New in Videography « Videomaker Community Forums

alec
Member

I found this site very helpful.

I am from Philippines and I am planning to buy a videocam next month and my budget is $1000. Pls. give me some advise which cam brand and model is the best pick. I heard that MiniDV has better quality.
Is it better than a 3CCD? Or is there a MiniDV with 3 CCD which has more storage capacity that cost around $1000?
Is the HDD and DVD of Sony has the same quality as MiniDV?

I searched the sites of Sony, Panasonic, and Canon, and it seems I'm confused now.

Awaiting for your reply. Thank you.

Alec

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Alec,

Welcome! I agree, you do seem confused. Keep your wallet in your pocket until that confusion is all cleared up, OK?

You could learn a lot from reading this forum (Camcorders). The posts go back at least a year and there is tons of info there. Also, get current and back issues of Videomaker magazine and perhaps Computer & Camcorder magazine as well. Both always have camcorder reviews and even if they're not reviewing the type of camera your interested in, you'll learn a lot from reading them.

CCDs are the devices that capture the light and resolve the images to your media, whether that media is DVD, memory stick or miniDV tape. I think nearly everyone of us here would recommend the miniDV tape for those who wish to edit their videos.

Three CCDs are better than a single CCD and the larger the CCDs, the better. You're going to have a tough time getting a 3-chip (3-CCD) camera in your price range. Also, have you thought about other items you may want? You'll want to make sure that your camera has a jack for an external microphone, if you want decent audio. That, of course, means you'll need money for a microphone (which will require another week or more in researching products).

Also, will you need lighting, whether on or off-camera? What editing software will you want to use? Will your computer need upgrading?

You may have heard that a boat is a hole in the water into which one throws money? Well, videography is a powerful vacuum that sucks money in endless torrents!

Posted 5 years ago #
alec
Member

Thanks a lot Hank for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it.

I found a 3CCD Videocam with built-in flash light and with a microphone jack and it cost $999.95 only. It's the Panasonic Model PV-GS500.(www.panasonic.com)

What can you advise to me?

Anyone out there who already have this Panasonic PV-GS500? Pls. let me know the pros and cons. Thanks.

Alec
Manila, Philippines

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Alec,

I'm not familiar with the under-$2000 market, nor can I afford the time to research the field for you. It sounds good. If you take the advice in my previous post, I think you'll do fine.

Good luck, and let us know how your videoing comes along!

Posted 5 years ago #
dino
Member

Alec,
I think the Panasonic PV-GS500 is a good camera. and i also think that it would fit your budget. are you planning to purrchase it in the philippines? try to go to the shop in quiapo. i cant remember the name of the store, but i know they offer good deals there. good luck.

Dino

Posted 5 years ago #