Newbie needs some quick camera advice « Videomaker Community Forums

jamjtx
Member

I want to record some seminars that I teach, edit the video and burn them to DVD. I have editing software that I like.
I am looking at the Sony PDX10 camera. It looks like this can do all I need. But can anyone with some experience reccomend a less expensive camera to get started with?
I do need a professional picture and I am also concerend about the quality of sound.
Thanks

Jim Mc Coy
http://www.jimmccoy.com

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

A big factor into what kind of camera you choose is whether to get a 3ccd or 1ccd camera. 3 CCD cameras produce better colors but are usually way more expensive than 1 cdd cameras. A 1 CCD camera might be just fine for your needs. Go with a mini-DV format and make sure the camera has the right kind of jacks for a lavielier mic. For better sound, you are most certainly going to have to purchase a seperate microphone. A good wireless lav mic would work great for what your intrested in. Or you could just record to a DAT machine or a Mini-disc player and sync the picture and sound in your editing program, although this can get tricky.

Posted 8 years ago #
mrvideo
Member

Your end product will be compressed both in-camera and in creating the MPEG-2 files for DVD authoring. To maintain quality through the flow you naturally want to start with the best available source material, and that's 3-chip DV (in your price range, that is - and mine). If you go this route you'll automatically have manual white balance (particularly handy in flourescent or other institutional lighting situations) manual exposure with zebras, external mic input and other handy features. But you will also have good quality full auto (white balance, exposure, focus, shutter speed) until you learn the ropes.

David Hurdon

Posted 8 years ago #