What type of cameras do you use to record video?

16 replies
Hey all,

I'm in the market for a new webcam, but I'm not sure what to look for. I've got a Microsoft webcam that I got free ($50 reg price) and it's slower than crap. I've done some videos and the movement is all jerky and delayed like you wouldn't believe.

So, what would you recommend? Please provide direct links if you have any.

Appreciate it!
#cameras #record #type #video
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    Among my cameras I have three consumer line models, and all of them are Mini DV. If you're not interested in investing in a prosumer or pro camera, I highly recommend the Canon Vixia HV30 HD Mini DV camera. Great unit, and they're probably less than $700 these days.

    Oh, and Sony Vegas Pro for editing.
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  • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
    Originally Posted by trippmarxx View Post

    Hey all,

    I'm in the market for a new webcam, but I'm not sure what to look for. I've got a Microsoft webcam that I got free ($50 reg price) and it's slower than crap. I've done some videos and the movement is all jerky and delayed like you wouldn't believe.

    So, what would you recommend? Please provide direct links if you have any.

    Appreciate it!
    I dont quite understand your question. Do you want a web cam, or do you want to record videos? Web cams are not for recording quality videos. If you want to record a quality production that you plan on using for your website, get a real digital camera and a tripod.

    Canon and sony both make quality digital cameras that can record video.

    I think its kodak that records in MP4, stay away from that. Not all video editing software supports MP4. So if you buy a kodak be aware of that issue.

    Look for something that records in AVI and at 30 frames per second. I like to use my wifes Canon powershot 750. It has a large LCD screen, films at 30 FPS at 640 X 480 and takes quality pictures.

    Get a camera that uses a standard SD card. Olympus cameras use the XD memory cards. These cards have a physical limitation of 2 gigs. While there are 8 gig SD cards on the market. I you look at an Olympus, make sure it does not use the XD cards. At 640 X 480 and 15 FPS, a 2 gig XD card will hold about 35 minutes of video. While you can get a 4 gig SD card that holds 45 minutes of 640 X 480 and 30 FPS. With an 8 gig card you should be able to get 90 minutes of video.

    Cameras that us the XD cards are years behind the technology curve. If I remember right it was Olympus that invented the XD card, that is why they still use it. Do you want a camera that can hold 35 minutes of video, or 90+ minutes? I think there are even some 12 gig SD cards on the market. These should hold close to 2 hours of video.

    Stay away from the cheap memory cards. Kodak and sony cards seem to be pretty good.

    Sony cameras were not designed to zoom while recording. If you need that feature look at something else besides a Sony. This might have changed in the last few months. So if you find a sony digital camera that can zoom while recording, please let me know.

    I have used several digital cameras over the years. In the end I was most impressed with Sony and Canon. I was least impressed with panasonic.
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  • Profile picture of the author trippmarxx
    Kev,

    I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm looking for something that is small and inexpensive. I'm not looking to do anything super glamorous in making videos, as I am a complete newbie when it comes to it. I just want something that is of decent quality and can help me get started.

    Thanks for your detailed input. I'll take your recommendations into consideration.
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    • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
      Originally Posted by trippmarxx View Post

      Kev,

      I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm looking for something that is small and inexpensive. I'm not looking to do anything super glamorous in making videos, as I am a complete newbie when it comes to it. I just want something that is of decent quality and can help me get started.

      Thanks for your detailed input. I'll take your recommendations into consideration.
      Kodak - but make sure you have the software to edit MP4 videos.

      Sony has an economy line. These usually cost less then $150, but film at 320 X 240 and 30 FPS. Or 640 X 480 and 15 FPS.

      Fujifilm seems to be a good economy line of cameras.

      The 15 frames per second will seem grainy and will not usually make a top quality video.

      Wait until after christmas and hit some of the new years or after christmas specials.

      If you look at a camera with an XD card, keep in mind that those cards are more expensive then the SD cards. Last time I bought an XD card, it was like $20 for a 2 gig card. You can catch 4 gig SD cards for that same price and less. One christmas sale I saw had 4 gig SD cards listed at $15.
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  • Profile picture of the author RBum78
    Go with kodak...Get a 7.2MP Camera and videos will go smooth...
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  • Profile picture of the author FrankRumbauskas
    If you do want to do something production quality but don't have or want to spend $10,000+ on equipment, rentals have become ridiculously cheap now in the down economy. My main camera that cost $7,500 to purchase can be rented for around $150/day now.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
      For what you are looking to do, I'd think you should just use a Macintosh built in eye sight camera.

      You'll get a camera and the editing software and music studio all built into one. Get a Mac dude. It will be best thing you ever did.
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      • Profile picture of the author FrankRumbauskas
        Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt View Post

        You'll get a camera and the editing software and music studio all built into one. Get a Mac dude. It will be best thing you ever did.
        Agreed! I went to Macs almost 6 years ago, when they weren't anywhere near as good as they are now, and have never regretted it! There is now a Mac in my office and two in the house
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  • Profile picture of the author IMamy
    I just signed up.

    But, how about the Flip? It's small, and inexpensive when compared to bigger camcorders.
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    • Profile picture of the author marcanthony
      If you want to stand out... take it to another level with the Canon Vixia HV10 HD

      It's around $1100...

      Worth every penny!
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  • Profile picture of the author Charles Harper
    More Mac evangelists trying to force their religion on everyone.



    Charles
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    • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
      Originally Posted by Charles Harper View Post

      More Mac evangelists trying to force their religion on everyone.



      Charles
      Not really Charles.

      I'm sitting with 2 PCS on as well right this second.

      There is a purpose for each and all marketers who want to be equipped with the best tools is advised to have a Mac and a PC.

      If I'm trying to force anything, it's the idea to be flexible and equipped.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Brock
        Even though I don't have one myself (I was lucky enough to get an awesome Olympus for my last birthday) I have heard of nothing but good things about the Flip video cameras.

        Amazon.com: Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder,...Amazon.com: Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder,...

        Take care buddy,

        Mark
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        • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
          You can find used mini DV cameras that you can load video onto your computer via firewire for well under $100 bucks with lots of goodies to go with it on ebay and they are very tidy in size.

          Look close at the auctions because a lot of people buy cameras and use them like 10 times tops and don't know what to do with them and wind up leaving them in the closet where they stay in perfect condition. Now everyone is scrambling for money so you can get some great deals.

          I like the mini DV with the tapes because you aren't limited to hard drive space.

          I have a small canon ZR 45 one chip camera, and I am able to do a flawless 2 camera shoot with a Canon GL1 which is a 3 chip (those will be a bit more money). Many of the components on these 2 can be shared IE wireless mic and on camera lights.

          I too recommend the mac with built in camera for "quickie" videos and works great with skype as well for video conferencing.
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          • Profile picture of the author seantaylor
            For $200 you can get a cannon powershot. If you want something for 200 or less it is the only way to go.
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  • Profile picture of the author trippmarxx
    Thanks for all of the ideas guys. Off to the web to see what I can get my hands on.

    Jason - I've considered purchasing a Mac for quite some time, and plan to take the jump sometime next year. I know they are pretty damn powerful, at least nowadays they seem to be. It'll just take me some time to get used to one.
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