http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: camcorders - Recent Posts en Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:00:38 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/panasonic-lumix-gf1-i-need-advice#post-60159 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:16:40 +0000 AnnieCB 60159@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I want to get a new camera and I can't afford very much so I'm looking in the $500-$600 range... I've been doing a ton of research and one camera that really caught my eye was the Lumix GF1... which is primarily for photography... but it has awesome video as well.   I wanted to know if anyone had anything to say about this camera or knows anything about it. </p> <p>I was also looking at the Olympus PEN that's mostly for photography and has great video as well, but it can only hold 7 mins worth of video at a time (I think that's even with a memory card)... So if anyone knows a way that it could hold more video than that, let me know!</p> <p>Also, If anyone has any low budget camera suggestions that would be great!  I want something with good depth of field... it would be a plus if it can work with an external mic... I'm having a hard time finding something perfect.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58499 Tue, 11 May 2010 15:30:05 +0000 pseudosafari 58499@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>HFS1Dude, does the HFS10 record in AVCHD?  What file type (mts, m2ts, etc.) does it record in?</p> <p>Just curious, thanks.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58473 Tue, 11 May 2010 04:37:31 +0000 HFS10Dude 58473@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>More of a "Consumer" cam than a "Prosumer" cam, try the Canon HFS21 - lacks some of the flexibility but has an amazing picture quality for the money,<a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&amp;fcategoryid=177&amp;modelid=19827">http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&amp;fcategoryid=177&amp;modelid=19827</a> . Just a thought!!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58468 Mon, 10 May 2010 21:24:42 +0000 daryldrj 58468@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Remember Guys He said he had 2000.00 dollars that is it! Grinner love my FX-1 and mine like yours it just keeps going, and going, and going</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58463 Mon, 10 May 2010 15:25:45 +0000 pseudosafari 58463@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm not a pro but I've used both tape and digital.  I prefer digital--just put the card in, copy and paste, and you can edit or back it up or whatever you want, and there's no boxes of tape to store.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58454 Mon, 10 May 2010 10:58:46 +0000 oceanblue 58454@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am also wondering about the older type cassette Camcorders, even though some of them are HD are the images as good with these cameras, as it would be on the newer tapeless HD full digital rigs? and also are there big differences in editing.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58420 Sun, 09 May 2010 12:31:04 +0000 David Forrester 58420@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>About a month ago, my HP laptop crashed and the motherboard was toast.  I also had to get a desktop for my video film making work.  The advice from the experts (4) was this:  Get the most powerful, loaded biggest machine possible.  So I did.  On both counts.</p> <p>Sure it cost money, but the results, the reliablity, the performance are outstanding.  It was worth the money big time.</p> <p>The same goes for cameras and software.  I have a new Sony Z5 and Sony Vegas 9 (6 months now) and the training discs from VASST and Vortex to got with them.  I've had a Sony VX 1000 and a JVC HD camera, but I will tell you from experience, this Z5 and Vegas 9 is the best out and out winner hands down.  Compared the Canon XS-A1 or whatever the equivalent is, there is no comparison.  Not even close.  Even compared to FCP, the Sony is amazing.  I am sticking with Sony not only because of their reputation, but they have a mandate to make the best there is and will get better.  I like that. It breeds confidence in the future.</p> <p>You might not find a Z5 on ebay because nobody wants to sell them - they are that good and brand new.  I recently did a theatre stage film shoot (7 hrs) in lousy lighting.  The colours were stunning and all of this at 0 and -3db in HD.  The viewers were stunned at the quality.</p> <p>Here is what you need.  20X zoom.  XLR audio (or get a Beachtek adapter - they are the best).  A HD viewing screen.  Lots of choices when it comes to format recording (this does 24 different formats), simplicity and reasonable cost.</p> <p>The downsides with the Z5?  It needs another 3-6 assign buttons, because of the 1/3 chips, has a low depth of field, and a rather lousy menu scroll wheel.  The buttons are too recessed as well.  It runs on mini dV tapes, but you can get either a chip back or a HD back as an option.  But get around that and you have one hell of a camera and will never regret it.</p> <p>If you find it still expensive - get a Canon 5D still camera and go with movie mode.  It will deliver stunning images, with any lens you want, get a beachtek adapter for this camera and you will now have XDR inputs.  I will be doing that for those shots where I need shallow depth of field.</p> <p>Good luck</p> <p>Dave</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58419 Sun, 09 May 2010 11:35:10 +0000 grinner 58419@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> You can find FX1s cheap now on ebay. You can probaly find two of em for your price range with a little patience. I love em. Great with audio... wonderful in low light. Ya can't kill em either.</p> <p>Lord knows I've tried. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58418 Sun, 09 May 2010 11:04:00 +0000 EarlC 58418@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Video:<br />5-time EventDV 25 all-star event filmmakers Mark &amp; Trisha Von Lankens offer an in-depth look at the Panasonic <a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid9493665001?bclid=22328754001&amp;bctid=75762234001">HMC40.</a><br /><a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid9493665001?bclid=22328754001&amp;bctid=75762234001">http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid9493665001?bclid=22328754001&amp;bctid=75762234001</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58416 Sun, 09 May 2010 10:19:12 +0000 oceanblue 58416@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the help Guys, at least I now have some models to start looking at. One thing I notice, when you read reviews on these camcorders, the magazine reviews and sites like C net reviews usually give them high marks all around, but when you read actual user reviews, they knock them in all directions especially in the audio functions.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58413 Sat, 08 May 2010 22:55:47 +0000 daryldrj 58413@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Well I have the Sony HVR-HD 1000 it does fine in low light no complaints I also have the Sony HDR_Fx1 which I like better but it cost more than 2000.00 My Friend had one of the Sony VX 2000 which seems to have better low light than mine  but then they do not have HD so its give and take</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58409 Sat, 08 May 2010 07:06:59 +0000 EarlC 58409@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The Panasonic HMC40 is worth a second look. Check it out <a href="http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?storeId=11201&amp;catalogId=13051&amp;itemId=361001&amp;surfModel=AG-HMC40">HERE</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58408 Sat, 08 May 2010 06:23:15 +0000 Cville 58408@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Its funny that daryldrj mentioned those two cameras, I have both of them and am very pleased with both.  Niether have the XLR audio inputs but I have adapted a couple of shotgun mic's and I also have a small mixer the I can utilize depending on what I am doing.</p> <p>I have not tried either camera under extreme low light conditions yet.  Most of what I shoot is under controled lighting or outdoors.  Both are CMOS sensors with the FX7 being a 3 chip and the HD 1000 being a single chip.</p> <p>Pansonic has a couple of cameras that are in the price range that are supposed to be pretty good but I have only read reviews.</p> <p>I would say it it all about researching the cameras in the price range and knowing the type of video's that you are trying to produce.  There are usually plenty of on line reviews as well as people posting sample shoots with the cameras.  You can usually search UTUBE by camera and find some samples.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58403 Fri, 07 May 2010 22:49:10 +0000 daryldrj 58403@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Well there is the HDR-FX7 from Sony its a good camera, also I have the Sony HVR-Hd 1000 it works well good camera and looks professional both 2000.00 and less</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/are-there-any-good-prosumer-camcorders#post-58402 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:48:48 +0000 oceanblue 58402@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'm sure this question has been asked many times before! I am interested in knowing if a Prosumer camcorder exists in the $2000.00 price range, that has a professional appearance, Fairly good sound recording, and good picture quality, even in lower light situations, or am I just fooling myself that this could be out there.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-quick-question-concerning-options#post-53881 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:25:15 +0000 composite1 53881@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Red,</p> <p>Unless you're looking to record to tape, there are few if any consumer grade cameras using solid-state recording that have analog inputs. You're best bet is to stick with tape based cameras or a tape based portable video recorder. As shooter mentioned, the thermal footage won't be HD anyway unless you shot the footage with an HD capable IR camera. Your XL2 will be just fine and if need be, the footage can be put into an HD timeline depending on what software you edit with. Your XL2 has more than enough analog connections to get you going.</p> <p>Be advised, your post concerning using thermal imaging is throwing up red flags. Though there are plenty of creative and industrial uses, these days someone looking to use thermal imaging is up to no good. Don't be surprised if your boss at the studio you work at gets a call about this.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-quick-question-concerning-options#post-53878 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:31:04 +0000 Redwookieaz 53878@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Well thanks for your help Mr. the Shooter. I don't think I follow what you are saying unfortunately. I haven't bought a camcorder yet as I am asking which one would be high def, hdd, and have some sort of analog  in for video. I am actually not concerned with the type of analog in as long as it has one. I don't think it would necessarily be a pass through that's even required as I'm wanting to do the capture via the hdd camcorder from the camcorder anyway. The thermal camera is just a camera and has no storage capacity. So yeah still not following me thinks? Thank you though... Hmmm....anybody else or some clarification? Theenks!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-quick-question-concerning-options#post-53876 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:16:21 +0000 The shooter 53876@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Well if your camcorder has a composite in, wich should be simple to find, you can buy a converter from analog to composite. I know that this isn't HD, but your analog won't be anyways. These converters can be found easily, i know walmart has some.</p> <p>Hope this help...  </p> <p>Antoine</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-quick-question-concerning-options#post-53875 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 04:19:53 +0000 Redwookieaz 53875@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Sorry for the title guys but just wanted my question answered and myself saved from wondering all the live long day soo...Hi all. New here and love the site! So I run a small video dept at a recording studio and just offer some basic video services. I have a question concerning options on cams. I have a thermal camera with an analog out on it. I would like to record the outgoing video and also pick up a nice handy camcorder at the same time. Ideally I'd like to do a high def, hard drive cam with an analog video in. It would also be great if it were small and easy to handle. Like a canon SF-11 type camera would be great if it had analog in. ot as concerned with price as I am with those features. Am i just asking for a non existant package guys? I would like to avoid using tape like miniDV or anything cuz I need a small easy package for trekking and the like and would like to go straight from the analog thermal camera to a hard drive. A nice small camcorder again would also be nice for recording as well. Any ideas guys? Um I'd prefer to do it that way but is there a hard drive rig that can capture directly from an analog camera component cable if I can't find a camera to fit the bill? Thanks for any help guys!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/input-mic#post-52103 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:57:03 +0000 Stephan 52103@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I myself have a Canon Vixia HF 10 but it was way above $400. I agree with XTR-91, if you're looking for an HD camcorder that is of any quality for $400 or less then you will have a tough search on your hands. Especially if you what the ability to add microphones and other accessories.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/input-mic#post-52102 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:28:44 +0000 XTR-91 52102@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"I'm looking for camcorder that offers an Input Mic" ... "$400.00"</em></p> <p> </p> <p>Unfortunately, this price range generally poses no interest for having this feature among most manufacturers. The mic input is an essential feature for good sound gathering, even on some of the lower end budgets. Canon, more so than anybody else, has accomplished this by having a mic input in virtually their entire realm of consumer camcorders. But at a budget under $500, I never thought I would have any luck searching. The Canon HG10 HD hard disk camcorder is one thing I came across.</p> <p> </p> <p>The Canon HG10 (Full HD) has a retail value of $1,300, but is currently selling at some places online for around $400. It's got a mic jack, manual focus ring, and headphone jack, which shares its port with the A/V jack being toggled on menu.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/input-mic#post-52097 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:10:59 +0000 dkntz6489 52097@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm looking for camcorder that offers an Input Mic.  Are there any HD camcorders for under $400.00 with this option.  </p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49876 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:11:20 +0000 jainankita83 49876@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks all for the advice and optimism.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49861 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:33:31 +0000 pauleveritt 49861@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Cameras 1 and 2 are the SAME camera.  I own and professional shoot with a PD-150.  It is simple to use and has XLR inputs for good microphone.  On my camera, mic 1 is the shotgun mic that comes with the camera and mic 2 is a dynamic mic on a mic stand.  If you take the base off the stand you now have a mic pole.  (Yes, I am the absolute KING of cheap when it comes to shooting video.)  </p> <p>I have worked with others using a Z1U on two occasions.  In standard definition, I was UNDERWHELMED with the Z1Us performance.  The PD150 has significantly better low light performance, but REALLY needs a wide angle lens for indoor shooting.  You should at least have a fill light as well.</p> <p>When you get to the final edits, HDV uses mpeg2 file types as opposed to AVI file types for the PD150.  Make sure that your editing platform can handle HDV if you plan to go high definition.  I also recommend reading "The 30 Dollar Film School" for some fast training.  Good luck!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49846 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:11:09 +0000 robGRAUERT 49846@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>i agree about the Sony PD150. Maybe look into the PD170, which is the updated version. I'd go with the cheaper one. I dont think you will see much difference between the two.</p> <p>I agree with the audio advice as well. In my opinion, bad audio will kill your project no matter how well you light, shoot, edit, etc. It's not that hard to record decent audio either, you just have to take the time to do it. </p> <p>I'd say a boom pole with a shotgun attached to a PD150 or PD170 will get you some solid results. </p> <p>Good luck.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49845 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:45:07 +0000 ThomScratch 49845@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>This is a repost.  Had copied from Word powered by XP and it was massacred by the Video Forum mixmaster.  Something has gone kookoo at this forum over the last month or so, as this transaction used to work perfectly.   Is there an explanation, tutorial, workaround for dealing with the monster mashup ?   I couldn't stand it, so I deleted the whole thing and started over.  I've seen complaints by others; now I know what they are talking about.</p> <p>OK here's my redo of response on subject of what cam to get for 48 hr film project/festival participation:</p> <p>Agree on PD150.  Has XLR inputs (2); 2100 does not.  With what you save on renting the SD, think about getting two 150s.  Have both running per take.</p> <p>Audio is a big challenge for 48hr films, the original live recording and stuff that can happen in post.  Audio should be monitored on headphones during takes.   My suggestion is go with boom mics or second choice lavs on talent and hidden cables to cams.  You might get lucky with wireless, but 48 hours is not the time to learn a lot of new things.  Over and over I have seen 48 hr films that looked great, were edited cleanly, but the audio was mixed too low, way out of synch, volume up and down, or etc.  Am in a big market (DC) with 60 or so films being completed.  At least 25% have obvious audio issues.</p> <p>No matter what, make the completion deadline.  You can always play with the project later and fine tune quality, if your film falls a bit short of your artistic vision !!  48 hours has loosened up re the recycling of 48 hour films by the "authors" for other projects, film fests, etc.  They used to wanna have more control over the use of project films.  This greater freedom for the filmmakers is a real positive thing.</p> <p>Good luck, stay cool, stay friends, and bring coffee.</p> <p>REGARDS ... ThomScratch</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49840 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:41:10 +0000 TDedmonSBP 49840@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>zoobie, this festival is set up to be pretty much exactly for this type of shooter, so before you cast your nose at someone, maybe you should have something constructive to say. I'm tired of your judgemental posts when this is supposed to be a forum for helping people.</p> <p>Jainankita, I have participated in several 48-hour's (Nashville) and as I recall the rules still require submission by DVD or equivalent, right? An HD image is going to have to be down-converted to SD to be put on DVD so my bet is to save your money for props, FX make-up, etc. and just go for an SD cam. The PD150 has a cult following among people who have used it as being very well-loved. I will suggest you get your hands on it a day or so early, and try to play around with it. Remember, autofocus is not alwas as crisp as it seems, and White balance is your friend.</p> <p>I am thrilled to hear of another's interest in the 48-hour film fest. If you would like some tips-n-tricks, advice, etc. from someone who knows the pitfalls all too well, give me a shout at <a href="mailto:trae.dedmon@gmail.com">trae.dedmon@gmail.com</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49838 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:28:48 +0000 jainankita83 49838@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I never said we won't hv a camera. We are planning to rent one. And I am reading about about things and trying to learn. Just incase you haven't heard there is always a first time. If you think things are impossible sucks for you. Me and my friends and optimistic, want to learn and we are SMART !!!!! If you have nothing to offer please don't bother replying.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49834 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:59:02 +0000 zoobie 49834@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>you want to partake in a film festival without owning any cameras, no knowledge of microphones, lighting, SD or HD, and top it off having little or no experience shooting?</p> <p>interesting concept...</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-whether-sd-camcorder-for-hd-camcorder#post-49825 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:54:45 +0000 jainankita83 49825@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>  My friends and I are planning to take part in 48 hours film festival. All of us are very new to film making and have little or no film making experience.</p> <p> We are trying to rent out camcorders for this. Our options are</p> <p>1)Sony VX2100 </p> <p>2)Sony DSR-VX2100</p> <p>3)Sony HVR-Z1U(HD)</p> <p>4)Sony DSR-PD150(SD)</p> <p> </p> <p>HD cameras are more expensive to rent than the SD ones. What I want to know is how much difference would having an HD camera make for such a</p> <p>festival. We are planning to get additional light equipment and microphones. Any feedback is welcome.</p> <p>Thanks.</p> <p> </p>