Wednesday, November 27, 2013

How do I record a video of me looking in the mirror without seeing the camcorder in the mirror?

best camcorder to record music videos
 on Pouillet's Lehrbuch Der Physik Und Meteorologie, Volume 2 (German ...
best camcorder to record music videos image



Nick


I'm trying to record a music video, and there's going to be a shot where I'm looking in the mirror. How do I do this without the mirror reflecting the camcorder where I would see it in the shot?


Answer
With the camera perpendicular and very close to the mirror and you very close to the mirror, you can get both images but not much reflected mirror background...

What camcorders are comparable to the Panasonic AG-HMC40, and how do they stack up?




pyrosarco


I am looking to purchase a Panasonic AG-HMC40 camcorder and was wondering how people felt about them and what was comparable, but still solid state recording in the 1800 dollar price range give or take 200 dollars.

I like the idea of solid state because I do not enjoy using DV tape. Unless someone could talk me out of it.

I would be using the camera to record documentaries, music videos, shorts, etc. at a college/semi professional level.



Answer
If the AG-HMC40 did not use AVCHD compression to create MTS files it would be a fine camcorder because everything else about it is quite good.

Because of the AVCHD piece, I would much prefer the HDR-FX7 (plus an XLR adapter) DV/HDV to miniDV tape. But that also means your computer has to have a firewire port. If it does not - and one cannot be added, then flash memory is your only other option - so the AG-HMC40 is about it.

Your computer needs a LOT of RAM, a really fast CPU. AVCHD is more of a pig than HDV is. Take a look at what the bigger dogs use - and I will even limit the list to flash memory camcorders:
Panasonic AG-HVX200
Sony HVR-Z7
JVC GY-HM100
Red Scarlet and Red One
Silicon Imaging

No AVCHD.

Now let's add in the others:
Sony HVR-Z1, HVR-Z5
Canon XH series; XLH series
Sony XDCAM and HDCAM series

No AVCHD - all digital tape.

How are you planning to archive the video - as in, what if you want the original video in 5 or 10 years or more? MiniDV tape is the archive when the tape is not reused. But again, if your computer can't handle firewire, then flash memory is the only other viable option. Then the follow up question is, can your video editor handle the MTS files?

I like the idea of solid state, too - especially from the power consumption standpoint, but the post production process flow is immature and not yet ready for prime time.




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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

What should I look for in a new camcorder?

best camcorder viewfinder
 on viewfinder hack philips vkrcamcorder viewfinder over donated footage ...
best camcorder viewfinder image



gypsy5


I new a new camcorder and don't know what features to look for. I will be using it to film my kids playing soccer and marching in the band so need to be able to zoom in.


Answer
Your budget will determine what and how many features you will get in a camcorder but more is always better.

For your projects (kid sports, marching band), a camera with a 10X or more Optical zoom (not digital zoom). Digital zoom is basically a magnification of pixels and looks terrible when used). It's important for you to understand that when you use zoom, you increase the chances of unsteady video footage. The slightest movement of the cam (nervous hands, strong wind, etc.) is acerbated in the video. Use a tripod or at least a mono-pod. A shaky video is appeasing and can give your viewers a sea-sick feeling.

Optical (or digital) Stabilization. That can help steady your shots. (Or use a tripod or mono pod).

Stay away from hard disk drive (HDD) and DVD camcorders. Those use an internal moving drive and are subject to malfunction and failure if the camera was ever dropped or jolted abruptly thus you would loose all your video. With DVD cams they are not easy to access the video (its on a disk) without taking several steps to save it, edit it, etc. verses a regular video file.

Choose a flash memory cam or dual memory cam. Flash memory is electronic memory and no moving parts. If you get a cam that uses both internal and external memory, then use memory cards. You can change them out as you shoot different projects (and to edit later). Plus it's safer having your videos on a removable media for safe keeping.

An external microphone jack is a nice feature (not all cams have one). There may be times you may want to use a mic to record up close with a subject. Plus they sound much better than the small on-camera mic.

If you shoot at night under regulation stadium lights, most cams will okay. But a cam with shutter and iris control will be better (the price of the cam goes way up with such features).

Manual focus is a nice feature as you may want to use some depth of field and to focus on small subjects.

Most cams have an LCD screen but many don't have a viewfinder too. A cam with a view finder will come in handy when manually focusing.

Some camcorders, especially pocket cams require a computer USB port to recharge. You will want a cam that charges using an A/C power adapter and get an extra battery or two.

Even with a camcorder with many features will do you no good if you are not good at using a video camera. So keep that in mind. There are lots of tutorials on the web to show you techniques, like the do's and don'ts.

Have fun!

Where can i buy a cheap Professional Camcorder?




Will


Where can i buy a cheap proffesional camcorder. possibly second, third, or a fourth hand camera. I just need one for some low budget skate videos. I would like it to be under 100 dollars and have quality better that a bottom line consumer camcorder now. Thanks so much.


Answer
Hi will,
You can buy Professional Camcorder on Amazon, here is the link
I recommend Canon DC100 DVD Camcorder w/25x Optical Zoom
Digital video camera that records straight to 3-inch DVD-R/RW media
25x optical zoom with built-in image stabilizer; 2.7-inch LCD screen
Canon's DIGIC DV image processor for vivid video and exceptional color quality
Widescreen Button lets you switch from standard 4:3 to 16:9 Widescreen Mode
Level Shot Control provides horizontal gridlines in the viewfinder for more professional framing
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ES1RE6?ie=UTF8&tag=digitsy-post3-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ES1RE6




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