Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: cheap

Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: cheap - Recent Posts http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: cheap - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:16:45 +0000 vid-e-o-man on "Best Value/Quality Tripod for newbie!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-valuequality-tripod-for-newbie#post-71364 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:00:38 +0000 vid-e-o-man 71364@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ kre8s4u, no doubt that the Davis and Sanford tripod that was suggested is an excellent choice. I was able to find a Manfrotto with fluid head(3130) on Ebay for less than $90. It took a few weeks of searching but bargains on great quality used tripods are available on Ebay, Craigslist, etc. Do your homework on the specific model and be patient and you can save some money this way. Keep shooting. newmovies on "Best Value/Quality Tripod for newbie!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-valuequality-tripod-for-newbie#post-71351 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:28:11 +0000 newmovies 71351@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I agree with Cville, I have three Davis & Sanford tripods and have had good results with all. One has the FM18 head for a larger cam and the other two have the FM12 heads. No complaints. Cville on "Best Value/Quality Tripod for newbie!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-valuequality-tripod-for-newbie#post-71265 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:18:56 +0000 Cville 71265@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have this one and I think it is a great value at $189 at B&H plus free shipping. Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head Free Item Included: Davis & Sanford W3 Dolly with 3" Ball Rubber Wheels ($44.95 Value kre8s4u on "Best Value/Quality Tripod for newbie!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-valuequality-tripod-for-newbie#post-71254 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:28:02 +0000 kre8s4u 71254@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ looking to get a good tripod/head for a Canon GL2.....I'm totally new to the video world and would like something cheap, yet quality between 50-200 max. Any advice would be great. thanks birdcat on "Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-least-expensive-pc-for-video-editing-programs-1#post-64842 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:34:19 +0000 birdcat 64842@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ To edit HD (without first converting raw video to a less compressed version) I have advised folks to get the fastest, most powerful processor available at the time - You can always add memory or hard drive space but on a laptop, the processor is very difficult to replace after the fact. Personally, I would suggest at very least a quad core - Perhaps a Core i7. I built a decent editing machine about 9 months ago (Core i7 based Dell Studio) for about $1800 - It should be comparably priced now. XTR-91 on "Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-least-expensive-pc-for-video-editing-programs-1#post-64825 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:12:25 +0000 XTR-91 64825@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Why don't you look at Dell's XPS line of systems? <a href="http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15/pd.aspx">http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15/pd.aspx</a> Anonymous on "Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-least-expensive-pc-for-video-editing-programs-1#post-64824 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:00:12 +0000 Anonymous 64824@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I meant I am seeking a laptop, not desktop. Windows based. Under $1,000 if possible. Thanks. Anonymous on "Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-least-expensive-pc-for-video-editing-programs-1#post-64821 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:22:53 +0000 Anonymous 64821@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello, Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs I am seeking help finding the least expensive PC laptop capable of running Pinnacle Studio video editing programs. I'm on the low income side (especially after becoming unemployed) so I am working with modest equipment. Because I am couch surfing, I need to stick with a laptop, not a PC. I've tried several other editing programs such as Vegas, Adobe, etc., and I've tried iMovie on the Mac. Pinnacle works best for me. My current laptop, a Dell I bought in 2009, cannot handle my HD video editing. I am using a Kodak Zi8 camera. The system requirements are at: <a href="http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/">http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/</a> There are three main versions and all 3 appear to have different requirements: Studio HD, Studio Ultimate, Studio Ultimate Collection The graphics card requirement is the same for all of three. I'm a quick learner on my own how to use document, photo, and video editing programs for creative purposes. I am however clueless about the tech stuff. I am getting unemployment checks and money is tight. However, I believe in myself enough to take a gamble and spend up to $1,000 on a laptop. I need help though because I'm not good at the tech stuff and don't want to get ripped off at the stores. So far, Best Buy, Fry's and my computer savvy friends have all recommended different machines. I'm hoping that at some point I'll hear the same recommendation a few times. At least at Best Buy and Wal-Mart there are no re-stocking fees. Thanks! I appreciate your time and help, -Jeff System Requirements for Studio Ultimate Collection Windows 7, Windows Vista (SP2),Windows XP (SP3) Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 1.8 GHz (2.4 GHz or higher recommended) Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz required for AVCHD* Intel Core 2 Quad 2.66 GHz or Intel Core i7 required for AVCHD 1920 1 GB system memory recommended, 2 GB required for AVCHD DirectX 9 or 10 compatible graphics card with 64 MB (128 MB or higher recommended) - 128 MB required for Red Giant Magic Bullet Looks Plug-in: Pixelshader 2 required, Intel GMA integrated graphics not supported. - 256 MB required for HD and AVCHD DirectX 9 or higher compatible sound card 3,6 GB of disk space DVD-ROM drive to install software Accessory: CD burner for creating Video CDs or Super Video CDs (S-VCDs), DVD burner for creating DVD and AVCHD discs, Blu-ray burner for creating Blu-ray discs Sound card with surround sound output required for preview of surround sound mixes Input Options Capture from DV, HDV and Digital8 camcorders or VCRs (requires a FireWire; port)Capture from analog camcorders, 8 mm, HI 8, VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, SVHS-C, or VCRs (NTSC/PAL/SECAM). (requires Pinnacle or Dazzle video hardware) Import from AVCHD and other file based Camcorders, Digital Still Cameras, Mobile Devices and Webcams via USB Output Options Output to DV, HDV or Digital8 tape (requires camcorder with FireWire Input port and a PC with a DV/FireWire port), Output to analog videotape (requires DirectShow compatible device with video output) Import Formats Video: AVCHD, BD Blu-ray, DV, HDV, AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, MPEG-4, 3GP(MPEG-4), WMV, Non-encrypted DVD titles (incl. DVD-VR/+VR), QuickTime; (DV, MPEG-4, H.264) Audio: MP3, MPA, WAV, AC3, WMA Graphic: BMP, GIF, JPG, PCX, PSD, TGA, TIF, WMF, PNG, J2K Export Formats AVCHD, BD Blu-ray, HD-DVD, DVD (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R or DVD+RW, dual layer), S-VCD, Video CD (VCD), Apple iPod Â , Sony; PSP/PS3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox compatible formats, DV, HDV, AVI, DivX, RealVideo 8, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Flash, 3GP, WAV, MP3, QuickTime (SD format) files Dolby Â® Digital 2 channel and 5.1 channel audio PS: I found this but it only recommends options over $1,5000 - is it possible to get one less than that? Under $1,000? <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/8247/" rel="nofollow">http://www.videomaker.com/article/8247/</a> composite1 on "Helo Aerials with GoPro" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/helo-aerials-with-gopro#post-61910 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:17:53 +0000 composite1 61910@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Yeah, they probably wouldn't have gotten that if they'd went with 60p on the rear cam. Though you don't get great audio with the GoPro's, you do get surprisingly good images from a $300 + cam. And when you need a good crash cam, but don't have the budget to put a DSLR in action I'm sure you wouldn't be too bent watching a $300 cam get blown up! CraftersOfLight on "Helo Aerials with GoPro" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/helo-aerials-with-gopro#post-61893 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:30:24 +0000 CraftersOfLight 61893@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Interesting rolling shutter effect on the rotor blades. Gives them a twirled ribbon look. composite1 on "Helo Aerials with GoPro" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/helo-aerials-with-gopro#post-61825 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:30:06 +0000 composite1 61825@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I've been seriously looking into using the small GoPro cameras for 'crash cam's' since I filmed some auto races last year. GP now offers HD capable cameras with variable framerates and the images look pretty good for so inexpensive a rig. Also, there has been growing interest in using RC Helicopters with DSLR cameras for less expensive aerial video. Here's a vid that combines a small RC Helo and two GoPro cams for some really good aerial shots. <a href="http://vimeo.com/14302736">GoPRO HD HERO x2 + RC HELI Protos 500</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/butrakovic">Marko Butrakovic</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. Craigsnedeker on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-61668 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:56:25 +0000 Craigsnedeker 61668@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Wow that's cool! :) (broll for fox) I just think my Canon FS100 got better quality then the VX2000 gornboy on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-61661 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:03:26 +0000 gornboy 61661@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have to second waiting to get the VX2100. This is my workhorse camera. I think the main difference between the 2000 and the 2100 is the low-light capability of the 2100. It has these Super HAD CCD's that have much better light sensitivity and smear rejection than CCD's in other cameras in the same price range. I've shot B-roll for a Fox station in Tampa with the 2100. I was told that they didn't have to do any post work on the footage to cut it into their BetaSP footage for the same segment. I've also had times where I've hooked the camera with the crappy video cables that come with it to an HD monitor to review clients' footage and they always ask me if the camera is HD, because when properly set up, it really does look that good. Worth the wait, IMO. Craigsnedeker on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-61651 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:43:44 +0000 Craigsnedeker 61651@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I got one but am not happy with quality :P I love it though HJB Productions on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-61411 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:01:04 +0000 HJB Productions 61411@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ My first good camera is a vx2100...one of the best for low light. I believe it has 1 lux. I still have one as a backup. These cameras still demands a price tag above your budget of $800. You may have to increase that a little to above a $1000 if you are lucky. I bought one about a month ago on eBay for about $1200...well I sold mine on amazon to get the Sony FX7 HD camera but later missed the camera's low light capability and went back for it. You will also want to consider the Panasonic DVX100B...it has lot more features and sells around the same price though bit higher. mdiapro on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-61363 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 10:46:47 +0000 mdiapro 61363@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have three DCRVX2100 cameras. I have used them in various productions; wedding videos, music videos, and now in a movie that should be ready for the spring 2011. To see what these cameras can do, check out a few clips at <a href="http://www.GONEthemovie.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.GONEthemovie.com</a> and just realize that the video quality has been reduced for the web. You will have fun with your new Sony camera. cooperspick on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-61360 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:01:04 +0000 cooperspick 61360@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Did you ever save up enough for it? you may want to consider looking at a garage sale or consignment shops/pawn shop as a means to finding a good deal on a camera if you cant afford the 800.00 price tag you mentioned earlier. Jaimie on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-57456 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:28:49 +0000 Jaimie 57456@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ When the VX2000 was new, there were several after market add-on lenses available for it so I imagine they can still be found as used equipment. I bought a Sony tele multiplier and it worked great. It is a large chunk of glass that screws onto the existing lens. This camera does not have a removable lens so add-ons are the only way to go. I think there were also some wide angle add-ons. You can tell if an add-on is telephoto or wide angle by it's multiplier. If the multiplier is greater than 1, such as 1.5, it is a telephoto lens that multiplies whatever focal length the camera's lens is zoomed to by, say, 1.5. If the multiplier is less than 1, such as .8, the add-on is more wide angle. Note that these add-ons don't increase the zoom range, they shift it. With the tele multiplier mentioned above, I got a larger image of distant objects (soccer players), but I could not pull back as far when they were close to the camera. There are three (at least) things to be aware of with add-on lenses: 1 - You probably will get some vignetting at one extreme or the other of the camera's zoom range. 2 - Some lenses introduce serious image distortion. I have found that the more expensive the lens, the better it is(duh!). My Sony tele add-on cost several hundred dollars and introduces little distortion. I have tried off brand under $100 lenses with poor results. 3 - One good thing is these lenses do not reduce the f stop of the original lens. So, in that sense, you are getting "free" image enhancement. To save money, I would look for good used add-ons. Since they have no moving parts they never wear out. Just be sure the glass has no chips, scratches, discolorations, mold etc. Also, be sure the mounting threads are perfect or it won't screw onto the camera. Good Luck, Jaimie composite1 on "Ghetto Lighting...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ghetto-lighting#post-57051 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:13:09 +0000 composite1 57051@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I did some checking and apparently the lights are daylight color temp (5600 degrees K). I'll confirm that during my tests. I'm already thinking of ways to mount the lights. Film @ 11. composite1 on "Ghetto Lighting...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ghetto-lighting#post-57050 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:07:24 +0000 composite1 57050@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Whoops! I can only attribute that to 'Brainus Farticus Syndrome'. It's fixed now. CraftersOfLight on "Ghetto Lighting...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ghetto-lighting#post-57042 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:05:56 +0000 CraftersOfLight 57042@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ This link explains the lantern from a campers perspective. <a href="http://www.coleman.com/coleman/video/video.asp?link=82590">http://www.coleman.com/coleman/video/video.asp?link=82590</a> EarlC on "Ghetto Lighting...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ghetto-lighting#post-57041 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:55:33 +0000 EarlC 57041@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ OK, Composite, I tried that Coleman link in your last post and it takes me to the edit panel for your post. Wassup with dat? composite1 on "Ghetto Lighting...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ghetto-lighting#post-57018 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:56:44 +0000 composite1 57018@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ As always, I'm on the lookout for Ghetto (ahem, 'affordable') solutions to add to an impromptu lighting setup. Here's another little gem by Coleman (the one's who make the camping gear.) It's a four-panel LED light and for under $60 you can have four individually independent LED lights or 1 full LED lamp. I just ordered one and will give some better specs after testing it. Well, I was going to include the video by Ron Riseman, but he has it blocked. When I get it in I'll just put up the test myself. Please standby. In the meantime, here's a link to see the Coleman LED Quad Light: <a href="http://videomaker.com/community/forums/edit.php?id=57018"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000001150-LED-Quad-Lantern/dp/B001TS71NG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=outdoor-recreation&qid=1270314342&sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000001150-LED-Quad-Lantern/dp/B001TS71NG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=outdoor-recreation&qid=1270314342&sr=1-1</a> Craigsnedeker on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56683 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:02:30 +0000 Craigsnedeker 56683@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Anyone know if you can get lenses for this? I've searched around and can only find fish eye ones, I'll be needing a wide angle lenses. Craigsnedeker on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56239 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:15:38 +0000 Craigsnedeker 56239@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Good to know, especially about the tapes ;) Jaimie on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56236 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:58:10 +0000 Jaimie 56236@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have had a VX2000 for years and have made money with it. I bought it when it first hit the streets. I was going to buy a Canon GL-1, but in a side by side comparison, the Sony came out on top. There are a couple of things to be aware of. First, the wide screen really just puts in top and bottom bars, so you get more pixels if you stick with 4:3 aspect ratio. Second, the external mic is connection is funky. It is an unbalanced mini jack and apparently has some sort of non-standard phantom power. It also is a higher impedance than the standard 600 ohms. It works great with Sony mics designed for that camera, but I had odd problems with a different mic (I don't remember the brand). Anyway, the problem was fixed by using a short "adapter cord" with a 0.1 Mfd capacitor to block the DC voltage. A MUCH better solution is to get a balun transformer to block the DC, step up the impedance and provide a female XLR connector that accepts all higher quality mics. Of course, you don't get stereo with either of these solutions. For stereo, I used a small Sony stereo mic designed for the camera. I made my own adapter cords to connect other mics to the mini-jack stereo input so I don't know what commercial product would do the same. Back when the camera first came out, there were complaints of annoying audible hiss in the sound channels. I did not experience that, but you might listen before you buy to see if that particular camera has the problem. The final experience I had with it was it works best (i.e. almost no drop outs) with Sony tapes and don't mix brands. Other brands seemed to cause drop outs, apparently due to dirtying up the head. This is a great camera and I still have it although I mostly use Z1U, Z5U, Z7U for HDV. Craigsnedeker on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56215 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:21:48 +0000 Craigsnedeker 56215@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Ok cool :D I'm def gonna get it once I save up the money. Gotta design more sites, and fast, lol 2ten on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56200 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:33:33 +0000 2ten 56200@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I had as VX2000 as my first cam and sold it on Craigslist last year for $400. It is very good in low light and is rock solid. I don't think you will be disappointed. I liked it so much I stayed with Sony and have a Z7U now. Craigsnedeker on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56194 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:55:31 +0000 Craigsnedeker 56194@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Lol Eric :) I'm not looking at making money now, just a step up :) So thanks guys (and girls? lol) stefenlara on "Sony DCRVX2000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-dcrvx2000#post-56193 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:18:58 +0000 stefenlara 56193@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Well said eric..! Those words were stiff and straight .. !! Craig its all about the kinda love you have towards the cam that matters much than the M factor(money)!.. As Eric told decide it with the usage in mind..! If it can giv you pleasure in some means go for it..!! Lara..!! . <a href="http://www.sandhurst-mfg.com/lightingtowerSL90.html">site lighting</a>