Is it safe to send DAT tapes through the mail?

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Stefan R

I want to send DAT tapes from my camcorder to my parents. Is it safe to send them through the mail? How susceptible are they to damage by heat and/or cold?

Answer
I remember in my old company we sent DAT tapes to Europe, however we were more concerned about mail getting lost then temperatures.
I would recommend to send them FedEx with a thick layer of bubble wrap around it and in a plastic bag.

If you have access to a computer, at least make a copy of your files. Wouldn't it make sense to transfer files from the Camcorder to the computer and then burn a DVD which is easier to send and in the meantime easy to watch in a DVD player or computer. DAT tapes sound like an ancient technology to me.

What are good, moderately priced semi-professional camcorder?

Chris

I'm a Journalism major and I'm currently in production of a documentary about religion practiced in my hometown for my school.

As I'm currently in college, I have very little money to spend. One pf my goals is to be an indie film/documentary director. As such, I would love to purchase a good camcorder.

What is a good camcorder of semi-professional/professional quality that I can purchase for a moderate price (at least as moderate as a camera will allow).

P.S., as a little side question, would kick-starter be a good way to raise money? For the project as well as the equipment?

Answer
My definition of a "professional camcorder":

Lens filter diameter = 70mm or larger
Imaging chip is 3CCD (3CMOS is acceptable but not preferred) that is 1/3" or larger.
Audio inputs are XLR connectors. If the camcorder has a single 1/8" (3.5mm) sretro audio input, then it drops to "prosumer".

The Canon XHA1 meets all these requirements of "pro grade". The Sony HDR-FX1000 meets all the requirements for "prosumer" and an XLR (juicedLink or BeachTek) adapter can be used for XLR mics. The Sony HVR-Z5 and Panasonic AG-HVX200 round out the list of entry-level pro-grade cams that meet or exceed the stated requirements. I think the Panny is the only one that comes with a shotgun mic for camera mounting but all the others can mount a shotgun mic. Since I prefer Sennheiser or Audio Technica shotgun mics, it does not really matter.

The next step up has the Canon XF and XLH lines; Sony HVR-Z7, HDCAM/XDCAM lines and the JVC GY-HM series.

All are "digital" including those using miniDV tape. Remember, the "DV" in miniDV = digital video.

If your definition of "semi-professional/professional camcorder" is different, please let us know what that is so appropriate suggestions can be provided to you.

When you research these, you will find pricing from around $3,000 up to $60,000. "Moderate price" is relative. Remember that the camcorder is a small piece of a larger system. You will also need a good, sturdy tripod and other steadying devices, video lights, optional batteries from the manufacturer, cables, cases, mics (there is no single "best" mic), video editing application, possible computer upgrades to be able to edit the video you capture...

Kick starter? We don't know where you are. Perhaps there are small businesses in your area willing to pay few $ for video production for posting to the web or there is a local wedding/event videographer willing to take you on as an intern or parents willing to pay for video capture of their children's sports activities or stage performances.With little/no experience with video capture, selling video services, editing and delivering a final product to your customer, this could be an interesting learning experience for you.

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Is the Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control a good video camera to get?

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Mikeala Yo

I'm getting a new video camera and was looking at the Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder & Pro Manual Control, does anyone know if this is a good camera? i want it to make home videos and want good image. if you know anything about it please tell me! thanks!

Answer
The HF S200 is a good, higher end, consumer grade camcorder. Not pro and not prosumer. Consumer grade. I have the HF S100 from a couple years ago - it is good. They are very similar camcorders.

Under good lighting conditions, and the "high quality" video option selected for capture in the menu, they both do a fine job. Under poor lighting conditions, no consumer camcorder can capture good video. And the HF S100/HF S200 have a mic jack for external mics and manual audio gain control to deal with loud audio environments.

What video camera has the most manual controls for under $400?

clancy m

I want a good quality video camera for less than $400. But i want one with good manual controls such as exposure, focus, and white balance. Also it would be better if they shoot in full HD.

Answer
First off, 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 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.

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.

My Canon ZR MiniDV tape camcorders can do all you list and more, in Manual mode, as that is the only mode I shoot in. And I would put my MiniDV tape camcorders in any contest regarding video Quality against any HD Camcorder under $3000, and i know I would win.

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