Best mid level camcorder: price/functionality?

Q. I'm starting up a filming business, and for the moment I'm just renting a Canon XF100. I haven't started filming yet, but I have a job in a few weeks.

The money generated from my after school job and my filming business will go towards my new camera.

Just which one?

I like the price of the Canon XF100, but I'm not sure if it's the right camera.

I'm going to be filming Market updates for a real estate company monthly, so it needs to look amazing. I'll also be filming whatever else comes along, plus I scuba dive so I'd like it to film well underwater as well. I will probably do some slo mo as well so I'd like it to be capable of filming over/around 60fps

I want to spend between $2,000 to $3,000/$3,500

Any ideas would be great. Thanks

A. Step 1: Learn the difference between video and film.

The Canon XF100 is a decent digital video capture device. You did not tell us why you don't think the XF100 is "the right camera". You did not tell us why it ended up on your short list - other than price. Most would be investigating video quality...

Any camcorder can capture useful video when the camcorder is used properly. We don't know if your budget includes a good tripod and other steadying devices (for real estate, use of a tripod is minimum - use of a counterbalanced, articulated, arm on a vest (like a Steadicam system - see Tiffen) would be beneficial for "walkthroughs" and maybe a camera crane or drone with video capture capabilities for outside shots; The EXF format captured by the XF100 needs a very robust computer and compatible video editor; mics, lighting, cases, cables, power supplies... and since it is not waterproof, an underwater housing that can handle the depths you plan will be needed (not inexpensive) and if you go deeper than about 40 feet, you'll want underwater lighting, too.

In any case, never capture handheld (for the land-shots - especially important for the real estate segments), add light... In your price range, take a look at the Sony NEX-VG series. They are camcorders that use large imaging chips and have an interchangeable lens system - like a dSLR, but being designed for video capture, do not have the know problems (overheating, file segmentation, audio issues) associated with dSLRs.

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Camcorder?

Q. I am looking to buy a camcorder as my sister is graduating from HS, my friend from college, and me from college in spring 07. I am researching what the best camcorder is in terms of color. I think I either want to go the MINI DVD route or the hard drive route. I heard with the MINI DVD you only get 20 minutes recording time- not long enough in my opinion. How much time is it with the plug into your computer hard drive burner type? And what brand would you recommend that I get? Are they very expensive or in a good price range?
Thanks for the response. I am getting multiple responses to go Sony so I shall look that route. I am wondering what exactly is a MinDV and can I transer such a format to my computer to burn on DVD. I want to be able to share the filming with family members via the mail.

A. I would not recomend the DVD camcorders. You should look at Cannon or Sony Mini DV cameras. They record in the digital video format, which is the correct format to import into a computer video software for editing, and can hold 60 Mins. on one tape. The prices on both brands range from about $400 for the basic model to about $3,000 for the Professional grade. So you should be able to find a decent camera that fits your needs.

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best camcorder for my price range?

Q. I want to buy a camcorder that is capable of attaching a fish-eye lens. I am willing to spend up to $800. So if your a camcorder expert help me on finding a camcorder with the best quality picture for my price range. Thank you.

A. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRNpnYZFGWo


http://reviews.cnet.com/best-hd-camcorders/

canon vixia.

HD = http://www.amazon.com/High-Definition-Camcorders-Camera-Photo/b?ie=UTF8&node=110770011#/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A172421%2Cn%3A110770011&page=2&sort=-price&ie=UTF8&qid=1307441339

They have a 3ccd camcorder for 800 by panasonic.

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What are some good camcorders for YouTube video making?

Q. I'm looking for a high quality hd camcorder with a low price. And I also want one that I can hook up a external mic on.

A. HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

DSLR Cameras, all Makes, all Models, all have the same problem when video taping some long videos, all overheat at the 13 to 18 minute mark, depending on the Make and Model. This is unavoidable, it all has to with the fact, video is an afterthought in DSLR camera production.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

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

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How good is the video quality on modern HD camcorders?

Q. I am hoping to get a general idea on how good a HD camcorder (price within 800$) would look on a 52" 1080p TV? Would it look flawless to the normal eye? How does it compare to blu-ray movies out today? Is it like watching DVD quality? Any information will be helpful. (I am thinking of getting the HF R10 Canon camcorder it will record in 1080p)
Thanks

A. flawless is not likely. all consumer HD camcorders have difficulty with action and moving camera shots. this is due to high compression. most any camera will take a great picture of a still subject in bright daylight.

the HR R10 records on flashcards, so its maximum datarate is substantially less than Blu-ray. at the highest setting, it is only 17 mbps. Blu-ray is 24-30 mbps, which can be reached by HDD class cameras. it is better than DVD but then DVD does not pretend to be an HD format.

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What are some good quality, decent priced video camera/camcorder?

Q. Name of camcorder, Price, and where I can get one?

The best, but most cheap ones?

A. Just use your sisters.

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What is the best standard def camcorder for under $500?

Q. Right now, I don't have any standard definition screens. Therefore, I don't need an hd camcorder right now. What is the best standard def camcorder for my price level? I have a fast laptop for video editing. My main concern is video quality and reliability. What would you recommend? I will use it for everything (recording indoors and outdoors, both day and night).
Are you positive that those are the best standard def cameras in my price range?

A. Canon ZR900, ZR930.

No consumer camcorder (less than $2,000) does well in low light.

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What is the best camcorder in the $500 price range?

Q. I just bought a Panasonic SDR-H60 camcorder and the image is really bad. It's pixelated and soft when I play it on my widescreen tv. In fact it's worse than the VHS camcorders which offer a wet/crisp looking image.

Is there a camcorder in the $500 price range that looks clean and crisp on a flat screen and isn't all soft and pixelated?

A. I suggest Canon VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder.It captures videos at 1920x1080 for true 1080i display.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00114162K?ie=UTF8&tag=ad107-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00114162K

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Is there any way to tell when existing Camcorder prices will go down?

Q. Panasonic releases a lot of their 2011 line of camcorders in March, will this make the price of their existing models go down? Is there any way to tell when existing Camcorder prices will go down (for any models).

A. right. top of line cameras always sell at a premium price. once a better model is available, that premium drops to a more commonplace price. however retailers do not drop prices until they have the new wonder model in stock, to do otherwise would reduce sales volume. some announced products never make it to the store (vaporware) or produced in such small quantity as to not change retail pricing structure. not all retailers drop prices, they may have a distribution deal with the manufacture to return older models from inventory. so bargain models are never on the shelf for you to buy. they become "factory refurbished" items for eventual sale as obsolete models.

Original Question

How good is the video quality on modern HD camcorders?

Q. I am hoping to get a general idea on how good a HD camcorder (price within 800$) would look on a 52" 1080p TV? Would it look flawless to the normal eye? How does it compare to blu-ray movies out today? Is it like watching DVD quality? Any information will be helpful. (I am thinking of getting the HF R10 Canon camcorder it will record in 1080p)
Thanks

A. flawless is not likely. all consumer HD camcorders have difficulty with action and moving camera shots. this is due to high compression. most any camera will take a great picture of a still subject in bright daylight.

the HR R10 records on flashcards, so its maximum datarate is substantially less than Blu-ray. at the highest setting, it is only 17 mbps. Blu-ray is 24-30 mbps, which can be reached by HDD class cameras. it is better than DVD but then DVD does not pretend to be an HD format.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Is there any way to tell when existing Camcorder prices will go down?

Q. Panasonic releases a lot of their 2011 line of camcorders in March, will this make the price of their existing models go down? Is there any way to tell when existing Camcorder prices will go down (for any models).

A. right. top of line cameras always sell at a premium price. once a better model is available, that premium drops to a more commonplace price. however retailers do not drop prices until they have the new wonder model in stock, to do otherwise would reduce sales volume. some announced products never make it to the store (vaporware) or produced in such small quantity as to not change retail pricing structure. not all retailers drop prices, they may have a distribution deal with the manufacture to return older models from inventory. so bargain models are never on the shelf for you to buy. they become "factory refurbished" items for eventual sale as obsolete models.

Original Question

How good is the video quality on modern HD camcorders?

Q. I am hoping to get a general idea on how good a HD camcorder (price within 800$) would look on a 52" 1080p TV? Would it look flawless to the normal eye? How does it compare to blu-ray movies out today? Is it like watching DVD quality? Any information will be helpful. (I am thinking of getting the HF R10 Canon camcorder it will record in 1080p)
Thanks

A. flawless is not likely. all consumer HD camcorders have difficulty with action and moving camera shots. this is due to high compression. most any camera will take a great picture of a still subject in bright daylight.

the HR R10 records on flashcards, so its maximum datarate is substantially less than Blu-ray. at the highest setting, it is only 17 mbps. Blu-ray is 24-30 mbps, which can be reached by HDD class cameras. it is better than DVD but then DVD does not pretend to be an HD format.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Is there any way to tell when existing Camcorder prices will go down?

Q. Panasonic releases a lot of their 2011 line of camcorders in March, will this make the price of their existing models go down? Is there any way to tell when existing Camcorder prices will go down (for any models).

A. right. top of line cameras always sell at a premium price. once a better model is available, that premium drops to a more commonplace price. however retailers do not drop prices until they have the new wonder model in stock, to do otherwise would reduce sales volume. some announced products never make it to the store (vaporware) or produced in such small quantity as to not change retail pricing structure. not all retailers drop prices, they may have a distribution deal with the manufacture to return older models from inventory. so bargain models are never on the shelf for you to buy. they become "factory refurbished" items for eventual sale as obsolete models.

Original Question

How good is the video quality on modern HD camcorders?

Q. I am hoping to get a general idea on how good a HD camcorder (price within 800$) would look on a 52" 1080p TV? Would it look flawless to the normal eye? How does it compare to blu-ray movies out today? Is it like watching DVD quality? Any information will be helpful. (I am thinking of getting the HF R10 Canon camcorder it will record in 1080p)
Thanks

A. flawless is not likely. all consumer HD camcorders have difficulty with action and moving camera shots. this is due to high compression. most any camera will take a great picture of a still subject in bright daylight.

the HR R10 records on flashcards, so its maximum datarate is substantially less than Blu-ray. at the highest setting, it is only 17 mbps. Blu-ray is 24-30 mbps, which can be reached by HDD class cameras. it is better than DVD but then DVD does not pretend to be an HD format.

Original Question

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