Recommend A Flash Memory Camcorder

[gkarris]

Loving taking vids with my digital cameras, but of course, the audio stinks.

Have a very old DV camcorder, and a slighly old DVD camcorder, but turning out to just put the vids on my computer.

What's a good flash memory camcorder? Go with standard def or future-proof go with HD?

What software is used to edit the video from one? I assume the video format is different from DV or DVD.

I'm used to using FCE or iMovie HD ver 6.

Thanks.

[Courtaj]

Could you suggest how much you want to spend, as your budget will determine what responses you get.

[bigbossbmb]

any footage recorded to HDD/Flash will need to be converted before going into any editing app.

[MacNoobie]

Take a look at some of the new Canon HD offerings to future proof u can always HD > SD your memories but not the other way around. It really depends on your budget as well I'm looking at the Canon Vixia HF stuff. Built in 32GB of memory and an SDHC card slot to replace an ancient broken mini DV camera from way back.

FCE iMovie will do just fine just be sure to have loads of ram so you can play.

[dalvin200]

canon hf100... to buy now..

or if you wait a bit canon announced the hfs100 at ces.. which is an updated hf100.. but will be more expensive than the already decent hf100 anyway :D

your choice

the format is AVCHD but if you import into iMovie/FCE then it will get converted into AIC (Apple codec) which results in quite large video files).. hence why nost people also use an external HDD for video editing.. so not a major problem..

[gkarris]

Could you suggest how much you want to spend, as your budget will determine what responses you get.

Obviously, nothing "pro" or "prosumer" - just basic Standard Def or High Def.

How are those Sanyo handhelds?

[gecko579]

Definitely on the low end but don't rule out the MinoHD completely. SO simple, with one hour recording time with built-in 4GB flash (not upgradable) and Li ion battery. The form factor is currently unbeatable and I find I'm bringing it everywhere (first rule of DV is you must actually have a camera!) and with the new stabilization feature in iMovie '09, the shots will be pretty good for consumer (720i) use. FWIW.

[gkarris]

Thanks. I'm going to need something with built-in IS, as well as optical zoom.

I'm using my Panasonic FZ8 like-dSLR, and it's got nice SD video, but the optical zoom doesn't work in video mode. :mad: Probably because they don't want it to compete with a real camcorder...

Looking at the Panasonics and Canons right now... was wondering about the Sanyo...

[gkarris]

Has anyone checked out this new HD Flash Camcorder from Sony? 1080 for $199! :eek:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644610396

[student_trap]

Has anyone checked out this new HD Flash Camcorder from Sony? 1080 for $199! :eek:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644610396

As far as i can tell there is no built in IS, and it is 1440x1080 rather than 1920x1080, which is a bit weird?

Anyhoo I just bought (hasn't even arrived yet!) a pany SD9. I was going to get the Canon FS100 (standard Def model) but then the pany's price dropped on amazon and i couldn't resist...it was the optical IS and tiny size that really swung me

[maestrokev]

Obviously, nothing "pro" or "prosumer" - just basic Standard Def or High Def.

How are those Sanyo handhelds?

I have the Sanyo HD1000 model. Pistol grip, takes 1080i video. Fantastic unit. What I was looking for was the smallest HD camcorder as it was for family video - larger units that don't fit in my pocket get left unused at home. The only weakness is the electronic image stabilization isn't as good as optical that Canon uses. The HD looks fantastic and works with iMovie.

[dwl017]

Definitely on the low end but don't rule out the MinoHD completely. SO simple, with one hour recording time with built-in 4GB flash (not upgradable) and Li ion battery. The form factor is currently unbeatable and I find I'm bringing it everywhere (first rule of DV is you must actually have a camera!) and with the new stabilization feature in iMovie '09, the shots will be pretty good for consumer (720i) use. FWIW.

I have to agree with this reply, if the camera is so large that it spends most of its life in a carry case then its money wasted. A friend of mine has the Flip Ultra and he shots amazing video with it, out riding his bike etc. also dont get over hyped about all the HD stuff when standard resolution is just fine for daily around town and family fun stuff.

[NinjaMonkey]

I'm also in the market for a small flash based video camera. So far I really like the new Sony since it has an optical zoom but RCA has a new model coming soon that looks interesting:

http://i.gizmodo.com/5124117/rca-small-wonder-ez209hd-120-microsd-high-def-recording

Looks like the RCA could be a cool little toy for only $120.

[isethx]

i've got a sony HDR-CX12 and i like it a lot

[4God]

Here's my next camera! (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/597438-REG/Canon_3568B001_VIXIA_HF_S10_Dual.html)
It even has manual gain control as well as exposure lock.

[dalvin200]

Here's my next camera! (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/597438-REG/Canon_3568B001_VIXIA_HF_S10_Dual.html)
It even has manual gain control as well as exposure lock.

yep.. its upgraded version of the current HF10..

any release dates on these?

[4God]

yep.. its upgraded version of the current HF10..

any release dates on these?

Not an exact date, but Canon says Feb '09 for the HFS10 and HFS100, March '09 for others.

[stubeeef]

yep.. its upgraded version of the current HF10..

any release dates on these?

I like the 8mp! This may be the all in one I have been looking for! I can wait for their release. Thanks!

[jzuena]

Definitely on the low end but don't rule out the MinoHD completely. SO simple, with one hour recording time with built-in 4GB flash (not upgradable) and Li ion battery. The form factor is currently unbeatable and I find I'm bringing it everywhere (first rule of DV is you must actually have a camera!) and with the new stabilization feature in iMovie '09, the shots will be pretty good for consumer (720i) use. FWIW.

I like that this is the only one of the new ultra-compact vertical HD recorders that supports OS X directly, but the limited record time would mean taking a laptop along when traveling in order to keep freeing up the memory. That's more of a drag than finding a new non-Pro Mac that will support FireWire so I can keep importing video from my Canon HV-20 into iMovie once the Mini dies.

Has anyone checked out this new HD Flash Camcorder from Sony? 1080 for $199! :eek:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644610396

Sony's website says they will soon have a vertical form factor version available for $169 (I'm really starting to warm up to that form factor, especially for a cheap secondary camera to complement my HV-20). It still uses memory sticks so it gets around the Flip's limitation there, but of course no mention of OS X compatibility so you are back to dragging the media files to your machine and then converting them. That's the same issue holding me back from the Creative Vado HD.

[jzuena]

I have to agree with this reply, if the camera is so large that it spends most of its life in a carry case then its money wasted. A friend of mine has the Flip Ultra and he shots amazing video with it, out riding his bike etc. also dont get over hyped about all the HD stuff when standard resolution is just fine for daily around town and family fun stuff.

But the MinoHD is only $50 more than the regular Mino. Why not invest the extra $50 "just in case"? Once you try HD resolutions you may decide you like it! They both hold the same 60 minutes of video before needing to offload to a computer and they have the exact same size and weight specs so they have exactly the same amount of portability.

If they come up with one that adds an SD slot or has more base memory I'm getting one (I might end up getting one anyway). I agree that with its size I'd be more likely to have it with me for lots of events that I wouldn't bother bringing my regular video camera to.

[alansmallen]

But the MinoHD is only $50 more than the regular Mino. Why not invest the extra $50 "just in case"? Once you try HD resolutions you may decide you like it! They both hold the same 60 minutes of video before needing to offload to a computer and they have the exact same size and weight specs so they have exactly the same amount of portability.

If they come up with one that adds an SD slot or has more base memory I'm getting one (I might end up getting one anyway). I agree that with its size I'd be more likely to have it with me for lots of events that I wouldn't bother bringing my regular video camera to.

I just bought the Flip Mino and I'm really impressed. I'm assuming that for the price difference, the HD might be worth it.

[jzuena]

I just bought the Flip Mino and I'm really impressed. I'm assuming that for the price difference, the HD might be worth it.

Its threads like this that keeps my credit card nice and warm on a cold, snowy winter day.:eek:

I'm leaning towards OS X/iMovie integration over memory expansion and that MinoHD is calling my name. And this, of course, is the perfect application for iMovie '09 and its video stabilization. Has iLife '09 started shipping yet? Once it ships I won't be able to rationalize away this little purchase.:D

[gkarris]

I was thinking about iLife '09's IS in case I end up with the Sony Webbie HD...

[titaniummd]

I got the following from Amazon:

Samsung SC-HMX20c HD 1080p 10 X optical camcorder with SDHC and 8 GB built in memory

Samsung SC-HMX20 SD camcorder 34 X optical zoom with Youtube capability.

I like the size, ease of use.

I am still trying to figure out how to edit videos on the FCE.

[RobertD63]

Well I just bought this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555313-REG/DXG_DXG_595V_DXG_595V_32MB_Flash_Memory.html) and I'm going to be receiving it tomorrow, Even though its backorderd check ebay.

[tcgjeukens]

Gkarris

What's a good flash memory camcorder?

Seems you have put your thoughts around a target technology, namely flash. Don't get me wrong, there are many decent flash based camera's ranging from a few hunderd to a couple of thousands of dollar/euro's.
The big question for you first is: What workflow do you prefer. What fits best with your way of capturing, tranferring to Mac, editing, archiving, back-up and distribution. You may find that flash is very useful for fast paced news editing, but less usable for making your 6 hour footage summer holiday movie.

What software is used to edit the video from one? ... turning out to just put the vids on my computer.

As stated, editing is part of your workflow choices. iMovie, FCE and FCP and Adobe Premiere will be able to edit footage from almost any camera ... but depending on the codec used upon capture, your editing software may require some intermediate steps. Search this forum on the debate AVCHD versus HDV or another one Tape versus HDD versus flash.
Be ware: the more modern (read efficient) the codec, the more CPU power and/ or disc space your Mac will need.

Good luck with your choice.

regards
Coen

[gkarris]

Anyone get the new Sony Webbie HD?

Thanks...

[gkarris]

I was in the stores to try out the Webbie HD - looks like the type of camcorder I'm looking for...

Here's a review on it with sample vids:

http://www.michaelsmith.tv/2009/01/22/sony-webbie-hd-mhs-cm1-full-review/

Doesn't have IS, but I downloaded the sample vids to take to the Apple store to run through iLife '09 IS to see if that works.

[gkarris]

^^^

Well, I tried the clips at the Apple Store on the White MacBook (the only computer there with iLife '09).

The clips are compatible with Mac (of course - they are in QT), and the IS seems to work good - I just didn't know how to work it fully.

It seems that it takes longer to stabilize a 1080 source compared to a 720 source.

As far as output for iMovie - it won't output to HD? I can only output to some lower rez???

I guess that's where iLife '10 comes in... :rolleyes:

[Courtaj]

As far as output for iMovie - it won't output to HD? I can only output to some lower rez???iMovie outputs 1920x1080 if you want it to.

[mithrilfox]

Just a heads up... I find that I love using MiniDV tapes. There's a variety of reasons... if you know already, and just want a memory stick cam... that's cool...

But, using MiniDVs arguably allows for better quality video, easy and cheap backup storage (can even output to tape with a finished project), and nearly unlimited storage for long projects (just buy a few more tapes for a few bucks and you got 60 mins per tape). Also, if your HDD craps out, you don't lose everything in one shot. For some people, a crapped-out HDD with all their video would be like having a fire in their office... they lose all their work.

Just a few thoughts.

[gkarris]

iMovie outputs 1920x1080 if you want it to.

Thanks, found it on using my iLife '08 - under "Export" and use MP4 settings...

Just a heads up... I find that I love using MiniDV tapes. There's a variety of reasons... if you know already, and just want a memory stick cam... that's cool...

But, using MiniDVs arguably allows for better quality video, easy and cheap backup storage (can even output to tape with a finished project), and nearly unlimited storage for long projects (just buy a few more tapes for a few bucks and you got 60 mins per tape). Also, if your HDD craps out, you don't lose everything in one shot. For some people, a crapped-out HDD with all their video would be like having a fire in their office... they lose all their work.

Just a few thoughts.

Thanks. We use DV tapes at church. The only thing with the old tape format is durability with all the moving parts.

Solid-State is definitely the future.

[soLoredd]

I just bought the Aiptek A-HD GVS from Amazon. I was debating between it and the MinoHD but the LCD on the Aiptek looks to be a bit better and the GVS provides stabilization. It was $50 more ($214) but it also has the ability to expand the memory (SD format).

I checked some of the videos on vimeo and they looked pretty good for the price. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.