What Video Camera Do You Use/Suggest for Video Marketing

15 years ago

Fermin, I haven't gone real deep into video marketing yet. Mostly I've done home video type stuff, but I can give you a couple of pointers I've picked up.

You want a camera with a jack for an external microphone. Most of the time, the mics on the camera are not great. Even if the mic is OK, you can't get more than a couple of feet away or the sound quality disappears.

Get yourself a decent lapel mic, and it won't matter if you're back from the camera. I use the Audio-Technica ATR35s. Paid around $30 for it.

The other thing I'd look for is a firewire jack. Transferring video from the camera to a computer for editing is much faster. You can also set up to record video direct to your computer for studio work. A side benefit is that you also now have a high quality web cam for adding 'talking head' shots to your Camtasia videos or Skype video conferencing.

My camera is a Sanyo I got from Amazon for $167, plus another $40 for extra batteries.

Hope this helps...

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538175].message }}

Josh Anderson

15 years ago

I recommend the Canon HV30

Phenomenal HD camera with loads of prosumer features for around $600

If you are penny pinching you can always search for used units of its predecessor the HV20 or used HV30 on ebay.

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Nanacast Review

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538246].message }}

Wayne Liew 15 years ago

One camera that is making the buzz in the video marketing world is The Flip Mino. You can record a 60 minute video with it, which I think is more than enough for an online video. If you pay for the HD version, you can also produce HD videos as well.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538335].message }}

Jim Hallmark

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

I recommend the Canon HV30

Phenomenal HD camera with loads of prosumer features for around $600

If you are penny pinching you can always search for used units of its predecessor the HV20 or used HV30 on ebay.

Josh,
Would it be more advantageous to look for a camera that uses HDD or flash memory media in an AVCHD format instead of the Canon HV30 which uses the MiniDV in a soon to be obsolete HDV format?

Or could the advantage in the HV30 be that it is easier to find a compatible editing program?

Cheers,
Jim

Thanks
3 replies

Signature

"Thoughts become things... choose the good ones!" Mike Dooley

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538579].message }}

marcanthony

15 years ago

I use a Canon Vixia HF 10 with flash memory... It's an awesome High Def camera.

However, I'm starting to use the web cam on my Mac more often.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538634].message }}

Eric Goldstein

15 years ago

Fermin ... Everyone who gets the flip
loves it! It's super portable and fits in
your pocket.

You can find it at Flip Video Camcorder - Digital Camcorder | Flip Video
This is not an affiliate link ...

Check it out ... i'm sure you'll love it!
Eric~

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538661].message }}

Jim Hallmark

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Eric Goldstein

Fermin ... Everyone who gets the flip
loves it! It's super portable and fits in
your pocket.

You can find it at Flip Video Camcorder - Digital Camcorder | Flip Video
This is not an affiliate link ...

Check it out ... i'm sure you'll love it!
Eric~

Hey Eric,
I've been hearing a lot about the Flip video. What's the audio like?

Thanks

Signature

"Thoughts become things... choose the good ones!" Mike Dooley

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538694].message }}

mscherrah

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Jim Hallmark

Josh,
Would it be more advantageous to look for a camera that uses HDD or flash memory media in an AVCHD format instead of the Canon HV30 which uses the MiniDV in a soon to be obsolete HDV format?

Or could the advantage in the HV30 be that it is easier to find a compatible editing program?

Cheers,
Jim

Hi Jim

AVCHD does seem to be the future of HD. Panasonic is the forerunner of this type of video. I have a Panasonic rep, (I do professional video production) and I was asking him whether to buy the HVX 200 which uses P2 cards or the HMC 150 which uses specialized SD cards. He told me that both shoot absolutely AMAZING pictures, but you would need AT LEAST 16 Gigs of ram just to attempt to edit the clips. Also not all editing softwares have codecs allowing them to recognize AVCHD video yet.

On another note he HV30 is a great little camera. If you go to youtube and search "HV30 footage" I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality. And for the money (i think you should be able to get one for about 700 dollars) it really is a steal.

Thanks!
Matt

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

HD Video Production Services

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[539876].message }}

Josh Anderson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by mscherrah

AVCHD does seem to be the future of HD...

AVCHD can't be the future of HDV because it's a highly compressed alternative to HD and not true HDV. AVCHD faces many issues currently including hardware and software compatibility highly intensive processor demand for working with it etc.

Here is a great thread discussing its limitations and the technical aspects of what it is:

Future of AVCHD - Mac Forums

AVCHD may become more common among consumer and budget grade devices but this industry changes so fast that there could be other formats that emerge and become more standard. Only time will tell.

I do recommend reading that thread though as it will help you make a better educated buying decision if you are considering avchd vs true HDV.

And for those of you who are considering SD cameras just make sure they have a 16:9 option because more and more video sharing sites like Youtube are moving to that format because of how common HD is now.
- Thanks
Signature
Nanacast Review
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540548].message }}

serrow

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Jim Hallmark

Josh,
Would it be more advantageous to look for a camera that uses HDD or flash memory media in an AVCHD format instead of the Canon HV30 which uses the MiniDV in a soon to be obsolete HDV format?

Or could the advantage in the HV30 be that it is easier to find a compatible editing program?

Cheers,
Jim

the minidvs are finicky at best. I tried a generic brand and I ended up making coasters from what was supposed to have been treasured memories

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540955].message }}

Josh Anderson

15 years ago

Josh,
Would it be more advantageous to look for a camera that uses HDD or flash memory media in an AVCHD format instead of the Canon HV30 which uses the MiniDV in a soon to be obsolete HDV format?

NO way. HDV is true HD and is the standard in production.

AVCHD is not true hd and introduces a lot of problems. Also you need to be sure you have software to edit it. Though more apps are supporting it many do not. AVCHD needs time to mature.

That's not to say that some people won't use it without problem. But for some productions it's just not an option.

Check out high end HD cameras... they either record to tape or to a deck and not in avchd but in true HD.

I highly suggest you guys check out:

Canon HV20, HV30 & HV40 User Forum - Powered by vBulletin

Hey Eric,
I've been hearing a lot about the Flip video. What's the audio like?

If you are looking for quality audio... the flip is garbage.

The flip is much like a webcam. You get good audio if you are sitting right in front of it and not a lot of noise around you. If you are in a room and farther back you will sound like you are in a box.

The flip is really best for up close quick clips or clips where the audio is not as important where you will dub over the audio later.

If you are concerned about audio never settle for any camera that does not have an external mic input.

[ 2 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Nanacast Review

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538719].message }}

elliot 15 years ago

I use the Isonic Snapbox HD566, only about $150, but great for what I need it for, you can flip the screen around to see what your recording while you do it.
- Thanks
Signature

Top 6 iPhone Apps For Affiliate Marketers
@edawg On Twitter
The Self Publishing System
The Kindle King
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538730].message }}

Kevin AKA Hubcap

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

NO way. HDV is true HD and is the standard in production.

AVCHD is not true hd and introduces a lot of problems. Also you need to be sure you have software to edit it. Though more apps are supporting it many do not. AVCHD needs time to mature.

Check out high end HD cameras... they either record to tape or to a deck and not in avchd but in true HD.

By definition, anything greater than SD is HD. Why isn't it true HD?

Almost all HD formats are compressed to include Sony's HDCAM ($100,000 cameras) and Panasonic's Varicam line ($50,000 and up) which records in DVC PRO HD.

AFAIK the only way to get uncompressed footage out of a camera is to use the HD SDI or HDMI out ports. If you do this you'll need a card capable of capturing it and a hard drive thatls large enough and fast enough to deal with uncompressed HD video.

IMHO, the problem with AVCHD is that the non linar editing editors haven't caught up with it yet...they will.

There was a time not too long ago when HDV could not be edited natively and people said the same thing about HDV not being true HD. Now HDV is pretty much mainstream and if I'm not mistaken almost all semi-pro or pro editing programs can handle HDV material easily.

It's true that ACHD does have its issues but they will be ironed out. I think that a camera that can record to SD cards defienetely has its advantages.

If you're planning to use AVCHD just make sure that whatever program you're using can handle the files.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540951].message }}

Wilson Mattos

15 years ago

Josh,

I agree with you, the HV30 rocks! Since it has a Firewire connection, if you are near the computer, you can bypass the tape altogether and record directly to the computer.

Isn't AVCHD a compressed format? I have heard of people having issues with editing AVCHD source.

Wil

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[538968].message }}

willN

15 years ago

I use a JVC Everio.

I just got it (I haven't dont any IM videos yet) but I got it for 3 reasons.
1. It makes excellent clear HD videos
2. It is hard drive based so I do not need tapes (60 gig)
3. You can buy a docking station to burn directly to DVD from the camera, so you do not have to load it to your PC. This is great if you need to get CDs or DVDs out fast

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Owner of NicheProfitAcademy.com -Your Guide to Internet Marketing
Owner of www.SalveoVita.com - A Complete Health and Fitness Community

Newbies, you will want to check this out! I made it for you free of charge to help you get started here in the WF.

The Newbies Complete Guide to the Warrior Forum!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[539033].message }}

Josh Anderson 15 years ago

I agree with you, the HV30 rocks! Since it has a Fire wire connection, if you are near the computer, you can bypass the tape altogether and record directly to the computer.

That is what I do as well. I purchased a nice and long fire wire for use in my studio for that purpose.

I have also hacked and modded my HV 30 with a diy 35mm adaptor and acromat 50mm lens and I build my own diy lego built follow focus for when it is mounted on my cavision rails system.

The HV30 also has a hot shoe on top where I mount my Azden 325 UPR dual channel UHF wireless lavalier receiver or my senhieser ME66 shotgun mic.

I also have a canon WD H43 wide angle lens for it.

All in all I think I have spent around $2900 modding and hacking it into a pro setup ;-)

But average users can score an hv20 and a cheap wireless lavalier setup and bargain wide angle lens by hunting on ebay for around the $400-$600 range.

New HV30s now retail for as little as $600 which is $300 less than I paid originally for mine.

If anyone intends to grow and become serious about online video or wants true HD video from a camera with external audio input capabilities you should consider the HV20 or HV30.

So many people throw their money away two or three hundred dollars at a time on cheap cameras only to find that they are not satisfied after a while or that they get tired of sounding bad because of the built in or on board microphones and no external audio input.

If you are serious about producing video for the web and are going to be doing more than the occasional up close video blog type video its best to save up and invest in a quality camera the first time rather than having to rebuy after throwing money away on a cheaper solutoin you were not satisfied with.

I recently sold my Canon GL2 and a bunch of other equipment and my next camera purchase will be the Canon XHA1 but that is a little above the budget range of most people :-)

For now I am having fun with my HV30.

Seriously... anyone who has not done so yet... check out what amateur and indi filmakers and camera hackers accomplish with their Canon hv20s and hv30s
- [ 2 ] Thanks
Signature
Nanacast Review
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[539253].message }}

tomah

15 years ago

If it's for web use primarily, save your money and forget about HD.

When it comes to making money online, efficiency and speed are important.

If you end up having to copy from an HDV tape, or a HUGE AVCHD file, it'll take you hours instead of minutes.

A basic, small camera/camcorder which records to an SD card and fits in your pocket, will save you a lot of headaches, time, and missed opportunities.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[539289].message }}

Fermin Suero

15 years ago

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Keep the information and discussion going.

At this time I am leaning towards Josh Anderson's suggestion of the HV30. This sounds to me like the most flexible. I will probably start with close ups but eventually I would like to be able to do a Joel Comm UStream type broadcast and the HV30 sounds like a good fit for that.

But, I'm still considering my options.

I agree with Josh that it would be better to spend a little more now and not throw away $200 or $300 dollars at a time on solutions that I would quickly outgrow.

Thanks again.

Thanks

Signature

Get a Google Voice Number for yourself or your Business (Buy 2 get 1 Free)
Google Voice invites available, limited supplies...
http://bit.ly/b6cfOW

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[539723].message }}

majidmaskat

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Fermin Suero

I am thinking about putting more effort into video marketing. Up to now I have only used Camtasia videos in my marketing. I want to start using some live video.

Can you fellow Warriors suggest a video camera or tell me about the one you are using?

Thanks,
Fermin

hey for video marketing do you mean after you have recorded your videos are you going to put them on the net: becasue i don't see any effectiveness in that personally

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540633].message }}

Fermin Suero

15 years ago

Originally Posted by majidmaskat

hey for video marketing do you mean after you have recorded your videos are you going to put them on the net: becasue i don't see any effectiveness in that personally

Are you kidding?

Do you know how much traffic YouTube and other video aggregation websites drive to thousands of websites? Also I want to be able to use video to enhance my product salespages and training materials.

Thanks

Signature

Get a Google Voice Number for yourself or your Business (Buy 2 get 1 Free)
Google Voice invites available, limited supplies...
http://bit.ly/b6cfOW

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540867].message }}

Jim Hallmark

15 years ago

Originally Posted by majidmaskat

hey for video marketing do you mean after you have recorded your videos are you going to put them on the net: becasue i don't see any effectiveness in that personally

Dude, are you serious? Video marketing is making alot of folks a pile of cash right now and it is only growing stronger every day. How can you possibly think that it is ineffective?

Need an example? Think Frank Kern and his recent MC 2.0 launch. He grossed around 5 mil in a little over 24 hours. But video marketing is not effective right?

Thanks

Signature

"Thoughts become things... choose the good ones!" Mike Dooley

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540874].message }}

Chris Vendilli

15 years ago

I have the Flip Mino HD. I love it. The audio is great for most purposes. Josh Anderson mentioned that the audio is "garbage" but I disagree. The audio for me has been great. Then again, I don't normally record videos for use on the web from a far distance. Who would?

I recorded a hockey game this past weekend and it was picking up sounds from the ice & sticks clattering at up to 40 or 50 feet away. Granted, the sounds didn't come across loud & clear, but then again, they sounded kind of like... they were 40 or 50 feet away

).

I also have a Sony Video camera with a flip open screen and 60 GB hard drive. I paid $900 for the Sony & my $250 Flip Mino makes wayyy better vids.

Plus, it's a lot easier to get the flip videos right onto my computer. It literally takes seconds.

Hope that helps. I must sound like a Flip video rep but I swear, so far... I freakin' love that thing.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540880].message }}

Scott Moody

15 years ago

If you are trying to market and connect to your audience, get the FLIP.

On the other hand, if you want to be slick, get a good HD cam with either Flash memory or a good hard drive, no CDs, etc.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[540963].message }}

longleyr

15 years ago

And for another nice touch, wireless mics are pretty reasonable. I'm just starting to use a Dak wireless lapel mic. Pretty good quality for under $100.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[541005].message }}

What Video Camera Do You Use/Suggest for Video Marketing

Trending Topics

Newbie

How did you turn it all around?

Any thoughts on golf's latest phenom...Scottie Scheffler??

A healthy fascination for Hollywood...

What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?