sport video camera hd image
Caleb
I am looking for a semi professional video camera that shoots 1080p HD. The two things it needs to have a mic input and either a built in memory or a SD card slot (preferably a SD card slot but not necessary). I would like it to be able to take both 30 fps and 60 (it would be nice but not necessary). I don't have a opinion as to what brand but it needs to be around the $1000 or less range.
Answer
semi professional, its a lot of perception, like is the glass half full or half empty. if a camera is not professional, then it is consumer grade, period. If you want to think that a consumer camera is "just like" a pro camera but costs less then that is your perception. but for a reality check, remember that's not true.
the first point is no professional camcorder uses SD cards for media. Those are ok for still shots, but they require super compression of video by a codec that does not hold up to professional use. And professional videographers shoot for the purpose of making money, not "prestige". They need to usually provide a client with a DVD of the finished work. The only consumer HD format that can make decent DVDs is the miniDV based HDV type which is not SD card or under $1000. When Sony invented AVCHD, it was never intended for pro use, but for people to show off home movies directly from the camera without editing. Same can be said for H.264 which is a public variant of Sony proprietary AVCHD. Having a mic input does not magically result in HiFi sound if the memory card based camcorder compresses the bejeebers out of the audio, and all do. Speaking of editing, AVCHD and H.264 have no support for timecode.
for the purpose of making DVDs, whether wedding/event, music video or action sport genres, the weapon of choice is miniDV. You can still get a consumer miniDV camera, the Canon ZR960 has a retail price way under $1000. It shoots in 16:9 so once it is on DVD, it will look better than any consumer SD card based HD camera.
semi professional, its a lot of perception, like is the glass half full or half empty. if a camera is not professional, then it is consumer grade, period. If you want to think that a consumer camera is "just like" a pro camera but costs less then that is your perception. but for a reality check, remember that's not true.
the first point is no professional camcorder uses SD cards for media. Those are ok for still shots, but they require super compression of video by a codec that does not hold up to professional use. And professional videographers shoot for the purpose of making money, not "prestige". They need to usually provide a client with a DVD of the finished work. The only consumer HD format that can make decent DVDs is the miniDV based HDV type which is not SD card or under $1000. When Sony invented AVCHD, it was never intended for pro use, but for people to show off home movies directly from the camera without editing. Same can be said for H.264 which is a public variant of Sony proprietary AVCHD. Having a mic input does not magically result in HiFi sound if the memory card based camcorder compresses the bejeebers out of the audio, and all do. Speaking of editing, AVCHD and H.264 have no support for timecode.
for the purpose of making DVDs, whether wedding/event, music video or action sport genres, the weapon of choice is miniDV. You can still get a consumer miniDV camera, the Canon ZR960 has a retail price way under $1000. It shoots in 16:9 so once it is on DVD, it will look better than any consumer SD card based HD camera.
What kind of video camera should I buy to shoot a sporting event?
Larry
I may be hired to work as a freelance videographer for high school sporting events. The company wants me to use my own equipment to shoot the games, which I am in the process of getting. They recommend I have an HD Prosumer camera. I've done some research, and I saw the Canon VIXIA HF G10 was pretty good and not overly priced. Does anyone have any recommendations about what other types of video cameras I can buy or give any more input about this camera I've look into? Also, is it best to get a camera that has the viewfinder on the side of the camera or on top of it?
Answer
For sports/fast action, generally something that does not do high compression AVCHD. Like a Sony HDR-FX7. Of course, this assumes your computer has a firewire port. If it does not and you are not willing to add one, then the Canon HF G series is decent.
You will also want a tripod (it can double as a monopod is you only extend one leg). You really should not capture video handheld. And your computer may need upgrading (CPU, RAM, fast external hard drive, video editor) to deal with the AVCHD compressed video.
If you are capturing on a bright sunny day, the LCD panel can be difficult to see - so the eyepiece viewfinder is much more useful.
An optional high capacity battery from the camcorder manufacturer is a good idea.
A shoulder-mount rig may be helpful, too.
If someone runs into you and breaks the camera, who pays to fix it?
Good luck.
For sports/fast action, generally something that does not do high compression AVCHD. Like a Sony HDR-FX7. Of course, this assumes your computer has a firewire port. If it does not and you are not willing to add one, then the Canon HF G series is decent.
You will also want a tripod (it can double as a monopod is you only extend one leg). You really should not capture video handheld. And your computer may need upgrading (CPU, RAM, fast external hard drive, video editor) to deal with the AVCHD compressed video.
If you are capturing on a bright sunny day, the LCD panel can be difficult to see - so the eyepiece viewfinder is much more useful.
An optional high capacity battery from the camcorder manufacturer is a good idea.
A shoulder-mount rig may be helpful, too.
If someone runs into you and breaks the camera, who pays to fix it?
Good luck.
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