16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Which HD Camcorder is best value?

by SOSadverts
13 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Hey Warriors


I'm looking for some recommendations on which HD videocamera to buy.

I want to shoot videos like Eben, Trey etc.

Me talking in front of a camera, talking, presenting myself and my product.

What videocamera would you recommend and do you have some other tips? Mics?

What are my needs?

Thanks
#camcorder
  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
    I use a Canon T2i for my video camera. As for microphones I have a bunch.

    But, you can get away with using a zoom H1 audio recorder connected to an audio-technica 3355 wired lavalier microphone. Then, you would need to sync up the audio in postproduction.

    This will give you amazing quality. But, you need to have good lighting.

    I would suggest using at least 3 85 W CFL's with a temperature rating of 5000k - 5700k

    That would give you amazing quality. The whole setup would cost you around $1200.

    Shannon Herod
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3348101].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mscherrah
      For doing shots of yourself, you don't need anything too high end. Canon has the HV40, which is a really great consumer grade product. It shoots onto HD tape and puts out a respectable picture. Audio is a little tricky. A Lav mic is best, these range anywhere from 100 and up. Run the mic into the camera, a digital audio recorder, or a preamp, and you will be good to go. Lighting can make or break a production. You want to make sure you white balance the camera to the specific light setting (temperature) so your shots do not look yellow/green/etc. I am pretty sure the HV40 has an auto white balance feature, but I never trust those, I know it has manual functions as well.

      Hope this helps.

      Matt
      Signature
      HD Video Production Services
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3348137].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Evan-M
    flip hd had great video quality and also price.
    Signature

    Evan-M

    Easily The Worlds Best Wordpress Popup plugin

    Visit Website Design Firm For All Your Wordpress Coding Needs

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3348187].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    Best value for money right now is used or refurbished canon hf10 or used hv30.
    Signature
    Nanacast Review
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3348517].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
      I'm going to record a quick video for you guys and put it up here. It will probably take me about an hour to get it filmed and edited up.

      Talk soon,

      Shannon Herod
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3348534].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dave Rodman
    Banned
    I just bought this camera and have been EXTREMELY happy with it. I think I paid $399 for it and it's basically exactly like the $700 model without a couple features.

    Amazon.com: Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def...Amazon.com: Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3348546].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod

      Here's a video of my home studio. You are not going to be able to see the quality unless you click on the video and then play it in HD at YouTube.

      Here's what I'm using...

      Canon t2i

      Zoom h1 audio recorder

      Audio Technica atr3350 wired lavaliere microphone

      2 85 Watt CFL's 2 35 Watt CFL's

      China ball paper lantern

      That can give you high quality studio looking video at a very reasonable price.

      Talk soon,

      Shannon
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3349341].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Headfirst
    Almost everything out there from a name brand is going to be pretty good these days. The hardest part will be finding something new with a mic jack. You wont find many consumer camcorders with them anymore.

    Canon has a few in the ~$300 range, others may have some. I use a Canon FS with audio technica lavalier mics. For lighting I use 3 home depot halogen work lamps bounced off pieces of foamcore board (dont put it to close, it will burn)
    Signature
    Golf Outing Sponsor Signs, Banners and Flags||Plymouth, MI Marketing || Plymouth Dentist
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3349461].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
      Originally Posted by Headfirst View Post

      The hardest part will be finding something new with a mic jack. You wont find many consumer camcorders with them anymore.
      Except the two that I mentioned

      Originally Posted by Josh Anderson View Post

      Best value for money right now is used or refurbished canon hf10 or used hv30.
      The only reason I suggest used or refurbished models is because they sell for around $400 and the hf11 or hv40 (the latest versions) retail for 2-3x more and do not offer many benefits over the previous versions.

      The hf10 is a great hd + card based camcorder while the hv30 is a true hdv tape based camcorder.

      There is an entire forum dedicated to using these consumer level camcorders in professional environments:

      Canon HV20, HV30 & HV40 User Forum

      Also consider that in the low end consumer market both the Kodac zi8 and the Aiptek GVS HD have external mic inputs.

      We have discussed these low end consumer pocket camcorders in depth here:

      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-mic-jack.html
      Signature
      Nanacast Review
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3349583].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
    You know Josh I actually learned video from you. At least 4 years ago. It started with total web audio. As soon as DAP can work with NanaCast I will start using that service as well. I know you have your own wp plugin but It just can not compete with the flexibility of DAP. However, I have not found a cart that is as feature rich as yours.

    Shannon
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3350146].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
      All you need to do is use our API to integrate. Maybe you should ask them to... or if they have inbound API you could integrate.

      Originally Posted by Shannon Herod View Post

      You know Josh I actually learned video from you. At least 4 years ago. It started with total web audio. As soon as DAP can work with NanaCast I will start using that service as well. I know you have your own wp plugin but It just can not compete with the flexibility of DAP. However, I have not found a cart that is as feature rich as yours.

      Shannon
      Signature
      Nanacast Review
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3350689].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SOSadverts
    @Shannon
    Thanks! Great work with the video answer helped alot. Something like that i'm after.


    Have heard about the Kodak and Flipcam alot, but it just doesnt sound like it can do the job probably?
    So think i'm after a more expensive setup then for getting the right quality
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3351878].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
      You can get "good" quality with the Zi8. It is what I started with. But it is very important that you get Day light balanced lights, because that is what the white balance of those cameras are set to.

      If you can not afford the more expensive camera start with the Zi8.

      Do not let equipment stop you from building your business.

      I started this business with $0.00.That is right not a single dollar. And built it into the power house it is today.

      It took time but I got here. The point is you need to start now. It does not matter if you have the best camera. Upgrade as you go. That is exactly what I did.

      Shannon
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3352275].message }}

Trending Topics