Digital Camcorders Picture Quality
I’m looking to spend $200-$500 on a digital camcorder for YouTube and other videos?
I’m a musician and I’ve been wanting to upload some of my songs to YouTube. I’ve been looking at camcorders between the $200 and $500 range.
I want something that shoots well in low lighting (I will be playing my songs indoors), has relatively good picture quality, has its own hard drive, and is easy to use. I’m kind of a fan of point-and-shoot since I’m very bad with learning how to focus and all that.
Are there any cameras you’d recommend for me? And why?
It depends on your music.
If it is loud music, you need to be able to control the mic gain on the camera – other wise the audio will be very muddy and clip a lot.
The Sony DCR-HC96 has a “Normal” and “Low” menu selection to adjust the mic gain. “Low” mic gain would be used for recording loud audio. This is not optimum, but is the only camcorder with this sort of control that is in your budget range.
The ideal set up would include manual audio controls and external mic jack. The cheapest camcorders with both these are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. They are outside your stated price range.
In terms of video quality, DVD camcorders are the worst. Next best are hard drive camcorders and certain flash based camcorders. Best video quality continues to come from MiniDV tape based camcorders.
If your music is not loud, then the mic gain control are not important… for now…
Mr Safety has good tips on videos for YouTube – lighting is important – especially for low-end camcorders:
Canon ZR500 Digital Camcorder – Fly Through
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Sylvania SY251 5-inch B/W Observation System $159.99 The Sylvania SY251 5-inch B/W Observation System provides convenience, versatility, and quality in a robust and complete system. This system allows you to view up to four camera locations sequentially in full-screen with its built-in four-channel switcher. The SY251 includes a camera that has built-in motion detection capabilities so you won’t miss any action. Featuring two-way audio, the Sylvania… |
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Kroo EVA Neoprene Top Quality Black Mini Sleeve Case Bag for Sony HDR-CX550 HD Flash Memory Camcorder — Best Selling Case on Amazon! $8.99 New High Quality Very-Well-Made Protective Sleeve for Modern Compact Size Digital Camera This stylish sleeve is made with high quality endurance material This sleeve helps protect your device against marks and scratches This sleeve is designed in the USA with modern and high tech appearance This sleeve features smooth lining interior inside a compact-to-carry form factor This sleeve features detac… |
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Transcend 32GB Secure Digtial High Capacity (SDHC) Card – Class 6 $28.95 32GB Secure Digtial High Capacity (SDHC) Card – Class 6 is based on the new generation of SD cards (SD 2.0) that support the FAT32 file system format. Fully Class 6 compliant, the card features fast data transfer speeds and satisfies the high-capacity demands of today’s new SDHC devices such as high-end digital cameras or digital camcorders. You can store your entire music or picture collections, video clips, or even complete full-length high quality movies. |