In need of a Touring Camcorder.

[jaegersing]

Get a multicoated UV filter to reduce reflections. Or even better, an ND filter will help produce a sharper picture by helping to keep the lens open closer to the sweet spot. Problem is, ND filters not so easy to find locally, especially if the lens thread is 43mm.

And if you are shooting on the beach, I suggest you throw that tripod in the sea and get something more stable.

 

[Flashbulb]

For the beach, i got something else but is diy-ed.

asked around but most stores say have to order in the 37mm as they dont have anything that small even for wide or even tele. Local Canon needed to address this issue..looks like have to order thru online again. Anyone has preferred online retailers for lens and so on that ship to SG directly rather then thru VPost?

what do you think?
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/37mm-8X-Neut...NameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em122
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/37mm-0-45X-W...NameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em122

 

[FilterFunk]

i am getting a WA adapter from lensufo, it should arrive in a few more days..
will update again if you are interested

 

[Flashbulb]

thanks for the tip, sure am interested.

 

[chanxj]

$350 is kinda a lot for a beginner. Anything below $100 that is good enough as this camera is supposed to be with Dolby digital stereo but the built in microphones really need work. As for UV Filter, will anyone do or should i get a specific one? Any pricing?

i have not really seen anything real cheaper but of similar quality. I personally feel mic can invest as it most probably will last u to ur next camcorder. just like the analogy of lens for slrs.

 

[jaegersing]

B&H Photo have a big selection and are reliable for online ordering. One problem is that 43mm is an uncommon size. You can get a step-down ring to 37mm and this will work for a single filter. For more than one filter, or for a filter plus a wide angle adapter, you could also consider a step-up to 52mm. This will help to avoid vignetting, but be aware that the screw threads on these cams are not very strong, so you also have to watch the weight that is hanging off the camera.

 

[scubanel]

Never tried Canon before. How is the flexibility of downloading the video clips? Any issues with the popular softwares like Nero, Pinnacles,Ulead or similiar ones?

 

[jaegersing]

Never tried Canon before. How is the flexibility of downloading the video clips? Any issues with the popular softwares like Nero, Pinnacles,Ulead or similiar ones?

I have 2 Canon HDV cameras, and the footage works well with Edius and Vegas. Actually Vegas does have some problems with all types of HD but they are improving slowly.

 

[Velectron]

look what came in the mail....

A whole lot cheaper then what COMEX is now offering but now the hard part begins.

How much did you pay for the BP-819? Any quotes from the local shops here?

The camcorder you bought is an NTSC model right? Any problems with viewing the content on our PAL LCD tvs through HDMI?

 

[Flashbulb]

It was together with the camcorder. Alan Photo should have stock by now.

As long TV is Multi-system is no problem...but i use the hdmi out so pretty much everything okay.

 

[Flashbulb]

B&H Photo have a big selection and are reliable for online ordering. One problem is that 43mm is an uncommon size. You can get a step-down ring to 37mm and this will work for a single filter. For more than one filter, or for a filter plus a wide angle adapter, you could also consider a step-up to 52mm. This will help to avoid vignetting, but be aware that the screw threads on these cams are not very strong, so you also have to watch the weight that is hanging off the camera.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...mm&ac=&fi=all&pn=1&ci=0&cmpsrch=&cltp=&clsgr=

Found the above quite nice as well...but how to know which are the good ones and which are generic ones? do any of the local dealers have them i wonder?

regarding the UV filter, any shop in SG known to have 37mm in stock for the HF100?

 

[Flashbulb]

Going to look for a new tripod today as well as a cheap cheap UV filter. which places offer widest range of tripods in one place like Manfrotto and Silk?

Will go around SLS and Funan first. any pricing tips to take note like for $50 whats the best i can get and for $100 whats the best i can get and so on.

 

[jaegersing]

Beware of buying too cheap UV filter, cos you will get reflections. Best to look for a multicoated filter, or else shoot without one. The lens should be quite well protected anyway cos it is sunken inside the housing. But the good news is that 37mm filters are not so expensive, so hopefully you can find a multicoated one within your budget.

For tripod, expect to pay around $300 for something decent. If it is any cheaper, it might be OK for fixed shots but most likely not so good for pans and tilts.

 

[Flashbulb]

Beware of buying too cheap UV filter, cos you will get reflections. Best to look for a multicoated filter, or else shoot without one. The lens should be quite well protected anyway cos it is sunken inside the housing. But the good news is that 37mm filters are not so expensive, so hopefully you can find a multicoated one within your budget.

For tripod, expect to pay around $300 for something decent. If it is any cheaper, it might be OK for fixed shots but most likely not so good for pans and tilts.

any opinions on manfrotto 190XProb going for $180-ish at Harvey Norman? They also had a Silk model something something going for $69.

basically at the stores i looked for those with very fluid pan and tilt. Have yet to go Peninsula to look at Benro offerings. Also anyone know what is the general consensus of Velbon products?

Also looking for ways to improve audio as well as remove wind noise from outdoor shoot but from what i see best bet is either those hang-on microphones or go for directional microphones. Opinions on A-T ATR55?

also does anyone know where i can find a large range of 37mm hoods?

 

[jaegersing]

Do Benro make video heads? So far all the Benro models I've seen have had still camera heads on them.

If you are tight for cash then get a cheap tripod cos it's better than no tripod, and then try to save for a better one when you can do it. What will you be shooting? This is probably the biggest factor that will drive you to upgrade.

 

[chanxj]

hmm what abt the libec th650. There is something by the brand of fotomate which i saw at mustafa which is quite decent build and I think only hundred odd dollars.

 

[chanxj]

Benro does make some video tripods if i dun rmb wrongly seeing it from its previous catalogue but have yet to see it in Singapore. Maybe could buy a benro tripod and mount a manfrotto pan head on it?

 

[Flashbulb]

hmm what abt the libec th650. There is something by the brand of fotomate which i saw at mustafa which is quite decent build and I think only hundred odd dollars.

will take note..thanks.

 

[FilterFunk]

thanks for the tip, sure am interested.

update:
was away with my examinations the past week, only managed to find time to test the WA Adapter yesterday.. :sweatsm:


the item came as advertised, however the box was abit crumpled from the handling/packaging. delivery took 8days from HK to Aust.

quick comments:
1. focus time took a slight hit (<0.5sec?) under indoor lighting conditions.
2. focus under outdoor daylight conditions doesnt show the above symptoms.
3. colour tone seems to be similar, with or without the WA adapter. :dunno:

i also did purchase a 3rd party BP-819 battery+charger, cost me about $30 after shipping, the battery doesnt show how many minutes battery life is left on the lcd display though.

 

[Flashbulb]

update:
was away with my examinations the past week, only managed to find time to test the WA Adapter yesterday.. :sweatsm:


the item came as advertised, however the box was abit crumpled from the handling/packaging. delivery took 8days from HK to Aust.

quick comments:
1. focus time took a slight hit (<0.5sec?) under indoor lighting conditions.
2. focus under outdoor daylight conditions doesnt show the above symptoms.
3. colour tone seems to be similar, with or without the WA adapter. :dunno:

i also did purchase a 3rd party BP-819 battery+charger, cost me about $30 after shipping, the battery doesnt show how many minutes battery life is left on the lcd display though.

thanks.

any sample pics or video with and without the lens?

How is the zoom?

as for the 3rd party battery, heard about it. the charger says something like need to wait another few hours after the light goes off before can be sure is fully charge. And it will not charge the authentic Canon battery.
As for minutes left system i suppose is left out since it is proprietary Canon tech.