Saturday, February 22, 2014

Best handheld hd camcorder under $600?




Jenna


I want to buy a good camcorder, it shouldn't be too small, but not extremely big either. I need i to be about 500 to 600 dollars. I might splurge up to 700 if it makes a huge difference. I need it to make short films and documentaries. I also want to buy an external microphone, so if you know which ones are good, tell me that too! :) (It doesn't have to be wireless)

Thank you!



Answer
HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi processor computer with the big Graphics and sound cards that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files a HD camcorder produces.

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030

What is the best HD 24p camcorder for under $500?




Cherlique


I currently own a Panasonic pv-gs120 but i am looking to replace it with a Full HD 24p camcorder but the budget is a little tight so im looking for the best FULL HD 24P camcorder under $500,-


Answer
You can consider buying
1)Sony HDR-CX110 High Definition Handycam Camcorder
1920x1080 Full HD Recording w/3MP still image
Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot
1/4" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV
30mm CZ Vario Sonnar T* with 25x Optical zoom
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031RGKZI?ie=UTF8&tag=tele-smart-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0031RGKZI

2)Canon FS200 Flash Memory Camcorder w/41x Advanced Zoom
Record video directly to a removable SDHC memory card
Genuine Canon lens with 41x Advanced Zoom, 37x optical zoom and 2000x digital zoom
Digic DV II image processor
Widescreen HR recording, Dual Shot Mode and Image Stabilizer
Ultra-sleek, lightweight design allows you to take your camcorder with you anywhere
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OI2VXG?ie=UTF8&tag=tele-smart-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001OI2VXG




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Friday, February 21, 2014

Best Hard Disk camcorder?




SolidAudio


I like to do video production as a hobby so I recently bought a JVC Everio GZ-MG130 (30 GB Hard Disk) from ecost.com. The video quality was HORRIBLE!! Even on the highest setting outside the videos were distorted. My canon digital camera would take better videos than the JVC camcorder. I tried returning the camcorder but ecost has a no return policy so I sold it on criagslist losing over $100 on it. Anyway, I am looking for a compact hard disk camcorder that has great video quality for around $600 or less. Any suggestions?
I like Hard disk recording because I find having to record to tape or DVD annoying. I like the convince of just hooking my camcorder up to my computer and having all the videos easily transfer over. No tapes for me!



Answer
according to the latest testing by consumer reports the panasonic sdr-h18 430$ is their top pick. however all of the models they tested none of them scored very high for image quality. they chose the panasonic as their top pick because of it's overall performance ease of use, cost, and picture quality, as this model did have the best image quality of all the models they tested.

Good Camcorders With Top Handle?




GreyBoatFi


Hello everyone... Does anyone know a good camcorder (1,200 or less) with the top handle? Kind of like the hvx-200 or something? The bigger the better, cause im wierd like that, i dont like compact...


Answer
New? Not less than $1,200.

Least expensive looks to be the Sony HDR-FX7. The other camcorders I know of with a built-in handle:
Canon GL2 (standard definition, miniDV tape)
Sony HDR-FX1000 (standard and high definition, miniDV tape)
Panasonic AG-DVX100 (standard definition, miniDV tape)
Canon XHA1 (standard and high definition, miniDV tape)
Panasonic AG-HVX200 (standard and high definition, P2 card)
Sony HVR-Z5 (standard and high definition, miniDV tape)

Another option is to get whatever camcorder you want, and use an add-on... like a Scorpion or X-Grip.




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Someone please recomend a smartphone to me.?




Lauren


My IPhone was just stolen, so I need a new smartphone. I do not want another IPhone, mine lagged a lot and I was never impressed with the quality of the phone in the first place. I'm very interested in the Nokia Lumia 920, the Samsung Galaxy Note or the Galaxy Note two, I don't know a hole lot about these phones but I know people love them and from what I can gather on the at&t website they work well. Can anyone tell me more about these phones and how they opperate or recomend another smart phone to me.? Thank you.


Answer
Take it from the top. .the galaxy note 2.
5.5 inch16:9Cinema hd display.
Quadprocessor 1.6and 2 gb ram like the Computer.
Android jelly bean.
3100mah battery.
Google Navigation.
Camera and Camcorder 8mp super and facecamera for videochats 1.9 mp.
The fastest web and wifi
Battery removable and printing possible http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_ii_n7100-4854.php
Stylus pen and top quality and steady

I'm really stumped on what phone to get ! Samsung Galaxy S3 or iPhone 5?




BeeBoy


So my first choice would hands - down most definatly be the Samsung Galaxy S 3. However after doing a bit of reasearch, I found some stuff that is a bit discouraging.

For any one that owns a SGS3 do these things affect you
1. I watched alot of speed tests between the two and the iphone always seem to have won. Is the SGS3 slow in your opinion?

2.I just recentley found out that because the SGS3 is BY samsung many of the OS updates by google take a while to reach the phone - because they need to approve it first. How long does it usually take for you guys?

Anf finally I'm gonna be signing myself up for a 3-year contract for whichever phone I chose, so I dont want it to get outdated easily. Which one should I choose!!!

Thanks in advance.



Answer
Look why the galaxys3 the top on earth it http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php quadprocessor and 2 gb ram like the computer.android up to jelly bean.google navigation.
Camera and Camcorder perfekt 8mp facecamers superb 1.9 mp for video chats.
The fastest web and wifi
2100 mah battery.my own experience a dream phone.




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What camcorder would you suggest...?




come.winte


I need a camcorder for under $400 that shoots great videos, has good battery life, and has a pretty good amount of memory.

Any ideas?



Answer
I would suggest you to have a look at the Top 50 Camcorders at first for a better overview. http://theinsider.pricerunner.co.uk/65/top-50-dissected-%E2%80%93-camcorders

But I would recommend you those two camcorders :
1. Sony DCR-SR32 for £308.99 http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pl/8-868022/Camcorders/Sony-DCR-SR32-Compare-Prices
2. Sony DCR-TRV245 for £355.35 http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pl/8-141810/Camcorders/Sony-DCR-TRV245-Compare-Prices

Rode Video Mic or DM-50?




David N


Rode Video Mic:
http://www.amazon.com/Rode-VideoMic-Directional-Shotgun-Mount/dp/B0007U9SOC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

DM-50
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Directional-50-Camcorders-Advanced/dp/B00005LD4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252785938&sr=8-1

I want to know which one is better for the Canon Hv40 camcorder. If you know, please let me know. Thank you all in advance



Answer
The Canon DM-50 is a decent enough directional stereo mic - but it MUST be used with the Canon-proprietary connector in the Advanced Accessory Shoe. This means you can use this mic ONLY when it is connected to the camcorder and in the accessory shoe.

The Rode Video mic is a mono shotgun mic and in this case, will most likely record to only one channel on the HV40. You can fix this when you edit - Audacity is a good open-source audio editor that can pan or clone the audio to the other side. Using a good, shielded extension cable, you can mount this mic anywhere (like on the end of a boom pole). If you want stereo, then the Rode stereo video mic is suggested...

There are others if you are willing to consider them. I use a NRG Research SA-568 "switchable" for a shotgun. For a stereo mic, I use an Audio Technica AT-825. In both cases I use a juicedLink CX231 or BeachTek DXA-6. When I use the mono SA-568, I set the mono/stereo switch to mono and audio is recorded to both the left and right sides even though it is plugged in to only one side of the XLR adapter.




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Is it possible to download a Power Point presentation to You Tube?




carmen


I'm doing a pp project and just want to have a video of it, is this possible with Power Point 2010?


Answer
Yes it is possible to do it but you have to use windows movie maker just follow the steps bellow

You have created a terrific PowerPoint presentation. Now you want to show and share the genius piece on the top video hosting site YouTube. The problem is, YouTube, a tremendous reservoir of videos, only accepts videos or video clips from digital cameras, camcorders and cell phones that are in such format as WMV, AVI, MOV and MPEG, while neither PowerPoint presentations are video files nor Microsoft itself supports such a PPT-to-YouTube conversion. Hence you may fail when you are to upload a PowerPoint file onto YouTube.

How to troubleshoot the issue? Here I am to show you two easy ways to put PowerPoint presentations onto YouTube.

Method 1 Use Windows Movie Maker
You can use Windows Movie Maker included in your Windows machine. The application is helpful to make a beautiful slideshow or video clip (e.g. mixing your songs with pictures, video clips, lyrics and etc). Then you can save it as video file with the extension of .wmv.

Or just get the clips you want, save and convert them, then mix/match them with pix/sound/etc using Windows movie maker to create new masterpieces. When the output video comes out, upload and put the video presentation to YouTube.

Method 2 Use Third-Party software to convert PowerPoint to YouTube-Ready Video
You can google for a sound PowerPoint-to-YouTube-video converter. Or simply take our Leawo PowerPoint to Video, which is right to help you convert a PowerPoint presentation to a stunning Flash video welcome by YouTube. What's more, it works without any loss of sounds, movies, animations or transitions from the original PowerPoint. The output video from the conversion software always retains all the subtitles of your source presentation.

In three simple clicks, you will access your PowerPoint presentation in video of MPEG, AVI, MP4, WMV, MOV and 3GP with excellent quality.
Exact Steps of Converting PowerPoint files to Youtube video:
1. Install and run Leawo PowerPoint to Video
2. Click Import to input a PowerPoint presentation you want to convert.
3. Set the output format if necessary and click the Start button to start converting PowerPoint presentations to YouTube video.
No more than a few seconds, you can get your PowerPoint presentation in vivid video that is easy to put onto YouTube.

How can I hook up two external mics to a Canon 7D?




Jonathan S


Right now I'm using one external mic that's attached to the top of my Canon 7D (Optek).

How can I hook up another microphone that I could use on a boom pole? There's only one input.. how can I get another?



Answer
You are pushing beyond the design intentions of a dSLR with a video feature.

A real video camera has 4 microphone inputs standard as well as other.

Here is a link to the video cameras used specifically for shooting commercial video, either from a script or shooting professional sports.

http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/P2HD-VariCam-cinematography-camcorder.asp

Remote sporting events.

http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/P2HD-solid-state-camcorder.asp

Here are some links that talk about getting the best audio from a dSLR camera

http://dpexperience.com/2010/02/12/recording-audio-with-your-video-dslr-part-i/

Here is a link that shows what extreme ends one must take to make a dSLR into a viable video camera

http://vimeo.com/12051243




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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Cheap dSLR or top knotch bridge / hybrid ?




Kaninho


I am a international tourism student, and I travel a lot. I want a all round camera that delivers me lively pictures.

I heard some people talking that the cheapest dSLR camera's takes "better" pictures than the best bridge/hybrid camera. I am leaning towards the Panasonic Lumix FZ35/FZ38 or the newer model which will be availabe in 2 weeks, or should I buy a 8 year old dSLR camera for that money ? I am really liking the Lumix FZ35/FZ38 and I have seen really impressing pictures taken with that camera, and the HD camcorder is also a plus, but on the other hand, the old dSLR will still have a bigger sensor, which will lead to quality images. The 2009/2010 Lumix FZ35/FZ38 & FZ45(newest model) will all have the newest technological features, which will be handy I guess compared to the old dSLR. Will the technological improvements in 8 years make up for the lacking sensor in the hybrid / bridge camera?

Will this be visually noticable in a standard photo format?

And yes I know, like the old saying goes, "Fear not the weapon but the hand that wields it."

So I am thinking about the lumix FZ35/FZ38 , or the newer model, or a 2002 model dSLR...



Answer
I can get great shots with my Nikon Coolpix P90. If you're not going to shoot anything bigger than 4x6's, I doubt if it's going to matter much.

Is it possible to download a Power Point presentation to You Tube?




carmen


I'm doing a pp project and just want to have a video of it, is this possible with Power Point 2010?


Answer
Yes it is possible to do it but you have to use windows movie maker just follow the steps bellow

You have created a terrific PowerPoint presentation. Now you want to show and share the genius piece on the top video hosting site YouTube. The problem is, YouTube, a tremendous reservoir of videos, only accepts videos or video clips from digital cameras, camcorders and cell phones that are in such format as WMV, AVI, MOV and MPEG, while neither PowerPoint presentations are video files nor Microsoft itself supports such a PPT-to-YouTube conversion. Hence you may fail when you are to upload a PowerPoint file onto YouTube.

How to troubleshoot the issue? Here I am to show you two easy ways to put PowerPoint presentations onto YouTube.

Method 1 Use Windows Movie Maker
You can use Windows Movie Maker included in your Windows machine. The application is helpful to make a beautiful slideshow or video clip (e.g. mixing your songs with pictures, video clips, lyrics and etc). Then you can save it as video file with the extension of .wmv.

Or just get the clips you want, save and convert them, then mix/match them with pix/sound/etc using Windows movie maker to create new masterpieces. When the output video comes out, upload and put the video presentation to YouTube.

Method 2 Use Third-Party software to convert PowerPoint to YouTube-Ready Video
You can google for a sound PowerPoint-to-YouTube-video converter. Or simply take our Leawo PowerPoint to Video, which is right to help you convert a PowerPoint presentation to a stunning Flash video welcome by YouTube. What's more, it works without any loss of sounds, movies, animations or transitions from the original PowerPoint. The output video from the conversion software always retains all the subtitles of your source presentation.

In three simple clicks, you will access your PowerPoint presentation in video of MPEG, AVI, MP4, WMV, MOV and 3GP with excellent quality.
Exact Steps of Converting PowerPoint files to Youtube video:
1. Install and run Leawo PowerPoint to Video
2. Click Import to input a PowerPoint presentation you want to convert.
3. Set the output format if necessary and click the Start button to start converting PowerPoint presentations to YouTube video.
No more than a few seconds, you can get your PowerPoint presentation in vivid video that is easy to put onto YouTube.




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Best 1080p camcorder under $500?




Michael





Answer
HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview

1080p dSLR vs. Camcorder?




Mason Youn


I want to be able to shoot video with something that has an interchangeable lens. The Sony Handycam starts at $1,999 and I have ~$500. I want it to be 1080p, be able to change lens (preferably) so I can do fish eye and wide angle etc... while snowboarding, and about $500.
Should I be looking at DLSRs or video cameras? What model/make, anything?

Cheers,
Mason



Answer
Just because the camcorder does not have "interchangeable lenses" does not mean you cannot ADD a lens to the camcorder. Any camcorder with the specification "Lens filter diameter" has a thread mount surrounding the lens which allows adding a screw-mount lens.

For example, the Sony HDR-HC9 and HDR-CX500 have a lens filter diameter spec and you can add tele, wide angle and fisheye lenses to them. And they are about 1/2 the cost of the NEX-VG10.

Since you are planning to do fast action stuff (snowboarding), it would be best if the video storage format was less than what AVCHD compression applies into MTS (or TOD) files.

Your task is to identify the camcorders in the $300-400 range that have the "Lens filter diameter" spec. This is basically the upper end of the consumer entry-level range of camcorders. The reason you are starting at the $300-400 range is beause after you get the camcorder, then you need to buy the add-on lens. If the camcorder has a 30mm lens filter diameter, then search for a fisheye by using "30mm fisheye".

Chances are VERY high you will not find what you are looking for... but at least you know, now, how to look for what is in your budget.

A decent dSLR will be in the same boat... the good ones with interchangeable lens mounts won't allow you any $ for additional lenses. You would be better off getting a stock lens and using your video editor to add the fisheye effect.




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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

help to buy entry level DSLR?




sajin


Hi Folks,

I am much interested in photography since my childhood. But till I was using Canon A3100 Point and Shoot camera.

I am willing to buy an entry level DSLR as I am an amateur. I googled much but arrived in a confusion. I have shortlisted 2 models. Please suggest the best one.

1) Canon 600 D - heard many positive reviews, but lens cost is more and there is no auto focus in video mode.

2) Sony SLT A58 - heard that lens costs cheaper. But is it rare in market ? I think auto focus in video mode is available.



Answer
Actually Canon has some great value priced lenses. Sony has limited line up of lenses and they are normally expensive.
Here is an article that should help you with your first DSLR purchase:
http://photography-with-any-camera.blogspot.com/2013/05/best-digital-slr-for-beginners.html

Also, don't buy a camcorder for video as one answerer suggested unless you don't care much about quality. With a right lens, an SLR will take much better video than any consumer grade camcorder. With SLR you can do selective focusing but a camcorder will give you flat videos- everything always in focus. Here is another read for you:
http://photography-with-any-camera.blogspot.com/2013/03/video-recording-with-dslr-is-it-worth-it.html

Camera Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!?




Guitar777


Ok so im looking for a kind of cheep cinematic camcorder. I saw one on G4 attack of the show it was 500 bucks and shot in movie quality but i cant remember what it was. i know they have them but i just need a movie quality camera for around 300-700


Answer
Hi "Guitar777":

I know you asked this same Question 3 months ago, so no-telling what camera the AOTS hosts or gadget geeks were reviewing back then.

"Cheap" and "cinematic" (or "cheap, movie quality") don't fit in the same sentence, in the real world. So don't fall for any hype you heard on a gamer's cable TV channel. Even in the "used" department for your budget range, you might get decent "Hi Def" recording, but nothing approaching a pro-cinema camera and lens. Just having a "24p" film-rate setting on a camcorder doesn't make it cinema quality.

From your other posts, your goal might be to produce decent band-demo videos or music video projects, so you should concentrate on pro-audio features and not high-end imaging.

No one wants to watch a video of a band with crappy sound quality. And if you're clever, you'll realize that capturing a good "live" mix requires better sound than a single mike on a camcorder will capture.

Most music videos (and almost every motion picture made since "sound films" started in 1927) use a separate sound recording system from the camera. This is called "double system recording" for films and video. (For an in-depth article see SoundOnSound.com's excellent 3-part article: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun00/articles/practicalaudio.htm )

And now, since most videos are edited on computer, bands have learned to use software like ProTools (or even cheaper apps like "GarageBand") to take the place of older, expensive multi-track recorders. Having a good mix already on the computer makes editing a good soundtrack into a video project very easy.

Drop in at a good local camera store (not a "Best Buy" type store) on a slow day and ask the video pro's behind the counter for some suggestions within your budget. You can always shop the internet for cheaper prices, but having local professional help to turn to is invaluable (not to mention "service after the sale").

And take advantage of Guitar Center's current alliance with AVID/ProTools to provide free ProTools training every Saturday morning at 10am: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Recording-Made-Easy-g26448t0.gc [Classes start back up January 2013, after the Holidays.]

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 




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Camcorders Compatible with a Mac?




greystoneg


My family just got a new MacBook, and we recently found out (to much dissapointment) that it is not compatible with it. Do you have any ideas on good camcorders that work with a Mac (and iMovie)? We don't need anything professional, but we don't want something childish.


Answer
Any camcorder with a Firewire (iLink/DV/IEEE1394) port will work just fine (MiniDV tape, Digital8 tape, hard drive, etc.). MacBooks have a connection for this. It's the standard connection for video transfer. You can use iMovie to do basic editing as well. DVD gets a bit more tricky.

Out of curiosity, what camcorder are you using? I'm curious to know why it's not compatible. If you're using a camera that shoots in an analog format (for example VHS-C, Hi8, 8mm), you can purchase a converter such as the ADS Pyro A/V Link, which will get your video into DV, which upload to your Mac via Firewire and edit with iMovie or any other editing software.

EDIT: Since when is MPEG-2 not compatible with Mac? MPEG-2 is ESSENTIAL for making a DVD, and lack of support for MPEG-2 would mean that nobody has EVER made a DVD with a Mac. I find this hard to believe, especially when I've made dozens of DVDs on Macs.

The question is not whether your COMPUTER will work with MPEG-2. Rather, find out if your SOFTWARE will work with it. Please get the facts straight.

The one thing that is correct there is that SOME software programs might not recognize some of the new hard drive camcorders because the format is not supported by that particular program. Your chances are better if you go with DV, whether from MiniDV or Digital 8. Just about all editing software supports DV via Firewire.

Cheap, awesome camcorder compatible with a PC and/or Mac?




Troy


In a couple months I will be a freshman in college and I want to record a lot of campus activities, my program's events, things I do with friends, me flying in the planes (I'm majoring in aviation), etc. I want to buy a camcorder before then that is the cheapest for awesome quality. I'm looking for things such as: HD recording (1080p if possible), a good mic, stabilization, etc. My price range is probably $500 or less as I only have a minimum wage job this summer. Thanks for any advice! Links too please! I haven't decided if I'll get a Macbook Pro or a beastly PC yet, and I'm also not sure on what editting software (for a noob at this) can use. Any help please?


Answer
Getting a HD camcorder is taking a step backward in Video Quality. HD camcorders Interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly, the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi processor computer with the big Graphics and sound cards that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files a HD camcorder produces.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030




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Compatible camcorders/boom microphones?




That'sWhat


I'm shooting a movie in the spring, and I thought it'd be a good idea (what with Christmas, and my birthday soon after) to save up to get some better quality equipment. I'm currently running on a $150 FinePix camera and a $2 external microphone that I use for voice overs. :S I was looking into camcorders, specifically HD, and whilst doing that, I found that I was interested in having a lower cost HD camcorder with a lower cost attachable boom mic. I was wondering if anyone knew of any HD camcorders (300 or less) that had a hot shoe for fitting a shotgun microphone.

I'm interested in http://www.walmart.com/ip/DXG-DXG-A80V-HD/13437289 , but I'm not sure I'm seeing the mount on it... I'm worried that I'll convince myself it has the hot shoe and then be disappointed when I see it doesn't. In addition, I'm looking at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/444022-REG/Azden_SMX_10_SMX_10_Stereo_Microphone.html . Are the two compatible, and does the former have a hot shoe?



Answer
Some Canon and Sony camcorders have a hot shoe for attaching Canon or Sony equipment (video lights or mics). These proprietary hot shoes means the mic is attached to the camcorder - so - how would you connect the mic to a boom?

There is no DXG camcorder with a hot shoe.

The hot shoe means there are connections that can carry power (hence, "hot"), and audio depending on the proprietary device connected.

A "boom mic" more commonly referred to as a "shotgun mic" mounted to a boom pole. The mic is connected with a cable (or sometimes wirelessly, but that is very expensive, so we'll stay with wired mics). Using the Azden SMX10 as an example, note the *short* cable to a 1/8" plug. This plugs into a camcorder's 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo audio-in jack. That DXG you pointed us to does not have a 1/8" audio input. Using *that* camcorder and *that* mic won't work.

1) Drop the "hot shoe" requirement.
2) The camcorder you *want* needs to have an audio input jack. If you can't do that, then you can pick whatever camcorder you want, and get an external audio "filed recorder" like a Zoom H1, H2 or H4. When you edit the video, import the audio, sync with the video, mute the audio that was captured by the video.
3) If you follow the first suggestion and drop the hot shoe requirement, most camcorders don't have a "cold" shoe either... but for $15 you can add one or more by using a camera bracket. Search amazon using "bescor vb 50" for an example. There are lots more. Some cost more, some cost less.

As far as I know, cameras that capture high definition video with a audio-in jack include the Kodak Z18 and Canon HF series.

What microphone is good for my camcorder?




Mike Terfo


I have a Canon FS20 camcorder and I don't like the little buzzing sound it makes when recording and the audio isn't that good. I want to find a new microphone for this camera. Any suggestions?


Answer
There is no single "best mic"

The FS20, flash memory, consumer camcorder, has built-in stereo mics - and no manual audio control.

Since we don't know what the video/audio capture environment is that is causing the "little buzzing" you report, it is a bit of a challenge to suggest anything without having to buy something. Because we know the camcorder uses "auto mic gain" to control the audio levels recorded, we also know that if the audio levels are low, the auto mic gain will turn up the gain while "listening" for audio. This can result in the "buzzing" you report being recorded.

The FS20 also has a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo audio-in jack to connect an external mic. If the audio you are capturing is "normal level" (not loud bands and not someone 10 feet away whispering), then a stereo condenser mic is probably a good idea. If the audio is really loud, then you need a way to control the audio level so it is not overpowering the auto mic gain. If the audio is from far away or very low, then you want to be able to get the mic closer to the audio source without having the camera so close.

What is your budget?

Since the FS20 does not have an accessory shoe to mount a mic, you need to add one. A camera bracket (search "camera bracket" at amazon to understand what I mean). The Bower or Adorama camera brackets are inexpensive and add two accessory shoes to your camcorder. Then you can add a condenser stereo like the Audio Technica PRO-24CM.

Or... if the audio is low, getting the mic closer to the audio source might mean using a wireless lavaliere. They are expensive. But best are UHF and a portable base station that mounts to the accessory shoe you added. I use Sennheiser G3 systems.

If the audio is loud, you can use an XLR adapter (with XLR connecting mics) like the BeachTek DX-A2T or juicedLink units to control the mic gain, but that gets expensive, too... need to get mics, too.




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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Looking for a professional digital camcorder...?




CesFRA


I am shooting a documentary for a University concerning a medical research study in another country where I will go there and interview doctors and patients and document on the whole situation at these facilities and I am looking for a camera that will be perfect for this situation. They gave me roughly a $4000-$5000 budget, but I can work with it if I have to go above. I am looking for a digital camcorder. I edit on Sony Vegas or Final Cut Studio, depending on the situation. Please help, I am usually a bit slow when it comes to the technological part of filmmaking and I don't want to ruin my opportunity to get a great camera, so all of the advice I can get will be greatly appreciated.

Also, a camera that will stay in use after the documentary for movies and short films would be great too, because I do that in my spare time as well. So I need a camera that will be adequate for a documentary as well as for movies and short films.

Thanks



Answer
well what you should do is rent the camera. That way you save a lot more money. Invest instead in a nice little 3 point light kit. This will help you more than the camera and I'll tell you why.

I make shorts and music videos. I've learned that its not what camera you have. Everyone and their mother has a camera but not everyone has a light kit and knows how to use it. The lights will make any footage you have look better because you can't have a movie without light. Interviews will look better, interior scenes and exterior scenes will look better. So buy the lighting kit and rent the camera. If you have the equipment and learn to use it, you can rent it out and possibly get paying gigs as a key grip or a gaffer.

Now, onto the camera. There are a bunch of different selections. Stay away from HD stuff. Its a pain in the arse to light well and color correct in post and it's not true HD anyway. Get something that is SD. You'll have a lot more leeway with lighting and color temp and the focus is still great. Now, the cameras. There is the Canon GL-2, great glass, small, compact and a nice picture. The color temp is a bit warmer with Canons. However, the GL2 does not have any XLR inputs which is pretty much necessary for better audio. You can use a pin jack but XLR delivers better quality.

You could also go with the Canon XL1. It gives a bit more of a professional look, its cheaper than the XL2 and has nearly the same features, and it enables interchangable lenses (if you can afford to rent them and need to) as well as better handheld shots since it has a shoulder rest (much more stable shots). Has 2 XLR inputs.

You can also go with the Panasonic DVX100B. Great focus, great glass, great in lower light situations (less grain). The color temp is pretty even overall and has a nice balance. It brings out skin tones nicely without warming the entire shot. You'll need a good tripod since its around 5 pounds and a bit heavy for hand held shots. It has an 2 XLR connections which is a must have for better audio. Great overall camera.

I tend to stay away from Sony's because they have a bit of a colder color temp and while they are great cameras (have used a few) they tend to be a little finicky when capturing footage into FCP. I don't use Vegas cause I hate the program. Finicky, poor workflow, buggy, bad overall system for me.

So there you go. If you would like any more info, just send me a message or IM me and I'd be glad to help you out.

What are requirements of short films or documentaries?




teja khara


frnds plzz help ma for this.......
i want to do it........
then plzzz suggest some ideas,,,for short films..



Answer
I had an idea for a short film just the other day. I was thinking about finding an old house, like, more than 100 years old, and tell the story of the five generations of one family that lived and died in the house.

No more than 15 minutes, and don't just shoot from the hip with a camcorder. Get yourself some lights, even if they're those crappy Lowells, and some gels, and a book called "Set Lighting." Can't remember the author, silver cover - found at Barnes & Noble.

Have your beginning, middle and end clear-cut. (Your act 1, act 2, act 3.) Too many artsy kids think they can tell a short in some kind of neo-modern, cutting edge way and all it does is confuse the audience. If you want to show your filmmaking stuff, then do it right.




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what kind of camcorder?




CARLOS


i want to get a camcored to upload videos on youtube what kind should i get to blog and stuff


Answer
Canon VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory Camcorder â 2010 MODEL
http://7thingsdigital.com/?p=659

Product Description: The Canon VIXIA HF S200 blurs the line between consumer and professional. It's got pro features like native 24p Full HD recording, optical image stabilization, a 3.5-inch touch screen and even 5.1-channel surround sound audio recording with an additional microphone. But it's got the convenient size, ease, and affordable price of a home camcorder. It's a very safe bet that you'll love this crossroads camera.

Product Details
(+) Records crisp high definition video directly to two removable SD memory cards
(+) Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens
(+) Canon 1/2.6" 8.59-Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor
(+) Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor
(+) Dynamic SuperRange OIS corrects a full range of motion

A good cheap camcorder?????????????




This is my


I need a good, cheap camcorder (Not a flip!) with great picture and sound quality under $300 that supports mac OS X and is easy to get movies off the camera to my computer. I hope i'm not demanding too much :D 10 PTS for best answer


Answer
CHECK THIS OUT
Canon FS300 Flash Memory Camcorder (Silver) - 2010 MODEL
Technical Details
Color: Silver
* Records video directly to removable SD memory cards
* Ultra-Sleek, Compact and Lightweight Design (7.9 oz)
* Genuine Canon 41x Advanced Zoom
* Canon DIGIC DV II Image Processor
* Dynamic SuperRange OIS corrects a full range of motion

ContourHD 1080p Full HD Helmet Camera
* Full HD Recording (1080p) - 1920x1080 pixels - 30fps
* 5 Megapixel Sensor
* Internal Microphone
* Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
* Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body




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good camcorders under 400 or 300?




Johnny


im going to be buying a camcorder for shooting skate videos and im also running on a low budget. can anyone suggest me some good camcorders for a low price and also has a movable viewfinder?


Answer
There are three types camcorder available now, miniDV use tape as record media, DVD use DVD disc and HDD use internal hard disc drive. In this range you can buy lowest quality HDD, mid quality of DVD or best miniDV. For miniDV I suggest Canon ZR850. It has highest rating in this type. The sensor is 1K, higher than 680 in other models. You can find it online for $200(don't believe some site for $160, since they will try to sell you more accessory) or in retailer for $250. A new model of ZR950 just hit market but no rating is available.

Best HD camcorders under $300?




Calli


I'm looking for an HD camcorder. Nothing, fancy, just a simple one. I'm not professional or anything, I just want to video tape me & my friends riding our horses. I'd like one that also takes nice pictures. If you have any experience with some in my price range, please share! I'd really like it to have a decent battery life. I was looking at the Toshiba Camileo x100, and I really liked the video quality, but the reviews say the battery only lasts around 20-25 minutes before it has to be charged again :/

Thanks!



Answer
http://camcorders.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/best_budget_camcorders.htm

under $3?

hard to find. DXG off brand. Look at craigslist and ebay for used.




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I looking for a professional 3D camcorder under $800?




Marcelle J


My budget is extremely tight but I want a professional video camera under $800. Where can I possibly find that camcorder? My budget is up to $1000 but not more. Many thanks.


Answer
The only semi-professional 3D camcorder that I know under $800 is the Panasonic HDC-SDT750K, High Definition 3D Camcorder. The original value of this baby is normally $1400 but they have it on sale for $734 now.
The features include:
World's first 3D Shooting Camcorder*
Fulls HD 1080/60p Progressive Movie Recording
Advanced 3MOS System
Intelligent Auto
Hybrid OIS
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XREDVE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=digital-photography0a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399353&creativeASIN=B003XREDVE

zr 800 digital video camcorder?




zach


i got a zr 800 for christmas and i shot some videos of me and my friends and i cant find out how to transfer the videos onto my computer , do i have to buy a seperate able or what?


Answer
Cool I have that same camera. Its a good camera. Besides that, to transfer the footage onto your computer you are going to need a 1394 4 pin to 6 pin firewire cable. You need a firewire port in you computer too. So find a 4 pin to 6 pin firewire cable.




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Monday, February 17, 2014

what is meant by night recording in camcorders?




sakthi


i want to know the details about night recording and their types


Answer
night recording in camcorders means that the camcoder is put in a mode where it is more sensitive to low-light conditions and is capable of higher resolution at the expense of colors. Night recording is most often done with an Infrared lamp shining.

What is the best camcorder that has the best night recording mode; but at a reasonable price?




Nunya B


Links would be appreciated. Thanks!!


Answer
Sony DCRSR57E Handycam Camcorder is good to buy.

This camcorder having the excellent features.Such as,
* Records up to 45 hours of high quality standard definition video on 60GB hard drive
* Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with 60x optical zoom / 2000x digital zoom
* Features include: SteadyShot Image Stabilisation, Face Index and Film Roll Index
* 2.7-inch wide LCD with easy to use touchscreen
* Up to 11.5 hours STAMINA continuous shooting time (with optional battery)

Great action can come and go very quickly so you donât want to waste valuable time starting up your camera.

Now you can make sure that even the trickiest scenes look great, thanks to auto functions which take the guesswork out of matching settings to subject. Take sunâdrenched backlit scenes, for example. The Dârange Optimiser adjusts exposure and contrast to counter the effects of highâcontrast conditions, so you can clearly see faces in the foreground.

If you are shooting with the camera in your hand, there is always a danger of camera shake spoiling your picture, even if your subject is stationary. SteadyShot is a handy digital image stabiliser that is active every time you shoot. This is especially important when using the powerful zoom to close in on details. The SR37 lets you hear in close up too. The SR37 lets you record sound in closeâup too. Its super smart mic zooms in with your optical zoom to cut out background and foreground noise and concentrate on sounds that matter, such as conversation.




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Whats the best camcorder under $400 to make films for youtube vfx & afterfx ?




Captain


I mean to shoot video, not pictures, unlike my last post..

The real decent ones I know are like 2 thousand but I need something for now to get started thats still pretty good quality.

I tried my phone but its so grainy and horrible, using the galaxy s 3. I'm trying to get pretty good quality to do alot of compositing with 3d and vfx like freddiew, whatever can get me started under 400



Answer
HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

DSLR Cameras, all Makes, all Models, all have the same problem when video taping some long videos, all overheat at the 13 to 18 minute mark, depending on the Make and Model. This is unavoidable, it all has to with the fact, video is an afterthought in DSLR camera production.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes â four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview

What is the best HD camcorder that is under $400?




cgabbi7


I already researched the Flip and decided not to go with that since of the stability problem. I want a camera that has very vivid colors and I can put on a tripod


Answer
Try http://www.abt.com/product/39131/Sony-HDRCX100.html
It is a little over your budget. But it is very difficult to get a good HD camcorder under $400.




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