http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: HDD - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:22:14 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/copying-files-to-gzhd620#post-64945 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:53:02 +0000 Arista 64945@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have an Evario GZHD620. Works great, ony problem is, how can i copy files back to the camera from my PC? I have tried putting them in the stream folder, and several other methods. I can copy them, but I cannot play them on the camera once they are copied. They do appear on the internal HDD, but I just cannot play them back on the camera itself. Is there a way to get the camera to check the HDD to add the files to the media database on the camera?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks heaps.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56899 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:30:35 +0000 composite1 56899@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>210,</p> <p>There really aren't any 'issues' long as your NLE software supports your camera's output. Fortunately for you, you're using an all Sony pipeline so there shouldn't be any probs. Now say like the scenario Rob mentioned with Panasonic's P2 setup you have a proprietary format that depends on third-party support, then the 'issues' with begin to arise.</p> <p>I've used both solid-state and tape since '06 when I incorporated what was then called 'DV Rack' during controlled shoots using a laptop. The thing I liked about it the most other than speed of access, was I automatically had a solid back up on tape in case anything went wrong with the hard drive the digital footage was on. I keep a copy of 'On Location' on a laptop field editor and use portable hard drives like Focus Enhancements makes as needed. Ultimately, all the footage ends up digital but at least with a tape back up, I'd be happy to 'suffer' the 'hours' of redigitizing to recover lost footage.</p> <p>Freddie,</p> <p>Yeah, if you're going to be working on a show for broadcast it is time to 'level up' on your rigs. Once again though, I suggest you move up to a 'prosumer' level camera. Image quality will be more than enough for local tv, the expense won't be as much for what you'd pay for pro gear. You could spend the leftover cash from your budget on support items you'll need like extra batteries, tripod, camera bag, filters or perhaps lighting? If you've got the budget, think about two cameras with minimal kits or one camera with a solid kit. Also, look at cameras that can do both DV and HD. Having that capability can be very useful. Yeah, I know guys, "just shoot it in HD and down res it." True, but if the gig doesn't require HD, why bother?</p> <p>Anyway, here are some good choices for prosumer cams that won't blow your head up with the learning curve.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/All-Camcorders/ci/1871/N/4294548093+4294949407/Ns/p_PRODUCT_SHORT_DESCR|0"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/All-Camcorders/ci/1871/N/4294548093+4294949407/Ns/p_PRODUCT_SHORT_DESCR" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/All-Camcorders/ci/1871/N/4294548093+4294949407/Ns/p_PRODUCT_SHORT_DESCR</a>|0</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56896 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:43:31 +0000 freddie 56896@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Wow lots of information here. I do have an i idea now of what I want do. I work with FCP Studio 3 with a Canon GL2. I now work for someone now(after a few years of doing this as a hobby) and HE is willing to spend the money on some Cameras for recording him for a TV program. He eventually wants to start a Local TV show for One Hour.  So i know i must get rid of my GL2. Thanks EVERYONE for all this input. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56892 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:36:09 +0000 2ten 56892@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>OK I am missing something on this solid state issue.  My Z7U records AVI files, for SD, and M2T files for HD, both of which I can drag from the SD card to my RAID then driectly to my Vegas timeline.  There is no conversion and no waiting.  You can edit 1 minutes after you pop the card in the reader.  When I captured taped it would be hour(s) later.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56891 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:30:54 +0000 robGRAUERT 56891@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ya know what's actually a pretty good solution IF you could afford it? A Sony EX1 and the Convergent Design Nano Flash. </p> <p>The new EX1s have HD-SDI out, so you can bypass the in-camera compression and send it to the Nano Flash. The video still get compressed in the Nano with Long GOP compression, but it's at a higher bit rate and you can record to CF cards instead of SxS</p> <p>It works with SD cameras that has SD-SDI out as well. </p> <p>Not cheap, but not as expensive either. (And still probably too advanced if the original poster is a beginner)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56885 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:13:33 +0000 Eventvideoguy 56885@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I would prefer solid state for my MiniDV cams (Sony VX2100's) but there is nothing out there except Focus products which don't seem to be compatible with my stuff.  If I could afford new cams, I would definitely go to solid state.  I wish I wish.</p> <p>Clicking my heals together 3 times.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56883 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:00:43 +0000 composite1 56883@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"Since I mostly produce training videos that will be posted to the web<br /> and distributed on DVD, shooting SD won't be an issue for a while yet."</em></p> <p>Shasta,</p> <p>To snag Rob's line, 'you hit the nail on the head'. It all depends on your output. I have client's who specifically ask for HD but most couldn't tell the diff between HD and SD widescreen. Since they're looking at it on DVD anyway.... But quiet as it's been kept, tape is still a viable and reliable production option. It's just camera manufacturers want you to buy their latest stuff, not what you need for your particular workflow. </p> <p>Again though, the EX1 for all intents is a pro camera. SxS is a pro format and though it's a lot less expensive than P2 media, it still ain't cheap. But you're right about those hard drive cameras. The drive goes and it's a paperweight or a $1k projectile. I do like solid-state tech, but unless you're prepared for all the backups you're going to have to make, it may not be worth it. Funny thing is, it's a good idea to back up a final product to tape too!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56880 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:25:07 +0000 shastabroadcaster 56880@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'm still shooting quite a bit of Mini-DV for my projects, mostly because I've yet to find decent replacements for my XL1&amp;XL2's at a price point I'm willing to pay. Since I mostly produce training videos that will be posted to the web and distributed on DVD, shooting SD won't be an issue for a while yet.  Having that master tape sitting safe in a drawer and not having my only copy on a hard disk stil gives me pause, even with RAID backups.</p> <p>Myself, I'd take a look at XDCAM like a Sony EX1.  I kind of like the idea of being able to take the SxS card, pop it into the Express slot and getting down to work.  The other thing is that you can use an adapter and HDSC cards which will continue to drop in price.  Just some thoughts on the subject.  Hard drive cameras are good, I've got a couple of HD7's.  I just think of this...trashing a tape loses an hour..you put in a new one and go again.  Crash that hard drive and the day is over.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56872 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:02:53 +0000 composite1 56872@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"P2 cameras don't record .mov files to the P2 card for FCP, nor do they<br /> record .omf files for Avid. Instead, it's some proprietary file<br /> structure that NLEs read and converts into whatever file it is they<br /> need."</em></p> <p>Same thing goes for portable hard drive units like the one's made by Focus Enhancements. You have to pick out the 'flavor' you want and that's the format it will record in. Now they do have some 'generic flavors' like AVI 1 or 2 and Quicktime which can be pulled into many NLE's cross-platform, but most times you're better off picking one flavor your NLE is partial to and sticking with it.</p> <p>Again, that and what Rob mentioned goes back to the 'learning curve' aspect. Apparently you have done some shooting in DV and DV is simple compared to the different flavors of HD. Until you've gotten a grip on the basics of shooting, you can still put out some amazing stuff on DV. If it's properly lit, exposed, focused and framed unless your or your clients require HD, nobody's going to care that it wasn't. Eventually, you will have to make the move to HD, but by then you should have a firm grip on your own abilities and have done proper research on the subject. And as Birdcat said, your requirements and budget will decide everything else.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56867 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:19:57 +0000 robGRAUERT 56867@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>"The best thing about flash or hard drive is the speed of post taping capture"</p> <p>hmm...i sorta disagree. many people don't realize that flash memory's equivalent to a tape back up is backing up the original file structure that the camera records to the flash card. </p> <p>For example P2 cameras don't record .mov files to the P2 card for FCP, nor do they record .omf files for Avid. Instead, it's some proprietary file structure that NLEs read and converts into whatever file it is they need. If I were to only save the .mov files for FCP, I can no longer use that same footage in Avid.</p> <p>In order to maintain compatibility with other NLEs, the editor must back up the original file structure of the card BEFORE transferring the footage into their NLE and then erasing the card, and this process offsets the whole "flash is faster than tape" myth.</p> <p>But if he has no reason to maintain compatibility with other NLEs, then he doesn't really need to back up the original contents. But if you ask me, you may never know when you will need use your footage in a different NLE in the future. MANY workflows start with Avid and finish with FCP and vise versa. Or maybe you're gonna sell some stock footage and the editors purchasing it aren't use the same NLE as you.</p> <p>just something to think about. you guys pretty much hit the nail on the head with everything else though. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56866 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:55:04 +0000 birdcat 56866@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The question "what is best?" is highly subjective.</p> <p>I would make a list of "must have" features (like # of chips, mic options, lens requirements, etc...) and get the most of your must haves within your budget.</p> <p>The functional differences between P2, SxS and SDHC are minimal (more cost than anything else) - I would be choosing between tape, hard disk or flash memory (P2, SxS, SDHC, others). </p> <p>The best thing about flash or hard drive is the speed of post taping capture - Tapes require real time capture after use HOWEVER they are a great media when you need to have source backup.</p> <p>It all depends on your requirements and budget.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56865 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:49:16 +0000 composite1 56865@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Freddie,</p> <p>Your first mistake was going to Best Buy for a camera. Their job is to sell you something. Preferably something they'll make a profit on. Mini DV tape is cheap so they aren't going to make a profit on it unless you buy it in bulk which they don't sell.</p> <p>I constantly answer this question for posters and the answers are the same; What do you plan on doing with the footage? How are you financing your equipment purchases? What is your current skill level technically and knowledge wise?</p> <p>If you are an amateur stay away from professional gear! The learning curve is high and unless you plan on dedicating a tremendous amount of time, money and effort to learning how to properly utilize pro gear fuggeddaboutit! On the other hand I strongly recommend miniDV for amateurs. Tape is cheap, easy to store and archive and digitizing footage will teach you how to pick out usable shots and patience while editing. </p> <p>Next, I say go with flash media if you cannot find an tape based HDV rig. The advantages of flash media are speed of transfer to your computer, you can carry more flash media cards than tapes in a smaller area than tape and the cards are reusable. The disadvantages are; flash cards are much more expensive than tape, to be practical you'll need at least 2-4 of at least 16GB or greater for a day's worth of shooting, you'll need an 'offloading device' such as a Nexto or something similar to download a full card in the field, you'll need both NLE software and a computer capable of pushing AVCHD format video without bogging down thus eliminating any speed advantage by going solid-state. All that gets expensive. Last but not least, you'll have to constantly invest in multiple external hard drives and or DVD/Blu-Ray discs and burners to archive your raw footage and completed projects and that too gets expensive.</p> <p>The main thing that should decide what type of equipment you'll need is; What do you plan to do with the footage? If you are not doing broadcast TV, Theatrical or serious Internet Series work and getting paid to do so, stay away from P2 or SxS based technology. Though it is high-quality gear, if you're not getting paid for your work, the expense and the learning curve to use it is not justified unless you want to be that guy who has a race car but doesn't have the skill to drive it.</p> <p>So before you start the countdown for your head to blow up about 'What camera should I buy?', postpone the launch by first asking yourself the above questions. As Birdcat implied, there are any number of different options available, but your skill level and whether you are working as a professional will determine what you really need (not what you want!)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56864 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:35:31 +0000 freddie 56864@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>would SDHC be considered as Solid-State? or What? what is best? </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56863 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:06:38 +0000 birdcat 56863@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>There are other flash memory options available - SxS and SDHC to name a couple.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dvhdv-hdd-or-solid-state-p2#post-56857 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:03 +0000 freddie 56857@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>What is the best solution for shooting video now? Mini DV, Hard Drive Disk, or the Solid-State P2? <br />And what HD camera is the best for around 2,000-3,000? Should I keep filming with Mini DV or Switch?? <br />I went to Best Buy a few days ago looking for a Mini DV Camera and they didn't have any and the lady working that department told me I was old school and needed to up grade to what they had the HDD and Solid-State. I couldn't believe that. My Canon GL2 was worth more than all of those there!(even tho i know the price of that cam is no longer the same but still). I'm not a professional but can someone please help me with some REAL answers. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hdd-vs-dv-is-quality-compromised#post-46282 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:08:14 +0000 Eventvideoguy 46282@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&lt;span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"&gt;"If you are recording video as the DV codec to a HDD camcorder, the image quality will be the same as recording to miniDV. There should not be a difference in image quality between HHD and tape when they are both recording the same video codec."&lt;/span&gt;</p> <p> </p> <p>&lt;span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"&gt;I don't think I have ever seen a HDD camcorder that recorded to any codec other than MPEG.  It would be nice if they were available with  other codecs though. With these 60/80/120 GB HDD camcorders they have out now, there is plenty of space to record for quality DV instead of this MPEG crap.&lt;/span&gt;</p> <p>&lt;span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"&gt;The problem with MPEG is that it is difficult to edit and you loose stuff while you do.&lt;/span&gt;</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hdd-vs-dv-is-quality-compromised#post-46252 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:49:17 +0000 robGRAUERT 46252@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>"I plan on spending a nice chunk of savings on a one- or three-chip video camera."</p> <p>Don't waste your money on a one-chip camera. Buy a three-chip camera.</p> <p>To answer your question, the image quality of your video IS NOT determined by what you are recording to. If you are recording video as the DV codec to a HDD camcorder, the image quality will be the same as recording to miniDV. There should not be a difference in image quality between HHD and tape when they are both recording the same video codec.</p> <p>As for suggesting a camera...what is your budget? Simply saying you don't want "unnecessary luxuries" and that you want a "deal" is meaningless because everyone has their own opinion on what is an unnecessary luxury and a deal. So, what's your budget. Even better, visit <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com</a> and search for cameras you may be interested in and come back with specific questions rather than the most broad question anyone interested in video could ask.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hdd-vs-dv-is-quality-compromised#post-46242 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:12:25 +0000 HighKalibur 46242@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> </p> <p>&lt;span style="font-size: 7.5pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"&gt;Hi, I know little about the technical aspects of cameras. I plan on spending a nice chunk of savings on a one- or three-chip video camera. I love the convenience of direct-to-hard drive storage. However, I have never been able to get a definite answer as to whether or not I am losing picture quality by not recording it to a DV Tape. Is this the case?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</p> <p>&lt;span style="font-size: 7.5pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"&gt;What is the difference in quality when recording on a HDD or DV tape? Is there one? &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</p> <p>&lt;span style="font-size: 7.5pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"&gt;Also, as far as filmmaking goes, can anyone suggest a great starter camera (until now I have used camcorders) for an independent filmmaker that produces good picture without unnecessary luxury accessories. In other words I’m looking for a great ‘deal’ camera. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-new-high-def-hdd#post-45722 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:10:39 +0000 mxfreeman 45722@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey guys, just wanna share the things i've got. well actually, im new in this kind of stuff. and i have read the articles/reviews about HD Camcorders. suddenly, i wanted to buy  a camcorder. can you guys help me out here.. i saw the <a title="Sanyo Xacti vpc-hd100r HD Camcorder Reviews" href="http://www.hdcamcordersite.com">Sanyo Xacti vpc-hd100r HD Camcorder Reviews</a>. is it really a good one to buy?</p> <p>please help me out on this. thanks..</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-new-high-def-hdd#post-45637 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:31:38 +0000 Eventvideoguy 45637@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>So I was wondering.  I got my dad a JVC HD HDD camcorder.  The problem is that it records the HDV MPEG file to a .TOD format.</p> <p>Do all of the HDD camcorders record MPEG to their own formats?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-new-high-def-hdd#post-45605 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:55:48 +0000 EarlC 45605@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>BluRay hasn't been around long enough to know how long it will last. Neither, for that matter, has DVD. I have come to realize that NOTHING, except maybe my old t-shirts, is permanent :-)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-new-high-def-hdd#post-45594 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:31:10 +0000 David Naud 45594@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Dear Birdcat:  You need not accumilate footage on hdd forever.  A cheaper solution is to fetch your footage with a video editing (software) like Pinnacle Studio 12 ultimate and write it on normal DVD with normal DVD writer as AVCHD disc.  However you can only get ± 35 min of footage on disc but the quality at 100% is blue ray like.  You can stretch to ±45 minutes without noticeable quality drop.  The correct option maybe is to get a Blue Ray Writer and save on Blue Ray Disc. The last option is more expensive but a lasting solution.  Blue Ray Writer in your currency ± $ 250 empty Blue disc ± $ 20-25.  You will have to comply with minimum Computer Processing power(for 1080P at least Core2 Quad with decent Screen card) Happy edditing</p> <p>David  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-new-high-def-hdd#post-45456 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:36:10 +0000 birdcat 45456@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I think as a rule three chip cameras are better than single chip cameras (Red One exception noted).</p> <p>You may want to look at other than HDD - like SxS or P2 based or even HDV.  I am now using a HDD consumer HD camera (Sony HDR SR11) and while I love it and am very pleased with it's performance, I kinda wish I had a physical copy of what I film for backup purposes.  Right now, I copy from the camera to TWO external hard drives on my PC before deleting from the camera just to make sure I don't lose anything in the event of a HD crash (have had this hapen already - lost some stuff and it will cost me lots of $$$ to get it back).</p> <p>The biggest thing you need to identify is your budget and once you have a hard number, list your feature priorities and see what you come up with.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-new-high-def-hdd#post-45441 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:55:36 +0000 lolito 45441@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I am planning to buy a new <strong>High Def. HDD </strong>camera. I have seen some new Panasonic 3CCD, Sony and Canon Cameras.</p> <p> I need it to perform well under<strong> Low light (indoors) scenery </strong>and have a <strong>good picture quality. </strong>Is the <strong>3CCD </strong>lense the best one or is there any other new technology for optimal image quality?</p> <p>Ã? </p> <p>Thanks</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44526 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:51:53 +0000 EarlC 44526@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> FYI - the primary cameras I have been focusing on are in the low- to mid-range price, say $600 to $4K...</p> <p>They are the Canon HV30, a GREAT low-end item ($600 or so) getting many, many kudos on the various boards by users applying them as backup, playback and third POV cams at gigs - records on MiniDV tape; the other two make a major jump, are AVCCAMs using AVCHD format and recording to SDHC cards - no moving parts for tape drive, making for a lighter and less maintenance tool. They are the Panasonic AG-HMC150 and JVC's GY-HM100; both 3CCD camcorders as opposed to the HV30's single chip.</p> <p>Logic says that by the time you spend the money to add better audio, microphone, brackets and accessories necessary to help put the HV30 to semi-pro use,  you'd be close to investing a significant amount of money that could go toward the other two, IMHO, more preferred camcorders.</p> <p>There are a host of other options, but all-in-all I believe these three represent some serious acquisition capabilities. Between the Panasonic and JVC, the latter offers TWO SDHC card slots as opposed to P's single slot, and JVC also (important to QuickTime capable editing users) provides native QT allowing for direct assimilation and editing of the video instead of having to convert in FCP, iMovie, etc. - essentially a true "drag-and-drop" approach further reducing digitizing/transfer wait time before you can start putting your project together.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44500 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:07:04 +0000 cnwoode 44500@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I can't believe I fell for that one.  :0(</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44499 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:05:51 +0000 cnwoode 44499@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>haha. <br /> Thanks Guys</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44247 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:22:00 +0000 NewBirthProductions 44247@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Or just buy a Sony <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410747-REG/Sony_DVW970_DVW_970_2_3_Inch_3_CCD_Digital.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410747-REG/Sony_DVW970_DVW_970_2_3_Inch_3_CCD_Digital.html</a> and be done with it.  You can buy Earl and I one too for our advice :0</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44236 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:56:28 +0000 EarlC 44236@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> There's a LOT of available  information here that has pretty much covered most aspects of your interest. It would be GREAT (for you) if you checked out some of the most recent posts to get a strong idea of what forum participants here have been saying.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44231 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:18:06 +0000 cnwoode 44231@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I am new to this site as of today and I hope that I have found a good place to learn from some of the vest out there.  I have a general question, but first I will explain my situation.  I started out as a hobbyist, just taking pictures with my DSLR camera.  After a while, people started noticing my work and were impressed, especially with me being so new at it. </p> <p>I recently was hired for a few birthday parties and for me that was GREAT and the pictures were loved.  Well of course word got out, so now I have been asked to take pictures and video for a wedding in September.  I am not worried about the pictures, but the video I am.  I do not own a camcorder, and I haven't the slightest clue where to start.  I am by no means a professional, but I do not believe in giving people cheap products.  I have been researching for weeks now looking for the perfect, yet not most expensive or cheap camcorder. </p> <p> I have been researching the Canon HF 11, HF 100, HG 20, HG 21 and also the Sony products.  I don't know which formats are best for long filming  MiniDV, DVD, Flash or HDD.  Should I invest in lighting, microphones etc etc.  I know this was rather long for my first post, but I am hoping that enough of you will read this, have been where I am standing, and can share your best practice approach.  Remember....</p> <p> I am a beginner, but I am by no means an amatuer.  What I mean by that is, I am VERY Tech Savvy, and electronics are second nature to me, so I am not intimidated by features or manuals.  Any suggestions, I would greatly appreaciate.  Thank you in advance!</p>