http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Forum: Production Gear - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:37 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/300fps-professional-video-camera-exists#post-52425 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:45:09 +0000 Derek_Sine 52425@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Check out Twixtor. I've done some pretty wild stuff with this plug in. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.revisionfx.com/products/twixtor/" rel="nofollow">http://www.revisionfx.com/products/twixtor/</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/manfrotto-701hdv-fluid-head-replacement-pan-handle#post-52421 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:12:45 +0000 FILMSinc 52421@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&lt;span style="white-space: pre;"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;Hey, Quick question; i just was interested in buying a Manfrotto 701HDV fluid head and was going to buy an extra handle so i could have some more stable shots, also having an extra pan bar is a wonderful convenience. When i started shopping i really didn't know which one to buy and i wanted to make sure that i wasent buying the wrong one.</p> <p> </p> <p>So if anyone could post a link to the right handle that would be greatly appreciated.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-52226 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:08:30 +0000 EarlC 52226@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You actually, for most work anyway, rarely need more than several feet of dolly track. Dolly moves, like most every other approach to videotaping should be of the "less is more" variety, and short dolly shots of momentary occurence are more effective as a rule than long, continuous, involved dolly shots - of course some entertainment folks might disagree.</p> <p>With that thought, a relatively compact and portable dolly rig that with fast and easy setup/breakdown could fit the bill for adding a bit of something special to your shoots and resulting content. But then, like Billy Idol once said: "...too much is not enough..."</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-52223 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:04:32 +0000 midsouthvisual 52223@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I assume everything will be shot on rough fields, gravel, grass, etc?  I think you'd have to go with a track based solution instead of tire based, or a glider style tripod mounted dolly (glidecam, indieslider, etc.)  The gliders only let you do a few feet of motion and no curved radial shots though, but fast setup and convenience.</p> <p>________________</p> <p>Paul Lyke<br /> dollytrax.com</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dollies#post-52221 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:57:48 +0000 midsouthvisual 52221@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I haven't done weddings in a while (too many bridezillas) but have shot on many carpeted surfaces with my dolly, so a good pneumatic tire dolly should be fine in most churches.  If it's an outdoor wedding, you'd probably want a stabilizer instead.  Seems like alot of churches I was shooting in wouldn't even allow me on the main floor and stuck me on the balcony!</p> <p>________________</p> <p>Paul Lyke<br />dollytrax.com</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/desktop-for-editing#post-52215 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:42:36 +0000 composite1 52215@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Rambler,</p> <p>Just to let you know my 'inner junior-highschool kid' hates your guts for having access to such gear and opportunities to learn this stuff at so young an age! Looking back though, I don't know how much good a desktop computer would have done me during the 'Ice Age'....</p> <p>Seriously though, check out this unit from TD's Systemax line. Price after shipping is on the low-end of what you want to pay, but you get a good processor and a good deal of RAM. The GPU in it is not shabby and you get an upgrade from Vista to Win7 for the price of shipping. Not bad for a starter rig and it's less than your quoted price of $650.</p> <p><a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4396007&amp;Sku=SYX-2008">http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4396007&amp;Sku=SYX-2008</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/desktop-for-editing#post-52188 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:29:29 +0000 Rambler 52188@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey, I'm looking at buying a desktop as my first real dive into video editing and motion graphics. My only big obstacle is money. I'm a Junior in high school and I have to be wise with my limited resources(I'm in high school, I have no money) I've focused on Desktops that are between $500 and $700 as I think that I can get the system requirements to run After Effects and other intensive software while not going overboard on a crazy $1500 system. I'm taking online classes at a college so I will be able to use adobe's student licensing option to get Adobe's production premium bundle for just $350, so that's not really too big an issue. Right now I'm looking at two different system as potential desktops. They are both listed below</p> <p><a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4545455&amp;CatId=6"><a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications" rel="nofollow">http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications</a> ... 55&amp;CatId=6</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4485017&amp;Sku=S445-10025"><a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications" rel="nofollow">http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications</a> ... S445-10025</a></p> <p>I was looking at the first one when the second one appeared on the site. The only downside to the second one I see if the lower RAM, which I could always add on later. For only $650 I feel like I would be getting a pretty good deal. Add on windows 7 at $30 with another student discount then I would have a fully equipped setup for just over $1000. Any though or input you guys have would be greatly appreciated. It's driving me insane having limited access to school computers and seeing some of the stuff that sows up in the forums. Thanks</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/connecting-camera-to-large-screens-for-live-events#post-52023 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:09:44 +0000 XTR-91 52023@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The analog composite (A/V) jack that they implemented into camcorders was designed for the display on Standard (320x240 resolution) TVs. The analog output on camcorders is probably equivalent to that. The design of a camcorder's (single-barrled and round) A/V jack is cheaply designed compared to the three-barreled composite output of DVD players - having a separate jack for left channel audio, right channel, and video that is more immune to loss and interference. The difference in quality on separate displays is most likely something to do with matching impedance or signal level. As I have said, the composite output of video camcorders is generally poor, until you start getting into the realm of pro camcorders. If your camcorder has Component, S-Video, or HDMI output, you'll have much better options than using the standard "Audio/Video" output.</p> <p> </p> <p>If it's a 100 foot cable, and you're outputting analog, I'd find a good BNC adapter that converts the output to a BNC cable and plugged into the port of the projector. If the projector doesn't have BNC, you should get a second adapter that converts the BNC cable back into something compatible (such as component or S-Vide). BNC handles long distances better than any other type of signal. If the output is digital (HDMI), there probably won't be much worry. For retaining maximum quality, BNC is still your best bet.</p> <p> </p> <p>And not to mention, just in case, BNC is the "Cable TV" type of signal and retains quality the best over long distances.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/connecting-camera-to-large-screens-for-live-events#post-52019 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:46:03 +0000 mckielvideos 52019@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I just finished recording a Dance Competition where they wanted to hook up my video camera (Sony HVR-Z5U) to the large projection screens set up by a professional company (TEL-AV).  They had a 16 channel switch-box and I tried two different outputs (composite and component).  The switch-box then went into their transmitter amplifier box (not sure of the right terms) because it had a long feed to the lcd projectors (100 ft).  My camera was set at 480i/1080i output.</p> <p>The resolution that came up on the large screens looked terrible (low resolution and white washed) while the same output on the monitor screens (HD-televisons placed around the conference centre) looked great.  Is there something i should have had between my video camera and the switchbox to make adjusting easier or better for projecting onto large venue screens?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-suggestion#post-52006 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:38:10 +0000 vanlam 52006@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I used to use this one:</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131444-REG/Libec_THM20_TH_M20_Aluminum_2_Stage_Tripod.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131444-REG/Libec_THM20_TH_M20_Aluminum_2_Stage_Tripod.html</a></p> <p>It's great for the price.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-looking-for-audio-and-lighting-kits-suggestions#post-51949 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:24:34 +0000 composite1 51949@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Luny,</p> <p>Starting out look for kits. Lowel as 'the Devil v2a' mentioned makes good kits for under a grand. I would hold off on the Tota's until you get used to working with lighting. Omni kits are good lights that don't have open faced halogen bulb holders like the Tota's do. Those suckers get freakin' hot and can be dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. </p> <p>Look for a good 3-4 light kit with some gels, gel holders, at least one umbrella and some basic scrims. The kit should come with a carrying case hard or soft. Hard gives more protection, but is a female dog trying to carry it with just a suitcase style handle.</p> <p>Audio wise, your audio kit should have at least 1 shotgun mic, 1 wireless lav kit (w/receiver, transmitter and lav mic.) Later on if you're still in the game, look at getting a portable 2-4 channel field mixer, a boom pole and extra mics. Don't forget XLR cables of varying lengths (i.e. 3ft, 6ft, 20ft, 30ft, 50ft.) When you're not working purely wireless, a long audio cable will save your backside.</p> <p>"Picking the brains of the local rental house" is a good idea. However, unless you're getting paid to do a gig don't rent stuff you can use the same money to buy it. Only rent stuff you couldn't possibly afford or is impractical to purchase. As a newbie your goal is to build up your kit. Wait until you have more experience using your basic gear and begin to recognize where your equipment shortfalls are. By that time, you hopefully will have paying clients whereby you can justify the cost of equipment rentals and they won't cut into your bottom line.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-looking-for-audio-and-lighting-kits-suggestions#post-51947 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:18:49 +0000 lucifer2a 51947@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> you really can't go wrong with a Lowel Tota light kit... They are relatively cheap and good... As for Audio, that is whole different discussion... Depends on what you need and how much you want to spend... Rode, Audio Technica and Sennheiser all make good, relatively low cost shotgun mics... I also have a Sennheiser EW100 G2 Wireless Lav system that is great... </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/focus-dte-1394-camera-on-but-video-only-record-for-few-min#post-51839 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:38:34 +0000 Eventvideoguy 51839@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have a Focus FS-100 DTE (Direct To Edit) and a Sony VX2100. And before anyone gives me the spiel about, it was designed for Panasonic Cameras, I already know that and have gotten the okay from Focus customer support about compatibility.</p> <p><strong>Now, My question</strong>:</p> <p>When my video camera is connected via Firewire to the DTE, and I hit record on the device, it records for about 9min 12sec before the video freezes (I noticed this upon playback of 10 different clips). What I don't get is, and what i assume it has something to do with is...</p> <p>If I leave the camera on, just sitting and not connected to anything, it will turn off after about 5 minutes.</p> <p>But when I am recording to the DTE, the camera stays on. It's just that after 9min and 12sec (in the downloaded video clips), the moving picture and sound just freeze. So there is 5, 10, 60 minutes (or how ever long I let the the record) of still frame footage.</p> <p>There are 2 different methods of recording.<br />1. The first is to just hit record on the DTE.<br />2. The second is to put a tape into the camcorder and hit record as normal on the camera and the video syncs up to the DTE recorder.</p> <p>You may ask, "Why not just use method 2 if I am having problems with method 1?"</p> <p>Answer: Because I don't want to wear out my video heads. If there is no way to make it work with method 1, I will be forced to used method 2 but I'd prefer not to.</p> <p>If anyone has any ideas, thanks in advance.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/firewire-sound-card-technical-question#post-51837 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:45:07 +0000 composite1 51837@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Norman,</p> <p>Did you check to see if your card(s) are Vegas compatible? I ask because this sounds like a compatibility issue. Also, check to see if they are compatible with the version of Windows you're using as well. I too have dealt with Sony Software ASIO issues in Vegas and Acid and solved them after much tweaking and research. Once they were resolved things worked quite well.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-heads-umiversial-or-not#post-51814 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:43:10 +0000 FILMSinc 51814@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok, cool</p> <p> </p> <p>Good news, and bad news...</p> <p>The bad news is that my tripod doesent have that--shoot</p> <p>2nd - I do have an old velbon vef-3 tripod that is extremely heavy and pinches you a lot</p> <p>But it realy gets the job done well.. and it does have that screw on it--goodie</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks sooooo much for the help- you saved my life here- i appreciate it</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-heads-umiversial-or-not#post-51813 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:29:35 +0000 Coreece 51813@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It should look like this in order to use the 701 HDV:</p> <p><a href="http://www.teamworkphoto.com/images/manfrotto/055ccsb.jpg">http://www.teamworkphoto.com/images/manfrotto/055ccsb.jpg</a></p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-heads-umiversial-or-not#post-51811 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:40:50 +0000 FILMSinc 51811@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>i see that coming out of the peak of my stages (sticks). there is a 1/2 inch mettle cylinder  with about an 1/8th inch  female screw at the climax of the cylinder. does that help? </p> <p>There is no markings on my tripod whatsoever, i think the stages may be cheaper than i had originally thought.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-heads-umiversial-or-not#post-51810 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:46:12 +0000 FILMSinc 51810@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>How do you know</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-heads-umiversial-or-not#post-51806 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:14:14 +0000 Coreece 51806@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>No...not all heads are universal.</p> <p>What is the make and model of your sticks?  It sounds you described a Libec....if that is the case, the 701HDV will not fit.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-heads-umiversial-or-not#post-51805 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:08:23 +0000 FILMSinc 51805@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Ok, so i got this new tripod, awesome, sturdy carbon fiber legs with rubber feet and spikes. I love it. except the head is crap. I spent a fortune on this tripod that "claimed" to be a fluid head, but from where i stand, its not, and will never be in a million years. </p> <p><em>Soooo</em></p> <p>I was wondering if i could buy a fluid head and just pop it on top of my fancy carbon fiber tripod. I know that you can replace the head because i have taken it off before. but now im wondering if i can just buy a new tripod head like the Manfrotto 701HDV compact fluid head and just screw it on there or is it more complicated than that?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/firewire-sound-card-technical-question#post-51800 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:49:39 +0000 NormanWillis 51800@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I need suggestions to get my sound card working.</p> <p>With Sony Vegas Pro 9, I plug my studio monitors into a PreSonus Firepod (external Firewire sound card) via TRS cables, and then set Sony Vegas Options &gt; Preferences &gt; Audio Device &gt; Audio Device Type to Firepod ASIO (from the drop-down menu).</p> <p>In the last two projects, Vegas built sound peaks just fine on the new files, and then let me apply Noise Reduction 2.0 to the audio.  I could also do my initial Pan/Crop, but then after I began cutting, Vegas no longer responded.  I could press and un-press 'play', but the timeline would not move.  On the second project it seemed like it started to move maybe a frame or two, because the green sound bars in the Master Bus moved a little, but nothing more than that.  </p> <p>I tried resetting Vegas via CTRL-Shift as I opened Vegas, to reset it to the factory defaults, and then it would work.  However, when I went back to Audio Device Type and selected Firepod ASIO, it would lock up again.  However, when I re-selected Microsoft Sound Mapper, I could edit again.  So I guess Vegas does not like my PreSonus Firepod, or the Firewire card?</p> <p>I contacted PreSonus, and they had me send them a copy of my System Information file.  They noticed that I had a lot of devices on IRQ16, including the Video card, Intel X-38 chipset, PCI bridge, and IEEE 1394 (firewire) controller.  They also noticed that my firewire card (standard Dell Precision 380) had an AGERE chip that causes known problems with the Firepod, so they recommended that I get a new card 1394 firewire with a Texas Instruments chipset.  They recommended a SIIG firewire 3-port PCI card, so I bought that ($39.00 from CDW).</p> <p>I installed the new SIIG card, but it was the same story.  I could build peaks, apply Noise Reduction, and do my initial Pan-Crop, but then a few hours into cutting the same problem happened all over again.</p> <p>I can use Microsoft Sound Mapper and it works, but yecch!  It's just not the same.  I plan to write Sony tech support and PreSonus next, but I was wondering what other people do to reliably power studio monitors.</p> <p>I have an old Echo Mia internal sound card I can maybe use, but I would prefer to get the Firepod going, if possible, as the Firepod offers XLR inputs, and is much more flexible.</p> <p>Does anyone have suggestions/ideas?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-stabilizer#post-51786 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:51:36 +0000 roblewis56 51786@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Linda, Take a monopod and add a small ballhead. Screw the camcorder on the ballhead and adjust so the monopod is nearly parallel to the camcorder bottom leaving just enough space between the monopod handle and the bottom of the camcorder for your hand. Leave the monopod in the unextended configuration. Hold this rig with your left hand on the monopod handle and the monopod on your right shoulder. A small tripod with the legs extended, but not spread and pressed against the right shoulder also works well, particularly for smaller camcorders. This gives stability because the left hand holding the camcorder forms a triangle between the monopod or tripod and the right shoulder. When I use a tripod I hold the extended legs together with a rubber foot and press this against my right shoulder. People often comment on how stable my hand held shots are. Of course the monopod or tripod come in handy for their usual purposes when needed.</p> <p>Robert</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-stabilizer#post-51756 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:53:32 +0000 birdcat 51756@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>One of our members on this forum has an inexpensively priced unit here: <a href="http://shouldershooter.com">http://shouldershooter.com</a> - For $60 it may be just what you need.     </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-stabilizer#post-51743 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:30:55 +0000 grinner 51743@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It's top notch, as shoulder setting set ups go but you can make one for a fraction of that price just by grabbing some stuff from your local hardware store (or perhaps your garage). You just want to rest the camera on your shoulder. That's just a bar mounted to the camera. Do it right and you can fold it up and keep it on their anytime not on sticks. Think erector set with a foam pad. </p> <p>This one does look cool. That should be noted as my "erector set" get ups get laughed at in many arenas. lol Heck, I have a wireless lav monkey rigged to the camera and an LED light rubber banded onto it so it's lookin' pretty comical these daze.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camcorder-stabilizer#post-51732 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:17:14 +0000 ProducerLinda 51732@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello all,Could some one please tell me if they have and have used or heard about the"Smith Victor CS-1 Camcorder Stabilizer?I have a Canon XH-A1s.I am a female and even though I try to hold my elbows against my body,my shots are shakey and the camcorder gets heavy.I do'nt have 3 or 4  or more hundreds of dollars to spend on a camcorder support system and thought that this sholder support would help me to hold the camcorder steady and take off some of the weight.Thank you. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-video-format-for-editing#post-51669 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:33:32 +0000 robgrauert 51669@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>1. If you already have a miniDV camera, I would shoot with that if all you're doing is uploading to Youtube. I understand Youtube has the option to view HD, but it's not THAT good. Although, apparently Vimeo is pretty decent. Anyway, it doesn't matter. No client will look at your work and say "This is crap..It's not HD." You can compress your SD video just fine for Youtube and it will look great. And besides, MiniDV is easy and ready to edit. No transcoding necessary. </p> <p>2. HDCam SR, but you can't afford that. I think AVC-Intra is the best, and DVCProHD...if you can afford those. If you can't you may have to settle for HDV or AVCHD, which are probably suitable for the web anyway. </p> <p>3. Everyone seems to like the Canon HV30...or whatever model number they are at now. Probably HV40 by now.</p> <p>4. I'm not a fan of AVCHD, but it's probably fine for what you're doing. I'd go with miniDV or AVCHD though.</p> <p>5. Your Macbook Pro will serve you will, especially if you go the route of editing miniDV footage.</p> <p>6. I love FCP, but it sounds like that will be overkill for you. Final Cut Express is probably the better option. I think it's only $100.</p> <p>7. Do you have Adobe Premiere to edit video with? That's very similar to FCP, so I'd save the money and go with that if I were you. Just be sure it supports the format of video you are recording though.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-video-format-for-editing#post-51665 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:18:48 +0000 CruzinCostaRica 51665@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi all, just registered 10 min ago, so my 1st post. I am new to editing, and I need some advice.</p> <p>Sorry if the post is long with several questions, but I figured that was better then 5 diff posts. </p> <p>Let me give you some detail about what my needs and limited experience are, equipment I have now, so that you have enough details to help me.</p> <p>I have had video camera's in the past, but never did anything in terms of editing. The last 4 years I've had a Sony DCR-PC350, uses Mini DV  tape and takes 3 megapixel stills, records to Sony Memory stick for the stills.</p> <p>As of April 2009, I am now in charge of all marketing and sales for a real estate project here, an ocean view mountainside community (from 300 ft above sea level to 3000 ft) about 5 miles from the Pacific beaches, set in a 1000 acre Nature Reserve, approx 100 lots and custom homes over the next year. For now, I am the only one on our new development team that has any computer background, so I take all the photographs and video tape and do the editing, which right now has only been small clips uploaded to youtube for clients to see.</p> <p>So I am responsible for producing all the photography and "quick" video for the project website, and there is no end of things to shoot, be it the views from the lots, the equestrian center, all the bird and animals, the river that runs through our community, 50 different "eco tourism" activities, sportfishing trips, visits by new clients, etc. All of this to be used in marketing the project.</p> <p>I started with the older Sony in April, and a friend loaned me a Nikon D80 DSLR, (never used a slr or dslr before) with the standard F-S DX 18-135 mm and a fisheye lense, so I am using it and with my limited knowledge, the photos seem great, but honestly I have left it on automatic settings so far (except some macro shots).</p> <p>I went overboard on software (I think I did) so the lack of tools would not give me an excuse not to learn, as I have just about everything in Adobe CS3 and some CS4 updates, IMovie 09 and the older IMovie HD, and 10 different programs, some free, that have to do with converting to different formats of both audio and video. So far, I have "played" with IMovie 09, but have not actually created anything yet with any of the better tools, except something in April using the older Sony mini dv and windows movie maker, which is very limited, and I would rather not boot to Windows for editing, I am focused on learning the correct mac-centric software for real editing.</p> <p>I run a 15' Macbook Pro (pre-unibody) 2.5 Ghz Core 2 Duo upgraded to 4Gb Ram and a 7200 rpm 320 Gb hard drive, and a separate 19 in ch monitor, also running Paralllels 4.0 and virtualizing Windows XP, just for some legacy programs from before I went Mac, I have 2 Tb of external disc space, usually running through firewire 400 for better speed then USB 2.0, so that is my current computing power.</p> <p>I have purchased two new items since July, the 1st was a new Canon SD780, 12 megapixel still and 720HD Video, primarily because I could have one compact tool "always with me", and I have to say I have been very happy with it, and the fact that is records to .mov (from Canon website-records in modern H.264 format and encodes mono audio as Linear PCM at 16 bit / 44.1KHz, then stores the result in a QuickTime MOV) so I can pop the SDHC in a card reader and transfer to my mac and play in quicktime with no editing/conversion, a bonus when with clients in the field.</p> <p>But I dropped it, and no store in Costa Rica had a new Canon SD780, so I was desperate with a video shoot for a new client scheduled, and so I found a 2 year old Panasonic HDC-SD5, small and light but shoots great HD Video (1080P) and has 3CCD, but it records to AVCHD format. I have no real knowledge if that is better/worse quality Video, or better or worse forediting then the H.264 format/.mov format of the small Canon, but I can not just shoot and view on my Macbook pro, if I have 20 minutes of raw video, it takes 25 minutes to import and convert in Imovie before I can use it.</p> <p>I am fortunately in a financial position to get (some) new equipment the next 2-3 months, be it cameras, more powerful computing, other editing software, etc. So I am armed and dangerous, as I can buy new equipment and tools, but still don't know anything beyond basics to use the tools (better cameras, better video cameras, more powerful computer and other digital editing peripherals, and editing software) though I am an enthusiastic and fast learner, and am truly enjoying this new creativity.</p> <p>So I thought I would ask experts, to give me advice before I buy, so I end up with the right equipment, and get focused on the right editing tools and software so I have a shorter and more productive learning curve.</p> <p>Small form factor is critical, if it's not on me, I get no shots, and 50% of the time I am in rugged terrain, around rivers, up and down the mountain hiking, some times "rock climbing", where I need to use both hands and not carry much, and often on horseback or quad, so a Goriila Pod tripod and the little Canon were perfect, often just the Canon. Many times I had to leave the bigger Nikon D80 in the SUV, otherwise I would break it or soak it in the river. But I default to the Nikon for the really nice shots. I mention this form factor as I have been looking at something "in between", maybe a bridge camera like one of the ultrazooms that eliminated the seperate dslr lens, still has 20x zoom and HD Video (like the Canon PowerShot SX20 super-zoom)</p> <p>Some specific questions.</p> <p>1. Have I overlooked the older camera (Sony DCRPC350) as it seems good video quality, and records to mini dv tape. </p> <p>2. What is the best format in 2009/2010 for HD Video recording, so I maintain high quality all the way thru editing and final product.</p> <p>3. Suggestions of the best small Video Camera, or was I fine with that sweet little Canon SD780 with the 720 HD Video and .mov format(for my level of knowledge)</p> <p>4. Should I stay away from AVCHD, or is that a good format for editing and video quality, once I learn the tools..I have read posts on other forums, some hate it, some say it's OK if you have the computing power. All I know is that I can't "drag and drop" from camera to Mac and play quickly, but I don't want to disregard the format and give up on my current Panasonic 3CCD/1080HD Video Camera if that is the only problem.</p> <p>Should I be moving to a quad core Mac Pro Desktop for serious editing, or are the current/next gen high end 2009/2010 Macbook Pro's with the newer processors and 4,6 or 8 GB enough power.</p> <p>Should I move right away to FCP, or FC express? or...? </p> <p>Or learn the adobe tools I already have, because I am new, user friendliness and fast learning curve are critical.</p> <p>Again I appreciate any and all suggestions, computer or camera equipment, software, downloads, links..you name it.</p> <p>my Skype is marazul.ray, and my email is <a href="mailto:raycruzcr@gmail.com">raycruzcr@gmail.com</a></p> <p>Thanks in advance, and if anyones is coming to Costa Rica, give me a shout..</p> <p>Ray</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shopping-for-a-new-camera#post-51483 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:20:21 +0000 composite1 51483@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>For the unending hordes of newbies that come to the forums to ask 'What camera should I buy?' and for those of you who are seriously looking for camera / audio gear, here's a good video from Videopiea with tips to help you avoid getting fleeced when purchasing gear online.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/2349953"></a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cheap-cam-to-hard-drive-converter#post-51382 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:55:59 +0000 Cville 51382@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I think that is a great question.  I was helping a friend of mine do an interview shoot and he was able to capture to tape and directly to his laptop at the same time.  Not sure what software he was using to do the capture.   You can buy a pretty powerfull laptop for less than a firestor.  But I guess it has to do with supply and demand. </p> <p>I don't think the laptop would be very usefull for a wedding shoot. :)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cheap-cam-to-hard-drive-converter#post-51380 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:46:11 +0000 sek0910 51380@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>With pocket computers selling for $200 and small hard drives fairly cheap as well, can someone explain why a company couldn't manufacture and sell a small portable device (like firestor) with a firewire input that would store live video from a cam for $300 to $400?</p>