Sony camcorder « Videomaker Community Forums

VideoDude91
Member

I know its cheap and all, but im just now getting started into Video, and I'm 15, so i dont have tons of moola. I was wondering if the Sony's DCR-HC36 MiniDV HandycamÂ® Camcorder was at all any good for newbies like me, and could i do some pretty nice editing with Pinnacle Software with this camcorder. Please dont say go after a 2000 dollar camcorder, bc im 15 and my jobs starts in summer, and i dont want to spend that much anyway on a first camcorder.

Posted 6 years ago #
Video-maniac
Member

First of all weÂ’re happy to see another shooter joining the ranks. Be careful though because it gets very addicting.

To answer your question, you have plenty of camera there. It has all of the necessary features to do what you want to do. You have to realize that just about all of us started out like you are. BTW: You are doing it right! Just start out with the bare necessities to cut your teeth on and if you like it, you can start climbing the ladder towards the bigger and better toys. Pinnacle will work fine too. You just have to make sure you have a decent PC with firewire (aka: IEEE1394 or iLink) ports and the necessary minimum requirements to run the software.

Have Fun!
:D

RAM

Posted 6 years ago #
VideoDude91
Member

Cool, thanks alot

Posted 6 years ago #
Videoman
Member

Hey VideoDude91,
Welcome to the world of video editing.So great to hear of the younger generation getting into this highly adictive hobby. GO FOR IT
I started out on the old video 8 analogue format about 5 years ago. Moved up to the the Digital format in 2004 using a JVC GR-DX77 and have moved up to the Panasonic NV GS4000 (three of them actually). As you can see I am in the upper low end of the scheme of things compared to these other guys, but you will notice something happening - it is becoming addictive and the equipment is getting better the longer I am into it.
I use Pinnacle Studio 9 plus for editing. I am comfortable with it and I don't have the need for all the fancy bells and whistles add ons or intergrations that Adobe and the other high end programs have to offer.
Studio 10 has some issues which I am sure will be rectified. Studio is Pinnacles entry level program. It is easy to use - you wont get discouraged - it only feeds the need to do more. Then when you have mastered the program, learnt how to use the camera, the bug will bite and you will want more.
One word of advice. Study what film makers do and how the film is edited and practice using your camera. Master the zoom, know where every button is and what is does. When you are all practised out - practice some more.
I video tape youth orchestra's and big bands that my son performs in. Most concerts are done on stage and the camera is off stage in low to no light areas. I actually practice using my camera in pitch black, switching between different modes etc. Don't forget, you wont make a professional video straight away. Hollywood uses cameramen, audio technicians, lighting technicians, sound effect technicians, editing technicians, etc, etc that have been specfically trained in their own field. You are expected to do it all - and man what a great sence of satisfaction you get when you have finally produced your final product.

Enjoy

Posted 6 years ago #
BTS
Member

Welcome!
First off, great advice from the people above. Indeed, you don't need pro-equipment off the bat. I just like to make my vacation vids and weekend events more interesting and don't really need to buy a $3000 camera. But it is indeed addictive and you start drooling over the nice stuff.

A few pointers:
Watch reality based programs or documentaries for ideas on camera angles, framing, and length of scenes. Movies are also good, but as previously mentioned, they have large budgets, pro equipment, and scripts - you don't.

Film like crazy. The more footage you have, the more you can accomplish in editing. Shot lists are helpful for when you can't go back and re-shoot.

Practise holding the camera steady, pan slowly, and walking with the camera. Jerky movements make it hard to watch.

Always let the camera run for an additional 3-5 seconds to allow conversations to finish and transitions to have room.

Tripods, even cheap and mini tripods, let's you include yourself in the shot if no one else is around. I always bring my mini tripod with me.

Always mark tapes, and never record over a tape (unless it's just practise footage). All hard drives will eventually crash, so save the originals.

Have fun and don't forget to capture some everyday stuff: an average day in high school at age 15 is a riot to watch when you're 30! Trust me, I was fortunate enough to have some fun footage from early college almost 15 years ago, and it is priceless to watch!

Anyway, this is a good forum with very knoledgeable people. Enjoy.

Posted 6 years ago #