Web Friendly Camcorders
What video camera should I buy?
Camcorders range from $300 to $3000. I need a to film clips for email and the web. It needs to be somewhat professional but I’m not filming wedding videos or anything. Most importantly it must be user friendly, durable and travel well. Please tell me some of the major differences between the expensive and less expensive camcorders.
Stephen M makes some very good points. He recommends Sony and I would agree, while adding Canon and Panasonic to the list of trusty brands. He recommends MiniDV format over DVD or hard disk, and again I would concur with his recommendation.
As far as the comments about image sensing, I mostly agree. Unless you (1) Are doing a side-by-side comparison of a 3 sensor to a 1 sensor model, or (2) You are a video professional, or (3) You are looking at measurements made with test instruments, then you are unlikely to notice the more accurate colors made by the 3 sensor system. And in your case, once the image is compressed to the point to where it can be sent across the net these differences are sure not to be noticed, probably not even by professionals. However, it would be a different case if you were going to distribute your productions in a tape or DVD format.
I would add that you should look for a MiniDV camcorder with external headphone and microphone jacks and an IEEE1394 (DV / Firewire / i.LINK) port instead of just a USB port. The camcorder should have manual adjustments for focus, white balance, and exposure as a minimum. And a wired remote port (LANC) is a definite plus.
You should also budget some money for storage, mounting, lighting, audio, and lens accessories.
Purchase a good hard case and rain / water protection gear if applicable. Even a small amount of water can destroy a camcorder.
Buy a fluid head tripod with a LANC remote on the handle if your camcorder supports this. It makes a world of difference in the stability of your shots and the appearance of professionalism in your work. A monopod is also very useful in cramped shooting situations.
Videos made even on expensive equipment will look crappy with poor lighting. Rechargeable and/or AC lights for shooting indoors and a reflector for outdoors are invaluable basics.
Audio is the weakest feature in a consumer camcorder. The recording levels are all automatic and the built in mic(s) tends to pickup (and record) the operational noises of the camcorder. You should get yourself an external shotgun mic and perhaps a wireless handheld and/or lavalier to improve your chances of capturing decent audio. You should also get yourself a comfortable set of closed back headphones with a built-in volume control. Wear them at all times while recording. It is very disappointing to record an important interview with someone to only discover in editing that part of the voice was obscured by a passing jet or car and it is impossible to remove the noise. Audio can be half of your production so don’t neglect it.
An assortment of lens filters can be useful for certain productions. Neutral density, polarizing, wide-angle, telephoto, and other special effects filters are all useful in the right place. Keeping a UV filter on the camcorder at all times is a useful way to protect the objective lens from scratches and smudges.
WK
Panasonic HM-TA1 Review
|
|
Roxio Creator 2010 Pro [OLD VERSION] $25.50 Roxio Creator 2010 Pro is an easy way to create pro-quality video, photo and audio projects. Creator 2010 adds drag and drop simplicity to your burning and copying projects. Your tunes your way – quickly rip, digitize, clean up, organize and convert audio files to most popular formats. You can edit movies and burn DVDs like a pro even if you are a beginner along with capturing, burning and shar… |
|
|
Pinnacle Studio Plus 700 USB Version 10.0 $179.99 Pinnacle Studio Plus 700-USB version 10.5 provides the ease and power to quickly combine, enhance, and instantly preview on TV, your videos from digital and analog camcorders and effortlessly preserve and share them on DVD and beyond. Pinnacle Studio Plus 700-USB version 10.5 now includes Pinnacle Studio Plus version 10.5 Titanium Edition. More Power, Effects and Options Pinnacle Studio Plus 700-U… |
|
|
Corel DVD Copy 6 Plus [OLD VERSION] $49.99 Corel DVD Copy 6 Plus lets you copy DVDs and convert video in three simple steps. Compress dual-layer DVDs to single-layer discs or create new DVDs of your favorite videos. Copy all of a disc or just the parts you want. With support for the latest standard and High-Definition formats, converting video couldn’t be easier. Schedule conversions for times when your PC is free or use folder monitori… |
|
|
Logitech Alert 750i Indoor Master – HD-Quality Security System $299.99 The Logitech Alert 750i 961-000329 Indoor Master Security System is a top-of-the-line master security alert system. Once you set up your system, you will immediately be able to reply on great security in times you need it. The system features motion-triggered camera, innovative software and you can view the feed from online or a mobile device. The set up for the 961-000329 is simply, al you need i… |