sunit12345
Which camcorder should I get, the Sony Professional HVR-A1U or the Sony HDR-FX7? Which one has the best picture quality and other features? I'm using it for snowboarding.
Answer
The Sony HDR-A1U is actually a sibling to the consumer HDR-HC1. The A1U is in the Pro category because it was equipped (as an afterthought) with an XLR adapter that mounts to where the HC1 had a flash for stills. The ring around the lens barrel is shared by the manual zoom and manual focus capabilities. The tape mechanism is a bottom loader which makes it challenging to get the full tape out and a new tape in when the A1U is mounted to a tripod or a tripod quick release plate - unless you buy a special spacer or use some other work-around. The A1U has some firmware in the chips that allow some features additional to what the HC1 had. It has 10x optical zoom.
The Sony HDR-FX7 is a high-end consumer - some would call Prosumer - grade camcorder with a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mic jack that can use XLR mics by adding an XLR adapter from juicedLink or BeachTek. (Its pro sibling is the HVR-V1U). The manual zoom and manual focus rings are separate rings and there are more easily accessed manual controls on the outside of the camcorder when compared to the A1U/HC1. The tape mechanism is a top loader, so not issues when tripod mounted or a quick release plate is attached.
In good light, the video from both will be quite similar as they are both recording DV or HDV to miniDV tape (best available quality). If you are caturing daylight snowboarding, your bigger woory is keeping the camcorder from getting condensation and keeing the camcorder warm to continue operating properly. Electionics have operating environmental requirements - outside these environmentals and anything electronic can have issues - especially batteries keeping their electrical flow going.
The FX7 will do a lot better in low-light. The FX7 is a bigger camcorder than the A1U/HC1 because the lenses are bigger - that's why it does better in low light. The FX7 has a top handle that the A1U/HC1 does not have.
Between the two, I would suggest the A1U - even with all its faults - it is smaller and lighter than the FX7. I suggest that with the $ saved getting the A1U, invest in something like a PortaBrace Polar Mitten to keep the camera and battery warm and reduce the potential for internal condensation. Make every effort to use a tripod, monopod or other steadying device (table, chair, whatever...). Never (or very rarely) handheld. It is also small enough to mount to a helmet... You can take the XLR adapter off.
The Sony HDR-A1U is actually a sibling to the consumer HDR-HC1. The A1U is in the Pro category because it was equipped (as an afterthought) with an XLR adapter that mounts to where the HC1 had a flash for stills. The ring around the lens barrel is shared by the manual zoom and manual focus capabilities. The tape mechanism is a bottom loader which makes it challenging to get the full tape out and a new tape in when the A1U is mounted to a tripod or a tripod quick release plate - unless you buy a special spacer or use some other work-around. The A1U has some firmware in the chips that allow some features additional to what the HC1 had. It has 10x optical zoom.
The Sony HDR-FX7 is a high-end consumer - some would call Prosumer - grade camcorder with a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mic jack that can use XLR mics by adding an XLR adapter from juicedLink or BeachTek. (Its pro sibling is the HVR-V1U). The manual zoom and manual focus rings are separate rings and there are more easily accessed manual controls on the outside of the camcorder when compared to the A1U/HC1. The tape mechanism is a top loader, so not issues when tripod mounted or a quick release plate is attached.
In good light, the video from both will be quite similar as they are both recording DV or HDV to miniDV tape (best available quality). If you are caturing daylight snowboarding, your bigger woory is keeping the camcorder from getting condensation and keeing the camcorder warm to continue operating properly. Electionics have operating environmental requirements - outside these environmentals and anything electronic can have issues - especially batteries keeping their electrical flow going.
The FX7 will do a lot better in low-light. The FX7 is a bigger camcorder than the A1U/HC1 because the lenses are bigger - that's why it does better in low light. The FX7 has a top handle that the A1U/HC1 does not have.
Between the two, I would suggest the A1U - even with all its faults - it is smaller and lighter than the FX7. I suggest that with the $ saved getting the A1U, invest in something like a PortaBrace Polar Mitten to keep the camera and battery warm and reduce the potential for internal condensation. Make every effort to use a tripod, monopod or other steadying device (table, chair, whatever...). Never (or very rarely) handheld. It is also small enough to mount to a helmet... You can take the XLR adapter off.
starting small film company interviewing models need a GREAT hd camcorder under $1000 with close up any ideas?
Juan
Im no professional but would like a camcorder with near professional features and quality i know there are many good ones but i'm on a budget of under $1000 ive been doing research and found a canon vixia hfs20 but it has mixed reviews and i truely want something GREAT thanks for the help
Answer
First, let's define professional camcorder:
Lens filter diameter 70mm or larger.
3CCD or 3CMOS imaging chip system - 1/4" or larger.
XLR audio-in connections.
Records to low compression (HDV, DVCPRO HD or XDCAM/HDCAM) video formats.
When you find a camcorder with the above, all the other stuff like separate manual focus and zoom rings, manual audio control and all the other manual controls on the outside of the camcorder will be included.
You already know that there is no "professional" camera made (new, anyway) that is under $1,000. Since you are doing interviews, I presume that means you get to control the environment - specifically, lighting.
Under good lighting conditions, ANY camcorder can provide good video. You just need to know what that camcorder's requirements are for "good lighting conditions". That leaves low compression applied to the digital video stream and audio.
Audio first. Consumer grade camcorders - if they even have a mic jack - use a 1/8", (3.5mm) stereo plug. Your mic selection will be a bit limited, but the NRG SA-568 and RODE video mic are worthy of investigation. Just because a consumer camcorder has a mic jack does not mean it has manual audio control - so be careful. Download the camcorder's manual form the manufacturer's web site to be sure.
Video compression: AVCHD is a LOT of compression to MTS files. This continues to be a large reason why professionals do not use AVCHD. This is a bigger deal if there is fast action. I can't imagine interviews with models being "fast action".
The Canon HF S series *should* be OK for you IF YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS so they are bright enough to meet the camcorder's "good lighting" requirements. I prefer the HF S100. Learn about three point lighting and four point lighting. Learn about use of makeup in a HD video environment. high definition video sees EVERYTHING.
That said, given a choice, use of a miniDV tape based camcorder is preferred for a LOT of reasons... The Canon HV40 and Sony HDR-HC9 should be investigated - but only if your computer has a firewire port or you can add one (this is the only way to get the video from the camcorder to the computer for editing).
First, let's define professional camcorder:
Lens filter diameter 70mm or larger.
3CCD or 3CMOS imaging chip system - 1/4" or larger.
XLR audio-in connections.
Records to low compression (HDV, DVCPRO HD or XDCAM/HDCAM) video formats.
When you find a camcorder with the above, all the other stuff like separate manual focus and zoom rings, manual audio control and all the other manual controls on the outside of the camcorder will be included.
You already know that there is no "professional" camera made (new, anyway) that is under $1,000. Since you are doing interviews, I presume that means you get to control the environment - specifically, lighting.
Under good lighting conditions, ANY camcorder can provide good video. You just need to know what that camcorder's requirements are for "good lighting conditions". That leaves low compression applied to the digital video stream and audio.
Audio first. Consumer grade camcorders - if they even have a mic jack - use a 1/8", (3.5mm) stereo plug. Your mic selection will be a bit limited, but the NRG SA-568 and RODE video mic are worthy of investigation. Just because a consumer camcorder has a mic jack does not mean it has manual audio control - so be careful. Download the camcorder's manual form the manufacturer's web site to be sure.
Video compression: AVCHD is a LOT of compression to MTS files. This continues to be a large reason why professionals do not use AVCHD. This is a bigger deal if there is fast action. I can't imagine interviews with models being "fast action".
The Canon HF S series *should* be OK for you IF YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS so they are bright enough to meet the camcorder's "good lighting" requirements. I prefer the HF S100. Learn about three point lighting and four point lighting. Learn about use of makeup in a HD video environment. high definition video sees EVERYTHING.
That said, given a choice, use of a miniDV tape based camcorder is preferred for a LOT of reasons... The Canon HV40 and Sony HDR-HC9 should be investigated - but only if your computer has a firewire port or you can add one (this is the only way to get the video from the camcorder to the computer for editing).
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