Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: cheap

Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: cheap - Recent Topics http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: cheap - Recent Topics en Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:04:08 +0000 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 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-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-56172 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:26:24 +0000 Craigsnedeker 56172@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm looking at getting a Sony DCRVX2000 because I can get it cheap ($800) which agrees more with my budget then $2000 (I don't have a job yet...). It looks like a great camera, great features, view finder (ftw!) but it is old. Should I get it? I prob will unless there's a valid reason for not getting it which I don't know about :) composite1 on "Ghetto Lighting...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ghetto-lighting#post-54711 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:58:49 +0000 composite1 54711@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Many posts have come from newbies and intermediates about 'What lights should I get'. As always the 'sweat factor' is high and most of the posters are either ready to run out and sell the farm for a kit they aren't ready for or completely shut down from being so depressed they can't afford pro lights. Well many of the pro's particularly myself have talked at length about how until you've got both the expertise and jobs coming in to justify the move to pro lighting you can do a very good job lighting on the cheap. So I'm going to let young Caleb Pike show you his 'ghetto lighting' setup. He doesn't call it that, I do. Because it was done rather nicely with stuff anyone can buy in the hardware dept. or at a garage sale. Now he does 'cheat' in that he's using a Canon 7D SLR, but the techniques he's using will work for your 'happy cam' too! <a href="http://vimeo.com/8985600">Affordable Lighting Techniques for Interviews</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/calebpike">Caleb Pike</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. NOTE: There are a couple of safety issues with his setup that I would make these changes; 1. Do not use wax paper with tungsten lighting. It will burn. A much better looking (and safer) alternative is Vellum Paper. I've used it with both Halogen and Tota Lights and it is very tough. You can buy it in any decent craft store. 2. When using foil with lighting especially shop lights with Halogen bulbs, double if not triple up the sheets to help dissipate the heat. 3. Use thick leather work gloves when handing hot lights. 4. Unless you've got a lot of space between walls and Halogen lighting, I suggest you use something else. Halogen work lights are the Indy filmmaker's workhorse but they get really hot and if the bulb bursts you've got problems. Using them in large spaces or outdoors is okay. 5. Try fluorescent bulbs. Many of the bulbs made now can fit into standard light fixtures, they're inexpensive and they range from 40w (equivalent) to 250w (equivalent). They light much cooler than traditional lighting and they come in indoor and daylight intensities (indoor 22-2300K, daylight 6500K). justinisfilming on "Rode Videomic!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/rode-videomic#post-52175 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:38:57 +0000 justinisfilming 52175@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hey guys! I have a Sony HDR-FX7 camera and it doesn't have any XLR inputs in it, it only has a mini plug. I've been looking at the Rode Videomic, and I'm receiving good feedback from it. How about you guys? Do you think that it's a good mic for my camera? And it's only $150 compared to other microphones out there. <a href="http://usa.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=VideoMic" rel="nofollow">http://usa.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=VideoMic</a> Tell me what you think! Thanks! BTW.. They also said that it was use for Paranormal Activity.. The shooter on "Searching cheap pro camera." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/searching-cheap-pro-camera#post-48282 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:53:29 +0000 The shooter 48282@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, I'm looking to buy a camera, and I can't decide from consumer and pro. The Canon hV30 looks good, but I'd prefer the sony Hvr-hd1000u. Does anyone know a place where I could buy a used pro cam? I'm opened to any suggestions. Thanks in advance, Antoine CraftersOfLight on "Approaching The Camera question from a different view" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/approaching-the-camera-question-from-a-different-view#post-46060 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:50:45 +0000 CraftersOfLight 46060@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Taking a different view from EarlC's comments <a href="http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/current-posts-common-theme">http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/current-posts-common-theme</a> I thought I would approach all these "I am just starting out. What would be the bestest, cheapest, easiest, effortless, work in all environment and low light level camera I can buy?" questions from a different angle. Maybe by doing this we could answer a lot of those questions before they get asked? It goes something like this... What camera do you currently use? Why did you choose that camera? What are you using it for? How long have you been using it? I thought I would get it started. I use a Panasonic HDC-SD9. A 3 CCD camera about the size of a beer can. Although I spent almost 29 years working with video cameras of one type or another this is the first one I have owned myself. I chose it because of the color reproduction, ease of use, and partly because of its size. It uses SDHC cards, to store its video on in AVCHD, so there are no motor sounds from a tape or hard drive to cause me any audio problems. For under $500 it was not too painful to my pocket book. I was not looking for professional quality at the time since I am still working to learn as much as I can with it. To me the quality may be good enough to use it as a B camera when I progress to a more professional model. Low light is not all that great but that was not a concern since I was not looking to shoot in the dark with it. I use it to shoot nature videos. Getting those beauty shots of the weather against the mountains, and the geologic formations from all the volcanic activity of long ago. For capturing those once n a great while fantastic sunrises and sunsets. I also use it to capture family events from time to time. Minor bonus for me is the on board microphone (5.1 surround) is a good enough quality to provide useable background ambient audio for the videos I shoot. There is something to be said for the squirrel chatter or bird noises that make the scenes come to life. I got it a little over a year ago. I have over 300Gb of video from it on various USB hard drives. At a little over 1.5 hrs per 16Gb in highest quality recording, that equates to about 29 hrs of video I felt was worth keeping. Most all of it is in less than 3 minute clips. I have no clue how much I tossed because it was unusable, blurred, interference of a shot by a passersby, or the subject/event turned out not worth saving because of timing or settings. In looking at those first clips, I have noticed a huge improvement in the quality of the camera work and subject matter since then so I know this was not a wasted choice for me. macphilia on "No Budget Film School" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/no-budget-film-school#post-45424 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:55:20 +0000 macphilia 45424@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Fellow Filmmakers, No Budget Film School will be happening again in LA on May 30 & 31, 2009. I missed it last time and was really bummed, so I wanted to announce it here. It's a two-day weekend seminar that teaches the craft of making a solid feature film with virtually no budget. I've taken a shorter version of the course and it was awesome. Plus, during the weekend version, there are some really accomplished filmmakers who have made successful no budget films. There are some serious discounts too, but even the regular price is way low. Here's the link:<a href="http://www.nobudgetfilmschool.com/"> No Budget Film School </a> Peace, Chris B. enzorenzo on "An HVX200A on ZoomMania for $2,749.00??" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/an-hvx200a-on-zoommania-for-274900#post-44165 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:42:33 +0000 enzorenzo 44165@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ My original plan was to get a an HVX as my primary camera and then a Cannon XHA1 as backup. But then a google search led me to prices as low as $2,700 for an HVX200A. Which would make it about the same price as the XHA1. Does anybody have experience with there lower price tags? There's got to be a catch, right? chrisColorado on "Two Adobe questions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/two-adobe-questions#post-43380 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:45:02 +0000 chrisColorado 43380@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ 1. Can Encore burn plain ol' CDs?Â Or is it DVD only? 2. Is there a place you can go to get old versions of the software programs for cheap or even free?Â I'd like to get Premiere Pro 2.0, Photoshop and Illustrator CS, Encore DVD, Audition 1.0 and After Effects 6.0. Thanks! chris FILMSinc on "HD video on Sd DVD" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-video-on-sd-dvd#post-41687 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:35:31 +0000 FILMSinc 41687@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, im looking for some cheap software or freeware that can put HD video on a SD DVD with a normal burner and a normal dvd. I already know that creator 11 has a plugin available for buy. I don't want to spend the money due to the fact that i just bought creator 10 just last year. Is there any plugins or freeware or cheapo (under $50) Software. I will soon have sony vegas 9Â platinum pro pack and i have Adobe Premiere Elements. Also i think there is an in-box software that comes with sony hard drive handicams. Â If you have Anything please post. mrdudsir on "Anyone used sungkrung.com???" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/anyone-used-sungkrungcom#post-40130 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 09:25:03 +0000 mrdudsir 40130@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Being on a tight budget I trawled the web for hours and came across this site offering cameras pretty damn cheap.... however it is in Indonesia and I firmly believe in the adage that if it's too good to be true it probably is. I'd be grateful to know if anyone has any good or bad experience with these guys and whether I can trust them with my hard earned cash? Thank you for any help....I am new. I am naive. I am vulnerable.