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

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

A. Hi Mason:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

What's a good HD camcorder?

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

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

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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.
 

Original Question

Did you watch: "The View" this morning (East Coast)? Does anybody know the name of this toy product?

Q. There was an HD camcorder with a built-in projector (made for kids), that was featured on The View this morning. The show just went off just a few minutes ago.

A. Gadgets for kids:

3M Camcorder Projector
Shoot'n Share
3m.com/shootnshare
$299

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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.
 

Original Question

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

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

A. Hi Mason:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

What's a good HD camcorder?

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

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

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Where can I find a remote control for the Hitachi DZHV1074?

Q. I recently bought one and I really want to make pictures and videos from a distance. The side of the box says that there are remote controls compatible with it, so I thought I would buy one. The problem is: I can't find anyone! I thought maybe you could help me out, I would be really thankful!

A. Hi "Legotioned", and welcome to Yahoo!Answers:

Even though you say the box for your Hitachi DZ-HV1074 mentions remote controls, I looked through the entire factory manual PDF and saw neither an IR sensor (for normal infrared remotes) nor a LANC or other wired R/C port, and absolutely no mention of remote control in the text. See: http://www.hitachiserviceeu.com/scripts/userguide.php/DZ-HV1074_EN.pdf

The only possibility I can think of, since your model has HDMI, is perhaps "HDMI-CEC" which is Consumer Electronics Control (marketed under various names like EasyLink, VIERA Link, Aquos Link, Bravia Link/Bravia Sync, etc. -- depending on the brand). Hitachi stuck with the generic HDMI-CEC name. This allows the HDTV's remote control to handle certain functions of the camcorder when connected via the HDMI cable. So perhaps the box was listing Hitachi or other HDTV & HD tuner/DVD-recorder remotes that were compatible.

Since HDMI-CEC commands and the pin-13 connection are all industry standards (though optional in a given device), you might eventually find custom "universal" wired HDMI remotes using gadgets similar to the Pulse-Eight Company's USB-to-CEC adapter: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5463/pulseeight-usb-cec-adapter-review

The only other "remote" feature, of course, would be the camcorder's self-timer -- which is useful for self-portraits or for vibration-free photos with longer exposures.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

I have an Everio JVC and use mediabrowser. I combined clips into one whole movie. How do I watch movie on TV?

Q. Thanks for the answer Dennis! I just figured it out.

A. Hi Josh:

Could you post an update edit using the "Additional Details" link with the exact model JVC Everio that you have? It would help with describing to you the AV port(s) that would be available for you to use to transfer your edited video & connect the Everio to your TV for playback, if your TV doesn't have any VGA connections or if your PC doesn't have any S-Video, HDMI, or composite video outputs for TV viewing.

If you have a high-end video card in your PC, or AV outputs on it, please specify, and we can go from there. Also, please specify if your camera and/or the edited video is in HiDef format.

Basically, though, you would normally take your edited video file and convert it to a DVD-format (or a Blu-Ray if HD) and use your PC's DVD-RW or Blu-Ray drive to burn it onto a blank disc. Then a normal DVD or Blu-Ray player hooked up to your TV would show the finished program.

Other solutions, other than using your camcorder for playback, involve a "media server" or WiFi gadget with video & audio outputs to hook up to your TV to "share" your PC's media content (MP3 music, MPEG/WMV videos, etc.). Gamers often use inexpensive ($30-$50) VGA-to-TV converters (often with TV tuners built-in) to watch/play their PC games on TV and to record them via a VCR or DVD burner. These gadgets would also let you watch your Everio video files on TV.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.

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