Video Blogging for the First time

[rajkiran91]

HI Guys,

I am starting video blogging for the first time and I am at a loss as to what model of camcorder I should use. A friend recommended a Canon Vixia HF R-500 which he was selling for $360. Another friend told me that Canon is a bad choice as the LCD monitor goes kaput in 2-3 years. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what models to get and where I can get them from. My budget is maximum $360, I cannot go above that.

 

[Bamboopictures]

HI Guys,

I am starting video blogging for the first time and I am at a loss as to what model of camcorder I should use. A friend recommended a Canon Vixia HF R-500 which he was selling for $360. Another friend told me that Canon is a bad choice as the LCD monitor goes kaput in 2-3 years. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what models to get and where I can get them from. My budget is maximum $360, I cannot go above that.

Why pay $360 for used when B&H is selling $249 brand new?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1023206-REG/canon_vixia_hf_r500_full.html
Go for it if you live in NTSC land. But buy Legria if you are in SG/Msia and save yourself the awful flicker.
Alternatively, just use the video function on any 25p point and shoot camera and record audio on your smartphone with rode smart lav.
http://www.rode.com/microphones/smartlav
Synch in post to get both good audio and video. (tip:clap your hands before you start recording to get visual and audio synch point)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=SG&hl=en-GB&v=F0CFR-pN6Nw
I hope you have budgeted for a lightstand and a tripod. But they can be improvised too.
Under good lighting, any camera (cheap or expensive) will produce good results.

 

[rankorth]

If you don't need the portability, i.e. you are always recording in front of the computer, you may wish to opt for a high end webcam instead?
For example, the Logitech c920?

Anyway, do consider getting a proper microphone for audio, as most video blogs really do have terrible audio.

Good luck