what type of camcorder do i need?

1. thellamaasskicker
   Member

   

   Ok what type of camcorder do i need to make my own home videos for
   skitts and stuff to edit on my computer? i am confused about all of the
   options, do i want dvd, mimi dv, hard drive, high def, flash
   memory???   i want somthing conveinient to post onto the web, like
   youtube or funny or die.... would i want a hard drive camcorder? 
   seriously i am confused...

   Posted 2 weeks ago # Login to Send PM

2. XTR-91
   Member

   

   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.

   "i am confused about all of the options, do i want dvd, mimi dv, hard drive, high def, flash memory"

   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.

   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.

   Have you looked at cheap MiniDV camcorders (e.g. eBay) for around $250-$600, or JVC's Everio line of HDD and Flash camcorders - http://camcorder.jvc.com/index.jsp

   Free video software - http://www.avsmedia.com/

   Posted 2 weeks ago # Login to Send PM

3. cfulton
   Key Master

   

   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:

   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.)

   Posted 1 week ago # Login to Send PM

4. Evan
   Member

   

   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.

   Posted 1 week ago # Login to Send PM

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