http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Forum: Camcorders - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:38:56 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/renting-a-camera#post-52475 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:23:12 +0000 saint_me 52475@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi there, I've been charged with finding and renting a 2nd video camera for a coming production that I am involved in helping out on - our main camera is a JVC GY HD111e and we're looking for a second camera that will be cheap but will be able to be shoulder-mounted &amp; record in HD to miniDV's. I have sent away a few emails to some companies I found in the Yellow Pages and am awaiting a list back from these companies with the available cameras but I'm really just asking for some real-world advice here.</p> <p>I'm based in the UK and have never rented any video equipment, I would just love some advice or for anyone to share their experiences of renting a camera as I would like to know a little and not be completely ripped off! Have you ever rented and how much did it cost? Did you find any way to squeeze more value out of the rental? Any hints, tips and information would be greatly appreciated. =)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-advice-on-a-couple-different-camcorders#post-52470 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:06:36 +0000 Derek_Sine 52470@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>DVX100's.  </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-advice-on-a-couple-different-camcorders#post-52468 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:36:36 +0000 geraldprost 52468@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have used a VX2000 for many years. It is a great camera. I have two new FX1000 cameras and yes they are better, but if your final product is DVD it is hard to beat the VX2000. Some things I love about the VX2000, excellent auto focus even on moving subjects and low light. Line in/ Mic in switch. Excellent auto control of audio levels. Great battery life. Great iris/gain control operation. Easy to find buttons (in the dark). I did seriously think of buying up a couple more new ones before they disappeared, but I decided to go with the FX1000 to kind of "future proof" my business. Gerry in Calgary.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-advice-on-a-couple-different-camcorders#post-52459 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:59:36 +0000 hmueller 52459@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Borak<br />You don't mention what you want to use the camera for. An entry-level prosumer camcorder (Canon XHA1 as an example) will cost you closer to $3000. </p> <p>I also own a Canon HV40. It is a very good camcorder and will hapily shoot both high definition and standard definition. I can recommend it. It will allow you to gain experience while shooting great video.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-advice-on-a-couple-different-camcorders#post-52445 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:56:14 +0000 Borak 52445@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am looking to purchase a new camcorder that is semi prosumer level. Right now im seriously considering the Sony VX2000 or VX2100. However i feel like these cameras are outdated but i'm probably completely wrong. I was also looking at the Canon HV30 and HV40 but being that these are HD cameras that might cause problems when it comes to the editing. So pretty much it's down to whether or not HD or 3CCD is what i should be looking at. Any advice will help, Thank you so much!</p> <p>ps. my budget is around $1000 give or take</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-choice-for-camcorderremote-combo-to-allow-slow-playback-and-freeze-frame#post-52344 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:54:10 +0000 ophelia 52344@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Bob, you might want to first look at software for sports motion analysis: <a href="http://www.sports-motion.com/">http://www.sports-motion.com/</a> .  This is just one version (there are several, and if you're not careful, you can end up spending a bundle).  Sports Motion has a set up that includes playback thru a laptop (on site) - much better than trying to view thru any camcorder's tiny flip out LCD.  You can find advice on their site for picking the correct camcorder.  Good luck!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recording-setup-for-phonics-course#post-52340 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:09 +0000 bugmenot 52340@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I would like to use a DV cam (NV-DS50EN) to record some videos for a phonics course. There will be both close-up videos (close distance) and class videos (long distance). Could you suggest a suitable mircophone?</p> <p>How about the one recommended in this video? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeQgc6zEYMo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeQgc6zEYMo</a></p> <p>I've tried several cheap phones but they don't seem to work at all, I guess the DV cam only takes an electret one?</p> <p>Thanks very much in advance.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-choice-for-camcorderremote-combo-to-allow-slow-playback-and-freeze-frame#post-52281 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:04:53 +0000 Johnboy 52281@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> If you want slow motion to analyze swings and pitch motion, you need a camera that records at a high frames per second rate commonly referred to as high speed cameras.  otherwise, what you could do is hook up the camera to a laptop and record directly to the laptop and use NLE software to playback at adjusted rates.  Just be sure that you are recording in good light with the fastest shutter speed you can get without degrading the quality of the shot.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-52279 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:35:17 +0000 Jerle Shannara 52279@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Okay...I'm looking for a good camcorder to buy. Based on price, quality, size and company, which camcorder models could you experts suggest for me?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-choice-for-camcorderremote-combo-to-allow-slow-playback-and-freeze-frame#post-52278 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:47:07 +0000 Bob Lakey 52278@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am a baseball coach and would like to set u a video analysis station for pitchers and hitters. Looking for a camera and preferrably a wire less remote that would allow us to record and then playback on a monitor slowlyand smoothly and freeze as needed to help teach technique of these sports activities.I currently have a Sony DCR-DVD92 NTSC which so far I have not found a remote that would allow those features.</p> <p>We are willing to strart from scratch and purchase what will work best for us however we are trying to accomplish this without breaking the bank...Anyone with knowledge or experience with equipmentthat would meet our needs? Really appreciate some help!!</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-type-of-camcorder-for-me-appreciate-suggestions#post-52228 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:37:01 +0000 Silenkiller 52228@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello - there certainly a lot of camcorders out there right now, wondering what some of you more experienced users would suggest.</p> <p> </p> <p>Budget: Approx. 3000-4000 USD. I'd be willing to go used if possible to save some cash.</p> <p>Looking for the HD option. I consider it to be a future-proof nessisity. </p> <p> </p> <p>Will be used for shooting music videos, workout program DVD's, and web based video of product/restaurant reviews. </p> <p> </p> <p>Suggestions? I have no time constraints to learning curve is not a big deal. Would be helpful if it supported filters/different lenses. </p> <p> </p> <p>PS - Also will be used for the occasional cover of band performances, so audio/low lighting capabilities would be a plus. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-type-of-camcorder-do-i-need#post-52067 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:55:05 +0000 Evan 52067@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Since you are just getting started, I might suggest a hard drive or flash memory camera. Hard drives hold more, but they can't be removed when full, you must delete the content. Flash cameras can change out, but you need to buy multiple cards. That's the major difference. In the professional field, I almost always use a tape camera, but again, for your use, I recommend a tapeless one for ease of use.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-gl1-problems#post-52048 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:35:35 +0000 patriotsfanatic 52048@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I was shooting my bros football game and these blue bars would intermittently come down the screen. The would come and go i switched tapes but it still continued to happen. What are they and what do i do to get rid of them?<br />example:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.me.com/cltraylor/Site/Movie.html">http://web.me.com/cltraylor/Site/Movie.html</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-type-of-camcorder-do-i-need#post-52040 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:11:47 +0000 cfulton 52040@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ahem. This is why we say no crossposting--I put a reply in the other thread instead. I'm deleting your other thread and pasting my response below:</p> <p>Now that some of the AVCHD dust has settled, I would be most apt to recommend camcorders that record to flash memory, whether an SDHC card or internal flash memory. Memory is the most physically durable format, is quicker and less bulky than DVD, doesn't have a noisy tape mechanism onboard, etc. High-def will probably be easier to find, but most high-def camcorders can also record in standard-def (but not all do; if that's an important feature, download the user manual for the unit you're most interested in and find out before you grab your wallet.)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-type-of-camcorder-do-i-need#post-52000 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:22:09 +0000 XTR-91 52000@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>What is your budget, and what type of capabilities are you looking for? It sounds like you're a beginner looking to shoot simple video for family.</p> <p><em>"i am confused about all of the options, do i want dvd, mimi dv, hard drive, high def, flash memory"</em></p> <p>These are the different recording mediums for different convenience purposes. For the most part, it's a personal preference. Here's a short summary of each. MiniDV is the original digital recording (tape) that offers the least convenience, but is considered the "wisest" way to go by professionals, since it records in the DV-AVI format. It's also been the first consumer digital recording format. DVD camcorders record to miniature-sized DVD discs that store video in the original MPEG-2 (DVD codec) format. Personally, I wouldn't go with DVD, as it offers short recording times in the highest quality and is often slow to operate, due to the nature of optical drives. Also, your player/editing software must support the proprietary MPEG-2 format. With hard disk camcorders, you have a slightly broader recording capability and usually more time at the highest quality. It operates faster than DVD, and usually offers more stability and convenience. It also requires the support of the MPEG-2 format for playing or importing. Check your editor's help index for "MPEG-2" support. And last but not least, the flash memory camcorder records to an internal memory and/or removable flash memory (SDHC) card. It also requires support of the MPEG-2 (DVD) codec for importing video.</p> <p>Another format is AVCHD, which has dominated and served as the recording format for HD camcorders on hardrive and solid state (flash) memory. It uses more effecient compression, usually allowing longer recording times. Like MPEG-2, it has not been supported by the majority of players, editors, and pro NLEs (Non-linear editors) available. Nearly 85% of video software available supports it now, so it probably won't be much of a worry. Just to note, Windows Movie Maker does not support these formats without special software for converting video.</p> <p>Have you looked at cheap MiniDV camcorders (e.g. eBay) for around $250-$600, or JVC's Everio line of HDD and Flash camcorders - <a href="http://camcorder.jvc.com/index.jsp">http://camcorder.jvc.com/index.jsp</a></p> <p>Free video software - <a href="http://www.avsmedia.com/">http://www.avsmedia.com/</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-type-of-camcorder-do-i-need#post-51995 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:51:37 +0000 thellamaasskicker 51995@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok what type of camcorder do i need to make my own home videos for<br /> skitts and stuff to edit on my computer? i am confused about all of the<br /> options, do i want dvd, mimi dv, hard drive, high def, flash<br /> memory???   i want somthing conveinient to post onto the web, like<br /> youtube or funny or die.... would i want a hard drive camcorder? <br /> seriously i am confused...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-new-camcorder-intermediate-use-with-fce#post-51614 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:42:42 +0000 XTR-91 51614@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Unfortunately, you are demanding quite a bit out of a good camcorder for you budget, and it comes hard as a research for one that suits your needs. I thought of including your specs listed above and performing a Google search, but frankly, I just don't know how to say it.</p> <p>The best I could find was the Canon HV20 (MiniDV cam). I'm not entirely sure if it has Firewire input - one of the most highly overlooked features (from both review articles and camera manufacturers). It doesn't have A/V input either. And for all of this, I'd certainly recommend purchasing a second camcorder (such as a cheap JVC Everio - most of them have A/V Input). If you can bare the fact of a used camcorder, I would certainly go for it. There are currently several HV30s selling on eBay in the $400 - $600 price range. An Everio is defintely a lot cheaper. You may also need to do a little research to make sure it has A/V input.</p> <p><a href="http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Camcorders-/11724/i.html?_nkw=Canon+HV20&amp;_catref=1&amp;_fln=1&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m282">http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Camcorders-/11724/i.html?_nkw=Canon+HV20&amp;_catref=1&amp;_fln=1&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m282</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-51481 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:54:44 +0000 XTR-91 51481@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Considering the lack of Firewire, you'll want to use S-Video (if available) instead of A/V. Not quite sure if it works the same way when sending to a computer, but the amount of signal noise picks up heavily with A/V camcorder connection on most TVs. I'm not quite sure if the algorithm is different for other A/V devices (such as DVD players). The resulting quality seems perfectly clear on TV (not the same loss I see with camcorders).</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-for-a-band-photography#post-51461 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:33:29 +0000 XTR-91 51461@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>What is your budget? If you're looking into the prosumer realm, the Canon GL2 (and possibly the Canon XL1 and XL2 models) would probably be the way to go. Unfortunately, you won't encounter XLR inputs until you get to the $2,000+ range, considering that you buy a camera new. eBay may not offer the best, but it's definitely a place worth checking out for pro/prosumer models.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-for-a-band-photography#post-51454 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:40:16 +0000 nk_nk 51454@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thank you for your answer.</p> <p>I looked in to the GL2, and a lot of reviewers says that it suffers from a bad cassete mechanism, so 2nd hand is not an option.</p> <p>Can you please tell me what are the main differences between a 2000$ HD pro (entry level) camcorder to a 1000$ HD camcorder (like Sony HDR-HC9)?</p> <p>If I consider to buy a new one, do you have any experience with the Sony HDR-FX7</p> <p>Thanks.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/speed-hd-9-vs-hd-8tz#post-51430 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:05:47 +0000 wwinter86 51430@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I was wondering how the new HD-9 compares to the HD-8tz as the specs look pretty much the same.</p> <p>HD-9:<br /><a href="http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?id=133" rel="nofollow">http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?id=133</a></p> <p>HD-8tz:<br /><a href="http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?cid=5&amp;id=149" rel="nofollow">http://www.speed-jp.net/1/en/product-detail.php?cid=5&amp;id=149</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-51427 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:28:47 +0000 SargeHero 51427@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You can use an audio/video adapter (such as EasyCap). With this devices you can connect almost any camcorder via the RCA cables to the USB of the computer. Then you can record anything you want directly to your computer hardrive. Is extremely easy to use. In Windows you need to download a few drivers to make it work and on Mac you need an specific model of the device to make it work correctly. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-51424 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:46:15 +0000 zoannon 51424@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks Ken</p> <p>I went to our local Sony shop and they said that all their cameras now are only USB. Apparently Firewire is becomming oboslete.  I might look further into this as I was talking to some young bloke who didn't seem to up with it.</p> <p>Thanks for your help, it will help greatly as I search for a suitable camera.</p> <p> </p> <p>Cheers Mate</p> <p> </p> <p>Glenn</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-51409 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:14:30 +0000 Ken 51409@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Glenn,</p> <p>The company I work for has been recording high school football games to miniDV tape or to internal hard drive, depending on the camcorder. If an internet connection is available at the location, we connect the camcorder to a laptop computer by firewire, then use proprietary software to send that video signal (along with audio from the play-by-play announcer) over the internet to our webmaster who puts that game on the internet live. If the camcorder doesn't have a firewire connection, but does have an AV out, we can connect the AV out to a firewire converter (such as Canopus), and then to the computer.</p> <p>So you need to find a camcorder that has a firewire or AV output connector. And make sure it can record and output at the same time. (All camcorders I've tried can do that.)</p> <p>The only problem we've encountered is that some camcorders stop outputing a signal a few seconds after you stop recording to tape (or hard drive). Also, if the camcorder has a demo mode, be sure to turn that off, or you camcorder will start "advertising" itself after several seconds of inactivity!</p> <p>Ken</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/deciding-on-a-camera#post-51396 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:07:49 +0000 zoannon 51396@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p> </p> <p>I want to get a camera that I can record and use to stream at the same time.  Is this possible.  Example of application would be to set up to record a meeting, at the same time stream the vision up to ustream or similar.</p> <p>What type of cameras allow me to do this: I have looked around local shops but they seem to tell me it is not possible.</p> <p>Any help would be appreciated.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks</p> <p> </p> <p>Glenn</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-new-camcorder-intermediate-use-with-fce#post-51305 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:32:48 +0000 bythecshore 51305@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am looking for a new camcorder and would appreciate people's short recommended lists, according to these requirements:</p> <p>1. Video must be editable in FCE (Final Cut Express)<br /> 2. Video must be editable on my iMac 2.46 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo<br /> 3. Cost less than $750<br /> 4. Jacks; Ext. mike input, Firewire input, headphone jack<br /> 5. AV input so I can input from old 8mm camcorders</p> <p>I loved my now-broken Canon Optura 20 and would like something in that<br /> range, but capable of 16:9 output to fit today's screens. However, it<br /> doesn't have to shoot super HD or anything; most of my videos are<br /> posted to MobileMe these days. The Canon's quality was fine for what I<br /> need to shoot, which is mainly family videos. I like DV tapes for<br /> storage but would consider SD cards or other removable media.</p> <p>Thanks in advance for your ideas, lists!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-video-camera-with-good-quality-in-low-light#post-51246 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:41:12 +0000 Eventvideoguy 51246@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You won't find one for under $1000.</p> <p>My suggestion would be to use a camera light.</p> <p>I use a Sony VX2100 which I think is rated at 2 lux and that is a $2000 camera.</p> <p>I've looked for a lower priced low light camera but the trap that you'll fall into when looking at the specs on the consumer grade camcorders is that they will be rated at a certain lux... but only at their most extreme settings. Usually the setting that can never be used. Like when the shutter is left open and everything blurs. Sure it is bright, but completely unusable.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-video-camera-with-good-quality-in-low-light#post-51244 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:16:38 +0000 toxxxic 51244@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I shoot alot of bands in low-light club/bar lighting. Looking for sugestions for good low-light video cam under $1000.00 usd .</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/torn-between-pd170-and-dvx100b#post-51239 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:36:55 +0000 ophelia 51239@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have been looking into both of these cameras too, with a lean towards the DVX 100B.  I've also looked at the GL2 (great optical zoom).  I am in need of a camera to shoot sports (documenting workouts / training).  I don't use a tripod since I often need to be "within" the action.  Any suggestions?  I'd prefer SD for now.  Anyone have a comment on the Panansonic GS500?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/searching-cheap-pro-camera#post-51228 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:48:51 +0000 composite1 51228@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ophelia,</p> <p>To see the 'Shootout' video on VM, go to; Forums - General Questions - Advanced Info page 4. There you can read the discussions or you can go straight to; zacuto.com and watch the video there. Enjoy.</p>