Calling all Top Contributors, need ur camcorder opinion (recommendation)...?

Kilroy Was

I've been reading reviews on camcorders and I've filtered my selection to these three: Sony HDR-SR12, Sony HDR-HC9 and Canon HV30.

Which of these 3 would you recommend, plus ur review that would give me all these qualities:
1. very good video quality;
2. good picture even on low lighting;
3. easy to operate (specially on downloading and editing for movie making) for beginners like me.

I've got only a month to decide so really need ur replies. Thanks in advance.

Answer
HV30: Uses MiniDV tape; imports DV or HDV using Firewire (IEEE1394a, i.Link - all the same thing). Tape IS the archive (do not reuse tapes). Can do 24p. Has mic-in jack and full manual audio control.

HC9: Uses MiniDV tape; imports DV or HDV using Firewire (IEEE1394a, i.Link - all the same thing). Tape IS the archive (do not reuse tapes). Has "Smooth slow record" slow motion feature and can do zero light with built-in infrared emitter, but reciorded video is monochromatic (green/white). Has mic-in jack and full manual audio control.

SR12: In it's current implementation, I wouldn't touch anything that uses AVCHD for video compression at the point of video capture. It compresses too much and not all video editors can handle all camcorder manufacturer's AVCHD implementations. Please do not confuse "ease" with speed. Downloading video from a hard drive (or flash memory) based camcorder might be faster than importing from miniDV tape, but that does not make it easier. If you follow all the steps, the first thing you do after downloading the video to your computer is copy the files to an external drive or to optical disc. All that "saved" time, just went int making your archive/backup. In the miniDV tape world, the tape you shot is the archive backup. Then, when the project is complete, with a miniDV tape based camcorder, export the project back to the camcorder. Want to watch in high-def? connect the high-def camcorder and use it as a deck - can't do that with a hard drive (or flash memory) based camcorder.

There's lots more reasons, but take the hint from the pros:
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/hdv.shtml?&navid=hdv_products
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=172
http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/cat_camcorders.asp
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/category.jsp?productId=PRO1.1

No internal hard drives using AVCHD (with the exception iof a single incorrectly categorized Panasonic)... The pros use external hard drives like those from Firestore
http://firestore.com/solutions/catalog.asp?id=3
which save video in DV and HDV format... just like miniDV tape.

You might not be a pro, but miniDV tape has been around for a couple of years and it works, is stable, affordable and the video editing applications that say they handle HDV can handle it from any camcorder.

You may need to add a firewire 400 port to your computer - Apple Macintosh computers have had them for many years. Using the DV port on the camcorder, connect to the Firewire 400 port on the computer with a firewire (IEEE1394, i.Link) cable. Launch the video editing application. The camcorder needs to be in "Play/Edit" mode. Import or capture.

need camcorder help/what should I buy?

Dot

Wanting to buy my first camcorder. I will mostly be using it for vacations. We have a few vacations coming up to Vegas & Disney. Want to be able to record things like the Vegas strip and the parades/fireworks @ Disney. These things are all at night, but do they really still consider that "low light"? Obviously it is nighttime but for example on the Vegas Strip all the hotels are brightly lit. And during fireworks you would obviously have that lighting in the sky. Most camcorders I look at say they don't do good in low light. My price range is $300 to $600. Would like to stay on the lower end if possible but want something that will do a good job.

Answer
The market is cluttered with camcorders right now. I recommend that you look at customer reviews from Amazon who have bought and used the camcorders. I bet some mention the low light issues.

I searched using "HD camcorder" with your price limits ($300 to $600) and sorted by top customer reviews. This is what came up - http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26rs%3D172421%26sort%3Dreviewrank_authority%26ref%255F%3Dsr%255Fst%26keywords%3Dhd%2520camcorder%26bbn%3D172421%26qid%3D1258411598%26rh%3Dn%253A172282%252Ck%253Ahd%2520camcorder%252Cp%255F36%253A30000-60099%252Cn%253A%2521493964%252Cn%253A502394%252Cn%253A172421%26page%3D1&tag=alldevs-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

Also, if you buy a "used" camcorder often you can get a camcorder that could be twice the price. I hope that helps.

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How do professional cameramen film in low light so well?

top camcorders low light image

Teh Tarik

I've just bought a Kogan video camera (new Australian brand, not well known) that from my limited experience of camcorders is somewhere in the middle of the video camera spectrum (definitely not lousy, but nothing special either) and I"ve tried several times filming in a dark room with Night mode with very poor results. I can't actually tell the difference between normal and Night mode.

Do you have experience with video cameras that film well in low light? I made a bit of money recently and considering doing a trade-in somewhere.

Answer
Hi Steph:

Let's boil down this whole discussion into two things:
1) Your AU$399 (~USD$425) Kogan camcorder (which tells us your original budget range). That's no where near the "middle" of the $50 - $100,000 USD video camera spectrum.
2) The phrase "how do professional cameramen film... so well?"

It all boils down to spending good money for good equipment. The professional camera crews use equipment that costs thousands more than what you have now, plus --if you are not talking just InfraRed shooting in total or near-total darkness-- their cameras have multiple gain-boost settings for low light.

If you are trying to compare home camcorder footage of any kind with professional broadcast TV shows, just stop it. Their gear is way more advanced, plus (as others have mentioned) they also have post-production signal processors to help boost image parameters and quality.

The pro's also have access to "image intensifiers" they mount between their lens and camcorder (or on the front lens in cheaper cameras), like the AstroScope, which for around $6,000 USD will work for even a consumer camcorder or SLR. These can create an image using only starlight from the sky.

Your Kogan brand is not highly rated in picture quality to start with (see CNet Australia's review: http://www.cnet.com.au/kogan-full-hd-1080p-video-camcorder-camera-339293191.htm ). If you happen to have a more-expensive Kogan model, I apologize, but not much. A not-well-known brand that's in Australian K-Marts says a lot in itself. If you do trade-up, go for a name brand that's done this for awhile & has a track record for image quality as well as construction quality.

If you really have an interest in "Ghost Hunters" style IR shooting and not just poorly-lit parties, get a good used Sony Handycam that has true Sony "NightShot" features (the older consumer NightShot models could also "see" through certain garments, so Sony crippled newer Handycams' IR features).

The professional IR camera crews also use "bright" (but invisible to the eye) InfraRed spotlights mounted on the camera tops.

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
 

What type of video camera would be the best?

Sonja H

My friend and I will be shooting a sort of documentary for our dissertation. We will be in different countries all over Europe and Asia, shooting in womans shelters, and interviewing officials. We may be in some low light situations. This documentary will be put on DVD and on the internet, and the documentary needs to be good quality. We are planning on buying a professional video camera. Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer
hello there,
i have some camcorders witch meet your expectations, but we actually need you
Budget
What type as in Consumer, Pro-consumer, Professional
HD (1920X1080 / 1440X1080)
SD

but you actually gave out some good ideas for a good camcorder out in the field


ok here's my top 3 Pro-consumer camcorders

1:- JVC GZ-HM400 HDD+SD SLOT
2:- Panasonic TM-300 HDD+SD SLOT
3:- Canon HS S-11 HDD+SD SLOT
4:- Canon Vixia HV40 HDV(mini dv tapes)+SD SLOT
5:- Sony HDR-HC9 HDV+SD SLOT ( IR emitter AKA NIGHT VISION SHOTS like in the military )

the review links>>
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-Everio-GZ-HM400-Camcorder-Review-37168.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-HDC-TM300-Camcorder-Review-37105.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Vixia-HF-S11-Camcorder-Review-37150.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-HV30-Camcorder-Review-34401.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HDR-HC9-Camcorder-Review-34562.htm

And heres my "PERFERD" professional Camcorders

1:- Canon XH A1 HDV
2:- Canon GL- 2 HDV
3:- Canon XL - 2 HDV
4:- JVC GY-HM100U
5:- Panasonic AG-DVX100B

LINKS
http://www.reviewed.com/product/Canon/XL2/external.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/canon_gl2_camcorder_review.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GY-HM100-First-Impressions-Camcorder-Review-36458.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-XH-A1-Camcorder-Review.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/panasonic_agdvx100_camcorder_review.htm


Well there you go =D i hoped this helped

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It's time to upgrade my camcorder. Need to know pros and cons of the different media formats.?

top camcorders low light image

JoeyM523

Want to upgrade from my old analog camcorder to a digital. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the 3 recording formats: DV Tape vs. Mini DVD vs. Built-in Hard Drive? I plan on doing video editing so ease of upload is a strong consideration. Is the video quality the same (excluding HD)? Also expense is a concern; the cost effectivness of buying tape vs. mini DVD or going Hard Drive. My main subject matter will be indoor sports events under not the best light conditions. Is one format better for recording such events than another. Is there buying criteria for the camcorder such as image stabilization and low light recording that I need to pay attention to. Any other buying tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Everything I've read says that mini-dv is better quality than mini dvd or hard drive. The other two formats are more convenient. If you don't want to have to process at all, mini dvd is the best. Hard drive writes to an editable digital file. With min dvd you would have to convert to an .avi or .mpg file to edit. With the hard drive you would have to write a dvd (to have one). Hard drive will be the cheapest as far as media goes of course because you never need to replace it. Both mini dvds and mini dv cassetes are both relatively cheap. You can record over mini dv cassetes without losing quality. Most people buy write once mini dvds. As far as filming in low light, you'd have to research the price range you are considering and read the reviews. Spend $6 and buy a one month subsription to consumer reports online, they review the top models without bias.

What is the best dv camcorder on the market that is about 300$?

Jake P

Well i have been looking for a camera that i would be able to down load my videos strait on to windows movie maker on my computer. And what i am really looking for in a camcorder is good qualty and to be able to download all of my videos to the computer very easily. So i just want to know what are some of the best dv camcorders out there that are about 300$.

Answer
Sony Handycam DCR-HC30

The DCR-HC30 makes a decent and very compact choice for a budget camcorder, but if you can afford to spend another $100, the DCR-HC40 will give you better video quality.
Specs: Camcorder, 6.8 megapixels, 10 x, Mini DV

The good: Extremely compact and lightweight; good ergonomics; decent video quality; accessory shoe.

The bad: Inconvenient touch-screen controls; bottom-loading tape; no wind filter for microphone; short battery life from included cell.

The bottom line: The DCR-HC30 makes a decent and very compact choice for a budget camcorder, but if you can afford to spend another $100, the DCR-HC40 will give you better video quality.

Canon ZR850

Canon's new MiniDV top model, the ZR850, continues the ZR tradition of offering affordable, easy-to-use wide-screen movie-making, though low-light performance is still subpar.
Specs: Camcorder, 1.07 megapixels, 35 x, Mini DV

The good: New, easier-to-use menu system with joystick control; impressive color in good lighting; wide-screen LCD; built-in lens cover; low price.

The bad: No accessory shoe or microphone input; bottom-loading tape compartment; doesn't support analog-to-digital conversions; not enough stabilization at full zoom; poor low-light performance.

The bottom line: Canon's new MiniDV top model, the ZR850, continues the ZR tradition of offering affordable, easy-to-use wide-screen movie-making, though low-light performance is still subpar.

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What is a decent video digital video camera?

top camcorders low light image

jml210

I'm looking for a digital video camera, but i'm also looking for more information about them. I'm not sure what a mini dv is. I think thats what its called. I see some cameras have sd memory sticks. I like to use my computer to make movies and chapters chapters. I had an analog camera and putting videos on the computer didn't have the best quality. Mainly I want a camera to take to events and to the races. I'm not sure what a decent megapixel would be. I don't need something top of the line. brand doesn't matter. Something practical and easy to use.

Answer
Short answer... I'd recommend Sony, first. it is the only brand of camcorder which has 'night vison'... which is, the ability to record in zero-lux (no light... complete darkness)... as well as low-lux (low light levels). No other brand can do that.

Model would depend on your needs/wants. I don't like the CD-burning thing... using battery power for the laser and the CD-transport motor, whenever the camera is turned on... : ( And then shock/vibration can be an issue... sometimes. Mini DV's are like small tapes... it's still digital. Tapes are cheap and easy... downside = with any tape, moisture/humidity can be an issue (but I've got several brands of cams, and my Sony has never let me down).

Memory sticks... well, if you can get them with a large-enough capacity, without costing an arm... it might be easier to xfer to computers, and some HDTV's. But video takes-up a lot of space, unless you trim-down on the size and quality of the image... and that's why I'm still using Mini's.

I think the top 3 are going to be Sony... Panasonic... and Sharpe. I've got a Panasonic, too... it's not bad... has a couple of features my Sony doesn't... but i still prefer Sony... cuz of the night-vison.

When you're shopping... pay attention to where the media is loaded from. Think about the cam being mounted on a tripod, and having to swap-out to fresh media... if it's loaded from the bottom, that can be a real bummer. And think about the process of swapping-out and handling DVD's, at the races... or during any event. All it takes is a spec of dust or dirt... a fingerprint... smudge... and it may or may not record properly.

Where can I go to do in-depth research on camcorders?

juilletang

I'm thinking about buying one (either a DVD or DVR) and I want to find out ALOT about what they can do. I've looked for web sites and found stuff on Wikipedia & How Stuff Works. I want a site that has practically EVERYTHING on camcorders and the different types. Can you help me?

Answer
Check out www.camcorderinfo.com if you really want to learn about camcorders. They go farther on indepth testing than most consumers have the stomach to read, and even though they can't test every single camcorder on the market, they get to most of them, let alone the important ones. You'll find info about a camcorder low light capabilities, controls, and other stuff that will allow you to make clear comparisons between models better than you will any where else. If your looking at prosumer or professional level, they've done limited reviews on some, but ultimately you'll have to just find what reviews you can on the web or sites like dv.com, videographer.com or look up cinematography.

If you just want to shoot and watch, then DVD's OK. However, I haven't read or experienced anyone that I know whose been able to get miniDVD or DVD into an editor without a lot of pain, if they got it at all! DVD camcorders are not made for the shoot and edit videographers, because when the DVD is finalized, it's formatted in the same filetype as commercial DVDs to ensure it's playability in set-top DVD players. A photographer I know bought a DVDcam which came with software for editing. As far as editing goes, it was more limited than movie maker, but what was absolutely intolerable was that it wouldn't keep the audio in sync with the video. Not good! Another way is buying a third party software to rip the video off the DVD, but it's a crapshoot getting it to display properly.

If you're going to get into editing, tests have proven that miniDV cassettes handled properly have a shelf life nearly equal to DVD! The only drawback is that it's more time consuming to transfer the video off tape than it is off of a HDD camcorder, or a DVD (assuming you can.) I'm only guessing that by "DVR", you mean HDD, because DVR actually refers to a tape or hard disc recorder/player. HDD seems really cool for the transfer rate or even being able to review footage in a nonlinear fashion in the camcorder, but make sure your nonlinear editor supports it before blowing the money, and finding out you can't make your movies.

Another place you check out is Cnet.com. It's not as extensive, but a good second opinion if the review is there. If there are any others, you may be able to find them off of those sites. Good luck to you, it's neat finding someone else who actually wants to learn about camcorders.

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What would be the best video camera for the dark in a rave setting (random lights hitting lens)?

top camcorders low light image

SleepBack

i was just wondering what the best VIDEO camera i can get for around $500 that will be used in low lighting for the EDC LV rave that i am going to in june. i do not want to use a light on the camera either, just something that will be decent looking in the low light.
well i mean i am not trying to make a legitimate video trailer that has to be super clear HD. i just want my friends back home to be able to see what i went to... and i was also wondering if you can help me find something that i can get alot of footage with, as in long battery and large space, it will be 3 days long, but i obviously will not capture it all

Answer
"good video capture" under low lighting conditions = large lens diameter and large imaging chip. In my opinion, this means a lens diameter of 70mm or larger and an imaging chip of 1/3" (3CCD or 3CMOS) or larger.

There is no video camera, camcorder or still image capture device (that captures video as a convenience feature) in your price range that has these large lens systems or imaging chips.

If we start with the least expensive camcorder that does quality, that would be the Sony HDR-FX1000. It is about 6x more than your budget.

In the $500 range, the lens diameters and single imaging chips are too small to provide good low-light capture. On top of that, raves are loud. Chances are very high that the audio captured (using the camcorder auto audio gain) will be very muddy and with lots of static. Some sort of manual audio control (or "attenuator") must be used. The best I can get you is something in the Canon HF R or HF M range. Learn to use the audio control (in the manual). The video captured will be grainy.

Which one is the Best of the Best Handycam With clear 1080i Hd recorder and all latest updations?

Manoj K

I am planning to buy a new handy-cam. I am expecting the top rating handy-cam in India with all latest features, especially 1080i high clarity high definition recording or above version and also with still capturing. Expecting the guidance

Answer
"Handycam" is Sony's brandname for all their consumer-grade and "prosumer"camcorders. The SOny HDR-FX1000 captures low-compression DV and HDV format video to miniDV tape and captures JPEG still images to SDHC cards.

With a LARGE lens filter diameter (72mm) and LARGE 1/3" 3CMOS imaging chip array, it will do very well under low light conditions (any camcorder can do well under good lighting conditions).

With separate manual zoom and focus rings on the lens barrel, manual audio control on the OUTSIDE of the camcorder (not buried in a menu), LANC port, headphone jack and several other externally accessible controls, the biggest difference between it and a pro-series camcorder is that it has only a stereo 1/8" (3.5mm) audio input (just use a XLR adapter from BeachTek or juicedLink)... and it does not do HDCAM format...

Of course, to get the video from this camcorder's digital tape into your computer, this assumes your computer has a firewire port... and you can add the optional external flash memory recorder from Sony if you don't want to use digital tape.

If you mean to include other manufacturers other than Sony, please let us know that...

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