarding?

Q. I'm thinking of something like the Sony VX1000, but maybe a little newer, and hopefully under $1000.
Keep in mind it needs fish eye! :)

A. The Sony DCR-VX1000 was first made in 1995. It was replaced by the VX2000 in the year 2000 and later, in 2004, replaced by the VX2100. All are standard definition camcorders that record high quality, low compression, DV format video to miniDV tape. These were considered "prosumers". Better than consumer grade - not quite pro grade. They were in the $3,000 range when new.

Large - for the time - lens filter diameter (52mm),
Large 3CCD imaging chip array (1/3"),
Lots of manual controls on the outside of the camcorder - not buried in a menu,
Integrated overhead handle/mic

Skipping past the the standard definition PD-series camcorders gets us to what is available now with similar features in the Sony HDR-FX7 and HDR-FX1000. They are 2-3 times more than you want to spend.

If we stay in your price range, the only miniDV tape based camcorder available new is the consumer grade Canon HV40. If you mount this to a Scorpion or similar hand-held stability device, this takes care of the integrated handle issue.

So... you get to increase your budget or decrease you requirements.

Any camcorder with a "lens diameter", "filter diameter" or "lens filter diameter" specification can mount (screw mount or bayonet mount - it depends on the camera) a fisheye lens with a matching spec. This includes all the cameras listed in paragraphs before this one.

As miniDV tape based camcorders, getting the video form the digital tape and into a computer for editing means connecting the camcorder's DV (i.Link) port (not USB) to the computer's firewire port (not USB) with a firewire cable (not USB). And USB-to-firewire cable/converter/adapter things will not work. We know nothing about your computer so we don't know if it has a firewire port or an available expansion slot so you can add one.

High compression, AVCHD format, MTS/MOD file type video capture devices (most of the consumer grade flash memory and hard disc drive camcorders available today) do not get along with fast action video, so be careful if you start to think that flash memory is "better because it is newer". The memory media used is irrelevant. The video the camcorder stores to the memory is the important part. And low compression video with fast action get along just fine.

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 (P2 cards), Canon XF series (SDHC), JVC GY-HM series (SDHC) and Sony XDCAM series (SxS compact flash) all record low-compression, high quality video formats to flash memory and are 5-6 time more than you want to spend. MiniDV tape is the affordable lternative - the HV40 is as close to $1,000 I can get (and still have $ left to buy the fisheye lens).

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I am going to start a video production business what camcorder should I buy?

Q. I am going to start a video production business for recording events such as pageants and weddings and I would like some advice on the best camera to buy for under $2000. (preferably around $1000 or less if possible) It would be great if it has white balance controls and any other features that would make the recording an event a lot easier. Thanks!

A. If you got money to burn then an HD cam would be great to have but highly unwarranted for your proposed application. If you want HD mini DV has a 16x9 mode which is also comparable to a broadcast HD signal despite what broadcast providers would have you believe. SONY MINI-DV CAM! You will not be sorry. Thats what I started with for professional video productions in 2005.

Panasonic has affordable 3ccd cams for around $1000 if you want to spend that much initially. For editing Premiere Elements is a great legal buy for only about $80-$100 with DVD encoding. (if your Mac OSX i guess you could use iMovie...Final Cut is major $$$)

A 3 CCD cam would be great to have but if you don't know how to sequence and edit etc... a great camera is not going to help you. Your in for a tough time I can assure you. DVD compression, DVD covers, Photoshop, Menus, copyright BS, ordering, selling, people saying "my $3 DVD player wont play your disc...I HATE YOU!!!" and.... Computer and Hardware issues.

Also if your taping events your mostly not going to have time to white balance and manually control everything. Its not like setting up a movie set. An event happens and you have to be on the ball. All the power to you but know that your in for many google searches down the road. Peace. My pro video Website is below, I've gotten very vast in what I do.

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ANSWERS, what is the best camcorder for snowboarding, READ BELOW?

Q. I want to get an HD camcorder for under $600 or a consumer non HD camcorder for under $400, I want to get a camcorder that has awesome clarity to shoot sponsor videos, and is a Flash Memory or MiniDV better for snowboarding and to make DVDs. Thanks

A. after working in the film industry for almost 3 years and shooting snowboard/ski videos for local mountains like echo mountain, and copper mountain, here is what i have to say.

HD is not a easy rout to go. HD is a very unforgiving environment. First off, you need an HD camcorder. Those run about 1000 dollars averagely. You would also need a video editing program that supports editing in HD. Sony vegas is a common program but that runs you 500 bucks. You also need a ton of ram and a good graphics card that can process the HD video while editing. In the end you need an HD dvd burner that can burn your HD footage. If you fall short of one of these things the video in the end will not come out in true HD but will be brought down to normal SD quality. If you have the money and tools to shoot, edit, and play in HD then go for it!

I would go for miniDV any day. flash memory can only store a little data and the quality is not as supurb as mini dv

In my opinion i shot my first snowboard video on a panasonic pvgs 320. Its a great camcorder that has 3ccd's and has the best picture for a camera under 400 dollars. I currently own it and love it. If you don't want that camcorder then get something that is 3ccd. It will be making the people that watch it go WOW! 3ccd gives you supurb color and I highly reccomend it.

check out my youtube listed below. I have my first snowboard video on there and the quality may seem bitter (because its on youtube) but trust me the quality is the best for the price you pay.

also please check out my tutorial on my youtube below that shows you how to build a steadicam. that will let you ride behing your buddies and get spectacular footage thats SUPER STABLE. also invest in a wide angle for close up shots near the jumps and rails.

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What is a good computer for video editing?

Q. I know the fastest, and biggest (as far as processor and ram). But my budget is around $2,000. I'd like specific recommendations. Also, should I go for a Mac or PC, laptop or desktop. Should i also get a new camcorder I have a Sony Hi-8 handycam (I got it in '02).

A. You'll be able to get a whole lot more computer for $2000 if it's a desktop. But, if mobility is important, then you need a laptop. Decide that first.

For a desktop, I'd recommend either a 24" iMac if you don't have a good monitor already, or a Mac Pro if you do. Just make sure to put in as much RAM as you can afford. 2 gigs minimum, 3 or 4 even better.

For a notebook, you'll absolutely need a MacBook Pro. Again, 2 GB RAM minimum, 3GB better.

Software wise, both Macs will come with iMovie to get you started, but if you want to get into higher end stuff, you'll need Final Cut Studio 2, just released. $1299 Retail, $699 Education. If you have experience with Premiere, you need to switch to Final Cut, but you can still run Premiere on the Mac with the new release that's now Mac OS X compatible.

For your camcorder, you need a true digital one. Consumer grade HD cameras are under $1000 now, or a good single CCD DV cam will be under $500. For more pro level stuff, get a DV 3CCD camera like a Canon GL1.

Of course, if you're just looking to get your feet wet, buy the Mac and play with iMovie first before getting into professional stuff.

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What should I look for in buying a GOOD, AFFORDABLE, video camera?

Q.

A. Panasonic, Panasonic, Panasonic!

You should look for a camera that is similar to the one listed below. The Panasonic PV-GS300 is listed below and is a great camera for around $500. (Hopefully by affordable, you mean in the range of $500-1000.) Other good Panasonic brand camcorders include the PV-GS320 and the PV-GS500.

•10x Optical Zoom and 700x Digital Zoom
•2.7” Widescreen LCD Display (123,000 pixels)
•3CCD (3 x 800,000 pixel, 1/6” CCD image sensors for best quality and clarity photos and video. The same kind of system used in professional broadcast cameras means crisp color reproduction, thanks to a separate CCD for reds, greens, and blues. (most camcorders just have 1CCD)
•Recording system NTSC
•SP and LP recording and playback modes (most MiniDV tapes are 60 minutes, but in LP you can record 90 minutes on these tapes)
•Video and Photos can be taken in 16:9 (widescreen) or 4:3 (regular)
•High-quality Lecia lens (37 mm)
•5 preprogrammed auto exposure modes for a variety of shooting options
•OIS (optical image stabilizer…minimizes shake and vibration distortion) This is a helpful tool, but if you want still images use a tripod.
•Soft skin detail mode (softens details to reduce skin imperfections when shooting close-ups)
•MagicPix (allows full color recording in low light)
•1-touch navigation with easy joystick control
•3.1 MP photos in Photo Mode with build in flash that can be turned on/off. Photo size is determined by what mode you have the camcorder set at. (video/photo and 16:9/4:3) In Video mode, the photos are smaller and quality is not as good as taking a photo in Photo mode.
o.2 MP photo size is 640 x 360
o.3 MP photo size is 640 x 480
o1 MP photo size is 1280 x 960
o2 MP photo size is 1600 x 1200
o2.4 MP photo size is 2048 x 1152
o3.1 MP photo size is 2048 x 1512
•Min shutter speed is 1/30 sec
•Max shutter speed is 1/8000sec
•Built in Stereo Microphone
•Stores photos on SD Memory Card (slot located on bottom of camera)
•Stores video on MiniDV Digital Tapes
•USB 2.0 and Firewire IEEE 1394 compliant
•DV, AV, external mic, and USB ports (the included AV cable has RCA and S-Video outputs)
•PictBridge (direct printing from camcorder)
•Includes MotionDV and Quick Movie Magic software

What’s in the box?

•PV-GS300 Camcorder
•RCA/S-Video cable
•AC cable
•Battery and charger
•Remote control
•Hand and shoulder strap
•USB 2.0 cable
•Software

What you will need to purchase.

•MiniDV Digital Video Tapes. Most stores sell these tapes between $7-10.00/tape! Check out eBay for good deals on tapes...you can probably find them for around $3.00/tape.
•Carrying case (Circuit City and Best Buy have a good selection, but expect to spend about $20.00.)
•Firewire (DV) cable. You don’t necessarily need this, but the quality is supposedly better when transferring tapes to DVD. I haven’t noticed any difference between the two and I prefer to use the included RCA cables with my DVD Recorder.)

Stores and Prices

www.jr.com They had it for just under $500.00 (including shipping). Definitely check out this site. They offer great customer service, competitive prices, and fast/cheap shipping. They are located in New York and are a very reliable, trustworthy store.

•Circuit City…around $500.
•Best Buy…around $500.

Panasonic makes the best. Plain and simple. If I were you, before you make an expensive purchase, do some research...look at customer reviews at www.bestbuy.com, www.circuitcity.com, or at any other review website. Most of those people that answer reviews do it for your benefit...they let you know if it is worth spending $1000+ for a certain product.

I have owned a JVC (miniDV), Sony (miniDV and hard drive), and Panasonic (miniDV and hard drive) camcorders and I have to say that the Panasonic are the best. They have the best quality...best design...are the easiest to use...and are more durable than JVC and Sony. I use them for my business, which is why I have used and tested so many different kinds.

***PLEASE...go to the stores and try them out...don't make a purchase online without actually holding one and testing out its functions.

***And also be careful...if you do a google search to try and find a store that sells the camcorder that you are looking for, for the cheapest price...do some research and check out that store before you make your purchase. There are many great deals out there, but at what cost? A lot of places will advertise a cheap price but then will try to get you to buy more equipment for your camcorder that should already be in the box! Watch out for scams! I can't stress that enough.

GOOD LUCK!

Original Question

Camcorder buying help needed?

Q. I want to buy a camcorder under $1000.
I am hobby film maker, and main purpose is to use it for making short films & travel videos.
I would like to have suggestions about decent camcorders for the purpose I mentioned.
I like canon HV40 & Sony XR-160. Still not sure Whig one to buy. But I prefer having more manual controls. problem about XR-160 is that it has touch screen to change things manually.

So, I would like to have suggestions about other camcorders.

A. i do charity work and that involves recording interviews
for years i have used a canon mv700i minidv unit
then the charity got some money and i had a look
around for a camcorder
from my experiences with this canon this what i decided
i wanted and didnt want

1) poor operation in low light is a significant problem the developments
in CCD's so now you can have 3 help a lot so i want one with 3ccd's
my mv700i produces horrible artefacts in low light
2) my canon and it seems yours too has a headphone socket which i want
to use to monitor sound. Firstly with auto gain levels this interferes with what
you are listening to, and the socket is doubled up with av IN. and defaults
to av IN and not headphones. if you plug in headphones then it breaks your
eardrums with buzzing. you have to switch the socket over in a menu.
3) the headphone socket defaults back every time the camcorder auto-offs(5min delay)
of course if you dont monitor whats being recorded then you dont need this feature
4) there is no way to view sound recording levels, but i think your HV40
does now have bar display, anyway you need it! so check you got it
5) the focusing system is annoying focus on someone in a chair with a flat wall behind
and the auto-focus goes all over the place its terrible
check what auto focus improvements have been made
6) general manual focusing these days its standard to have a quick zoom feature
on manual focus that allows you to see more detail as you focus thats nice so get it.
not sure if hv40 has that check it has
7) is it pal or ntsc this may matter to you.

finally i decided tapes were still best and the hv40 has those
the charity did in fact buy a canon xh-a1s to get xlr sound connectors
larger fatter lens(more light) 3ccd's and we got a good deal

but i still liked a sony camcorder which struggled to get released
there was also a similar unit which sells for less
HXR-MC50E
CX360VE

hope that helps

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starting small film company interviewing models need a GREAT hd camcorder under $1000 with close up any ideas?

Q. Im no professional but would like a camcorder with near professional features and quality i know there are many good ones but i'm on a budget of under $1000 ive been doing research and found a canon vixia hfs20 but it has mixed reviews and i truely want something GREAT thanks for the help

A. First, let's define professional camcorder:

Lens filter diameter 70mm or larger.
3CCD or 3CMOS imaging chip system - 1/4" or larger.
XLR audio-in connections.
Records to low compression (HDV, DVCPRO HD or XDCAM/HDCAM) video formats.

When you find a camcorder with the above, all the other stuff like separate manual focus and zoom rings, manual audio control and all the other manual controls on the outside of the camcorder will be included.

You already know that there is no "professional" camera made (new, anyway) that is under $1,000. Since you are doing interviews, I presume that means you get to control the environment - specifically, lighting.

Under good lighting conditions, ANY camcorder can provide good video. You just need to know what that camcorder's requirements are for "good lighting conditions". That leaves low compression applied to the digital video stream and audio.

Audio first. Consumer grade camcorders - if they even have a mic jack - use a 1/8", (3.5mm) stereo plug. Your mic selection will be a bit limited, but the NRG SA-568 and RODE video mic are worthy of investigation. Just because a consumer camcorder has a mic jack does not mean it has manual audio control - so be careful. Download the camcorder's manual form the manufacturer's web site to be sure.

Video compression: AVCHD is a LOT of compression to MTS files. This continues to be a large reason why professionals do not use AVCHD. This is a bigger deal if there is fast action. I can't imagine interviews with models being "fast action".

The Canon HF S series *should* be OK for you IF YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS so they are bright enough to meet the camcorder's "good lighting" requirements. I prefer the HF S100. Learn about three point lighting and four point lighting. Learn about use of makeup in a HD video environment. high definition video sees EVERYTHING.

That said, given a choice, use of a miniDV tape based camcorder is preferred for a LOT of reasons... The Canon HV40 and Sony HDR-HC9 should be investigated - but only if your computer has a firewire port or you can add one (this is the only way to get the video from the camcorder to the computer for editing).

Original Question

What should I look for in buying a GOOD, AFFORDABLE, video camera?

Q.

A. Panasonic, Panasonic, Panasonic!

You should look for a camera that is similar to the one listed below. The Panasonic PV-GS300 is listed below and is a great camera for around $500. (Hopefully by affordable, you mean in the range of $500-1000.) Other good Panasonic brand camcorders include the PV-GS320 and the PV-GS500.

•10x Optical Zoom and 700x Digital Zoom
•2.7” Widescreen LCD Display (123,000 pixels)
•3CCD (3 x 800,000 pixel, 1/6” CCD image sensors for best quality and clarity photos and video. The same kind of system used in professional broadcast cameras means crisp color reproduction, thanks to a separate CCD for reds, greens, and blues. (most camcorders just have 1CCD)
•Recording system NTSC
•SP and LP recording and playback modes (most MiniDV tapes are 60 minutes, but in LP you can record 90 minutes on these tapes)
•Video and Photos can be taken in 16:9 (widescreen) or 4:3 (regular)
•High-quality Lecia lens (37 mm)
•5 preprogrammed auto exposure modes for a variety of shooting options
•OIS (optical image stabilizer…minimizes shake and vibration distortion) This is a helpful tool, but if you want still images use a tripod.
•Soft skin detail mode (softens details to reduce skin imperfections when shooting close-ups)
•MagicPix (allows full color recording in low light)
•1-touch navigation with easy joystick control
•3.1 MP photos in Photo Mode with build in flash that can be turned on/off. Photo size is determined by what mode you have the camcorder set at. (video/photo and 16:9/4:3) In Video mode, the photos are smaller and quality is not as good as taking a photo in Photo mode.
o.2 MP photo size is 640 x 360
o.3 MP photo size is 640 x 480
o1 MP photo size is 1280 x 960
o2 MP photo size is 1600 x 1200
o2.4 MP photo size is 2048 x 1152
o3.1 MP photo size is 2048 x 1512
•Min shutter speed is 1/30 sec
•Max shutter speed is 1/8000sec
•Built in Stereo Microphone
•Stores photos on SD Memory Card (slot located on bottom of camera)
•Stores video on MiniDV Digital Tapes
•USB 2.0 and Firewire IEEE 1394 compliant
•DV, AV, external mic, and USB ports (the included AV cable has RCA and S-Video outputs)
•PictBridge (direct printing from camcorder)
•Includes MotionDV and Quick Movie Magic software

What’s in the box?

•PV-GS300 Camcorder
•RCA/S-Video cable
•AC cable
•Battery and charger
•Remote control
•Hand and shoulder strap
•USB 2.0 cable
•Software

What you will need to purchase.

•MiniDV Digital Video Tapes. Most stores sell these tapes between $7-10.00/tape! Check out eBay for good deals on tapes...you can probably find them for around $3.00/tape.
•Carrying case (Circuit City and Best Buy have a good selection, but expect to spend about $20.00.)
•Firewire (DV) cable. You don’t necessarily need this, but the quality is supposedly better when transferring tapes to DVD. I haven’t noticed any difference between the two and I prefer to use the included RCA cables with my DVD Recorder.)

Stores and Prices

www.jr.com They had it for just under $500.00 (including shipping). Definitely check out this site. They offer great customer service, competitive prices, and fast/cheap shipping. They are located in New York and are a very reliable, trustworthy store.

•Circuit City…around $500.
•Best Buy…around $500.

Panasonic makes the best. Plain and simple. If I were you, before you make an expensive purchase, do some research...look at customer reviews at www.bestbuy.com, www.circuitcity.com, or at any other review website. Most of those people that answer reviews do it for your benefit...they let you know if it is worth spending $1000+ for a certain product.

I have owned a JVC (miniDV), Sony (miniDV and hard drive), and Panasonic (miniDV and hard drive) camcorders and I have to say that the Panasonic are the best. They have the best quality...best design...are the easiest to use...and are more durable than JVC and Sony. I use them for my business, which is why I have used and tested so many different kinds.

***PLEASE...go to the stores and try them out...don't make a purchase online without actually holding one and testing out its functions.

***And also be careful...if you do a google search to try and find a store that sells the camcorder that you are looking for, for the cheapest price...do some research and check out that store before you make your purchase. There are many great deals out there, but at what cost? A lot of places will advertise a cheap price but then will try to get you to buy more equipment for your camcorder that should already be in the box! Watch out for scams! I can't stress that enough.

GOOD LUCK!

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