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Need Video Camera Recommendations

by Nightengale
8 replies
Hi Warriors,

I know video is hot, hot hot, but I've shied away from using any video. I don't want to have to do my hair and face just to shoot a video. On any given day, my face has breakouts and I'm considering wearing a burqua, NOT shooting videos! I'd prefer to just stick with Audio Acrobat.

I know J-Mo and Kern shoot videos just as they are: surfer dudes. However, I believe in being as professional as possible and want high-quality videos. I don't want to look like something the cat dragged in (or have the camera make me look that way!). (No, I'm not saying that's how Kern and J-Mo look! ) I'm also on a budget. Not a great combination.

I'd prefer to never do videos -- ever. I have no desire to be in front of a camera. But I can't deny the marketing power of them. We ARE a TV-oriented society. (Actually, I don't have cable and can't get local reception, so no TV for me. Mine has 2-years' worth of dust on it and I like it that way.) So I need suggestions on how to create high-quality videos myself -- on a budget.

I don't have a video camera yet and have no idea what to buy. I've heard the Flip camera is good and someone I trust is selling them. I'd like to get one. I saw a thread here last night or the night before where someone said that the Flip camera takes good quality videos. Opinions on the Flip camera? Any other suggestions?

Also, what are your tips and suggestions for creating good-quality videos? If I get something like a Flip camera, should I get a little tripod or something for shooting videos from my desk? I'm not a fan of holding it in my hand and shooting myself at arm's length. (I only have a desktop and no webcam.)

I'd appreciate any thoughts and suggestions you have. Also, J-Mo, if you're around and see this, I'd appreciate your input too.

Thanks,
Michelle
#camera #recommendations #video
  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    If you are going to be sitting right in front of the camera (no more than 3 feet away) then the flip will be ok for you. Don't expect great audio but it will be acceptable. Its not going to be pro quality... it'll be more like a webcam.

    However, if you are going to do presentations where you are standing in a studio or more than three feet away... don't use anything that does not include an external mic connection.

    Also note... I personally would recommend NOT wasting your money on a flip or anything like it. Instead buy a quality camera that does all you need it to do in all situations you might use it in and which has an external mic plugin.

    The Canon HV30 is still the best buy as it is now under $600... and you can likely find them used on Ebay at a discount (but I like to get warranties with my cameras).
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  • Profile picture of the author rhelaine
    remember to get a lavalier microphone...it is the best option for voice and a cheap one will still be WAY WAY better than any integrated microphone.
    Take a video camera with line in or accept to do some post synchronization.
    You video will always be as good or as bad as your audio. You can put up with crap video but not crap audio.
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    • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
      I have a Canon ZR500 - it's out of production but still available
      used or as new/old-stock.

      The camera has a mic input. That's what makes it better
      than most.

      For internet video the screen is a little box. If you tried
      to make internet video look good on a full screen it's too
      big a file anyway (for streaming) so, really, video quality
      is not terribly important. Good sound is though.
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      • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
        Thanks for the tips, guys! I appreciate it.

        Think I'll put video on the back burner for now though. I haven't taken full advantage of audio yet (posting audio on my site, doing podcasts, etc), so I'll stick with that and put video off for now.

        Since I'm so paranoid about appearing in video, the only reason I brought it up is because I noticed how much more "real" people became to me when I'd seen a video of them. I tended to feel like I "knew" them and was much more likely to buy from them. Of course, I already knew video did that. But when I noticed it happening to ME on such a grand scale, I realized I needed to consider video.

        But as Miz Scarlett says, "I can't think about that now. I think about it tomorrow."

        Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
    Whatever you get, just remember people want to know the real you -- they don't want another CNN talking head.

    IMHO that is more important than the equipment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
    Originally Posted by Nightengale View Post

    Also, what are your tips and suggestions for creating good-quality videos? If I get something like a Flip camera, should I get a little tripod or something for shooting videos from my desk? I'm not a fan of holding it in my hand and shooting myself at arm's length. (I only have a desktop and no webcam.)
    Consider the Flip HD. You can get a small tripod for it if you have a desk or table to set it on, or you can use it with a regular size tripod too.

    It's a pretty inexpensive way to get started. If you have decent lighting in the room and relative quiet, you should get good video and audio out of it.

    If videos work out for you, you can always get a more expensive and higher end camera later.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      Dan,

      That's exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for! Thanks!

      My only other question would be does the Flip HD have a port for plugging in a mic? I can understand what the others said about having good audio.

      Michelle
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
        Originally Posted by Nightengale View Post

        My only other question would be does the Flip HD have a port for plugging in a mic? I can understand what the others said about having good audio.
        No, it doesn't have a mic port.
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