Hello, I would like to buy myself a high definition video camera in the
near future and have been looking at a few of the cheaper (costing less
than $800) ones around the web.
The main reason I want to get myself one is to shoot wildlife videos
and of all this beautiful scenery around here along the coast of
Georgia. Most of the cameras I've been looking at have very weak
optical zooms of 10X - 12X. I certainly want/need a much bigger zoom to
be able to zoom in close to the wildlife without spooking them.
Of course, I certainly want a video camera that takes great video, but
here are my most important feature needs:
Great low-light recording
true widescreen recording ability
long optical zoom of at least 20X power (unless I can get a quality add-on lens to extend a lower optical zoom).
I'm a "BIG DUMMY" when it comes to video cameras and have a few
questions for anyone who don't mind answering them. Any help or camera
recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Remember, my budget will
be no more than $800 dollars!
Thank you very much and I really do appreciate your time.
1. First of all, which High Definition format would you recommend and why?
2. When recording in 24p or 30p is sound captured along with the video? If so, is the sound in sync with it?
3. Is the camera loud when recording in the 24p or 30p modes?
4. Can high definition video be shot on regular MiniDV tapes or must I use an HDV tape? Does it really matter?
5. How will adding a lens (wide angle or telephoto) affect recording in high definition?
6. Can I still record in widescreen mode if I use an add-on lens attached to my video camera?
7. Will 24p or 30p work at the longest telephoto end of the lens?
8. Will 24p or 30p work with a wide angle or telephoto add-on lens?
9. Will 24p or 30p work well in low-light situations?
10. Can I burn my hi-def video to regular DVD's? If so will the
video still be hi-def or will it be down converted to standard
definition?
11. Any camcorder suggestions?
