Forums Tag: Documentary

Forums Tag: Documentary http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Forums Tag: Documentary en Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:58:04 +0000 FILMSinc on "How to: Documentery Film" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-documentery-film#post-40610 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:24:45 +0000 FILMSinc 40610@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Good idea. Thats kind of what i was thinking, it is also also about dangers in the classroom. Like How easy it would be to smuggle an ak47 into class. Also, as you said, the evils. That ties into dangers and misuses of weapons IN the classroom . NOt really haveing because they really arn't doing any "action packed" harm. Aspyrider on "How to: Documentery Film" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-documentery-film#post-40602 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:56:10 +0000 Aspyrider 40602@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Depends on your angle, if you are showing the evils of bringing or having weapons in school it may work. FILMSinc on "How to: Documentery Film" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-documentery-film#post-40600 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:20:35 +0000 FILMSinc 40600@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi (standard way to start a fourm)Im thinking,scratch that I am going to make a documentery film and need some way to get off the ground. As usual i want to stay on a super low budget (around $75) Its about weapens that super evil smarties build in school. you won't believe the things that these kids creat if you find the right materal. Basicly it is going to have a "host" yapping, then there is going to be a senero (i know thats not how you spell it) About a kid "pretending to construct it" (Not HOW to construct them.) Then Pretending (by the way, the audience isn't supposed to know that the actors will be pretending)to use it on someone. I have done a lot of planing and i am about ready to pitch this to my crew. I am working w/ a small crew and i just need some pointers. I have neaver made a large documentery before so im going to need some help P.s. If you think this idea is a bad idea, speak up!! Thank you grinner on "ode to the camera" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ode-to-the-camera#post-38605 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:50:34 +0000 grinner 38605@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm kind of hard on a camera. Thought I'd make a trubute piece: <a href="http://moddinart.com/camera.wmv">http://ModdinArt.com/camera.wmv</a> robgrauert on "Documentary Film" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-film#post-36903 Tue, 27 May 2008 19:10:28 +0000 robgrauert 36903@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ without even seeing your project, i can tell you that making a documentary is pretty easy and more fun if it's a topic you have an opinion about. So try that next time. Then come up with questions that will help prove a point and/or tell a story. Hopefully your interviewees answer the questions thoroughly enough that you can edit with out too many problems. mrjman on "Documentary Film" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-film#post-36901 Tue, 27 May 2008 19:04:51 +0000 mrjman 36901@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Ok I'm in a basic video production class. One of the requirements to pass the class is to do a final project of your choice (documentary, action, comedy, etc.). I decided to do a documentary. I didn't have many ideas so my friend suggested do your documentary about something the teacher doesn't know. I decided to do it on videogames (xbox 360, PS3 etc.). I only had 2 weeks to work on my project and very little computer time because I was sharing my computer with 3 other people. I managed to get a few interviews with some people I knew that played video games. I also got some B-Roll. I have no idea if any of the stuff I filmed had to be copy righted or what ever so I just filmed them assuming that its just a high school project. I only had 2 nights to work on it overnight at school. (its not as scary as some people say). I worked on editing and did the whole film myself (because everybody in my class are jerks). Some of my audio ended up pretty poorly and some of the footage I couldn't do over. For the most part the video was alright for my first film I'd say. We haven't gotten back our DVD copies of all the final projects but when I do I'll post them on youtube and let you guys see them. (Some of the people in my class are amazing editors, there work is brilliant.) I just wanted to let you guys know to check them out when I post up the links. I just wanted some of your guys tips and suggestions so I can make my next film better. Johnboy on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36871 Mon, 26 May 2008 20:42:02 +0000 Johnboy 36871@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ when you do get up to Vegas Pro 8, you'll be very happy indeed. I have been using Vegas pro software for a couple of years and never have regretted it. John mrjman on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36852 Mon, 26 May 2008 12:37:29 +0000 mrjman 36852@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Yea I think that I'll try out both trial versions and see if its that much better. If it is then I'll buy it, or I might just upgrade to it later... JBorunda on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36850 Mon, 26 May 2008 12:31:07 +0000 JBorunda 36850@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Platinum is a bit much but it's worth every penny in my opinion. I bought a couple months ago and have been using it even when I don't have a video to edit. It's easy to learn if you know the basics like keyframes. It doesn't take quality out of your videos like Windows Movie Maker or Pinnacle Studio. I would recommend using the trial version first to make sure you like it though. BarefootMedia on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36819 Sun, 25 May 2008 22:26:36 +0000 BarefootMedia 36819@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ As I see it, there are two reasons to choose the Platinum Edition. The number one reason would be you have to edit in HD. But I have no reason to edit HD. I don't have an HDTV and no one I know does either. But more importantly, I'm not going to spend the dough to upgrade to the Blue-ray DVD recorder I need to send HD video into the HDTV I don't have. And I don't have clients that can actually utilize HD video. And I don't see that changing for several years. My clients are not broadcasting my work, is is generally cablecast on the government cable channel or delivered for home playback on ordinary DVD's into ordinary TV's. Using HD at any point would create more problems than it's worth. Now the reason I'd like to get Vegas Platinum is for the color correction upgrade. I am frequently mixing video from different camera sources. When I work for the city, I'm mixing my VX2100 with their PD150 and a full size DVCAM camcorder. All of them are look great individually, but each camera has tiny differences in their pictures. So I will use the color correction tools to make the cameras match. Vegas Platinum has the color correction tools that Vegas Pro uses, so I'd have both greater control & easier adjustments. Now it's nothing personal, but I don't think you'll be making color corrections for quite some time. You don't really need to do anything Vegas Studio can't handle when you're only using one camera. And to be honest, I don't have to have "better" tools. I can already do what needs to be donw with the software I already have. Now the reason Vegas Platinum is more expensive is because it includes a bunch of NewBlueFX plug-ins for video effects, transitions and audio fine tuning. While it is very nice to have more options, good video comes from good shooting. Fixing it in post generally means you're hoping to hide poor quality production with some kind of trick. And that almost never works. You can't really fix poor video or audio, although sometimes you can make it a little less bad. You're better off concentrating on getting it right while you're shooting. So I'd have to advise you to start out with Vegas Home Studio (and register with Sony.) I've found it to be more than adequate for several years. And when I can justify it, I'm planning to upgrade to Platinum through Sony. The upgrade will cost far less than buying it outright (but the total for buying Studio & upgrading it to Platinum is more than Platinum costs.) And splitting the cost over a year or two works better for my budget while my wife is going to school. mrjman on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36815 Sun, 25 May 2008 20:57:44 +0000 mrjman 36815@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Ok so if I'm going to buy vegas which one should I buy? theres the Vegas Pro which is $549.95 a little out of my price range and theres Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition for $114.95 still a little high but if its a great editing software I wouldn't mind paying the extra money, and then there is Vegas Movie Studio for $74.95 a fair price but will It have enough features for editing or not? just let me know. JBorunda on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36798 Sun, 25 May 2008 15:38:29 +0000 JBorunda 36798@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Well Panasonic has the SDR-S10P which is waterproof and shockproof. But it records onto an SD card which will probably result in low quality. Sony Makes the Handycam DCR-HC52 which stayed alive for a good amount of time in a blender: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=fY8MqWBIHvo" rel="nofollow">http://youtube.com/watch?v=fY8MqWBIHvo</a> Here are some links: Sony Camcorder: <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorders/sony-handycam-dcr-hc52/4505-9340_7-32775767.html" rel="nofollow">http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorders/sony-handycam-dcr-hc52/4505-9340_7-32775767.html</a> Panasonic Camcorder: <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-sdr-s10p1-camcorder/4505-6500_7-32738879.html?tag=prod.txt.1" rel="nofollow">http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-sdr-s10p1-camcorder/4505-6500_7-32738879.html?tag=prod.txt.1</a> BarefootMedia on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36790 Sun, 25 May 2008 13:04:30 +0000 BarefootMedia 36790@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm sorry. I must have misstated. I LOVE Sony!!! My five camcorders are all Sony, my two editing systems are based on Sony VAIO's, I use a consumer version of Vegas (and lust after Vegas 8.0), I compose music using Sony ACID and archive on Sony DVD's. My home receiver & VHS VCR are both Sony's. And I recently got a Sony MP4, web sharing camcorder/camera I just love using. So I admit I am horribly biased towards Sony products. My first NLE was Sony Screenblast and I've upgraded that to Vegas Home Studio 6.0 with DVD Architect 3.0. I have no problem creating programs that blow the socks off most of my customers, of course they expect it after the first program. Vegas Home Studio runs around $70 retail and is fine for SD editing, even when I add in HDV footage to my SD programs. But I would really like to get Vegas Home Studio, Platinum Edition. They added both full HDV support and much better color correction tools. It seems to retail at around $110. But let me be clear, I don't think Vegas is a better NLE than the consumer versions of the other industry standard pro packages. I started using it so I wouldn't have any compatibility issues (as unlikely as they are) between my camcorder, computer & software. An extra benefit for me was that I was already familiar with the Vegas interface since it was based on their music composition software, ACID. Which I find is mentioned routinely in artist interviews. So while Vegas isn't in the top 3 pro NLE's (it is 4th), ACID and the loops it uses are music industry standards. But let me close by reiterating, I personally prefer Sony for all my electronic devices without having really tried anything else. I have worked on an ancient AVID NLE that really sucked, but it was the age of the software that was the problem. Alpha channels and video files captured on other systems were nearly impossible to use because they weren't standardized when this version was written. (And what really annoyed me was not being able to trim video on the timeline, trimming had to be done before the clip was added. I'm sure that ain't the case any more.) So anyway, I know Vegas Home Studio to be perfectly usable for the majority of projects solo independent producers are likely to do. And I'm sure the Platinum Edition would work even better. For me! Hard to say about you, if you are already familiar with an NLE interface you'll likely feel more comfortable using the consumer version of that NLE. mrjman on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36785 Sun, 25 May 2008 11:54:53 +0000 mrjman 36785@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ So if you don't like sony you must not like vegas either? If not than whats a good editing software for windows XP for around $200 or less BarefootMedia on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36784 Sun, 25 May 2008 11:45:42 +0000 BarefootMedia 36784@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Here's what I've seen with camcorders. In consumer grade (the $300-$500 range) the brands seem very equally matched. Back when I managed a public access studio, we used mainly JVC and Panasonic camcorders. They both got beaten up by our users but usually continued to work. Our engineer preferred JVC over Panasonic because the JVC's were easier to do repairs on. But it seemed that Panasonic's had more features for the price. And I think that might be how you should decide. It may be that Sony's are a bit more rugged (but I'm vested in Sony's so I am biased) at a cost of fewer features. So I'd recommend using C-net to get accurate ratings. Their reviewers are very good at identifying the pros & cons of equipment. And they usually have a number of brief user generated reviews to get an idea of how they are in real life conditions. You can set up a search & comparison with brand and price parameters. (C-net is also a great place to locate freeware, shareware & trial versions of any software you may need or desire. It is also called download.com) I think once you see the difference in features, you will be able to make a good decision. But I do secretly hope it's a Sony. :) Good luck in your search. And one thing a lot of folks forget about is actually handling the camcorders you're interested in. Just how it feels in your hands and where the controls are located will be a major factor in how you actually use the camcorder. Confusing menus and buttons you can't push without looking are common shooting complaints that handling can help identify. Even if you decide to buy over the internet, Best Buy (et. al.) provide camcorders you can handle before you buy. Use them. mrjman on "most durable brand of camcorder" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/most-durable-brand-of-camcorder#post-36752 Sat, 24 May 2008 13:11:46 +0000 mrjman 36752@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am searching for a halfway decent camcorder used to make some action and documentary films. I've been looking at sony and panasonics because that what im most familiar with. If anyone has any suggestions about a good sony/panasonic camcorder for around $300-$500 please let me know. thanks Jesse TheDVshow on "Documentary Pricing" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-pricing#post-35939 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:30:50 +0000 TheDVshow 35939@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ $75/hour is average for someone entering in. If you have years of experience and can back it up with testimonies and a reel then you could get away with $150-200/hour Here is a great article: <a href="http://www.thedvshow.com/cgi-bin/dvtips/newsscript.pl?record=96" rel="nofollow">http://www.thedvshow.com/cgi-bin/dvtips/newsscript.pl?record=96</a> G-Stan on "Documentary Pricing" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-pricing#post-35935 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:57:09 +0000 G-Stan 35935@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Can some want hely me with some Tv contacts? Here is my email <a href="mailto:stanlo105@yahoo.fr">stanlo105@yahoo.fr</a> dldsilver on "Documentary Pricing" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-pricing#post-35931 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:42:05 +0000 dldsilver 35931@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I understand that, and I am working on that, but what is the indrustries pricing for something like this, so I can compare. thank you! Johnboy on "Documentary Pricing" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-pricing#post-35930 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:48:12 +0000 Johnboy 35930@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ you need to determine how much time it's going to take you to complete the project, how much the voice talent will cost and how much profit you are looking for. dldsilver on "Documentary Pricing" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/documentary-pricing#post-35929 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:07:29 +0000 dldsilver 35929@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have a question, I am just getting into more documentary style filming. I use the canon XH-A1 with the netus 35 extreme adapter, and have many years in video production, but my first with documentary style videos. I am going to be doing a 5-10 minute video on the history and philosophy of a company. All shot in HD and outputted to Blue-ray or DVD. Can anyone help me with approximate cost... I will be doing all the scripting, editing, filming myself. And have another colleague of mine do the voice over. Any thoughts would really help! cyberdogg on "Starting a video-audio editing facility with a Mac Pro set-up?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-a-video-audio-editing-facility-with-a-mac-pro-set-up#post-35856 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:38:15 +0000 cyberdogg 35856@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Forgive me for being a newbie. Introduction. I am a prospective director, producer, editor and cinematographer (videography) who plans to film and edit a feature length documentary and all I need is a sizable capital to make it happen. I have completed the 42-minute documentary short derived from YouTube under fair use (political footages, etc in conjunction with filmed speeches i.e. Malcolm X, historical facts and quotations) as a demonstration of my amateur filmmaking talent using (you may laugh) Windows Movie Maker. I have already sent the short burned on DVD-R to Artivist Film Festival and am awaiting acknowledgment of reception. I also sent the DVD-R copies to a main Internet-based composer who provided royalty-free music and sent him a royalty check in amount of $65 under fair licensing agreement laid out at his web site and to an author of underground non-fiction best-sellers. The latter, if he responds favorably to the short, might hook me up with the financiers who might provide what is termed "angel capital" needed to fund the production budget. That's the purpose of the short. Anyway, here's the question & detail that I think will get me started provided I take college classes (multimedia lab) and teach myself perusing the books on how to use the programs in step by step process. ____________________ What's the list of softwares and hardwares needed to form a new production studio? Add if necessary, I'd like to know what specialty softwares used by professional video editors to edit and develop visual fx shots. The basic I came up with for production from development to pre to shooting to post to marketing are as follows: Power Mac 8-core with mid or high-end video card & at least 8 gigabits of RAM modules WD MyBook 2 TB External HD Final Cut Pro Studio 2 Audio Logic 8 Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium FileMaker Bento (track production, tasks & contacts) Gorilla Film Production Software (track payroll, budget & submit info on 1,200+ film festivals) Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriter Optional - Autodesk Maya, Pixar Renderman, Apple Shake and/or Nuke Of course, the above list will cost me up to 10k as the starting point. I know it seems like jumping into the pond, to use the expression. And I would opt to rent high-end video and sound equipment. It's a common knowledge Panavision do not sell the movie cameras, only rental for as much as 3,000 a day depending on model, configuration and with camera technician on hand. I would film in HD digital and sometimes 35mm traditional film stock (Kodak). EDIT: I bought the following books at B&N - How to Shoot a Feature Film for under $10,000* (*and not go to jail) by Bret Stern The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters by Karl Iglesias The Portable Film School by D.B. Giles How to Write a Movie in 21 Days: The Inner Movie Method by Viki King The Guerilla Filmmakers Handbook by Genevieve Jolliffe & Chris Jones The Power Filmmaking Kit by Jason Tomaric JoeKerr on "Finding funding for a documentary" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/finding-funding-for-a-documentary#post-35610 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:10:04 +0000 JoeKerr 35610@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ try Democracy Now! they might be willing to help you and they're base in NYC <a href="http://www.democracynow.com/">www.democracynow.com</a> JoeKerr on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35608 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:12:47 +0000 JoeKerr 35608@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Thanks! That's half the price of the one I'm looking at. I'll have to check the specs on both to see what's lighter/better value. <a href="http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/foldable/P315watt.html">http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/foldable/P315watt.html</a> GO4IT! Will JoeKerr on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35607 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:12:17 +0000 JoeKerr 35607@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <a href="http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/foldable/P315watt.html"></a> faqvideo on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35603 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:26:49 +0000 faqvideo 35603@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396674307&bmUID=1206066011971&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443281438&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true#ProductRR">http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396674307&bmUID=1206066011971&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443281438&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true#ProductRR</a> - this is a portable solar panel with a standard 12V lighter outlet. May be useful if you want to carry a charger as well. I have travelled a lot as a news cameraman, but never on foot. So I never actually travelled without a charger. I would do everything to have a charger on a trip. <a href="http://www.faqvideo.com">DIY Wedding Video</a> JoeKerr on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35597 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:00:00 +0000 JoeKerr 35597@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Thanks Thom, that's a lot of good stuff to think about. One question I have is how do the "little" batteries (compared to Anton Baeur) react to cold weather? I live in Rochester, NY and on cold days my batteries die a lot quicker. I am looking at the VX2100 now that you talked about it. It's getting great marks for its low light characteristics. I'm still leaning towards the Canon XH-A1. It has 24f and HD capability. Thanks also for the little ideas. I hope I would have thought of the extra ND filters and putting something on my tripod so that the legs won't sink. GO4IT! will ThomScratch on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35579 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:39:56 +0000 ThomScratch 35579@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, My choice would be the Sony VX2100, over my PD170, lighter by some. Do not take a delicate camera. Whatever you get, give it a good workout before you head for the airport. For the VX2100, 3 batteries guarantee 20 hours; and 6 batteries for 40 hours is no big deal. I have done remote shooting in third world countries, relying on battery power and it's cool. One company says the average porter tip is $125; consider $200 if you give the porter an extra 20 pounds to carry. They are already carrying a lot of stuff dedicated to the success of your personal experience. For sound, I think I would bring a couple good lavs along, with maybe a 20 foot cable (at least 10), plus the converter cable to input to your cam (if non XLR input like the VX). Bring extra ND filters. You will be cleaning them off a lot. Better to be cleaning off your filters (and toss them when they get scratched), then to be rubbing your lens like crazy. BTW the extended hood on the normal lens of the VX2100 provides extra lens protection. Must admit you got me started doing research about Kili climbs. Am envious. Prices vary a lot, like by $3-4K, based on the company. (For a flight in from Arusha and the ground part.) The most expensive ones claim success rates of 90% plus (getting to the top). Cheaper ones (shorter trips with less acclimatization) can be around 50%. You will be tired as hell and breathless with every step as you get close to the top. I'd have a strap for your cam. (I can't remember the last time I used a strap with a cam...) You don't want to drop your cam as you are concentrating on taking your next exhausted step as you get closer and closer. It can rain without warning lower down; always have a large zip bag handy to protect your cam. (How are HD cams in moisture ???) I haven't done Kili, but I have done Kinabalu (Borneo) and Denali (Alaska). Be aware that in snowy/glacier areas, with the sun overhead, flip out LCDs on most cams are useless. You will be using your eyecup. Be prepared for that. If I ever return to the glaciers of Denali (McKinley), I will have plastic picnic plates to place under the feet of my tripod, so that one leg is not always trying to sink lower than the others. I'd bring a decent digital still camera for quick shots when something happens. I think a still of the toilet tent would be more tasteful than a video clip, although a succession of your climbing-mates as they stumble out of the can after dealing with the big D might be fun to watch (several years) later. During your recovery phase, back at sea level, if you have the time, I'd recommend checking out some craft shops in Dar where members of the Makonde tribe are applying their amazing skill in carving "family trees" and other traditional subjects out of massive tree trunks. Many years ago, I amassed an amazing collection of carvings in exchange for Timex watches which I had brought from the States; the watches were considered highly desirable at the time by the Makonde. Have a great trip. Come back healthy. Hope to see your work someday. REGARDS ... Thom JoeKerr on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35578 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:18:51 +0000 JoeKerr 35578@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Mark, Thanks for the ideas. I would like to use solid state media like a P2 card for my camera. However I'm terrified of having a problem with my P2 store and not knowing until I come back. The camera I've been looking at is the Panasonic AG-HVX200. If I was going with tape, I'd probably look hard at the Canon XH-A1. This is what I'm looking at right now: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/WishList/2303CE67A5&BI=28">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/WishList/2303CE67A5&BI=28</a> <a href="http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/foldable/P315watt.html">http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/foldable/P315watt.html</a><a href="http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/foldable/P315watt.html"></a> of course I need a tripod and about 20 mini dv tapes. Thanks again. GO4IT! will  <img src="http://b-roll.net/forum/images/misc/progress.gif" /> mmontgomery on "Help! I'm making a documentary and need help." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-im-making-a-documentary-and-need-help#post-35569 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:49:33 +0000 mmontgomery 35569@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Will, I'd consider a few key things for your camcorder selection. First topic, CMOS versus CCD technology. Most new HD camcorders available will use CMOS sensors rather than CCDs. Make sure you choose a camcorder with a CMOS sensor--they use less power. There are quite a few small HD camcorders out there that will be easy to pack and hike with. Second topic: the smallest and most energy efficient are HD camcorders that use solid state memory recording (e.g., SDHC cards). A camcorder that uses solid state memory can be smaller and therefore lighter than a camcorder that uses tape. A solid state memory camcorder also uses less mechanical moving parts, which result is less power consumption. The problem with solid state memory camcorders is that you usually have shorter record times and the resulting video might be more difficult to edit on some software applications. Generally, if you're shooting solid state video on a small HD camcorder, it's likely to be in the AVCHD video format. If you go that route make sure to check that your software and computer system can handle the extra demands of AVCHD editing. With that said, the tape-based HDV format provides stunning quality and is generally easy to edit (but always check your software and system specs). Moreover, the HDV format has many more prosumer camcorder options that might provide the best fit for your shooting needs. If that's the case, remember to get a camcorder with CMOS sensors. Here's a list of some very light weight camcorders that come to mind: Solid state memory Canon VIXIA HF10; consumer level cam, but has mic input; CMOS sensor; AVCHD format; SDHC compatible memory card; $1099 Panasonic AG-HSC1U; prosumer level cam, CCD sensor (booo!), but it weighs 1.1 lbs; AVCHD format; SDHC compatible; $2099 HDV tape-based Canon VIXIA HV30; prosumer level cam; mic input; CMOS sensor; HDV format; $999 Sony HDR-HC9; prosumer level cam; mic input; CMOS sensor; HDV format; $1099 Obviously, this is not a complete list, but it's what I've seen out there that's super small and has some pro-like features. There's also small, energy efficient hard drive disk camcorders, but I don't like that you have to carry all your eggs in one basket with these camcorders. With tape and memory cards you can store your footage on multiple media (tapes or memory cards) and not risk loosing all your footage to a stolen or damaged camcorder. I hope this helps you hunt. Also, check out the prosumer camcorder category that's a little bigger (e.g., Sony HDR-FX1, Canon XH-A1, Panasonic AG-HVX200, etc.). Those are good options too, but there much more work to lug around. Mark