Your Camera for Youtube Videos?

29 replies
I need to get a cam for a couple of youtubes videos I have to make. I have the microphone in the mail on his way, now I need a cam. Which type of cams are you guys using? Webcam or normal cam? I need HD.

I couldnt find much info on this on the forum and all the websites on this subject are biased, trying to get me to click on their links, nothing useful.

Thanks guys.
#camera #videos #youtube
  • Profile picture of the author Martin Lee Jr
    Hi Justin

    They are both useful, but it would depend on your project needs.

    For Instance, I use Camtasia (Screen recording software) for most of my projects because they are "watch me over the shoulder" information type videos

    But I do have a few vids where I'm on screen, and that was taken from a regular consumer camcorder.

    I really don't like the webcam feature for recording because to me the picture doesn't come out as clear, but for others it's quite fine. So this is something you probably will have to decide if it is in the best interest for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
      iPhone all the way!

      Heck I use that bad boy for everyyyyyyyyyyyyyything.

      Shoots in HD quality as well, can't ask for more!
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      • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
        Originally Posted by jamescanz View Post

        iPhone all the way!

        Heck I use that bad boy for everyyyyyyyyyyyyyything.

        Shoots in HD quality as well, can't ask for more!
        Haha, I agree actually. I got an app for it that enhances the camera further which was tested better than a $5,000 camera and tied with a $13,000 camera. I actually bought a tri-pod on ebay for my iPhone, it's prefect

        But for professional videos I go to a local video recorder who has a studio with a green screen and white board and some professional cameras which I can film with.
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  • Profile picture of the author Des Lau
    Really depends on your budget and what quality you're after.

    I've got a flip cam that does 1080p and you can plug in your external mic.. you can pick one of these up for less than $200.

    Or a DSLR which provides crisp 1080p with overall superior quality. Anywhere from $600+
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    • Profile picture of the author MaryKathan
      Originally Posted by Des Lau View Post

      Really depends on your budget and what quality you're after.

      I've got a flip cam that does 1080p and you can plug in your external mic.. you can pick one of these up for less than $200.

      Or a DSLR which provides crisp 1080p with overall superior quality. Anywhere from $600+

      Which flip cam do you have? I wanted to get the Kodak zi8 but they are not making them anymore so the price is up around $400 now (doubled). Any flip ideas with external mic ?
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      • Profile picture of the author Des Lau
        Originally Posted by MaryKathan View Post

        Which flip cam do you have? I wanted to get the Kodak zi8 but they are not making them anymore so the price is up around $400 now (doubled). Any flip ideas with external mic ?
        I've got a Kodak Zi8 and also a Cisco Flip Ultra HD. Although the Cisco doesn't have an external mic input and no expandable storage

        Bang for your buck I would choose the Kodak, due to the external mic, but as you say they've gone up in price. I've seen a few second hand ones on ebay, that might be the go..
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      • Profile picture of the author Robin Blinds
        Originally Posted by MaryKathan View Post

        Which flip cam do you have? I wanted to get the Kodak zi8 but they are not making them anymore so the price is up around $400 now (doubled). Any flip ideas with external mic ?
        Kodak Play Touch has ext. mic input. You can get one for under $100
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  • Profile picture of the author joshcoffy
    Definitely depends on your budget like they said.

    I personally use a Canon Rebel T3i, but they run $700...

    -Josh
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Lengley
      Galaxy S3 camera works fine for me. But, I am not a professional video maker. I have made few documentaries for fun and got a very good result.

      Personally, I love Cannon. It's expensive, but it gives the finest quality. Moreover, it operates on a very high level. The details it captures are truly amazing.
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  • Profile picture of the author slanier2
    For my computer based webcam I have a high def 1080i Creative HD webcam. Fantastic quality and even with youtubes worthless uploader I get good quality.

    Standalone cam I have a Droid Bionic. I would personally go android over Iphone as the android marketplace is light years ahead of that iphone garbage.

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author butters
      I don't use normal cameras myself, my iMac has a built in cam every time I want to put my ugly face online The mic is built in to so I never worry about that either. Quite honestly tho, if I was to do any form of filming outside, a standard camera or slightly above would be more than adequate for getting the job done.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt79
    For the most part any HD cam works fine, be it via cell phone, laptop, or high end cameras. The two keys are audio and proper lighting.
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  • Profile picture of the author napoleonfirst
    Well, it depends on the quality of the cam and the software you use. It is a combination but the iPhone comes with a great camera you can use for this purpose.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    I use both a digital camera and a web camera...

    Although, 99% of my videos are done using a web camera. It's an HP I picked up at Wal-Mart for less than $50 and it works great!

    I rarely use my digital camera - only when traveling to events, so not sure what it is but I do know it's a Kodak Easy share - I think it was around $100 or so at Wal-Mart.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers,
    Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    I use this Samsung W200. I got it from Walmart of Amazon(?) for about $80. I found some refurbished on ebay for less than $50.

    I had a Flip, but like the Samsung better.

    Unless you are doing something that requires really high quality video, like weddings, it's more about your content than anything else.

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  • Profile picture of the author dukegman
    It all comes down to your own quality requirements. Its all up to how you define "high quality" for your project. For me, an Iphone can do all the trick.
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Lavoie
    Thanks for the help guys, I think I will try and start with a screen capture program since at the moment all I need is people to see my screen and not necessarely my face. I just never thought about it but it make sense.

    I will give Camtasia's trial a try. I see the price tag at 299$, is there a car included with the software?!
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve Solem
      Originally Posted by Justin Lavoie View Post

      I will give Camtasia's trial a try. I see the price tag at 299$, is there a car included with the software?!
      How long will your screen cap videos be? The Camtasia folks also make Jing which is free and lets you record up to 5 minutes long, but it's best for basic videos you can do in one take as you really don't have any editing options etc...

      In regards to cameras, make a list of what features are important to you and find something that fits the bill as closely as possible.

      I love my now 2yr old iphone, but just got a Lav mike for my Canon t3i and need to get an adapter for that to work with the phone. If you need something to record you while you're doing screen cap videos, I've always considered Logitech to be among the best when it comes to webcams.

      Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by Justin Lavoie View Post

      Thanks for the help guys, I think I will try and start with a screen capture program since at the moment all I need is people to see my screen and not necessarely my face. I just never thought about it but it make sense.

      I will give Camtasia's trial a try. I see the price tag at 299$, is there a car included with the software?!
      If you just need a screen capture software then check out Screencast-O-Matic - Free online screen recorder for instant screen capture video sharing.

      You can start for free and their "pro" version is very affordable at only $15 a year.

      Cheers,
      Coby
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      • Profile picture of the author Justin Lavoie
        Originally Posted by Coby View Post

        If you just need a screen capture software then check out Screencast-O-Matic - Free online screen recorder for instant screen capture video sharing.

        You can start for free and their "pro" version is very affordable at only $15/month.

        Cheers,
        Coby
        Hey coby great advice I looked at Screencast-o-matic and its so easy to use. Exactly what I need at the moment. Correct me if im wrong but its actually 15$/yr ,instead of 15$/mnth? At 15$/month its a bit expense but for a year I could live with that.
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        • Profile picture of the author Coby
          Originally Posted by Justin Lavoie View Post

          Hey coby great advice I looked at Screencast-o-matic and its so easy to use. Exactly what I need at the moment. Correct me if im wrong but its actually 15$/yr ,instead of 15$/mnth? At 15$/month its a bit expense but for a year I could live with that.
          Yeah, you are right, it's per year.

          Sorry for the mix up :p

          I'll fix my original post.

          I actually got it for $12 a year since I've been using them for a very long time, before they increased it slightly to $15

          Cheers,
          Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author mikeac
    I just use my iPhone Camera for all my vids. It does the trick and nobody complains. Im planning on upgrading to an Official Camera like the Canon Rebel very soon.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Justin,

    I personally use a Canon Elura 80. (It is not a webcam. It is a regular camera).

    I bought it off Ebay 2 years ago for like $50. If you go on Ebay, you will find cameras that usually sell for $500 at a store for less then $100.

    Sure they are used but you just need to have one that can capture you on video and then to upload it to YouTube.

    Make sure that when you do buy one, that you get a remote control with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author CBusiness
    depends what you're trying to do

    If it's professional, go HD. A camera i like over all i've tried........ Cannon 60D.... the new Cannon 4Ti is awesome as well. The 3Ti can be good for a beginner and just went on sale for about $300 most places.

    If you're doing something for viral effect, in my experience, people find the less high-tech more 'realistic'............... cell phone looking footage reallly sells the idea of 'random'
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  • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
    I recommend either a Kodak Zi8 (these have a large following, people have done some amazing things with them) and/or a Kodak Zx5. Both are inexpensive and offer great quality. 60 FPS at 720p is my favorite but have some amazing footage of when I went snowboarding in Aspen, CO last week recorded at 30 FPS at 1080p. Since you've already bought an external mic, you've already fixed my only complaint about the two, but it wasn't that bad to begin with.

    There's tons of videos on youtube, make sure you view them at their max settings

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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Most webcam quality are poor. If you want to do a screen cast, roll with Camstudio or Camtasia. But a good HD camera from the Walmart or Best Buy will do you well. May cost $100 or more, but it's worth it if you want to be on camera. Make sure you get a tripod too.
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    I also rec an expensive camera. For example, an HD one from canon. The quality is super. Please remember that you are judged by the quality of your movie.
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