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!!

Original Question

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).

Original Question

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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!!

Original Question

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).

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

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).

Original Question

What is the best camcorder for web videos and kids sports?

Q. Hi. I've been going around in circles trying to find the best reasonably price camcorder to meet my needs.
First I need to be able to shoot videos to upload to our websites. These videos would most often be shot indoors in auditoriums or conference centers and would often involve interview-style type footage so sound quality is very important as well ease in uploading to the web.

Secondly, I would love to use this same camera for home video including kids sports (i.e. football, basketball, tennis). Any help is greatly appreciated as I am not a big technology person and every time I think I've found a camera, I read something about poor low-light video or poor audio that causes me to pause.

Thanks!

A. The biggest difference between camcorders is mostly about how they handle low light situations. So when you pay more, you'll get better quality (most likely).

The bigger the sensor, the better it can handle low light situations. But you'll only get bigger sensor when you pay more than 1200 dollar for a camera.

Anyway what I actually wanted to say was that it's best to get an external microphone. You could get the RODE videomic for when your filming events. I would get another microphone which you can hold in your hand for the interviews. You'll get way better sound and background noise will be less loud than with the RODE videomic or your built in microphone.

The RODE videomic uses a mini-jack for the sound, if you go for a camcorder below the 1200 dollar price it will most likely have a mini-jack connector for microphones. But most hand microphones use XLR plugs. So you'll need a female xlr to male mini-jack connector. You can get those at a music store, just ask them to make one for you.

A camera which you could use is the canon HV40. It still records on tape, but tape has less compression and is easier to edit. The only problem is that when you record one hour, you'll need to play back and transfer one hour. You'll need to play back the entire tape at the normal speed. So it can take a while. But HDV is way better than AVCHD. They sometimes also use it for television. AVCHD is never used for television broadcast.

Original Question

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What's a great camcorder for shooting family events indoors?

Q. We had a canon zr95 which handled great outdoors but the images were washed out and very grainy in indoor lighting. Now that it died, we're ready to move to something better. I don't need nor can afford studio equipment, but would like something to preserve memories of the kids.

A. Unfortunately you are in a tough situation... as you have seen, indoor shooting with nor enough light has always been the achilles' heel of consumer cameras.

Something better I'm afraid, is in the $700 range.
I have seen videos of the GS500 and I think it shots fine in indoors with lets say, a 100W bulb?
Maybe Sony's DCR-HC96 is as low as you'd want to get.

Original Question

How do I upload video from my samsung DC173 camcorder?

Q. How do I upload video from my samsung DC173 camcorder?
Ive looked in the guide, downloaded all supplied software and look at the online site. I still cannot do this! HELP!

A. The DC173 can use the USB port on your computer to pull the footage from your camera. Before you open the software, connect your camera to your computer through the USB cable.

Then open the software. You'll want to look for "Capture". When you click that option it should show the video on your camera. Then hit play on your camera and record on your software.

Without knowing what software you are using it's hard to say. The best thing to do is get a computer savvy kid to help you out.

Original Question

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Can you help me find what I need to watch home videos from a mini camcorder videocassette?

Q. I found some old mini videos from when i was a kid...but I don't know what the holder thing is called that you put the mini tapes in to watch them in the VCR. Do they come in different sizes? All these mini tapes say 30 on it. What do I have to buy to watch them?

A. The VHS-C tapes went into a VHS adapter. You can still get them for around $10.

If the cassette is not VHS-C, you will need the camera to view them.

Original Question

Looking for a fairly inexpensive camcorder to video my kids?

Q. SInce my old Sony has just recently died, I am looking into some different camcorders, but really lost at all the specifications! Should I get an HD? Looking to spend $ 150 - $ 350. Thank you!

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

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

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