Q. I want to make Youtube videos, but I don't have a lot of money for a camera. I'd like to keep it sub-$200. If at all possible, I want it to be able to shoot 60fps and at least 720p.
A. Getting a HD camcorder is taking a step backward in Video Quality. 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. MiniDV tape camcorders give every frame of every shot and usually cost less.
http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm
http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm
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://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview
http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm
http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm
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 $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview
Looking for a good HD Camcorder?
Q. Im looking to buy a good HD camcorder. I bought a 400$ one and was ripped off. The camcorder that I want has to: 1. Shoot in HD (1080p is preferred) ; 2. Shoot well at night (or low light) ; 3. Have a mic input ; 4. Have the option to do a Manual focus or Auto focus. Help please.
A. Ok first off what HD Camcorder did you buy? Second how much do you want or are willing to spend? For everything you mentioned there are very few cameras that come with ALL the features you want. First off I would not recommend ANY pocket camcorder for a few reasons:
1) EXTREMELY small image sensor so your video will not look as crisp do to the lack of image data
2) All of the pocket camcorders do not have ANY manual controls
3) Have no low-lux, IE Low Light, shooting capabilities
Now that we have that out of the way lets break down your features and good cameras that offer them
Price Video Resolution Focusing Low-Lux Mic Input
1) JVC GZ-HM320 $449.99 1080p@60fps Auto Only Yes No
2) Canon HF-M31/32 $799.99 1080i@60/24fps Auto Only No Yes
3) Canon HF-S20/21 $1099.99 1080i@60/24fps Auto/Manual No Yes
4) Sony HDR-CX350V $899.99 1080i@60fps Auto Only Yes No
5) Sony HDR-CX550V $1199.99 1080i@60fps Auto/Manual Yes No
6) Sony NEX-VG10 $1999.99 1080i@60fps Auto/Manual Yes Yes
Note: These are all consumer grade products so if you want something more profesional there are more things to look at
Each of these camcorders offer features that you are looking for but not quiet everything all in one. The closest to have everything would be the Canon HF-S20/21, Sony HDR-CX550V, or the Sony NEX-VG10. The NEX-VG10 is the newest and has the largest image sensor of all the camcorders mention so will provide just about the best Image quality. I do really Like the Canon thought the shots on it are amazing it just doesn't have low-lux capabilities like the Sony & JVC camcorders. If you can deal without the Mic input and record your Audio separately the JVC is an excellent choice thought the low-lux image sensor on it is not as good as the Sony but it will save you close to $300 dollars which you could spend on video editing software like Final Cut or Adobe Premer. Video editing software is an important part of the filming process because you can touch a lot of things up in post-production that you may not get right on the camera regardless of which one you use.
I hope this helps if you have any other questions feel free to contact me via email. My email link is on my profile.
1) EXTREMELY small image sensor so your video will not look as crisp do to the lack of image data
2) All of the pocket camcorders do not have ANY manual controls
3) Have no low-lux, IE Low Light, shooting capabilities
Now that we have that out of the way lets break down your features and good cameras that offer them
Price Video Resolution Focusing Low-Lux Mic Input
1) JVC GZ-HM320 $449.99 1080p@60fps Auto Only Yes No
2) Canon HF-M31/32 $799.99 1080i@60/24fps Auto Only No Yes
3) Canon HF-S20/21 $1099.99 1080i@60/24fps Auto/Manual No Yes
4) Sony HDR-CX350V $899.99 1080i@60fps Auto Only Yes No
5) Sony HDR-CX550V $1199.99 1080i@60fps Auto/Manual Yes No
6) Sony NEX-VG10 $1999.99 1080i@60fps Auto/Manual Yes Yes
Note: These are all consumer grade products so if you want something more profesional there are more things to look at
Each of these camcorders offer features that you are looking for but not quiet everything all in one. The closest to have everything would be the Canon HF-S20/21, Sony HDR-CX550V, or the Sony NEX-VG10. The NEX-VG10 is the newest and has the largest image sensor of all the camcorders mention so will provide just about the best Image quality. I do really Like the Canon thought the shots on it are amazing it just doesn't have low-lux capabilities like the Sony & JVC camcorders. If you can deal without the Mic input and record your Audio separately the JVC is an excellent choice thought the low-lux image sensor on it is not as good as the Sony but it will save you close to $300 dollars which you could spend on video editing software like Final Cut or Adobe Premer. Video editing software is an important part of the filming process because you can touch a lot of things up in post-production that you may not get right on the camera regardless of which one you use.
I hope this helps if you have any other questions feel free to contact me via email. My email link is on my profile.
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