Saturday, May 10, 2014

How to shop for a camcorder for sport videography?




Lisa


I want the best quality out there, price does not matter.


Answer
HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi processor computer with the big Graphics and sound cards that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files a HD camcorder produces.

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030

What is the best camcorder to videos at home and at sporting events for $250 or less?




SportsFan





Answer
Camcorders less than $250, you can visit http://www.epathchina.com/digital-camcorders-c-24.html, there are many ones under $200, you can look around and may be you will find one you need!




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Sony handycam and mac?




Justin


today i just got a mac and i was woundering how to make sony handycam work on a mac without firewire. if i have 2 use firewire then can you please tell me where to get one? i have a macbook pro with 4 ram and i5 processor please help


Answer
The MacBookPro has a 9-pin firewire800 port.

"Handycam" is Sony's generic brand name for all their consumer camcorders - whether miniDV tape, Digital 8 tape, hard disc drive, flash memory or DVD video storage media.

MiniDV and Digital 8 tape based camcorders have a 4-pin firewire 400 port - also called i.LINK or DV port. The firewire cable would be 4-pin to 9-pin. I use Belkin or Monster cables. A 1 meter cable should be less than $20. Radio Shack, Fry's Electronics and other computer/electronics stores have them. Guitar Center, too.

Consumer hard disc drive, flash memory and DVD based camcorders have no firewire/i.LINK/DV/IEEE1394 connector so there is no firewire cable source to recommend. For hard disc drive or flash memory and miniUSB (camera USB port) to a regular USB (Mac) will work. Dor DVD based camcorders, finalize the disc in the camcorder and use a drawer loading DVD drive - I like the externals from LaCie - and rip the video with an app like HandBrake.

handycam camcorder to macbook?

Q. on the handycam video camcorder, how do u transfer it onto a mac?


Answer
It depends on what kind of camcorder you have.


If you have a mini dv (cassette) camcorderâ¦.
Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394) in order to download video, your MAC probably did not come with a firewire port, so you will have to buy one and install it, since most computers (except possibly brand new) don't come with a firewire port, your camcorder did not come with a firewire cord so you have to purchase a cord too. Your camcorder did come with a USB cord and that is used for downloading stills from your camcorder. Make sure your camera is in playback mode.
The fine print in your manual makes reference to firewire (ieee 1394) connection.

If you have a mini dvd camcorderâ¦.
You will have to finalize your dvd in the camera and then put the dvd in your computer's DVD burner (top loading only) and then you will have to convert the files (I downloaded handbrake file converter free) and import them into your editing program. Use the HELP feature in your editing program to learn about editing. Once you are ready to burn, your project will be burned to a different DVD and you can file the original away.




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what is the best camcorder to buy under $400?




Dre-Dre


i need to buy a camcorder as a gift & know absolutely nothing about optic zoom # or the gb's, or dcr, dvd. all know is its going to be used leisurly, mostly to record & playback kids sporting events & i guess it would be nice to take decent still pics. & pretty easy to use as well as compact. i dont want to spend more than $400 & prefer to purchace it @ walmart, because i have a gift card. any advice or expierences will help. thanks


Answer
You can consider buying
1)Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Black)
*Easy-to-use, pocket-sized camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom
*Captures 120 minutes of full VGA-quality video on 4 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
*Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your computer to launch FlipShare software
*Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, and upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
*Large 2-inch color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Ultra-Camcorder-Generation-Minutes/dp/B0023B14U4/?tag=bdd-linking-001-20

2)Sony HDR-CX110 High Definition Handycam Camcorder
*1920x1080 Full HD Recording w/3MP still image
*Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot
*1/4" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
*1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV
*30mm CZ Vario Sonnar T* with 25x Optical zoom
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX110-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B0031RGKZI/?tag=bdd-linking-001-20

3)Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Black)
*Record High Definition video (1080p at 30 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio)
*Easily upload recorded footage to YouTube with built-in USB and software
*Expandable SD/SDHC card slot up to 32 GB; Rechargeable batteries and charger included
*Vibrant 2.5-inch viewfinder; Watch footage on HDTV with included cables
http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-Pocket-Video-Camera-Black/dp/B002HOPUPC/?tag=bdd-linking-001-20

Try to search here you can find more options :
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=camcorder&x=0&y=0&tag=bdd-linking-001-20

Beginner HD Camcorder?




Future


I want to purchase a camcorder that records in HD. On Youtube 1080p if possible. (1920x1080 Fulll HD Video). I've looked at models such as Sony HDR-CX190 and Sony HDR-CX110. Those run to $250-500 and thats a bit out of my price range. Anything I can get that I can handle from a firm 150$-200$? I just want a camcorder that records in full HD quality, has a fairly good optical zoom (25x), and HDMI output. Please help!


Answer
Hi Richard:

You need to get more realistic with your budget or else lower your expectations of what you plan on getting as far as your "feature list". The first to go away will be the 25x optical zoom for most cameras in your price range. (Unless you plan on buying "used" gear.)

TV stations spend THOUSANDS of dollars to upgrade their Standard Def TV cameras, lenses, and recorders to handle "HD". And average consumers like you expect "NFL Today" quality on your home TV or YouTube with something under-$200 from WalMart or BestBuy.

It ain't gonna happen, young sport.

You'll find decent optics (glass not plastic lenses), an HDMI output connector, full-HD and image stabilization, but only 4x digital zoom (no true-optical zoom) with most of the Kodak PlaySport and PlayTouch model camcorders, all of which are under-$200 (and some of the $179 models can be found for $79 on sale). But Kodak has stopped making all of its digital cameras and camcorders, so supplies of the PlaySport/Touch series are becoming scarce.

To find decent optical zoom on an under-$200 HD camcorder (without taking your chances on a used "eBay bargain") you'll have to compromise elsewhere in your list: the new Samsung F80SN camcorder has a whopping 52x Schneider zoom lens (and "fast" at F1.8), but only records in 720HD, but on YouTube you wouldn't be able to tell the difference in resolution. It also has HDMI output, and utilizes 1080p up-scaling when displaying photos or playing your 720p video, so you'l get great viewing quality for the money.

The only other cheap line I'd recommend is the Sanyo Xacti pistol grip style camcorders or the palm-sized Sanyo camcorders, which have 10x or more optical zoom, HDMI, and full-HD recording. Panasonic just recently acquired Sanyo, and I haven't kept up with what models are still "Sanyo" branded and which ones now appear with the Panasonic name instead. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA100 was one of the better pistol grip models, and you might still find it available online. This Sanyo, like most of the Kodaks, is waterproof in case you drop it in the pool (or sink/toilet) or take it to the beach.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 




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Which is a better camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II or Canon EOS 7D or any other SUPER good cameras?




Bobby


I am asking about which camera is better or is there a camera that is better than both of them that you know of, so i am really counting on someone who knows alot about cameras and actually really knows which camera is the best in the whole wide world. SO PLEASE ANSWER!!!!


Answer
There are other choices but, I own both and can give you the following: The 7D really is a better camera than the 5D Mark II in almost every way and benefits heavily from improved technology as well as heavy competition from Nikon and Sony. For those of us who wished Canon had produced something like Nikon's D300/D300s rather than the 50D, the 7D goes a long way toward resolving those complaints. Specifically relative to the 5D Mark II, the 7D has a vastly improved autofocus system, better metering, "intelligent" viewfinder, and dual image processors that allow it to shoot at up to 8 frames per second. The 7D is also more thoroughly sealed against moisture and dust. And finally, the 7D has a dedicated swtich and button to access live view and video modes as well as start/stop recording. But the 7D falls short of the 5D Mark II in one critical area...The 7D is NOT a full-frame DSLR and therefore cannot match the 5D Mark II for image quality. That said, the 7D image quality is still very, very impressive for a crop-body and (IMHO) the best/most improved crop-body Canon has produced since the 40D.

Now, if you aren't a sports shooter, demand the best image quality, and don't need the speed of the 7D, the 5D Mark II is the obvious choice. By comparison to the 7D, the 5DmkII has an outdated, nine-point AF, lacks the 7D's weather seals, and can't be customized to your personal tastes as easily or extensively. But all of that tends to fade away when you recognize just how big a full-frame viewfinder is compared to even the 7D's near 100% viewfinder. The 5D is also a tad quieter than the 7D which is a benefit for people who shoot weddings and other formal events. The difference in resolution between the 7D and 5DmkII is hardly worth mentioning. What is worth mentioning is that the 5DmkII's RAW output is sharper and at least to me, offers better/smoother color gradiations which points to greater dynamic range that comes with full-frame cameras. If you shoot JPEG however, the difference in image quality is a little less dramatic until you get beyond ISO 3200.

If you want the latest in technology and the fastest camera Canon makes short of the 1D Mark IV, get the 7D. If you need the best image quality and/or the full benefit of ultra wide lenses like Canon's EF 14mm f/2.8 USM II, then go with the 5D Mark II. I am fortunate enough to own both. I use my 5DmkII for architecture, landscapes and portraits. I use my 7D for wildlife and sports or to make the most of long lenses when I'm running both cameras at the same event. The next 5D will likely get all the technology found on the 7D but, that replacement most likely won't happen for another year. L-series glass is pretty much a requirement to get the most out of either body. As the other poster noted, neither of these cameras is a substitute for skill.

SLR Camera Help?!?!?




Sunshine


I'm not to great with all the special camera jargon, so someone who knows cameras, please post me up a link for a camera with these qualities:

-digital
-takes rapid pictures (like 10 or so one after another)
-stabalized
-built in flash (or comes with an attachable flash)
-at least 12 megapixles
-i'd really like it to be a nikon, but if it's otherwise and you say it's good quality, i'll take your word for it
-i don't really know what else to ask for, but anything you'd recomend

please&thankyou!!!
:D



Answer
Digital- no film, saved to a harddrive
sequential shooting, means one after another(dont get this confused with FPS, frames per second this usually applies to pro quality models that are used for sports.
stabalized- has an internal ability to make hand holding a minimal problem. watch this video about min 3:00.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/OlympusSP550UZ/page7.shtml
built in pop up flashis top quality, and Nikon also offers top quality external flashes.
I now how you feel! It is hard to keep up to date with photo jargon. I personally shoot with a Nikon d40x. I am pleased with my camera. Nikon also offers awesome external flash units. I am adding 4 links. One to a place called camera labs. They do the best comparisons and video tutorials of any site I know. and also links for nikonks newest d90, d300, and d700. remember more megapixals lets you take a bigger picture not a better one.
I think you should look at Nikons newest release the d9o. it also can shoot in hd720 video mode. and has all the quality that you would expect from Nikon




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Thursday, May 8, 2014

i have a panasonic PV-GS35 camcorder, it didnt come with video editing software should it have?

Q. and does anyone know of free editing software i cant download to my computer?


Answer
Video Editing Process*

*CAPTURE video stream from vcam & Import files from pc folder, EDIT to make the movie as a project, FINISH (render) movie as a video file, and finally SAVE or burn to CD/DVD.

for starters, XP/Windows Movie Maker (wmm**) provides simple & easy way (& free) to learn the ropes- **click wmm help for details. For enhanced effects, buy SpiceFx by Pixelan.
After learning the editing tricks, you may later venture into other video editing programs - Premiere, Vegas, Studio (Pinnacle, Ulead), etc., accdg to skill level.

Steps:
CAPTURE VIDEO
a.) Connect vcam to pc via firewire cable (4 or 6 pin) for good transfer (USB can do but possible drop frames with effect on quality)
b.) Set vcam mode to playback desired video, then pause
c.) Open wmm and set to TASK PANE
d.) In the wmm/Task pane/CAPTURE VIDEO, click CAPTURE from video device. Wmm should now be able to control vcam operations. On play, video files are copied to wmm/Collection (usually several video files, although will not notice on vcam playback)
e.) Import also other desired files (video, pics, music, narration) from pc folder to wmm Collection
EDIT MOVIE
f.) wmm/EDIT: drag & drop captured video files one by one from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence
g.) Enhance/edit your video further if you wish: drag/drop other files (video, pics, music, narration, effects, transition); create subtitles, then, test to your liking (re-edit as you wish)
FINISH MOVIE (w/rendering)
h.) Save the video file to pc or burn to cd
i.) Save the project file (work-in-progress) for succeeding edits

Hope this helpsâ¦

Camcorder video editing software question.?




Kyle M


I have a little Samsung sc-d363 miniDV cam. I bought it open box at a circuit city. I'm wondering what the best program is for transferring my video to my computer and editing it. I would also like to put it onto DVD. I'm new to this, so try to suggest an easy to use one.

Do I need a firewire input on my PC to stream the video to my PC? The cam didn't even come with any software or instructions.

Thanks.

Links are welcome.



Answer
Video Editing* Process

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker* (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. Upgrade to other video editing app ( http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/powerdirector-review.html ) accdg. to need & skill level.

Steps:
CAPTURE VIDEO: video stream from tape-based Vcam
a.) Connect miniDV vcam to pc via FIREWIRE cable (4 or 6 pin) for best transfer (USB w/quality concern)
b.) Set vcam mode to playback, set for capture, pause
c.) Open wmm and set to TASK pane
d.) Click Capture from video device; wmm controls vcam operations- on play, video stream is captured to wmm/COLLECTION
IMPORT FILES: from pc folder
e.) Import other video files**
f.) Import other files: pics, music, narration
EDIT MOVIE: create project- movie
g.) Drag&drop video files from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence
h.) Enhance video: drag&drop music, effects, transition; create titlesâ¦re-edit as you wish
FINISH MOVIE: render muvee file
i.) Render/Save MUVEE to pc and/ or share- CD; Save project file (work-in-progress) for future edits.
Finally, SHARE:
j.) Burn to DVD*** (wmm2 only on CD)
*** Most video editing app include DVD authoring, otherwise, use DVD authoring programs, e.g., WinDVD, Nero, etc.




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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

What is a good but cheap camera for videos and pictures?




Maria


I want something where I can make makeup tutorials with and that can focus really good abd that i dont have to keep messing with to try to get it to focus but also take good pictures but for cheap.


Answer
http://youtu.be/MfYNyiBSbRk Watch this first

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video. Consumer level HD camcorders interpolate the video. This means they take one frame, make up the next 4 or 5 frames, take a frame and repeat this, over and over, for the remainder of the video, every video it takes is like this.With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 seconds or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.

You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a Mic jack. You will need a firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer. To say this is not HD, think about this. It would cost in excess of $3500 to get a HD camcorder that could equal the video Quality of a $250 Canon MiniDV tape camcorder.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/zr960

Shooting make up tutorials - You will want to get close ups with out the camera going into convulsions trying to focus when using the Auto or Easy mode. The way to0 do this is to shut the Auto or Easy function off and do manual focusing and settings. This is not hard to do, i shoot all of my videos using the manual selection on my MiniDv tape camcorders, thus shooting better videos.

Focus tip - set camcorder on a tripod or firm surface. Turn the Easy or Auto function on your camcorder off, turn your camcorder on. Find something far away (I use a Post it Note, on far wall above light switch, You could maybe use a car a license plate, parked a block away, if your outdoors) then zoom in on this object, all the way. Focus your camcorder on this object. Now return you camcorder to normal zoom, show the big picture. Now, if you do not turn the camcorder off or touch the focus controls, it will be in focus from the distance away your focus object was to the camcorder lens, at any zoom ( say your focus object was 15 feet, everything up to 15 feet will be in focus, anything beyond that 15 feet is not.)

What is a cheap good video camera?




Holly


I need a nice quality camera but I am on a pretty big budget. It needs to shoot video obviously, but if it did pictures too I wouldn't complain. I've heard the Cannon 300 hs was good but it is out of my budget. My budget it basically not past 200$ but anything around 150-100$ would be perfect (but I totally doubt that)
GAH!! I forgot it needs pretty good sound quality.



Answer
Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 seconds or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.

You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a Mic jack. You need a firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer. To say this is not HD, think about this. It would cost in excess of $3500 to get a HD camcorder that could equal the video Quality of a $250 Canon MiniDV tape camcorder.




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lightweight, portable, budget camcorder?




Luke F


Hi,
I'm doing a bit of off road travel and need a camcorder that will charge from my solar panel, so it will need to charge from a USB port. Also, i'm looking for some thing that will work off SD cards, these products seem to be cheaper than the HDD camcorders.
Any help or advice appreciated.
Luke



Answer
Never buy a HDD camcorder, as camcorders move around a lot it is much easier to damage the HDD from a fall or drop where as memory ones are almost indestructible(depending on the model) I would recommend one of the flip camcorders. Personally the flip mino HD is the best in my opinion, the only problem is that it only has a 1 hour record time and you can't upgrade the memory. If you want more record time you could look at the Kodak zi6 HD camcorder. It uses SD cards (up to 32GB) and standard AA batteries. My problem is that although with a 8GB memory card its around $30 cheaper, is that the colors are over saturated and the camera is much larger than the flip. Also I don't believe it does USB charging but than its not like AA batteries are hard to come by. Either way the quality on both camera is great for the price. Only problem with most SD budget cams is that its digital zoom only (reduces image quality) and they tend to be a little more shaky, however for $200 or less for HD its also a lot less of a deal if they get damaged. I have the Mino HD and love it for on the go recordings, and the battery on it last a lot longer than the 1 hour of storage does. Basiclly Mino- Smaller, better footage Kodak-Expandable Memory/Batteries. Hope this helps

Oh PS- Both cameras save their video in an easy to use format Mino HD-MP4 H.264 Kodak- .Mov

Looking for a decent Budget camcorder.?

Q. i make youtube videos. about working on cars. and fixing computers. so i need a dedicated camcorder. something low cost that i wont care if it gets banged up. the one i use now kind of sucks. its a gigaware flip cam i got at radio shack. it sucks in low light. has a terrible mic. it's just junk. i want something better. but i am on a tight budget. i don't need anything spectacular. its for youtube. i'm not trying to make a professional grade movie or anything. just vlogging and stuff like that. here's what i am looking for. i want a good Microphone. decent in low light conditions. no less then 720P. and i want it to record in MP4 format. MP4 just works the best with the software i use. currently my flip cam records in AVI and i have to convert it before i can edit. that's annoying. and it hurts quality. and also Windows 8 has issues with some AVI formats as well. so MP4 format is absolutely preferred. and i want all that for 200 bucks or less. i found one from Samsung on Amazon that fit the bill but whats on paper and how it actually functions in the real world are two different things. that's why i am asking for recommendations. do you know of any budget cameras that fit my requirements that don't suck?


Answer
Issue 1:
Camcorders in your budget range have small lenses and small imaging chip. The will not do well under low light or poor lighting conditions. As camcorders increase in price, their lenses and imaging chips get larger and their ability to behave better under poor lighting conditions increases. If you cannot increase your budget, then add light. More on this after the next paragraph.

Issue 2:
Camcorders in your budget range generally do not have a mic jack. As you have discovered, if the mic is in the right place to capture decent audio, then the camcorder frame is not right... or if the camcorder frame looks good, this is not usually the best place for the mic to be. If the camcorders you are looking at don't have a mic jack, then your other option is to use an external digital audio recorder. The audio you want to use is recorded separately, import it to the editor with the video, sync, then mute the audio captured by the camcorder... this is an extra step, but the alternative means paying for a more expensive camcorder with an external mic jack.

So... assuming you stay with the budget you have, a couple of worklights from the hardware store mounted on tripods will provide additional light. An external audio recorder (Sony and Olympus make good, affordable units), allows you to stay with the existing camcorder and process flow. If you are set on on replacing the camcorder, it may be best to alter your process flow, too - and look into something in the Canon HF R series or perhaps a Zoom Q3HD... And converting the video should not reduce video quality - assuming the transcoder is doing the conversion correctly.




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What kind of video camera should i get for action sports?




Tyler V


Im a snowboarder, and i was wondering if anyone knew what kinda video camera to get, cause we need something to record us going down the moutian. It needs to be a good durable camera not so much water proof but something that can take the outdoors.


Answer
The wearable hands-free video systems allow the camcorder operator to videotape ... Action Sports Cams uses a remote mini color camera mounted on a hat,

Low-budget Video Camera?




Josh


I am getting into filmmaking, problem is I don't have any high quality camera. I want to improve my work, so are there any extremely cheap cameras I can use or maybe just even start with? When I say cheap, I mean no more than a few hundred bucks. Any information would be awesome, Thanks :)


Answer
Getting a HD camcorder is taking a step backward in Video Quality. HD camcorders Interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly, the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi processor computer with the big Graphics and sound cards that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files a HD camcorder produces.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030




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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

External camera microphone?

Q. Are there any external camera microphones that recored and store audio instead of plugging into a camera.
I need to know because I have a camera with no audio in
Thanks!


Answer
Hi Chris:

There are a lot of small solid-state memory (internal or flash-card storage) non-tape audio recorders with integral microphones that you could use.

Some of the better ones (like the Alesis PalmTrack and the Zoom H1) are under-$100 and have excellent stereo and multi-channel recording mikes built-in.

On a tight budget, you could use an old cassette tape recorder and a good mike, but then you'd add the complexity of converting the analog audio into a digital file for editing & synchronization.

The biggest challenge you face with recording "wild sound" (the term used for non-sync audio for moving pictures) is the "sync" or matching the action to the audio. The simplest way is to use a "film slate" or "clapboard" which gives both a sharp sound (the "clap" of the hinged stick) and a visual cue (the image of the stick hitting the top of the slate) to match-up at the editing phase of your video. Be sure to clearly announce the details or sequence # of each "take" when you slate it, so that the audio file will make sense when you edit.

You'll have to remember to re-slate every time you start/stop your camcorder. If you forget, you can "back-slate" at the end of the take, and still have something to "sync" to. (Even just a shot of you or the subject clapping their hands widely will give a useful "slate" mark.)

The other option is to buy a USB-interface microphone and connect it to your laptop using any simple audio-recording or sound-capture software. The same sound-sync issue will need to be dealt with as with the hand-recorders.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

How can I attach a better quality external microphone to my digital camera or camcorder?




maybachman


I want to record a video for youtube but the built in mic in my sony digital camera is not the best sound quality.

Thank you!



Answer
If the camera has a mic-in jack, that is the only way. If you have a Sony camcorder like a DCR-HC96 with only a "active interface" shoe, you need one of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/479976-REG/Sony_VMCK100_VMC_K100_Microphone_Adapter_Cable.html

If you are recording loud audio and the sound is getting muddy, you may be out of luck - the loud noise is overdriving the auto-audio leveling circuit. IN the Sony camcorders, there is a "Normal" and "Low" audio switch in the menu so you can reduce the mic gain when the audio is loud, but if it is a still camera that happens to take highly compressed videos, your only option is to get a field recorder (like those from M-Audio, Marantz or Fostex) and during editing, kill the video's audio and bring in the audio from the field recorder - they all have manual audio control.




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Good camera for shooting video ?




!!!!!!!!!!


Hi I'm looking for a camera that shoots good video quality 1080p and also takes good pictures ? I make youtube videos and want to get good quality video ? right now I'm using a flip mini which is good but not great when you watch in full screen and when you zoom the quality lessens dramatically. I don't really want to spend more than £200 ?


Answer
Hi Scott:

At least when you are talking 200-pounds Sterling and not 200-dollars US, you have a bit more spending power. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for, and trying to get both good stills (photos) and good video out of the same inexpensive gadget is a major compromise. And one that usually disappoints in both areas (photos and videos).

With your current Flip pocket camera, you've noticed how the picture quality is degraded with its digital zoom (not optical). All digital zoom does is crop & enlarge whatever pixels are a "subset" of the full sensor area when zooming-in on part of the full frame. This is why you notice the dramatic difference in quality when zooming.

Your budget is in the area of a GoPro Hero HD camera, which is one of the better under-$500 USD class cameras that shoot video and stills. Shop around for what's called the "GoPro Hero HD Naked" (it comes without the added expense of sports-cam mounts & straps). Typical price is just under-£200. It shoots 5-Megapixel photos and is great at action footage, for an SD-card camera.

The other options in your price range would be one of the Kodak PlaySport "Z-series" (Zx5, Zi8, etc.) cameras or one of the Sony Bloggie pocket camcorders (try the MHS-TS20, which is highly-rated).

And another way to stretch your shopping money, is to opt for a factory-refurbished model (which Canon and Sony often have listed on their websites). Several models in the Canon Legria HF-series (the UK version of the Vixia series) and the Sony DCR-SX45 (and similar models) are in your price range.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

whats the best camera for making you tube videos for a beginer you tuber?




huntnbigra





Answer
my recommendation is to use a camera with mini dv and if the budget stretches go for HDV.

here are some things to think about:

first, look at budget and then work out the best you can get for the money spent. try to steer clear of second hand units as they are usually more trouble than they're worth.

second, decide on a format to suit your style. most people are getting Hard drive cameras without thinking of the implications of the design. i will keep using mini dv tape myself until the bitter end as i think they are still the best format for low budget film making. you can use them in many HD cameras and will offer better archival storage and far superior image quality compared to DVD and HDD.

stick with mini dv - you can't miss. (btw mini dv only comes in 2 sizes - 60 min or 80 mins - it's true that you can set cam to shoot Long play and get 90 mins + on a tape but it's not worth it - always shoot SP)

third - what sort of shooting are you looking to do? indoor studio? or outdoor sporting events etc. many cameras are good for one but might be lacking for the other. try to find something that suits your needs and work out features you may find useful. eg - night vision sounds great but it's highly unlikely that you'll use it regularly. but if you found something with decent mic inputs and separate sound controls you may find that FAR more useful.

fourth - HDV is the next generation of camera. more and more people have HD tvs showing in widescreen and you can (in most cases) plug the cam in via HDMI straight into your HD tv and it looks AMAZING. SD or standard def is on the way out so you'll be stuck with a cam that you don't like the images for.

fifth - all cams are good for youtube. even a digital stills camera. most computers accept usb or firewire to upload images to an editing suite.

consider you applications, decide your format and look at how much you want to spend. make a short list then try them out.

the best brand of camcorder would technically speaking be "RED".

it is a 4k resultion cam capable of doing 35mm standard shooting. however, it would be very expensive and out of reach for most people.

however, cams come in many different varieties. there is SD and HD which is standard and high definition.

some have a single chip whereas onthers have three. others are widescreen and some are full screen.

many different factors make up what is best in the market. sony tend to make something that stands out in all market segments wether it be a simple point and shoot right up to the cam they used for star wars (the cinealta). of course the prices are hugely variable starting from around $200 going up to $200000 + depending on features.

the problem with these big expensive cameras is that many people are clueless how to use them. you may have a $10000 HD cam in the hands of a beginner and a pro cinematographer will wipe the floor with you using a bottom of the line point and shoot. they have many confusing dials and buttons designed to bring out the cameras best but it will take a while to learn how to use them effectively.

you can buy HD cams for around US$800 (give or take) which will produce great pictures and even do stills while you shoot. they are easy to use and can dramatically increase the quality of your movies.

many people ask 'what should i get? mini dvd, mini dv or Hard drive?'

i would say that the mini dv (although the oldest format of the bunch) is still the best. it offers excellent resolution (even in hd or HDV as it's known). it has great archiving value and is cheap to run.

dvd and hdd are useful in some ways but quite bad in others. sure, they may seem convienient but DVD has the WORST resolution and the discs are more expensive. HDD is better but what happens when you run out of drive space on a great trip away? and if it stuffs up - a new tape is far cheaper thana new hard drive.

so, to bring this long rambling point to a close, there are many ins and outs with cams so it s 'how long is a piece of string' question. have a look at what feels good to you and what looks good. think about what you are needing it for and consider the practicalities of each type.

i hope this advice helps.




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Monday, May 5, 2014

Best 1080p camcorder under $500?




Michael





Answer
HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview

What is the best durable video camera for sports under 500$?




Jason


I ski, play lacrosse, skateboard, and mountain bike. I already own a gopro and that is great for first person but I need something that someone else can use to film me. Price isn't really that much of an issue but i don't want to drop 1000 bucks on something that will likely get damaged while filming.


Answer
HD Camcorders, that being any Camcorder that does not use MiniDV tape for Video Storage and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

DSLR Cameras, all Makes, all Models, all have the same problem when video taping some long videos, all overheat at the 13 to 18 minute mark, depending on the Make and Model. This is unavoidable, it all has to with the fact, video is an afterthought in DSLR camera production.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview




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Sunday, May 4, 2014

Buying a camcorder; need to record son's sports; need advice?




Concerned


Football, baseball, basketball as well as family stuff is what the camcorder will be used for. Want digital.
Don't understand camcorder specs-help! Want tripod too.



Answer
I highly recommend the Canon HV20. While a lot of people are getting it nowadays for the film-like images it can produce in 24p mode, it is an equally decent camcorder for taping stuff like sports. I got mine used off of eBay for $660 plus $20 shipping, and it also came with a UV filter and extra battery. Okay tripods can be had for $30, but if you want a decent one, expect to pay $70-$100. The HV20 also shoots HD, which isn't a huge deal if you don't have a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD burner/player, but if you plan on watching videos without editing, or if you plan on editing then outputting to tape (depending on the program you use), you can use the included component cable or optional HDMI cable to watch your videos in HD, assuming that you taped, captured, edited in HD and you have an HD set. Canon also makes the HV30, which is a newer version of the HV20 with a black body, ability to shoot 30p (30p has similar film-like characteristics as 24p but will look better if you're shooting sports; it's also better for uploading to Youtube), has a new LCD with larger vertical viewing angle (resists solarisation), but it costs about $880. Hope this helps!

What is the best DVD camcorder for recording school sports events ?




Jay


My sons both play basketball and I want to record their games. Am looking to buy a new DVD camcorder, and I would appreciate any input.


Answer
Leave DVD cameras alone they are, of all camcorder available today the lowest quality. there are loads of problems, with disks not finalising, or reading.

You are better off getting a flash drive camera, light simple and not effect by vibration, or knocks.

you do not give a budget so its hard to help much more, decide on the amount of money you want to spend, then look at any of the large camera makers Sony, Canon, JVC, there will be something there to fit your budget.

RR




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Very good Video Cameras?




Me eM


I want a good camera for making short films and things like that, under £500, if possible one that is waterproof.
Please Help!
Me Em



Answer
the kodak playsport is am HD waterproof up to 10f video camera and it is totally alsome. I use it when scubadiving,dirtbiking and all kinds of sweet shit. its only 150$ too.

i want to buy a video camera?




o_O


i want it to be something small like the flip but i heard the flip does not work well and stops working after a few months. Any suggestions i want it to be cute and portable and not very expensive.
Also is would be great if i could take pics with it too
thanks in advance



Answer
Hi, perhaps you can try playsport:

http://videoconverter88.blog.com/2010/07/01/kodak-playsport-video-camera/




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