Forums » High-Definition

1. Masera
   Member

   

    Hello,

   I am like some of you who are reading this, only at the start.  I edit using ULEAD studios. and I now purposely watch lower qaulity movies and say to myself (I can do better).

   I have a 1k dinky HD camera that can fit in my hand, and I am looking to upgrade.  I would like to get  work with non-profits making there videos ect.  What camera should I get?  I saw the Panasonic AG-HMC70  that seems good,

   Would I really notice the difference from a 3k camera compared to my Canon HV20?

   Anyone want to pick up a mentee from Eugene OR?

    -Wannabe

   Posted 5 months ago # Login to Send PM

2. butterflyguy
   Member

   

    I noticed on one of the Videomaker podcasts, that a lot of the documentary movies use the

   Panasonic AG-DVX100B 3-CCD

   ON Bhphotovideo.com, they have the 100B on sale for $2250.

   Posted 5 months ago # Login to Send PM

3. chrisColorado
   Member

   

   Just because a camera can fit in your hand doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. On the other hand, if you walk in to an event with a huge camera and set it on a tripod, it just looks professional.

   What I use now is an Aiptek Media Recorder. It's smaller than my hand, and it's what I've made 3 of my short films on. The video quality is pretty good as long as it's steady.

   I would really like to buy the Canon Vixia HF10, it does what I want and I see good reviews about it from Videomaker and PC World magazines. It's $1,099 in the Videomaker review.

   If I was doing non-profit, I'd go with the cheapest camera that did what I want because after all, you're not getting paid.

   Posted 5 months ago # Login to Send PM

4. robgrauert
   Member

   

    No Chris, you can totally get paid for doing video for non-profits. They're just called non-profits because they don't get taxed on profits. It's not like they're poor. The Red Cross totally has money, money you can make with good video. So don't be fooled by the term "non-profit," because there's definitely money floating around in their organizations. 

     As far as what camera to get: I agree with both Chris and butterflyguy. You want to look professional. No one wants to higher someone who's walking around with something that looks like my grandmom would be using. The DVX100B is a great camera. It's may not be a shoulder camera, but people are still impressed by it. I have a GL2 and people are even impressed by that, and that's only prosumer. The DVX is cheap now too since HD is getting big. 

   Also keep in mind that while the DVX shoots an awesome picture, you're paying for more than a better picture when you dish out $3000 for a camera. You get professional connections, and way more manual controls than any handy cam. The ergonomics are more thoughtful too, I'm sure.  So when you ask, "Would I really notice the difference from a 3k camera compared to my Canon HV20," you have to realize that prices of cameras aren't solely determined by image quality. If I had to guess though, I'm sure the DVX shoots a nicer picture than the HV20. The image just has this nice feel to it...i dunno. You have to try it to know what I'm talking about. 

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5. chrisColorado
   Member

   

   As Robgrauert said, cameras are sold on a lot more stuff than just image quality. Like I said above, my Aiptek Media Recorder has fairly good quality, but the focus is a switch on the side and most other useful stuff as far as video goes is buried in menus that I navigate with a little joystick on the back.

   The difference between say, my Aiptek and a Canon XH-A1 is that the XH-A1 has manual focus and zoom rings and double XLR inputs for pro microphones...among other things, but hopefully, you get what we're telling you: The more expensive cams have A LOT MORE than good image quality going for them. There's more pro inputs and stuff that's easier to use and do what you want, less menu cemetaries where your exposure is buried and other junk.

   And thanks robgrauert for explaining "non-profit". Sounds too confusing for my little brain.

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6. robgrauert
   Member

   

    Judging by your help on this site, I wouldn't assume you have a little brain. No problem though. In my opinion, going the non-profit route is a good way to good. Seems less intimidating to me. Do some sweet stuff for the animal rescue league or something. I love animals. Probably get some good youtube clips of people picking up dog poop too. haha.

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7. Aspyrider
   Member

   

   Invest in yourself.  New equipment is nice and of course quality is important. But the talent, skill and creativity resides in you. Learn, anything and everything you can.

   Never believe that your equipment is holding you back. It isn't. If you want to do this then go for it. You already have an HD camera and a good editor. Nothing is stopping you.

   Yes, you can do better. Profit or non profit it doesn't matter. Tell the story. Tell it well and keep the viewer entertained and informed. You can do it with a cheap camera or the most expensive. The camera doesn't matter because the story is in you.

   Look at ChrisColorado, he makes many videos using only free stuff he can find on the web! Talk about no-budget! LOL  That's talent!

   Your camera and equipment is only a tool. It's an extension of you. If you want to get started then believe in yourself and get creative. All the other stuff will come in time.

   :D

   J.

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8. chrisColorado
   Member

   

   Thanks guys.

   Masera: Aspyrider J is right. As long as you have a good story and make a good point, it won't really matter what equipment you're using for now. Study up a little and make your projects in the meantime and you too can walk the path and direct others.

   Good luck!

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