http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: Mics - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:53:10 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/xlr-to-12-cable-vs-beachtek-adapter#post-70812 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:24:09 +0000 Phillip 70812@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yeah I'm just referring to real quick on the the go shooting. I'd use external recording for productions. I've heard a couple sound tests and it doesn't sound bad. Thanks for your input.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/xlr-to-12-cable-vs-beachtek-adapter#post-70797 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:05:54 +0000 lmenningen 70797@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;You didn't give enough information - those boxes such as Beachtek are not simply changing connector types, there is a lot more going on than having the right connector. Those boxes often do things like level changing (say, from line level to mic level), impedance matching, converting balanced outputs to unbalanced inputs, etc. Some of them will use batteries which assists the phantom power issue, but many are entirely passive.</p> <p>Many powered mic's are for balanced inputs whereas most 1/8" camera inputs are unbalanced stereo. An&nbsp;XLR to 1/8" adapter&nbsp;may provide a mono-only output but there are Y-type cables that would allow two XLR mic's to feed a single 1/8" stereo camera input. If that is all you need accomplished then yes, an adapter should suffice.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/xlr-to-12-cable-vs-beachtek-adapter#post-70768 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:15:53 +0000 Phillip 70768@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I shot with a DSLR and I have been looking into getting an xlr adapter box such as the one made by Beachtek so I can use xlr mics. After thinking, I was wonder what the difference would be if I just bought an xlr to 1/8 (1/8 goes into my dslr) cable as long as my mic is powered? Thats $10 vs $300...am I missing something here?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-microphones-for-kodak-zi8-camera-the-itouch#post-64826 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:15:01 +0000 XTR-91 64826@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><a href="http://webdesign2.flvs.net/edwardst/proj1/articles/add_mic_everio_blg.html">http://webdesign2.flvs.net/edwardst/proj1/articles/add_mic_everio_blg.html</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-microphones-for-kodak-zi8-camera-the-itouch#post-64823 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:02:30 +0000 Don 64823@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>this is the sony av cable before modifying it:</p> <p><img height="400" width="400" src="http://www.consolemate.com.au/images/35mm_3rca_1.jpg" /></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-microphones-for-kodak-zi8-camera-the-itouch#post-64819 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:18:48 +0000 Don 64819@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>blue fire itouch ap and radio shack lapel mic are a decent combination... for individuals, rode video mic possible will test the combination and get back to you.</p> <p>you need to start with an older sony camcorder audio/video plug (or iphone mic/headphones jack) and cut it and solder a mono jack into the video wire (mic) and solder a stereo jack into the red and white audio wires. plug that into the itouch, and plug the rode mic into the video jack, and plug head phones into the audio jack. you can now monitor and record off the itouch using the blue fire ap.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-sought-microphones-for-kodak-zi8-camera-the-itouch#post-64818 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:16:31 +0000 Anonymous 64818@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>Any recommendations for clip on mics, attached mics,<br /> or wireless mics to enable the recording of at least 3 people for the Kodak Zi8<br /> camera &amp; the iTouch?</p> <p><a href="http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Zi8_Pocket_Video_Camera__Black/baseProductID.156585800/productID.156585900" rel="nofollow">http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Zi8_Pocket_Video_Camera__Black/baseProductID.156585800/productID.156585900</a></p> <p><a href="http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/ipod_touch?afid=p219" rel="nofollow">http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/ipod_touch?afid=p219</a>|GOUS&amp;cid=OAS-US-KWG-iPodBrandTerms-US</p> <p> </p> <p> Thanks, </p> <p> -Jeff</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/equipment-shopping-list#post-57329 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:20:25 +0000 pseudosafari 57329@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm looking to upgrade some lighting.  At the time of my voting above, so were 60% of the respondents, so I feel pretty good about that.  From what I can tell, better lighting makes my stuff look a lot better.  Other than that, I'm gonna work on my skills before I buy more stuff!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/equipment-shopping-list#post-57320 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:30:23 +0000 grinner 57320@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> a dimmable LED headband headlight from Ace hardware is far superior to any camera light and costs less than 20 bucks.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/equipment-shopping-list#post-57319 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:27:59 +0000 XTR-91 57319@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>A small camera light (or basic lighting kit) to start off. Time and again I've thought about building my own out of LEDs, but then realized the better option may just be to purchase a set of quartz lights or LED mountable camera light.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/equipment-shopping-list#post-57316 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:15:58 +0000 composite1 57316@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've bought a number of support items including a new laptop, a new monitor for the NLE, lights, portable studio items and a Sony clamshell. The last items I've ordered for now are a long overdue Blackmagic capture card and some HDMI cables (definitely not Monster!) </p> <p>On the 'pending list' are items to assist with adding full tapeless acquisition to my existing tape based cams and and upgrades for CS5 Master Collection, Vegas 9 and Sound Forge 10.</p> <p>On the 'wish list' is a couple of Zoom H4n's and one or two DSLR's. Despite the impressive low light capability of the D3, overall I'm sold on the Canon line. Right now I'm torn on whether to get a 7D or a 5DmkII. I ruled out the 1Dmk IV after seeing it in 'The Great Shootout' and though it's very good, I wasn't impressed enough to want to pay $5k just for 1 body. </p> <p>I'm seriously leaning towards the 7D as it can shoot in 720p which can work with my GY200UB. But I really like the overall imagery the 5D and firmware controls that come out regularly. Unfortunately, going to DSLR will mean a whole new set of support gear to make a usable kit which means more money! </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/equipment-shopping-list#post-57299 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:14:16 +0000 grinner 57299@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'm gonna try not to aquire more overhead this year. My camera can't last much longer, I'm sure so a RED Scarlet may be in my near future. Same with the Avid. I'll milk it till it croaks then move on to a nice FCP suite.</p> <p>I do want a wide angle lans adapter for the FX1 soon. The one I want is just a few hundred bucks so I may do that. There are some plgins I'd love to have right now but I don't have immediate demand to warrent spending money on something I'm looking forward to bidding farewell. I'll beef up the FCP sute to the max when I make the change.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/equipment-shopping-list#post-57298 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:09:50 +0000 EarlC 57298@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>This could fall in any one of a number of other topic titles, and certainly might become more of a "Making Losses" instead of "Making Profit" but I'm gonna put my wish/shopping list for 2010 up here. Some, if not all of it will be purchased by Dec. 31, and hopefully the remainder in 1st quarter 2011. At the current level of production work I'm getting, and have booked over the next several months, it is not ALL wishful thinking.</p> <p>Two JVC GY-HM100 HD camcorders</p> <p>Two Litepanels MicroPro units</p> <p>Two Sennheiser MKE 400 and/or MKH 416-Pr8U3</p> <p>Two Sennheiser wireless units in the 3000/5000 model series</p> <p>One Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Head w/ 190XPROB sticks</p> <p>One Disc Makers 15-unit portable CD/DVD burning rack</p> <p>One of the BRAVO disk printing systems ??? or suitable heavy duty alternative for in-house printing</p> <p>Well, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it (or most of it, well some of it, then again...)</p> <p>Anyone else care to share, or debate or willing to volunteer donations to help make my wishes come true ;-)</p> <p>Sorry about the poll, wanted to have one for tripods/heads/support, one for "other" and one for none, but settled for NOPE.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hand-held-microphones-question-looking-for-help#post-56803 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:29:46 +0000 robGRAUERT 56803@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I feel Shure and Sennheiser make good mics. </p> <p>Are you looking for a wired mic or a wireless mic? Wireless will be significantly more expensive if you hope to record good quality.</p> <p>One think you want to look at when looking at mics is the signal to noise ratio. 64dB is fair, 74db is quite good, and 84dB or more is outstanding.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>"Also, where can I go to order a branded slip on for the mic?"</em></p> <p>You mean a mic flag? I believe those can be found at B&amp;H. In fact, B&amp;H is a great place to buy all your stuff.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hand-held-microphones-question-looking-for-help#post-56802 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:14:41 +0000 smp 56802@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello, </p> <p>I am not sure I am posting at the right location, but I just joined Videomaker today with the hope that I will be able to get some assistance with a few questions I have about shooting on camera interviews.</p> <p>My first question is what brand and type of hand held microphone do you recommend the most, for in front of camera interviews. I am talking about something like the interviews for instance done at the red carpet events, like from E online for example: <a href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/redcarpet/2010_oscars/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/redcarpet/2010_oscars/index.html</a></p> <p>Do you know what ,mics they use, what brand, price range etc, or what else might do the job and look and sound similar?</p> <p>Also, where can I go to order a branded slip on for the mic?</p> <p>I have more questions about type of camera etc. But these two are my most burning questions at the moment. I hope I can get some assistance here. I highly appreciate it in advance.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-5d-mark-ii-video-accessories#post-53821 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:20:09 +0000 composite1 53821@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Stolen,</p> <p>You should also take a look at the Zoom Hn4 with a Red Head fuzzy muff. Here's a link to the post where I put a video with it being used with a 5DmkII.</p> <p><a href="http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/zoom-h2-or-h4#post-52007">http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/zoom-h2-or-h4#post-52007</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-5d-mark-ii-video-accessories#post-53814 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:35:03 +0000 DPFilmworks 53814@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I agree.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-5d-mark-ii-video-accessories#post-53813 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:26:50 +0000 VideoDog 53813@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> You might check out the BeachTek DXA-4 Dual XLR Adapter.  I have not used it specifically with a Canon 5d Mark II but am sure it works.  It allows you to use a "professional" level microphone like an Azden SGM-1X Shotgun Microphone ($199) with XLR cable and plug into the XLR jacks on the BeachTek adapter.  Then the BeachTek adapter has the RCA jack that plugs into the camera.  You can buy the BeachTek at Calumet for $180.  The other idea I have is a DAT recorder.  You are recording audio completely separate from the video and have to sync in post.  One trick is to clap on screen so you have an audio mark and a video mark to line up when editing.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-5d-mark-ii-video-accessories#post-53811 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:07:46 +0000 stolenbuick 53811@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am a pro still photographer and relatively new to video. I have a canon 5d mark 2 still camera that has video capability. I have heard that you need external audio since internal mic is weak and picks up camera noise and auto focus motor noise. </p> <p>Question: what are the best options for adding external audio mics for this type of camera? What other types of add ons or accessories should i consider? </p> <p>My primary use is shooting candid b-roll during corporate meetings and events and occasionally recording over the shoulder interviews. </p> <p>Thanks for any feedback! </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/wireless-lavalier-mics-1#post-53388 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:39:18 +0000 KenzoFKC 53388@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Sennheiser is the way to go. Worth every penny.  Changes the caliber of your production.</p> <p><a href="http://www.dvcreators.net/sennheiser-mics/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dvcreators.net/sennheiser-mics/</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/wireless-lavalier-mics-1#post-53387 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:32:04 +0000 faqvideo 53387@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The kit posted above is not a complete solution. The receiver mounts into other devices, which are extra.</p> <p>Try Sennheiser, it falls into your budget and works great.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pull-an-all-nighter-trying-to-find-answers#post-53210 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:40:36 +0000 Msmoonlight4u 53210@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello!</p> <p>For the xlr connections I am going to be buying  juiced link. I wanted to do that because I read that XLR connectors are balanced and does not pick up other signals like radio or tv, etc.</p> <p> I am planning to go to school for film and broadcast at Flashpoint Academy in the future, but for now I am trying to teach myself how to do things and I have an internship in a small video production business. I really love editing so that would be my main focus.</p> <p> I plan to film special family events or even participate in contests and maybe film for other people and edit. Just small projects for now to get everything started plus getting together a portfolio when I apply to Flashpoint. </p> <p>Thanks a lot for the feedback!!</p> <p>: D</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-equipment-for-video-prod-at-marketing-firm#post-53183 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:54:08 +0000 XTR-91 53183@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>This all seems like a far too big of a leap from amateur to hobbyist, but I guess I should be taking the right marketing perspective. I'm not looking for an immediate 'pro' title - just looking for a clearer path into the job of freelancing without spending hundreds to thousands of dollars at this point.</p> <p> </p> <p>I'll probably end up getting a tripod that is closer to prosumer grade, and maybe even some auxiliary lighting/pro quality set of microphones. Right now I live in a small town that is also small in demanding. It's got radio, but I highly doubt it has a TV station or anything budgeted for the production of video. The up side is that I may build up income faster due to the lack of competition.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Camcorder:</strong> I currently own a JVC GZ-MG505 (HDD 3ccd camcorder MSRP-$1,300) that produces a very sharp image display for the price. The color reproduction is also great, but is overexposed and oversaturated. This can be fixed by manual exposure and altering the saturation levels in post.</p> <p><strong>Tripod:</strong> Currently a consumer tripod - $40 from Wal-Mart. Possible attachments to handle may create smoother turns.</p> <p><strong>Computer:</strong> Dell Inspiron E1505 - 1.66 GHz Dual Core, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB 4200 RPM hardrive, 1 TB Maxtor USB/Firewire external hardrive.</p> <p><strong>Editing software:</strong> Using Sony Vegas Pro 9 - quality and performance is great (certainly outstanding compared to my experience with Cyberlink PowerDirector 7). Working on the timeline is essentially lag-free.</p> <p><strong>Microphone:</strong> Currently only a homemade Shotgun microphone made out of PVC pipe with a windscreen - with two mic components purchased from DigiKey. For something built at home, the quality was impressive, though the sound autogain on my camcorder is overamplifying dramatically. I plan on purchasing an external (hook-up) mic attenuator.</p> <p><strong>Lighting:</strong> I currently have no auxilary video lighting, which might be in my budget plans later for around $300-$700.</p> <p><strong>Headphones:</strong> Right now I am using a set of Sylvania wired/wireless switchable set of headphones. The sound reproduction is good, but seems a little flat in the midrange levels compared to most expensive ones.</p> <p> </p> <p>For now, this is all I've got, but the biggest cornerstone of quality video is good skills. I've honed up a lot of skills as far as amateur production goes, and I also foresee a great learning curve (I'm also happy with doing it) for starting a video business.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-equipment-for-video-prod-at-marketing-firm#post-53177 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:50:58 +0000 alfalaschi 53177@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Marketing firms can reap huge benefits by having a basic video production kit....and yes, you can get very good quality. MArketing firms are doing a lot of online work these days, so would it be safe to assume the internet is your destination for most of your video? We have a small video production kit in house at Widen for shooting customer interviews for example. </p> <p> </p> <p>You need:</p> <p><strong>camcorder</strong>:Lots of options here, lots of opinions. HD or SD, tape or tapeless,....At the time I made my purchase, I chose a Canon XHA1. It shoots HD on mini DV sized tapes. The tapes are not expensive at all, and they also serve as a cheap archive. If you go tapeless, you will need to figure out how to archive footage. The Sony HVR-V1U is the cheapest 3 CCD HDV camcorder available...and is $2800</p> <p><strong>tripod</strong>: tons of options for under $200</p> <p><strong>Computer for editing</strong>: Any newer computer will do fine for basic editing. If you have one great. If not, a $1500 iMac or PC equivalent will be just fine.</p> <p><strong>Editing software</strong>: If you are PC based, either Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere, or Avid will do<br /> fine. Vegas is $540. If you are Mac, Final Cut Pro or Express will work<br /> fine. Express is $200.</p> <p><strong>Microphone</strong>: Wireless Lavalier Azden 105LT $280</p> <p><strong>Small light kit</strong>: Lowel Light kit under $500</p> <p><strong>Headphones</strong>: $75</p> <p>If you add all that up....$5,895. You can shoot and edit basic video. Interviews, quick demos...Oh, you should probably buy a nice case for the camcorder too. $200 (Pelican)</p> <p>There are many options for each of these categories....I have simply given you some simple options. </p> <p> </p> <p>Good luck!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-equipment-for-video-prod-at-marketing-firm#post-53138 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:54:12 +0000 composite1 53138@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>XTR,</p> <p>Having started my Co' in a small market, I've been down the road you're headed. Small markets are a 'female dog' to make money in with a video biz, particularly if the town or city doesn't have it's own TV station. However, it can be done but you're just going to have to be more resourceful. When setting your pricing, first go to your state's business development website and find out what the standard rate for services per hour are for video camera work, editing, etc. Then do a cost per hour estimate for shooting &amp; editing projects with the gear you have. If you don't have a primary source of income to support you while freelancing, then you need to include your 'survival costs' (rent, utilities and stuff) into the estimated cost. Once you have your cost per hour then you'll need to adjust it to what your market will bear yet still leave you with enough profit to cover operating costs.</p> <p>Most likely, you'll have to start really small then over time work your way up to larger more profitable projects. In the meantime, you may find it necessary to do some 'freebies' or 'far less than cost' projects to get your name and work out there. Do those projects sparingly. </p> <p>As for 2step, you're not going to get much 'High Quality' for $10k. You'll spend that much just for a camera and a proper amount of support gear or a computer and software capable of handling 'HQ' video. For $10k you can get 'Good Quality' video. By virtue as a marketing firm, you'll have higher requirements for gear. You won't be able to get away with 'guerrilla' lighting and sound setups. Your clients will definitely cast questioning eyes upon you if you show up with a dinky consumer grade camera setup ("Why are we paying this guy all this money?") </p> <p>Now you don't have to spend more than $20k to get a proper setup, but up front it may be cheaper to roll with Earl's and Birdcat's suggestion of outsourcing the production work. Company's interested in adding such capabilities to their services immediately figure it's cheaper if they do it themselves. It's not. You have to pay for the gear which can get expensive doing it on a learning curve. Then you have to pay someone to do the work (thinking you'll get a worker to double as a video producer will cost you more than just hiring someone to do it so you're not getting out of it.) Whereas, if you outsource it you just include it in the cost of the project and when its done you don't pay anymore for personnel waiting around for the next project, training and so on. After your firm has built a profit margin where it becomes a profitable option to start your own properly funded production dept. then by all means go for it.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pull-an-all-nighter-trying-to-find-answers#post-53125 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:40:36 +0000 hmueller 53125@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Adobe runs very well, no problems. I really appreciate how easy it is to use the other modules like Soundbooth, Photoshop etc - it is really well integrated.</p> <p>The Techica AT897 is a great microphone. I use a less expensive microphone from Azden, as well as their wireless lavalier mic that has worked well for me. The Canon HV40 does not have XLR microphone inputs. If you want to use XLR microphones, you would need an additional mixer/converter. So far I have not had a need for that.</p> <p>You don't mention what you are going to do with your new system. It would help to know so that perhaps I could give you better advice.</p> <p>Heidi</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pull-an-all-nighter-trying-to-find-answers#post-53106 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:20:07 +0000 Msmoonlight4u 53106@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for your reply!</p> <p> I am going to look at the WD 1tb drive. </p> <p>Also, I am planning on getting the Technica AT897. I liked what i have heard so far. How does Adobe Master Collection runs in your machine? is it smooth? I read that XP is more stable than vista... </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>&lt;h1&gt;&lt;/h1&gt; </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-equipment-for-video-prod-at-marketing-firm#post-53105 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:03:23 +0000 XTR-91 53105@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for your input on this - I have thought about going freelance in the small town that I live in. May not generate the best income, but from what I've heard, most pros are earning $100+ an hour on their productions. It would sure be beneficial for me even to earn a fraction (e.g. less than 1/5th to start) of that amount. Your articles do look good as a broad source of information for starting a video business.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-equipment-for-video-prod-at-marketing-firm#post-53104 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:53:41 +0000 EarlC 53104@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>IF you have not yet checked out my video marketing blog, or Jay's (AspyRider), *you probably have, but...) you might take the time to do so. Both blogs contain a HUGE amount of information, especially <a href="http://www.eccomeecgo.blogspot.com">E.C. Come, E.C. Go</a>, regarding how to make money producing video. Jay's <a href="http://www.intheviewfinder.blogspot.com">In the Viewfinder</a> not only offers marketing and video product ideas, but scads of links and recommendations regarding video essentials from stabilization to editing and everything in between.</p> <p>Essentially, YES, with your current equipment, knowledge base, and some determination and effort, you can make money, if not a living, doing video productions. It really is up to you and the amount of effort you are willing to invest. My mantra is "If you market, you will make it!" © 2009 Earl Chessher.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pull-an-all-nighter-trying-to-find-answers#post-53100 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:20:55 +0000 hmueller 53100@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Whew! You have done a lot of research - too much perhaps. So relax. I have been using the Canon HV40 for nearly a year now and I love it. I am glad I opted for a minidv again as it has advantages over disk and card based cameras.</p> <p>I have been editing the HDV videos with Adobe Master Collection on a computer that is older than yours. I have upgraded the RAM to 3GB (sort of the max for an XP machine). You do need a firewire connection though. I had a WD 1TB drive, and wanted to buy a second one, but my local store were out of stock so I got a LaCie and it works just fine too.</p> <p>So I guess the bottom line is that there are many choices but yours is quite reasonable so go for it. You will gain wonderful experience and can always upgrade later if you feel you need to.</p> <p>Heidi</p>