what causes blurry images when there is movement in my video?

best $4000 camcorder image

tunesmith

I bought a cheap camcorder, its ok if I pan slowly or the subject moves slowly, but if there is action or I pan fast, then the video or subject (my cat) is blurred. I want crisp clear images whether its video or a still image from the video. what causes the blur? is it the type of digital media , memory stick, film, aperture? I am on a budget but I want to make sure the next thing I buy wont take blurry images when there is fast action. thank you
anyone new to something can't know it all, without asking questions. but anyway, I have seen stills taken from action shots and there is no blur, that's what I want, that effect.

Answer
"I want crisp clear images whether its video or a still image from the video."

Not gonna happen. Video is filmed with a 180 degree shutter principal. So half the time the film is being exposed. If you are shooting at 24fps that means that your effective shutter speed is about 1/48 of a second. at 29.9fps you are technically using a shutter speed of 1/60th of a second ... neither one of these shutter speeds are of any use for fast movement.

In video, it's not a big deal because the human brain is good at stitching moving images together so the blurriness is disappears as our brain processes the info but take a still from that and you have a blurry mess.

Taking still from a video is in no way, shape or form a good way to replace proper still photography. On top of the inherent problem with shutter speed (consider that if I am using a flash, I can still achieve a shutter speed of 1/200th and if I'm using the sun or powerfull hotlights, I can shoot a still at 1/4000th of a second), you have a problem whereas still from an HD video (1080p) is only equivalent to a 2MP shot.

1080X1920 = 2073600 / 1000000 = 2.07MP

"I have seen stills taken from action shots and there is no blur, that's what I want, that effect."
Do you have examples? Because I'm telling you, not gonna happen, especially not with low end consumer gear.

What does 2000 mAh en referring to a camcorder battery?

twhoodoo

Looking to buy a battery for my older Panasonic VHS-C camcorder. What does the mah refer to?
Thanks

Answer
mAh stands for "milli ampere hours", it is basically a measure of how long the battery can run before it needs to be charged again.

For example if you had a 4000 mAh battery it would last twice as long.

You can use any size mAh battery as a replacement in your camcorder.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What's the best cheap camcorder I can buy?

top camcorders with viewfinder image

Adam Weiss

I've never had a camcorder before and know pretty much nothing about them, but I want to start making films and I don't know where to start. I'm looking for one that does DVDs and also is a little more advanced than standard ones. But I also have a price range, let's say up to 300 bucks. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Answer
Samsung SCD6040 Mini DV Digital Camcorder

Here is a link:
http://refurbelectronics.com/scd6040-rb.html

Its refurbished. That just means it was barely used and then fixed so it acts and lasts EXACTLY like a new one. It has a warranty, and its only 450 dollars. It is a video cam and a digital camera in one. So you get a 4 megapixel camera, which is essentially the standard right now along with the camcorder!

Description
Samsung SCD6040, with 10x optical and 800x digital zoom, is perfect for recording crystal clear, high quality video from great distances. Its 680,000 CCD captures stunning, true-to-life color without compromising the size of the camcorder, and the 2.5 inch color LCD lets you see exactly what you are shooting without peering into a small viewfinder.
The 4.1 Megapixel digital camera that is the other half of this DuoCam has 3x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom and comes with 16MB of memory. A built-in auto flash pops up from the top of the device and the full featured manual control gives you many options to shoot with. Expansion is available through a multi-card expansion slot
Some camcorders provide either good video capabilities or still picture performance. The Samsung SC-D6040 DuoCam excels in both areas, bringing you outstanding still and moving images from one convenient package.

Features

Camcorder

* Zoom Lens: 10x Optical, 900x Digital
* 680K Pixel CCD
* 2.5", 123K Pixel LCD
* Easy-Q/EZ Navigator
* 0 Lux Power Nite Pix
* IEEE1394 In/Out

Camera

* Zoom Lens: 3x Optical 12x Digital
* 4.1 MegaPixel CCD for DSC (2272x1704)
* Multi-Card Slot w/16MB Memory Stick Included
* Built-In Auto Flash
* Full Featured Manual Control - Step Camera Function Key (Shutter, Iris, Maual, Auto, Night Scene Custom Set, MPEG Rec., Play, Etc)

Shared

* MPEG-4 Videoclip (15fps, VGA)
* USB Streaming(V2.0 for DSC
* Color Viewfinder

680,000-pixel CCD * variable-speed 10X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 900X) * 4-megapixel effective recording

Is Canon the only company that makes digital cameras with view finders anymore?

Thing

I'm looking to buy a digital camera and I kinda like the following 2 but they don't have viewfinders and someone told me it's hard to see what you're taking a picture of if you're in the sun and you don't have a viewfinder. I've never had a digital camera before. Can someone find me a similar camera to those that have a view finder? I want to keep the price at $180 or less. Any ideas?

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11327899&search=nikon%20s560&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=nikon%20s560&Ntt=nikon%20s560&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1 (note that this one is $179.99 in the store, not the price you see on here)

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11327893&search=nikon%20s610&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=nikon%20s610&Ntt=nikon%20s610&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
I think I might stay away from Kodak. People told me they don't make good cameras anymore.
I'm looking for a point and shoot camera...not something fancy.
I don't want something bulky. I'm looking for something slim.

Answer
You have some good advisers out there. They told you the right things, both regarding viewfinders and kodaks.

It does seem that Canon is the maker that has the most inexpensive p&s cameras with optical viewfinders, but no, they are not the only ones.

You should be looking at two types of viewfinders:
Optical - that's a separate window next to a lens that zooms with your lens so you can see approximately what you are about to shoot (there will be minor discrepancy, growing much bigger as you shoot at very close range), but it's way better than not having one at all!

Electronic - that's a small LCD screen inside a camera, that you look at through the viewfinder hole (like on camcorders). This is going to give you a picture of exactly what the lens sees, but at low resolution and slightly lagged. Basically same as you see on main LCD, but useful in direct sunlight.

Here's a place where you can find the cameras of both kinds:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp

Leave all options at default "Don't mind", but only change viewfinder to "optical" or "electronic". then hit search. You'll see pages and pages of cameras. Many of these are SLR's (especially in optical case) that cost lots of money, but as you go through the list, you'll see some smaller and cheaper cameras chip in. Most of them are Canons indeed, but there are also Nikons and Olympus, and Fuji, etc. I think I've seen a few within your budget, but I didn't look too carefully. Just make sure you go through all pages, not just first page on each search (both optical and electronic).

Good luck,
LEM.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How to put miniDV from camcorder to youtube?

best camcorders youtube image

Matt C

I'm trying to upload videos from my camcorder to youtube. Do I need to download any software?? I have a usb cord and that's it. I'm not a computer geek so I have no clue what I'm doing. Please help, thank you!!

Answer
MiniDV tape based video will not transfer over USB unless your computer and the camcorder can handle USB streaming. Even if they can, the video quality will be poor because it is highly compressed.

MiniDV tape based camcorders normally transfer video using a firewire cable to connect the DV port on the camcorder to the firewire port on the computer. Since you have not told us which camcorder or which computer, we have no way to know for sure what your connection configuration is.

Once properly connected, the camcorder needs to be in "Play" or "VCR" mode. Lauch the video editor in your computer and "capture" or "Import" the video from the camcorder.

Edit.

Save.

Save As... or Export as a file that YouTube will allow. Most common are AVI and MOV.

USB generally will not work - and is used only for transferring stills from the camcorder's memory card. USB-to-firewire cable/hub/adapter/converter things will not work. If your computer does not have a firewire port, hopefully your computer has an available expansion slot so you can add one.

What is the best HD pocket camcorder for youtube?

Valentina

I want to buy as soon as possible a pocket camcorder for my youtube channel. I need an advice: Kodak Zi8? Flip MinoHD? Flip UltraHD? Creative Vado HD? Sony Bloggie?

I'm for kodak zi8, but i want to hear your opinion before I buy it.

Answer
I used Kodak zi8 for some video making. They're high quality and record very good sound. I would definitely recommend it.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What microphone should I buy?

top video camcorders 2011 image

Ethan

I'm a high school student interested in film. I want to make application videos for colleges and other short films on the side.

I'm planning on getting the Canon Vixia G30 but I want good audio quality as well. What's the best optiob? I have sort of a low budget; I am in high school, after all.
Well most of the budget is going to the camera. I have some experience with filmmaking and I'm definitely going to use the wide range of features the G30 has. The camera's microphone would obviously not be good enough...I'm looking for advice on any certain brands or models of (shotgun) mics that are good quality. Preferably less than $200. If possible, within $100?

Answer
My son's high school film club recently picked up some Rode mics, suggested by parents who are in the industry and donated the cash to purchase them and new cameras. You should be able to find one in your budget, probably close to $200. Google to look for reviews.

Film programs, even the top one, USC SCA Film & TV Production, don't care so much about the technical side of things in application films, they care more about story. USC Film & TV major is now a BFA, and they're really focused on story, I know the alums who were involved in the changes. (Great program, starts off in freshman year, not sophomore as in the past.) Many of the application films of admitted students that I've seen are quite simple, filmed on their mom's camcorder, etc, but they have great story. They are actually more what many applicants might think that CalArts would be looking for as far as style. Several from this past year didn't even have dialogue. There are plenty of kids in my area (LA) with access to professional equipment (parents VIPs in the industry), but their very professionally done films don't get them admitted if they don't have the story (they had the GPA and SAT scores). Too often fancy equipment replaces story. A too technically good film can be a turn off to admissions, it's like the filmmaker has their style already set, and college is about learning.

Top film programs are very competitive, USC SCA, UCLA (junior level transfer only), NYU Tisch have about a 4% admit rate to their film/tv production programs. They use their amazing film programs to bring in top students, so GPA and SAT are important. They can find plenty of top students with talent to fill the spaces, so a great portfolio without good GPA/SAT typically won't do it if you want to be admitted to a good film program.

Start researching what you need for various college film applications now, the additional materials - films, writing, etc. You may have to shoot several films. Like USC wanted a film with a maximum of 5 minutes in length, NYU has been 10 minutes, and Chapman Dodge has wanted a 2 minute film about you without you in it. You could use a 5 minute film for both USC and NYU, but many applicants tend to want to go almost to the maximum allowed time. Interestingly, quite a few of admitted applicants had shorter films, like 2 to 3 minutes at USC. (Do not go over the maximum length.) Since it's so competitive to be admitted, you may have to do a lot of additional material applications, so the summer prior to your senior year could be very busy. Often the deadline for film program applications is earlier than the regular deadline because the time it takes to look at all the films, so keep that in mind. And don't overlook the writing, as that can be even more important than the film. Google: USC (Chapman, NYU, etc) admission films to get an idea.

Hollywood Reporter top film schools (some are grad school only)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/best-film-schools-hollywood-reporter-595712

NY Times article, For Film Graduates, an Altered Job Picture
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/movies/film-school-graduates-job-prospects-at-usc-nyu-ucla.html?_r=0

Good luck!

What type of camera to get?

Kay

I am going to start making videos for youtube and I want them to be good quality. What would be the best camera to get? Is it better to invest in a good one now or later? Also should I get Vegas Pro Studio software or Movie Magix

Answer
Check out the top rated and affordable camcorders to pick: http://lovetosharethis.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-best-hd-and-digital-camcorders-can.html

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

In a Camcorder, what exactally does a Megapixle refer to?

best 1080p camcorder image

ferrariguy

I have been working with my 4.0 MP Sony camcorder for a while, but I never understood what exactly is a Megapixel refers to. Is it the number of pixels in a frame? Does it affect the resolution in any way? (My camcorder is a 1080P camcorder) What about quality does it affect?

Answer
There is an imaging chip in the camera. The imaging chip is made of silicon (among other things). On the imaging chip are pixels. One pixel is the smallest "controllable" point on the imaging chip and basically is that starting point of where the image through the lens is turned into digital information (basically a series of zeroes and ones that indicate whether a pixel should be on or off.

A megapixel is 1 million pixels. Your 4 megapixel camera has 4 million pixels. This is how still image resolution is measured. Other items are used to determine quality - including the amount and type of data compression used.

Video is measured differently. Horizontal row count is the primary method to determine video resolution. The common horizontal row counts are 480 for standard definition, 720 and 1080 for high definition. The amount and type of compression play a huge role.

In either case, lots of data compression means discarding the data and reducing the quality of the image. But there is a benefit to smaller file sizes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megapixel#Megapixel

Because video standards are different from still image standards, the imaging chip is used differently. An increase in (still image) megapixel count does not translate into an increase in video resolution.

As previously indicated, the common horizontal line counts for video are 480, 720 and 1080. Because of the way video is required to display, using aspect ratio and needing to be used on televisions and over various broadcast methods, the vertical columns can be used to arrive at the "pixel count".

640x480=307,200 (or about 1/3 megapixel)
1280x720=921,600 (or almost a megapixel)
1920x1080=2,073,600 (or about 2 megapixels)

There are lots more video standard sizes, but they are more computer monitor related rather than broadcast TV related.

So yes, the megapixels are whats on the chip which makes up the pixel count in the digital still image.

When are the 1080p camcorders going to come out?

ethrivrav

Sony and Canon have 1080i/720p camcorders on the market, but I have yet to find any 1080p format camcorders.

Answer
the guy above is wrong. his camera is 1080i like all other hdv cameras. not sure when 1080p is coming.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the optimal camcorder for live streaming?

best camcorders macbook image

Anthony

We have a setup we would like to create. A two-camera/laptop system that connects via Desktop Presenter to a computer streaming live to Ustream. All the pieces are in place except the two camcorders. I am looking for a camcorder to connect to a Macbook Pro via USB, Firewire, or HDMI. I would prefer USB or Firewire, as I think I would need a separate converter box for HDMI.

We have utilized a system in the past with USB webcams connected to the two Macbook Pros, but it does not provide us with the ability to easily zoom in on specific shots. Also, it would be nice to take it out to the field to pre-record shots as well. We have a decent budget, but I'm looking for a quality camcorder that a MacBook Pro can recognize as a sort of webcam (i.e. streams the video live to the computer)

Thanks in advance for any responses!

Answer
If you want Livestream. without going to costly setup, get MiniDV tape camcorder. I own 3 of them and By Firewire to the IEEE1394 port in my computer, stream great video. My Canon ZR 930, came with a remote that can zoom and much more. I use one at time, hooked up as better than webcam webcam.

How do I hook my DV camcorder to Macbook?

Faustus

I hear you need to have a firewire cable in order to connect the two, but there are so many brands online, are they all universal? As in, do they all work with all DV camcorders?

Answer
any firewire cable will work for you
you can also get firewire to usb cables and they do the same thing

just go to any electronics store and ask for one
the prices start around 15 bucks

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Are there any camcorders that record 720p?

top camcorders to buy image

Andrew

If so, what are the top camcorders?
Standard definition camcorders are not 720p. They are 480i. Experienced users please.

Answer
Most of the standard definition camcorders are 720p. If you need more, you need to buy a HD cam

What's the name of those monitors on top of the camcorders?

John

I own a HDV cam (Canon XHA1s) but since the LCD monitor is too small I am considering to buy a monitor that goes on top of this camcorder.
What's the name of those monitors (the appropriate word or terminology) and what brands are there to be known as the best?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
It is hard to find a search word for what you want. I used "7" LCD monitor" and then found many on B&H Photo's website. Brands such as Glidecam, Ikan, Delvcam, etc.

Ikan is one of the more popular ones and they offer many sizes and resolutions, etc. BTW, you can always use a portable DVD player if you're on a tight budget.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I need a 2011 camcorder under 200$ with 10X digital zoom?

best zoom camcorder 2011 image

Joel Soros

I am desperately looking for a decent camcorder under $200 with at least 10X digital zoom.

Answer
Try the new Toshiba Camileo X100 . It has 10X digital zoom also it has state-of-the-art technology with a choice of 1080p/30fps* or 1080i/60fps* High Definition Video and take 10MP sharp photos. I got mine 2 weeks ago and so far so good.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DZ1224/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ewave02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399377&creativeASIN=B003DZ1224

Should I get a nikon d7000 or a camcorder?

BeNikon

So, in a few months i will receive some cash (around 500-600 pound) and decided i would spend it on updating my photography and videography equipment. I currently own a nikon d70 which i bought second hand in 2010 and a 720p 24fps samsung camcorder which cost about £180 back in 2011. I own a few lenses for my dslr and am happy with how it is. BUT i am definately feeling the limitations of an almost fully auto camcorder. In addition it also has a low quality built in microphone with no options to do pretty much anything.

So basically, should i get a mid range camcorder...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-V700-1080p-Ready-Camcorder/dp/B006T9JHZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358019741&sr=8-1

and external microphone...

... or get a nikon d7000, with many of the same video options and a headphone jack. I do feel the d7000 is the better option as my d70 is almost 8 years old and the bigger range of manual control, accessories and higher spec all round may produce more quality video.

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/nikon-d7000-dslr-digital-camera/OTk0NQ_A_A

But the frame rate, zoom and overall professional look of a camcorder for video are getting to me.

Also, i could maybe hang on for a while before making videos and get a good microphone for a d7000, but, i dont know. Thanks in advance!

Answer
You can make some stunning videos on a DSLR, while keeping the benefits (against a 3 sensor camcorder) of Shallow DOF from the large sensor, reduced noise and cost. I can't comment much on Nikon, I'm a Canon user, but if you have some good lenses that you like I'd go for a body upgrade.

For audio, I use Zoom H1s - dirt cheap and very reliable. I often mount one on the tripod mount and attach it to my audio in with a short cable, or use a clapper board and sync them later. Most dialogue on films I record with a boom mic and sync.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What's a good HD Video Camera for an aspiring film maker heading to college?

best 60 fps camcorder image

Tyler Mcdo

Hi, I'm Tyler McDonald and I have a passion for making videos. After I graduate high school, I plan on attending either Grand Canyon University or Northern Arizona University to get a degree in Digital Film. I understand that these colleges will have cameras that I will be able to check out, but I'm really considering purchasing one of my own. The cameras at my school work, but I have problems with them from time to time with my MacBook Pro. I'm looking for a 1080p, 60 fps DSLR or camcorder thats within a reasonable price, no higher than $3000. I've been looking, but I've got a lot of great feedback from Yahoo Answers on previous topics so I decided to ask of your guy's opinions yet again! I would greatly appreciate any help with this, and links to where I may purchase these cameras would be great as well! Thanks!!

Answer
the longer you postpone your purchase decision, the better it will be.

1. you still have a lot to learn about what features are important in a video camera and what is just sales fluff.
2. technology is changing rapidly, and what might look as a good option now might not be so satisfactory 4 years from now.
3. you most likely will graduate to something more sophisticated than a MacBook Pro, and using that as the criteria for limiting camera selection is not wise.
4. depending on how you intend to use your college education, you may find that a dSLR is a truly poor choice for professional work. some projects require more than 12 minutes of continuous video recording.

What's the difference between a camcorder and a 'professional' camcorder?

Alex

For example, why is an HVX 200 better then a vixia hf100 which shoots 1080p to or the sanyo FH1a which shoots 1080p at 60 fps which the HVX cant even do? Also, why are camera lens so expensive? LIke 700 dollars for 3 or 5 or whatever pieces of glass on a metal rim??

Answer
Its all about sensor size, pixel density, sensor type, format, interchangeable lenses, manual controls, brand, inputs and preference

Sensor size: A professional camera will have a larger image sensor which allows for a higher pixel density and a shalower depth of field which is very important for professional looking videos, while a consumer will have a much smaller sensor which means a wide depth of field and smaller pixel density

Sensor type: you can have either ccd,3ccd,cmos,3smos. ccd is one ccd chip so it has to process everything through one sensor meaning lower sensor while a cmos is pretty much more powerful version of the ccd (if you don't want to get to technical) While a 3 cmos and 3ccd have 3 sensors which do one color red green or blue and put them together which makes it higher quality and also contributes to the price
heres my opinion on which one is best
ccd<cmos<3ccd<3cmos

format: You have to decide what your computer can take, does it have a fire wire? usb? other stuff
There are a few recording formats, minidv, hdv, avchd (mts2) mpeg4,mpeg2, mov, wmv, minidvd, p2 cards, film, and redcode

Minidv: Common format in standard definition prosumers, it is a Digital tape and is connected through firewire it is very high quality and the best standard definition but can be a hassle to edit, but there are cheaper minidv models which are not half as good because of the other factors before
hdv: probably the best hd format because it is reliable and high quality but is also pain to edit, most current prosumers use hdv like the xl-a1 and it is very high quality
avchd: seen mostly on consumer cams and is clearly the best for smaller cams, no contest (but it is highly compressed and easy to edit
mpeg4: commen on lower end cameras is ver low compressed and easy to work with, mpeg2 is a lesser quality mpeg4
mov: very differed on quality throughout camera can be terrable or amazing, it depends
wmv, uncommen and not the best
Minidvd: a very bad idea (worst format)
the last 3 are extremely professional and cost tens of thousands of dollars but will obviously be the best quality possible (especially red)

interchangeable lenses, important for getting multiple different shots and is a reason that a camera is considered professional and really is a way to make it look how you want it to look and any way you want it to work this also goes for manual controls in cameras, also if you dont have a interchangeable lens camera then usually the better the glass the higher quality it will look, size is also a factor (so is zoom but thats not vary important) remember that manual focus will make your videos look even better

brand: there are a lot of brand including sony, canon, panasonic,jvc (these are the most commen)
sony: best for the price
canon: best for the quality (can be expensive!) also has a lot of manual controls in consumer models such as the vixia hfs100 which i owned at one point
panasonic:cheaper, pretty nice, not as reliable
jvc: unreliable i wouldn't trust it

Inputs: another factor between consumer and prosumer is its inputs such as audio inputs which if your lucky a consumer will have a mini jack (3.5 mm) port (look for it its important) while a prosumer will have a adjustable audio level status which usually comes in the form of xlr ports and will have lots of manual controls like gain conrol and side channeling as well as stereo forms and adjustable to mono. which really the audio is half your movie so dont take it unseriously.

perference. do YOU like a large camera, do YOU like manual controls does it matter to you, is it in your budget, what do you really want it for? you need to ask yourself this to decide if its right for you

Other side notes

video dslrs conquer a lot of prosumer territory while still being much less money like large sensors and interchangeable lenses but can lack in audio but with the money you saved you can buy a h4n and have extremely high quality audio (that setup is indie film worthy) the canon t2i (550d) is the highest quality camera for the price out there

The canon vixia line is a very nice CONSUMER cam i had it i needed more controls that i needed for my videos which my t2i provided


hvx200 is a good camera and is highly rated and worth what they are saying and it has what a prosumer needs but if you want a cam like that get a xh a1 they are extremely nice and around the same price, but as i said VIDEO quality will be equivalent to our worse than the 800 dollar t2i but you can always get external mics for even cheaper and it will be better audio

camera lenses are expensve because the glass is hard to make and it is very high quality and VERY important

any other questions shoot me an email at pgrimmjr123@gmail.com i would be happy to help\

-Peter

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What's the difference between a digital camcorder and a flash memory camcorder?

best camcorders under $100 image

No Name

I'm looking to buy my first camcorder, I want to get a good quality one under $100, but I keep seeing a variety of digital and flash memory camcorders. I really would like to know the difference and what each does. Thanks!

Answer
"Digital" mean the captured video is stored as digital information. A series of zeroes and ones that ultimately make the video image recording you can see. The digital storage media can be digital tape (Digital8, miniDV, and several others), flash memory (SD, SDHC, Compact flash, and others), hard disc drive, DVD (don't ever buy these) and even external memory storage options.

Any of the camcorders that use any of the above storage media are considered "digital".

If a camcorder is specifically defined as using flash memory, that means it can use built-in solid-state memory or removable memory cards (SD, SDHC, compact flash, P2 cards, etc.)

A flash memory camcorder is always "digital". Not all Digital camcorders are flash memory based.

A camcorder under $100 will usually be a pocket cam. Small lens and small imaging chip make good low light video capture impossible. They usually have poor audio capabilities (no manual audio control; no external mic jack) and the video they capture is VERY compressed. If the lighting is good (bright, nice, daylight, sunlight) and the audio source is neither too loud nor too soft, then the pocket cam is a decent way to go. But chances are high you will not always get to capture video under perfect conditions...

What features should a camcorder have if you want to upload high quality videos to youtube?

Makia

I'm looking to buy a camcorder on tmart.com but I don't know what feature it should have to make my videos hd and nice looking. Also I want it to be under $100.

Answer
Chances are there is no such thing as an HD camera under $100. I'm amusing that the camera will be used for vlogging. The Canon Powershot S100 is very popular, and is very impressive. It might not be in your price range but I hope I helped.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Whats a good but cheap camcorder that takes good pictures but doesn't break easily?

best camcorders in 2012 image

Sashi

I have had two Nikon coolpixes in the last year and they have both broken down on me really quickly. I am in a video class so I decided to get a camcorder for videoing but I also need to take good pictures with it. I was hoping there wold be a camcorder that looks nice, is durable,is cheap and takes good pictures and videos. I know its a lot to ask for but if anyone has any suggestions that would be great!

Answer
You should go with Sony HDR-CX190.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=informazcom-20

It is under $200 and very good quality. It is a new 2012 model. Go check it out.

What is the best camcorder to use with a MacBook Air?

Mikayla

I just got my MacBook Air (10.7.4) a couple months ago (about august 2012) and I am looking for a camcorder that is compatible with it. I just got a Sony handy cam camcorder for my birthday this month and it is not compatible with my MacBook. Any suggestions? I heard the Cannons are good?

Answer
"Handycam" is Sony's generic name for all their consumer-grade camcorders. If you got a new Sony Handycam that records to high compression AVCHD MTS files and saves to flash memory or hard disc drive, it will work just fine with your MacBook Air.

Connect the camcorder's USB cable to the Air's USB port. Put the camcorder into Play/PC mode. If iPhoto launches automatically, quit iPhoto. Launch iMovie. Name the project. Under "File" import or capture the video. There is no software on the disc that came in the box with your camcorder that your Air needs - for that matter, there is nothing on there a Windows based computer needs, either.

If you need to change the default launch behavior when you plug the camcorder into the computer (i.e., you don't want iPhoto to automatically launch), use "Image Capture" in the Applications folder to make the change.

The Canon HF R, HF M, HF S series camcorders also capture consumer-grade high compression AVCHD MTS files. Comparably priced camcorders will behave similarly. Connecting them to a Mac is the same as the instructions provided above for your Sony.

If you were lucky enough to receive a miniDV tape based camcorder for your birthday, your computer *must* have a firewire port. The MacBook Air and a couple of versions of MacBook do not have a firewire port and have no way to add one. All other Apple Macintosh computers made in the last 10+ years have a firewire port.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Whats the best consumer camcorder to buy?

best camcorders under $1000 image

Anonymous

Im an amateur movie maker, and I am looking for a camcorder under $1000. Picture quality and an external Mic hook up is what is most important to me, but i would like it to have a good manual focus as well. Easy of use is not that important to me. Any suggestions?

Answer
The only camcorders that meet your requirements - and has manual audio control - are the Canon HV40 and HF S100.

Get the HV40 if your computer has a firewire (IEEE1394) port and your editor can deal with HDV format video. Get the HF S100 if your computer only has USB and your editor can deal with AVCHD compressed MTS video.

Neither camcorder has a focus ring - but they both have a thumbwheel at the left-front of the camcorder that can be used as a manual focus control. Both are considered consumer camcorders because the lenses and imaging chip are small.

what is the best compact camcorder i can buy that will be easy to edit with a mac and do a documentary on?

SilverSky

I'm looking to do a documentary and i have a budget but i'm looking for a fairly inexpensive camcorder (under 1000) that is small that i can take with me to shoot a quality documentary and that would be easy to edit with a MAC.

Answer
I would suggest Canon VIXIA HF S100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

connecting a studio or condenser mic to a camcorder?

best camcorders with mic input image

killyouing

I am wanting to connect my studio mic (which requires phantom power) to my camcorder mic input so I can have better sound quality. Will doing that damage the camcorder or the mic at all? The camcorder is a Canon Vixia hf100 if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance!

Answer
A pro-grade "studio" condenser mic will use an XLR connector. The easiest way to do what you want will be to use aXLR adapter like a BeachTek DXA-6 or juicedLink CX231 that can also provide phantom power. Then, the XLR adapter plugs into the Canon FS100's 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo audio-in jack.

The good news is that these XLR adapters also have manual audio control - which the FS100 does not have. If you are using a single mic, be sure to put the "M"ono/"S"tereo switch on the XLR adapter in "M"ono mode. If it is in "S"tereo mode, only the right audio channel will be recorded in the camcorder.

Using a 1/8" cable tail adapter to XLR won't work because it does not carry phantom power.

The USB jack on the FS100 will not support any mics that use a USB cable. That connection is used ONLY for transferring video and stills OFF of the camcorder memory. Not for external audio connection.

How to use a boom mic without having a mic input in my camcorder?

Q. Hello. I am an about to work on a film using a camcorder. There isnt a mic input in my camera. i want better sound quality so my actors dont have to yell their lines. How can i do so? please help. I dont have the kind of money to buy a new camcorder. thank you :) <3

Answer
You use a separate audio recorder, like a Zoom H1 ($99.00). You can even use another video camera to pick up the audio (if you place it near your talent and out of camera sight). In fact just about all film makers use a field recorder and mics. The Zoom H1 is about your least expensive audio recorder to get decent sound. Use a clapper board (or clap your hands in front of the camera) to 'mark' your audio/video sync spot which you'll match up when you edit your film.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What company offers best deals on camcorders?

top end camcorders image

Techthisbu

I wanna know what retailer offers the best deals on camcorders like amazon ebay bestbuy or what?

Answer
HI Daniel:

You've asked about cheap camcorders a half-dozen times over the past week.

You've posted over 50 Y!A Questions, and Answered another hundred or more. So you obviously know how to use the Internet. Do a simple Yahoo!Search or Google with a camcorder model and the keyword "prices" and decide where you want to shop, whether it be online or at a "brick & mortar" store like Best Buy, Target, or WalMart.

Just decide on a brand & model and buy the darned thing!

Six months ago, you seemed to agonize over gaming video cards & processors for your PC (that was almost 3-dozen posts).

From my personal experience, Fry's Electronics and NewEgg have great sale prices, "open box" discounts (as well as "refurbished" bargains), and wide range of brands & models.

I also scour the "closeout" retail endcaps (that's the shelves on the back aisle ends) for one-of-a-kind bargains at Target and WalMart, who both do heavy discounting to clear out discontinued leftover models or some customer returns/torn boxes.

For the little money you want to spend ($100-$200, or less) you aren't going to find much quality or quantity. My advice would be to go to a pawn shop (or your local Craig's List) and check out used gear (just be sure to turn things on & test them to make sure they work). Almost everything in your price range will have a rechargeable battery, but show up with 4 fresh "AA" Alkaline penlight batteries in your pocket for the ones that need them. Don't buy anything that runs off "AAA" batteries - they're junk and the battery life sucks.

And if something is rechargeable battery pack-only & not charged, have the store owner charge it up overnight and come back the next day to test it out.

You missed-out on last month's Kodak Zx5 half-price sales at Best Buy and Office Depot ($79 instead of $179), but here's some other places still discounting it: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHNY_enUS420US420&q=Kodak+Zx5+sale&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=705&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11180404340041643938&sa=X&ei=d2DjT4DMI4ei2QW28PHHCw&ved=0CFkQ8wIwAQ The Zx5 is listed as the Top Selling pocket video camera by Google's database.

B+H Photo is the most reputable dealer on that list, and offers free shipping, so you'll spend under $90 and have a decent cheap camera to start out with.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

What is the sqare frame on the end of professional video cameras for?

Mark

One of the major differences between camcorders and even the lowest range professional video cameras are that they have that square framing on the end. What is it and what does it do?

Answer
It depends which one you are looking at.

There's a "lens hood" on the prosumer and low-end pro camcorders. Its task is to keep light from the sides of the lens and reduce "lens flare". The top/bottom/sides are "fixed".

In certain high end applications, there's a "matte box" that has the same function as a lens hood and sometimes can also hold various filters. Rather than "fixed" top/bottom/sides, barndoors (adjustable top/bottom/sides) are used. The barn doors usually have a longer reach than the fixed top/bottom/sides lens hood.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I need to hook a video out composite cable to firewire in videocamera is it possible?

best camcorders with firewire image

davismusic

I have a strange video camera with audio video composite out I need to hook it to a digital 8 camcorder with firewire in is this possible so I can use the Digital 8 as a video recorder for my other camera?

Answer
In one word, NO.

Is there any way to transfer video from a samsung sc-d382 min dv camcorder to my iMac without using iMovie 09?

dcmediaman

I have a firewire 400 cable with a 400 to 800 adapter. My iMac is the 27in. version. I can record to iMovie 09 using the camcorder and firewire cable, but cannot send video from the camcorder to iMovie 09. Can I use a video coverter, Quicktime Pro, or other built-in app?

Answer
When you are moving DV-format video from the miniDV camcorder to the computer, the computer Imports - or Captures - the video. DV format video is compressed and the camcorder's processor does the decompression and the video is saved to the iMovie (MOV) file format.

You are correct, the miniDV tape based camcorder does not "send" the DV format video to the computer - the computer takes the video from the camcorder.

QuickTime Pro won't do what you want, either.

Final Cut (Express or Pro) will behave the same way iMovie does...

I am not aware of any application that will just stream the DV-format video data (no importing, no decompression) straight from the camcorder to the computer. This is not platform-spacific - the same is the case for Windows video editing for miniDV tape based camcorders, too. Importing is a real-time activity when working with miniDV tape.

The only way I know of to do what I *think* you need in order to do what you want is to record the DV format video straight to a specialized external hard drive - Focus Enhancements makes the FireStore series. This way, the DV forrmat video data is written directly to the FireStore drive when you connect the camcorder to the FireStore with a firewire cable. When video aquisition is complete, power everything down, connect the FireStore external drive to the iMac, power up, and work with the DV format files... Sony has a external video storage unit, too - but I don't know if it will work with your Samsung miniDV camcorder. These specialized external storage devices are not inexpensive...

A regular external computer hard drive with no specialized DV-capture firmware will not work.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Help with video camera?

top 5 camcorders cnet image

Emily B

I want a video camera.

-compact
-decent quality
-usb port
-good battery life

Answer
I have visited this links this morning and saw that it can be useful for your video camera search.

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-budget-camcorders/
http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/top-5-super-compact-videocams.html

Powered by Yahoo! Answers