Anyone no of a great professional camcorder?

Q. I am starting video production and am wondering what equiptment is the best to buy, at an affordable price. I guess I am wanting a professional camcorder at a budgeter's price.

A. Great question. Here are my top picks for the best professional camcorder. I have taken price into consideration. If you want HD:

1) Red Scarlet (coming soon, 2009) $3,000
2) Sony PMW-EX1 $6,000
3) JVC GY-HD200U $5,500
4) Panasonic AG-HVX200 $5,000
5) Canon XH-A1 $3,300

RED SCARLET: Many are skeptical about the Red Scarlet as it is a relatively unknown brand, but I believe it is the best professional camcorder under $10,000. No contest. With a traditional camcorder, like that made by Sony, Canon, etc, you'll be lucky if you get one that records in true HD. That is, most camcorders do NOT record in true 1920 x 1080 resolution, apart from the Sony PWM-EX1, as listed above. The Red Scarlet however, records footage in 3K, that is about 150% of the resolution of 1920 x 1080 HD. All that for $3,000. I don't know how well the Scarlet will perform when it is released in 2009 as far as color reproduction, cinematic look, audio capabilities, and manual controls, but I do know that it gives you better resolution than any camera I know of under $20,000. Therefore, the Red Scarlet is definately worth looking into. 3K footage for under $3K is a total steal!
______________
SONY PMW-EX1: It is a relatively new camcorder that records to tapeless media the SxS cards. The EX1 has better resolution that its Canon, Panasonic and JVC competitors, as the XDCAM cards do NOT compress nearly as much as HDV. Another huge advantage is that it has 3 CMOS chips that are 1/2" each, as opposed to 1/3" or smaller chips found on every other camera under $10,000. The larger image sensor gives your picture a much narrower depth of field, which is great for budding filmmakers, wanting that look of celluloid film. The only setback is that the EX1's media format, the SxS XDCAM media cards only record about 25 minutes of high quality footage on the supplied card, and purchasing additional cards is very expensive.
_______________
JVC HD200U
The HD200U is no Sony, Panasonic, or Canon, but it is an excellent camera nonetheless. Some pro reviews have said that the earlier model, the HD110U was the second best camera as far as picture quality in the prosumer level, next to the Canon XL-H1, which is $8,000. I really like the HD110 and HD200 as it is the only prosumer HD camera, apart from the XL-H1 with interchangeable lenses, rather than a built in lens. The only problem is that the HD200U does not record HD in 1080p or 1080i, but instead, it only has a lower-resolution 720p mode. To me, this isn't all that bad, as I prefer 720p at 60fps over 1080p at 30fps; it blurs much less, but you'll have to make the decision. Numerous independant films have been shot on the JVC HD110 and HD200, so its an excellent camera!

_______________
Panasonic HVX200: The HVX200 is a great inexpensive choice for the indie filmmaker. It has excellent picture quality and an excellent 24p mode. Another huge upside is that it records to both HDV OR P2 cards, so its really convenient. However, it does not have quite as good picture quality as the Sony EX1, nor does it have interchangeable lenses like the JVC HD200. It's an excellent, well-rounded HD camera nonetheless. I found it works excellent with the Redrock M2 35mm adapters though.
____________
Canon XH-A1: The XH-A1 is rated as one of the best cameras out there for its combination of quality and value for your money. I agree. It's a nice, well rounded camera; relatively easy to use (compared to the others at least) and is packed with loads of features, making it an excellent value. My only problem is that it does not have a 720p mode. It also lacks a real 24p mode, and instead has what Canon calls a 24f mode. According to Canon, the 2 are identical, but I really don't know.

For standard definition, which is still a great option, as HD is still new and expensive:
1) Panasonic AG-DVX100B $2,500
2) Canon XL2 $3,000
3) Sony DSR-PD170 $2,500

I really can't decide whether I like the DVX100B or the XL2 better. I'm leaning towads the DVX100B as a better overall camera (and its very user friendly), but then again, the XL2 has interchangeable lenses. Both can record in 24p, which is a great option. The PD170 is a total low-light wonder, is easy to use, but does not have a 24p mode.

If this is still not what you had in mind for a budget, here are some decent consumer HD cameras:
1) Sony HDR-HC3 and HDR-HC9
2) Canon HV20 and HV30

both are HDV. I highly recommend it. I can't stand mini DVD or flash media. HDV is also considerably better than Hard Disk camera; they don't compress your footage quite as much.


Hope that helps, and I apologize if that's still not what you had in mind. Well good luck, and have fun!!!

Original Question

What are some good camcorders that emulate the look of 35mm film?

Q. What are some great camcorders under $1,000 $5,000 and $10,000
What are the best cameras in each of these price ranges

A. Sony HDR-CX190 High Definition Handycam 5.3 MP Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom (2012 Model) has been a great HD camcorder so far. It is very small and lightweight, to say the least. I think the 70 series battery I bought for this unit weighs almost as much as the camera. The controls are good with the little screen joystick and menus. The color is very good on the screen, and the video is sharp. I like the 30x for videoing my stepsons' wrestling matches.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Camcorder Speacialist: What low cost camcorder can video tape in dim light?

Q. Can you recommend a feature on a camcorder that can do this? Thank you.
Dennis C Thank you for you're very helpful answer.

A. Hi "September":

The term "low cost" is a relative term. Low cost to Donald Trump or Mark Cuban might be a few thousand dollars. Camcorders run anywhere from $50-$50,000 USD (and more!). If you give us a real dollar-budget, we can be more specific as to models.

But as to the basics of your Question, the cheaper the camcorder, the smaller the video sensor usually is. Smaller sensors (and smaller lenses) don't capture as much light (just like a smaller mouthed bucket in a rain storm captures less water). So, low-light capability is less.

And cheaper lenses aren't as good quality in passing light as more expensive ones (this is the F-stop aperture rating of the lens). Even at its widest aperture setting, a cheap lens won't let as much light get through to the video chip.

When you're shopping for a low-light/dim-light feature, Sony and other makers use terms like "Night Shot", or "Low Lux" in their feature list. Enhanced features like "Super Night Shot" work in almost total darkness. But even with these features, low-light video can look grainy or "noisy" without special chip-cooling features to eliminate random electronic circuit & thermal noise.

My Canon camcorders compensate for low-light with a setting that uses a lower frame-rate (letting more light photons fall on the video sensor for each frame), but this results in a stuttery, somewhat blurry image when objects are moving.

Good video is a "get what you pay for" proposition.

Dim light, in video terms, is usually in the under-10-Lux range. (Kitchen fluorescent lighting is 300-500 Lux; a cozy living room is around 50 Lux.) But before shopping for a 1-Lux or "<1 Lux" rated camcorder, read this informative Videomaker Magazine article on low-light cameras: http://www.videomaker.com/article/9466

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

What HD camera is best for YouTube videos?

Q. Making videos long and close ups under 200$ budget price and what video editing software to mess the videos with it. Also want to know how can YouTube get you paid?

A. 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.

With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 seconds or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.

You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a Mic jack. You need a firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer. To say this is not HD, think about this. It would cost in excess of $3500 to get a HD camcorder that could equal the video Quality of a $250 Canon MiniDV tape camcorder.

Search for any of the ZR line, used could be cheaper. For close ups, learn to turn your camcorder easy or auto function off and then learn how to focus a camcorder.

Focus tip - set camcorder on a tripod or firm surface. Find something far away ( I use a Post it Note, on far wall above light switch) then zoom in on this object, all the way. Focus your camcorder on this object. Now return you camcorder to normal zoom, show the big picture. Now, if you do not turn the camcorder off, it will be in focus from the distance away your focus object was to the camcorder lens, at any zoom ( say your focus object was 15 feet, everything up to 15 feet will be in focus, anything beyond that 15 feet is not.)


http://www.videomaker.com/article/14923/ This is for your editing part.

Getting paid on Youtube, Make about 400 videos, get !000 followers and more than 100000 views on half your videos, they might notice you and add you as a partner.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the best camera for recording videos?

Q. A video camera that's under $200, can pause videos without stopping the whole video, and has a good grip. Must also have VERY good quality hd.

A. Hi Mike:

For your $200 budget, you are not going to have "very good quality HD", when you consider that pro video cameramen and TV stations spend $5000 to $10,000 (and more) for "good HD" equipment.

Unless you use a tape-based (miniDV cassette, for example) camcorder, there is no need for a "Pause" button, and most SD card storage models start a whole new video file when you start/stop the Record button.

Some SD card and HDD storage models have a "pre-record" function that actually saves several seconds of video from before you press Record. So, a "Pause" feature has no advantage.

Sony, Panasonic, JVC, and Canon all make affordable models that sell in your price range. (See a typical B+H Photo listing of models on sale here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Camcorders/Ns/p_PRICE_2%7c0/ci/1871/pn/2/N/4294548093 )

Sony currently has some price promotions that stretch your shopping dollar ($50-$150 off certain models) that are in effect this month. (See the B+H Photo page for examples.)

If you prefer the "pistol grip style" camcorders (like the Sanyo/Panasonic "Xacti"/HX-WA series), look at a Panasonic HX-WA3 model ($198). Panasonic bought Sanyo, and rebranded the Xacti pistol grip line into their HX-WA series.

For palm-size camcorders, you can always buy an accessory grip handle that threads onto the bottom of the camcorder via the tripod socket.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

Camcorder Speacialist: What low cost camcorder can video tape in dim light?

Q. Can you recommend a feature on a camcorder that can do this? Thank you.
Dennis C Thank you for you're very helpful answer.

A. Hi "September":

The term "low cost" is a relative term. Low cost to Donald Trump or Mark Cuban might be a few thousand dollars. Camcorders run anywhere from $50-$50,000 USD (and more!). If you give us a real dollar-budget, we can be more specific as to models.

But as to the basics of your Question, the cheaper the camcorder, the smaller the video sensor usually is. Smaller sensors (and smaller lenses) don't capture as much light (just like a smaller mouthed bucket in a rain storm captures less water). So, low-light capability is less.

And cheaper lenses aren't as good quality in passing light as more expensive ones (this is the F-stop aperture rating of the lens). Even at its widest aperture setting, a cheap lens won't let as much light get through to the video chip.

When you're shopping for a low-light/dim-light feature, Sony and other makers use terms like "Night Shot", or "Low Lux" in their feature list. Enhanced features like "Super Night Shot" work in almost total darkness. But even with these features, low-light video can look grainy or "noisy" without special chip-cooling features to eliminate random electronic circuit & thermal noise.

My Canon camcorders compensate for low-light with a setting that uses a lower frame-rate (letting more light photons fall on the video sensor for each frame), but this results in a stuttery, somewhat blurry image when objects are moving.

Good video is a "get what you pay for" proposition.

Dim light, in video terms, is usually in the under-10-Lux range. (Kitchen fluorescent lighting is 300-500 Lux; a cozy living room is around 50 Lux.) But before shopping for a 1-Lux or "<1 Lux" rated camcorder, read this informative Videomaker Magazine article on low-light cameras: http://www.videomaker.com/article/9466

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some good, yet cheap pro/high end consumer, camcorders that record to an SD card and not to MiniDV?

Q. I am looking to make the next investment from my Sony handy-cam that is in standard Def. I want to start making independent movies and I know most of these cameras are a thousand dollars at least so if you know any under 1000 I would like to know please!! I am looking for a good picture and if no in HD at least a camera compatible with lenses that have filters and the such.

A. You are going to have a hard time. its all about quality if you are planing on making movies. In your budget you will be limited to second hand, and certainly not HD, People may point you toward DSLR, anything good will be three times plus that price.

I cannot understand why people dont want to use Tapes, $ for $ they offer the highest quality than bad high compression codecs used in other formats. Flash drive, or HDD.

You have looked to the prices of new cameras you pay the money for a reason, quality, first and foremost, If I could get away with out spending $10,000 on a camera i certainly would, but for the quality I have to there is no such thing as a cheap "pro/high end consumer" you get what you pay for.

For your money you need to be looking at Ebay, or places like that, a few companies offer second-hand equipment, but you need to find out what it was used for and the conditions it was used in.

the word "professional" is banded about by makers, everything today seems to have that word used, from video converters, why to get people to buy them, but no "processional" would use them, funny Eh!!!!!

You need to take into consideration, what you are going to film, if there is any fast action then forget your flash, hard drive based cameras they will not do well, try filming a foot ball, or someone moving their arm fast, you will get artefacts, bits left from the previous virtual frame, as they do not take every frame unlike tape based cameras. DSLR's are even worse at it.

Do your home work and see what it available,

I wish you luck

RR

Original Question

Where can i find a professional video camera?

Q. Where can i find a professional video camera like the one they use in movies?? and also i am looking for microphones that they use in movies. they have to be windproof.
Please Please help me, i've been looking for a really good camera for a long time. I really want to make a professional movie :)??? Thank you so much!

A. Start with a budget.

Stay through the credits at the next movie you see at a theater. You will typically see Panavision. Arri is a pretty common *film* camera, too. The moving image is captured to *film*, the film is sent for processing, each frame is digitized & returned to the editor for that phase of the project. The audio system is separate from the *film* camera. The audio is combined with the moving image during editing. Synchronizing uses SMTPE code. These cameras start at about $100,000, Add more for the lenses. Generally, they are leased for the duration of the the project.

RED (Scarlet, Epic, One) & Silicon Imaging ("Slumdog Millionaire") (among a few others) make digital cameras that have been used for theatrical release projects. The cameras start at around $40,000. Add more for lenses and other accessories. Panasonic (Varicam) & Sony (CineAlta) are in this area, too. The audio system is separate from the camera (even though some of these can capture audio) & the audio is combined with the moving image during editing.

Then there's camcorders. At the high end are Sony HDCAM/XDCAM & Panasonic P2 series. They record video along with audio, but use of a separate audio system rather than the audio captured by the camera is *strongly* suggested. These range anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000.

Step down to the mid-range of pro-grade camcorders and that gets us to the Sony PDW area & the higher end of the HVR series. Canon XF300, Panasonic AVCAM & a few others are in this mix. About $10,000 to ~$40,000. These record audio but use of a separate audio system rather than the audio captured by the camera is *strongly* suggested.

Step down to the low end of pro-grade camcorders: Sony HVR-Z5, Panasonic AG-HVX200, JVC GY-HM series ~$5,000 to $10,000 range. These record audio but use of a separate audio system rather than the audio captured by the camera is *strongly* suggested.

Prosumers in the Sony HDR-FX1000 (the original "Paranormal Activity") & entry-level pro grade (Canon XHA1, XF100) get us below $5,000. These record audio but use of a separate audio system rather than the audio captured by the camera is *strongly* suggested.

High end consumer-grade cams are around $1,500. Mid-range consumer-grade cams are around $900. These record audio but use of a separate audio system rather than the audio captured by the camera is *strongly* suggested.

And I'll stop with camcorder pricing here.

Mics: Sometimes shotgun mics mounted to a boom pole are used in movies. Sennheiser, ElectroVoice & Audio Technica are my favorites. A mid-range shotgun mic is about $1,000. Use of a "fuzzy" (also called a "dead cat") or a zeppelin will help to create the dead-air space between the mic element & wind.

Sometimes wireless clip-on mics are used. "Lavalier". I prefer them wireless. Sennheiser makes good low-end systems starting at around $600. Sony & others make good (more expensive) systems.

Lots of times the audio is "made". That's what Foley artists do. And there's always dubbing the dialog (in a studio - so different types of condenser mics) after the fact.

Then there's lights, cables, cables, stands, steadying devices (tripod, camera crane, Steadycam vest system, dolly, etc.), power, cases, audio recording equipment & LOTS more. You can rent/hire a grip truck & crew for lots of this.

Add makeup, wardrobe, feeding the talent, permits, all sorts of legal stuff... and your computer being able to deal with the editing...

In the spectrum of consumer cameras through pro-grade camcorders, the visible difference is the lens & imaging chip are small at the consumer level. They cannot do well under poor lighting conditions. As the price increases, the lens & imaging chip get bigger, improving the low-light capture behavior. If all you can afford is a sub-$3,000 camcorder, expect to spend $ on lighting.

Some experienced folks are able to use the convenience feature of dSLRs for movies. This takes a lot more effort because of the characteristics & requirements of video capture using this convenience feature. But they *can* capture great video when used by someone with skill & experience.

If the less expensive cameras could do as good of a job as the more expensive cameras then the professional productions would use them. Since this work is their *job*, they want to spend as little $ as possible on equipment (they can keep more $ in their pocket).

But Step 1 is to set a budget and see what fits.

To answer your question directly: for affordable "really good camera" equipment used by many consumers & professionals, check bhphotovideo.com and adorama.com

Write the concept, the outline, the script, story-board it all & run the project - because that is what lots of films are - a big "project managed" activity... Have fun!

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

what camcorder should I buy for a trip?

Q. I'm going to Greece in oct. I need either a camera or camcorder that is easy & light. I've never owned anything but, a 35 mm . I want one that is easy to send pictures to family, will take still photos, low light, maybe, under 1,000 under 500 better.

A. To meet your requirements, we highly recommend a single chip CCD camcorder from Sony with miniDV, a long optical zoom, optical stabilization, and that is lightweight and compact.

Most consumer HD camcorders will fit your needs such as the compact Sony HDR-HC9 6MP MiniDV High Definition Handycam Camcorder + Deluxe Accessory Kit http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015CTI9G?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0015CTI9G , but it might have problems in low light. If you want to get very good quality, we recommend a professional camcorder such as the Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBDWNS?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000IBDWN - again, it might have some problems in low light - depending upon the conditions. You can look around and find it for $1,000.

A single ship CCD is recommended over CMOS in low light. CMOS can sometimes have difficulty in low light because it was designed for use in studios. CCD has excellent low light ability and single chip systems from Sony usually include an infrared IR beam emitter for use in low light or no light - as seen on ghost hunting and sport animal hunting shows.
- To make all this happen, CCD will need more electronic and power, so the CCD camera will definitely be heavier than a CMOS version (but not more than 2-4 lbs). You will want to consider high capacity batteries - explained farther below

There are many grand vistas and large buildings in Greece, so you will definitely need a long optical zoom with optical stabilization. Canon seems to be the leader in this department, but Sony is not far behind. Depending upon your camcorder, you may also want to consider an additional wide angle lens or telephoto lens to capture your subject in tight or extreme long distance situations - explained later

*** The most important consideration will be a camera that is as lightweight and compact as possible to allow you to operate with one hand without causing arm fatigue. You want a camera that will not be a hinderance and prevent you from taking it everywhere. The added advantage to a camcorder of these specs is that it is it very easy to store in your luggage, carry everywhere you go, and fit in a bag when entering places you are not allowed to film or photograph or do not want to record.

We recommend miniDV over DVD, hard drive, or flash memory.
- MiniDV is found everywhere and all over the world at economical prices. We use Panasonic AYDVM63PQ 63/42 Minute Professional Quality Mini-DV Digital Tape, 10 Pack http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANCZ50?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000ANCZ50 - twice the quality and half the price of consumer brands you find at Wal-Mart. Also, miniDV can be used in both standard definition miniDV cameras as well as HDV. Tapes normally come in 60 minute lengths, but you can also find 30 and 80 minute tapes.
- Flash Memory camcorders come in two versions: internal and external. Internal operate exactly like hard drive camcorders except they have no moving parts and are extremely lightweight and compact. External models are usually the lightest of all; however, You will need to purchase SDHC memory cards similar to Delkin 16 GB Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Class 6 Memory Card http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001400C9O?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001400C9O . Smaller and more economical version of these memory cards are available, but you will need to carry a lot of cards - at least 80-100gb worth of cards which are easy to carry and jut as easy to lose.
- Hard Drives don't require anything, so you never have to carry or search for a tape, DVD, or memory card. That is until you fill up the hard drive, and then you must find a DVD burner or computer. If you purchase a hard drive camcorder, you might have to pack your laptop too - more weight, more hassle, and more time spent babysitting the camcorder instead of enjoying your trip. If you use this, you probably want to get a model with at least 80-100gb
- MiniDVD comes in two versions now - the older standard definition and the newer high definition Blueray (Blu-Ray or BD) - which required a specific BR DVD player or connection of the camera to the TV to view. Both are usually the most expensive option of all, but you get what you pay for. The older SD version is currently the only media that allows you to take what you recorded out of the camcorder and view it on almost every DVD player instantly after recording. There is no editing when doing this, so everything comes over - bad takes and all. Be sure to use DVD-R or DVD-RW if you choose this option, and it may be hard to find or afford discs that record more than 30 minutes at a time


* Having said all that, there are a few things you should know. This may affect your decision.
- All current Bu-Ray miniDVD, hard drive, and flash memory save the video to a format called AVCHD and sometimes H.264 or MP4. AVCHD, MP4, and H.264 can record in different compression rates, but you can't always adjust this in your camcorder. You might end up with a highly compressed video that is not as great as the image in your memories.
- Standard Definition miniDVD uses the same compression as regular DVD. You will be recording memories in an older format, but it is guaranteed to work (at a high cost per miniDVD)
- MiniDV uses similar compression to normal DVD, but you must use a deck or the camcorder to play its video to your TV. You may feel tied down, but you can always store and re-use MiniDV a well as use it in the newer HDV camcorders.

If you truly want to go with hard drive or DVD, we highly recommend these models:
- Hitachi DZ-BD7HAF BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive and 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00159JV46?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00159JV46
- Hitachi DZ-BD7HA BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive & 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UWN0VE?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000UWN0VE
- 8GB HDD/DVD Hybrid Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom and 2.7" Wide LCD http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O8QJV2?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000O8QJV2
- DZHS500A DVD-HDD Hybrid Camcorder Kit, DZHS500AKI, Standard Camcorders http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A38V5C?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001A38V5C
- These are all hybrid camcorders that contain Both a miniDVD system AND a hard drive. The first two models would be our first choice and are High Definition models with Blueray DVD. The second two are the older standard miniDVD systems.
- The best practice for your situation would be to save to hard drive. Once the hard drive fills up, you can dump the video to DVD. After that, you can continue filming. If you are caught in a situation where your hard drive is filled and you need to continue filming, you can pop in DVD after DVD.

* All of current camcorders, regardless of media format, can be hooked to your computer via firewire for capturing video, editing, and publishing to DVD, Ipod, or the internet to share with others.


** Once you go through all this and choose a camcorder, you will also need to consider:
- a couple of large capacity batteries - for filming as long as possible before returning the hotel room
- a camcorder bag - if you do not want to transport your camcorder and accessories in your purse or luggage.
- an external mic system http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006HO3R?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006HO3R - if you plan to record yourself or a friend while talking from a great distance or on the move
- a telephoto lens or wide angle lens - you will need to know the model number of your camera, mm size of the lens, and if there is threading on your lens for screw on lenses or not. Most HD camcorders come threaded.
- a flexible tripod http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVSLRO?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EVSLRO - for holding you camera in different places without the need or a large tripod or a friend. many models are available. be sure it will hold the weight of your camera (weight is usually listed on the box and manual with the camera)
- a small cleaning kit with a brush and lens cloth - you can use the same one for digital cameras
- a video light http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CEVP6?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CEVP6
- a light bracket for a camcoder that does not have a hot shoe http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NL5X5S?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NL5X5S

Now that you are armed, shop around. We did not provide a lot of specific answers because there are a multitude of combinations that may work for your needs and tastes. For example, if you want the top of the line Hitachi hybrid camcorder, it is at the $1,000 end of your price range, and you will still have to spend money for the expensive DVDs and other accessories.

One last thing, camcorders don't take photos as well a digital cameras, and the opposite is true. Most digital cameras take excellent photos, but only take VGA video at 640x480 - lower than standard definition resolution. Sellers will often try to confuse you by saying they have a 16 megapixel (mp) camcor

Original Question

What are some good, yet cheap pro/high end consumer, camcorders that record to an SD card and not to MiniDV?

Q. I am looking to make the next investment from my Sony handy-cam that is in standard Def. I want to start making independent movies and I know most of these cameras are a thousand dollars at least so if you know any under 1000 I would like to know please!! I am looking for a good picture and if no in HD at least a camera compatible with lenses that have filters and the such.

A. You are going to have a hard time. its all about quality if you are planing on making movies. In your budget you will be limited to second hand, and certainly not HD, People may point you toward DSLR, anything good will be three times plus that price.

I cannot understand why people dont want to use Tapes, $ for $ they offer the highest quality than bad high compression codecs used in other formats. Flash drive, or HDD.

You have looked to the prices of new cameras you pay the money for a reason, quality, first and foremost, If I could get away with out spending $10,000 on a camera i certainly would, but for the quality I have to there is no such thing as a cheap "pro/high end consumer" you get what you pay for.

For your money you need to be looking at Ebay, or places like that, a few companies offer second-hand equipment, but you need to find out what it was used for and the conditions it was used in.

the word "professional" is banded about by makers, everything today seems to have that word used, from video converters, why to get people to buy them, but no "processional" would use them, funny Eh!!!!!

You need to take into consideration, what you are going to film, if there is any fast action then forget your flash, hard drive based cameras they will not do well, try filming a foot ball, or someone moving their arm fast, you will get artefacts, bits left from the previous virtual frame, as they do not take every frame unlike tape based cameras. DSLR's are even worse at it.

Do your home work and see what it available,

I wish you luck

RR

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers