best camcorders professional image
Luca
So i am 15 dont really have much money, and i was looking to get into time lapses. I have bee looking at hd video camcorders (professional grade, no best buy stuff), but i see that most people use large cameras with the interchangable lenses. Loking to get something in the 200-700 dollar range
Answer
Time lapse photography consists of of taking hundreds/thousands of photos and combining them in a video editor.
So you need both a camera and video software.
There are not that many cameras that can do time-lapse, especially in the compact camera range. A few that do are the Nikon P310, P330, P7700.
As well, some video cameras can also do time lapse, such as some GoPro Hero and Sony Action Cam. However, these cameras may or may not be suitable to your needs as they often have lens/optic issues preventing them from doing anything but the main job they were designed for.
Also, a few mirrorless cameras have this function - Nikon 1 does for instance.
And some DSLRs also have time-lapse functions. However, this is usually the mid-range cameras as not many entry level DSLRs have this function.
However, there is a 3rd party product on the market called an Intervalometer, which is basically a timer for time lapse. This will allow virtually any DSLR having a wired remote (with the proper cable) to be controlled for time lapse.
Realize though that not all DSLRs have wired remote capability. Some only have wireless (IR) remote - especially entry level DSLRs. At this time, there are not commercially available wireless remote intervalometers (although some people have built their own).
For instance, for some strange reason, the Nikon D3000 has a wireless but not wired remote capability. The Nikon D3100/D3200 has a wired, but not wireless remote capability.
Once you get your camera, you basically set it up on a tripod and select the number of photos you want, and the duration between photos. The best duration depends on the effect you wan to achieve. For instance, if you are looking for active scenes; people walking, etc. The best rate will be 10sec or less. But for scenery; clouds, etc. a 30sec~1min rate is better.
Realize though that some cameras - those with built-in timers - have a restriction as to the minimum duration you can have. This is because if you take too many photos too quickly, you might overheat the camera, and it can shut down. While you do not have this restriction with a 3rd party intervalometer, you could still shut the camera down by overheating.
Further, interval shooting uses up a lot of battery. You may want to consider an AC powered solution for the camera if you want to take a lengthy time-lapse movie. Virtually all Nikon cameras that have an interval timer can be AC powered with the addition of an expensive adapter ($100 or so).
Finally, with time lapse, you don't have to use the most resolution on your camera. You can cut down the resolution a lot, as video will mask many defects anyway, so the resolution often can be turned down. Turning down the resolution not only reduces battery usage (smaller files to write), but it also results in more manageable file sizes when it comes to combining the photos.
And when you have your entire stack of photos, you must combine them. If you have Windows, you can use Windows Movie Maker, or if you have a MAC, iMovie will work (they are both included free with your OS). However, they are restricted to about 10 frames per second, and for time lapse, you will want closer to 20 frames per second, which might mean you will have to buy a better video editor. But WMM or iMovie will at least get you started.
Here is a sample of one of the first time lapses I did with a Nikon P7000 compact camera (with a built in time lapse function) and processed in Windows Movie Maker. You can see that it is a bit jerky, due to the maximum 10 frames per second Windows Movie Maker is capable of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZiivbVASrw&list=UUcxUAeQlPzZR8KLHAJL8Mrw&index=16
The "later that day" part of the video was when I had to change batteries. An AC powered adapter would have helped here.
Time lapse photography consists of of taking hundreds/thousands of photos and combining them in a video editor.
So you need both a camera and video software.
There are not that many cameras that can do time-lapse, especially in the compact camera range. A few that do are the Nikon P310, P330, P7700.
As well, some video cameras can also do time lapse, such as some GoPro Hero and Sony Action Cam. However, these cameras may or may not be suitable to your needs as they often have lens/optic issues preventing them from doing anything but the main job they were designed for.
Also, a few mirrorless cameras have this function - Nikon 1 does for instance.
And some DSLRs also have time-lapse functions. However, this is usually the mid-range cameras as not many entry level DSLRs have this function.
However, there is a 3rd party product on the market called an Intervalometer, which is basically a timer for time lapse. This will allow virtually any DSLR having a wired remote (with the proper cable) to be controlled for time lapse.
Realize though that not all DSLRs have wired remote capability. Some only have wireless (IR) remote - especially entry level DSLRs. At this time, there are not commercially available wireless remote intervalometers (although some people have built their own).
For instance, for some strange reason, the Nikon D3000 has a wireless but not wired remote capability. The Nikon D3100/D3200 has a wired, but not wireless remote capability.
Once you get your camera, you basically set it up on a tripod and select the number of photos you want, and the duration between photos. The best duration depends on the effect you wan to achieve. For instance, if you are looking for active scenes; people walking, etc. The best rate will be 10sec or less. But for scenery; clouds, etc. a 30sec~1min rate is better.
Realize though that some cameras - those with built-in timers - have a restriction as to the minimum duration you can have. This is because if you take too many photos too quickly, you might overheat the camera, and it can shut down. While you do not have this restriction with a 3rd party intervalometer, you could still shut the camera down by overheating.
Further, interval shooting uses up a lot of battery. You may want to consider an AC powered solution for the camera if you want to take a lengthy time-lapse movie. Virtually all Nikon cameras that have an interval timer can be AC powered with the addition of an expensive adapter ($100 or so).
Finally, with time lapse, you don't have to use the most resolution on your camera. You can cut down the resolution a lot, as video will mask many defects anyway, so the resolution often can be turned down. Turning down the resolution not only reduces battery usage (smaller files to write), but it also results in more manageable file sizes when it comes to combining the photos.
And when you have your entire stack of photos, you must combine them. If you have Windows, you can use Windows Movie Maker, or if you have a MAC, iMovie will work (they are both included free with your OS). However, they are restricted to about 10 frames per second, and for time lapse, you will want closer to 20 frames per second, which might mean you will have to buy a better video editor. But WMM or iMovie will at least get you started.
Here is a sample of one of the first time lapses I did with a Nikon P7000 compact camera (with a built in time lapse function) and processed in Windows Movie Maker. You can see that it is a bit jerky, due to the maximum 10 frames per second Windows Movie Maker is capable of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZiivbVASrw&list=UUcxUAeQlPzZR8KLHAJL8Mrw&index=16
The "later that day" part of the video was when I had to change batteries. An AC powered adapter would have helped here.
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.
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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