Thinking of starting with video, pls recommend :)

[windwaver]

Actually I'm looking to get an entry level video cam for shooting family events. I've read a couple of articles on the pointers in getting a new video cam but I seriously think people with practical experience will be a better reference :bsmilie:

Please recommend a few models that come to your mind, probably we can discuss more about the other components once the model(s) have been identified.

Thanks!

 

[windwaver]

Out of all the storage mediums e.g. mini DV, HD, etc, which is the most popular? Example of a HD based video camera; 20GB can record around 25hours but how long does the battery last per charge?

Or are people still using tapes these days?

 

[sloth]

A few random thoughts that popped into my head while I was planning my video system. Just my (subjective) opinions.

Think about whether you want to shoot HD or SD video. HD video has higher quality, and is far more demanding on storage and on computer processing. Editing takes longer, compressing takes longer, transfer might or might not take longer. The quality is awesome.

Tape vs flash disk vs hard disk media. I went with flash disk because of its convenience. I personally dislike tapes, although some argue that tapes have that slight edge because their compression system is different and yields slightly higher quality video. I am willing to make this compromise. Hard disks are somewhat more vulnerable to shocks.

I try not to shoot too much. I don't even have the patience to sit through a 3-hour 'epic' of my own making, much less anybody else. It also makes things easier when editing time comes. I tend to try and keep my videos to short clips - few minutes each.

Do think about what you want to edit, the software you might want to use and the patience to do a good job on it. You will lose your audience if you make them sit through 3 hours of unedited video. Of course, you then have to learn how to edit. It's not too hard, modern software makes it easy.

If you are planning to shoot HD be extra careful to ensure your software can handle your format. And that your computer can handle the abuse. I have a Core2Duo 2.33Ghz with 4GB of RAM and it is just about enough. Some days I feel that I'd like a Core2Quad though

SD is a lot less demanding.

Batteries on the small cameras do not last very long, mine yields 90 minutes, which goes well with the approximately 90 minutes of flash memory I have. (I turn the camera off when not shooting).


Consider whether you want external microphone or video light support to enhance the quality of the footage you are shooting. This will determine your choice of camcorder: whether it supports these additional bits and pieces.Consider whether you want to invest in a tripod or risk 'shakycam' Blair Witch style footage (again, there is only so much shakycam that an audience can take).

I went with the Canon HF100 HD camcorder, external mike, wide converter. I have my own lighting systems and tripods from other photography projects.

 

[brada]

good read....

 

[windwaver]

A few random thoughts that popped into my head while I was planning my video system. Just my (subjective) opinions.

Think about whether you want to shoot HD or SD video. HD video has higher quality, and is far more demanding on storage and on computer processing. Editing takes longer, compressing takes longer, transfer might or might not take longer. The quality is awesome.

Tape vs flash disk vs hard disk media. I went with flash disk because of its convenience. I personally dislike tapes, although some argue that tapes have that slight edge because their compression system is different and yields slightly higher quality video. I am willing to make this compromise. Hard disks are somewhat more vulnerable to shocks.

I try not to shoot too much. I don't even have the patience to sit through a 3-hour 'epic' of my own making, much less anybody else. It also makes things easier when editing time comes. I tend to try and keep my videos to short clips - few minutes each.

Do think about what you want to edit, the software you might want to use and the patience to do a good job on it. You will lose your audience if you make them sit through 3 hours of unedited video. Of course, you then have to learn how to edit. It's not too hard, modern software makes it easy.

If you are planning to shoot HD be extra careful to ensure your software can handle your format. And that your computer can handle the abuse. I have a Core2Duo 2.33Ghz with 4GB of RAM and it is just about enough. Some days I feel that I'd like a Core2Quad though

SD is a lot less demanding.

Batteries on the small cameras do not last very long, mine yields 90 minutes, which goes well with the approximately 90 minutes of flash memory I have. (I turn the camera off when not shooting).


Consider whether you want external microphone or video light support to enhance the quality of the footage you are shooting. This will determine your choice of camcorder: whether it supports these additional bits and pieces.Consider whether you want to invest in a tripod or risk 'shakycam' Blair Witch style footage (again, there is only so much shakycam that an audience can take).

I went with the Canon HF100 HD camcorder, external mike, wide converter. I have my own lighting systems and tripods from other photography projects.

Thanks for the excellent reply! I was also thinking of going flash disk as it's usually the easiest to bring around . SD is alright with me. What is a good entry level camcorder? No preference for brand

 

[anarkia]

sony PD-170:thumbsup: