I want a Camcorder

[chrismacguy]

The OP of this thread is asking the same questions I feel everyone asks when they just start taking an interest in this topic. Unfortunately, it's hard to comprehend that there is so much more to it.

I commend the responders for being patient in this thread in their help. But I'm not a fan of the "before you get a camera you need to..." advice, I feel when you have a camera and start doing things, that's when you really start learning.

I like the Canon HV20/HV30/HV40 as a starting point. Maybe we can make things simple and say get started with that? The reason why is that I've seen some really nice looking things coming out these cameras once the user knows what they're doing. It's a good learning camera and not too bad - I myself I bought the HV20 refurbished from the canon store for $399+tax and shipping back in April. I'm sure deals better on newer models (Which from what I understand, aren't really too much better) can be found.

+1 - He should just go get the most basic camcorder he can find - (Preferably Canon *points at own preferences here, awaits bashing and correction *) and not necessarilly even HD capable and use that to start editing (Im still using a Canon MD-205 MiniDV SD Camera - which works perfectly fine for Home Movies and even in SD it still looks wonderful - Im not going to move to HD till about 2012 I expect - just cos I cant see the need). It also does look like even though the OP is in a film class, he doesnt really know a huge amount about Digital Video - oh well, looks like we better bring him up-to-speed

 

[bsamcash]

The loosing of quality depends on the recording medium and the in-camera compression.

That's sort of what I meant, sorry I wasn't clear, I was trying to make it simple. I figured that sense the OP didn't care about resolution, it would be safer to suggest getting a higher res, which in turn has more of the original data, so when he transcodes for editing, then transcodes again for playing, he'll still have a larger about of the original data and quality regardless of his final res.

I know it's more complicated than that, I was just trying to make it simple for a beginner.

 

[MisterMe]

+1 - He should just go get the most basic camcorder he can find - ...

I agree with your sentiments, but I do not agree with your advice. My understanding of the OP is that he wants to edit the video that he shoots. What he needs is not the "most basic camcorder that he can find," but rather the "most basic camcorder that will meet his needs." Before posting to this forum, the OP had no idea what his needs are. How many people have come onto this forum for help using a mini DVD camcorder with iMovie on their iMac? Instead of a budding Steven Spielberg, you have a frustrated switcher who wonders why he ever paid all that money for a Mac.

Long story short, there is some base-level knowledge that the OP should have before he swipes his credit card. That said, I believe that your suggestions for starter camcorders are good ones.

 

[mstrze]

I use a Flip Video HD camcorder which we bought for less than 200 bucks and it shoots in HD (720p) AND allows you to edit in iMovie. I have been doing so with this camera for over a year now. I believe Kodak also has a model that behaves similarly and shoots in 1080p. Movie files import into iPhoto through USB and you can easily choose them in the current versions of iMovie from the video navigator at the bottom of the screen under...you guessed it...iPhoto Movies (don't know about the older iMovie HD..prob have to use the Import command and navigate to the files individually)


As opposed to what a previous poster has said, your $350 limit will NOT limit you to only MiniDV camcorders. Although you will get the most features for your money if you go that route...you just won't have the ability for an HD camera at that price point using tape.

For good-looking, easy to use starter video, the Flip and Kodak offerings are worth investigating, especially in your situation.

 

[0009382]

Reply.

OK, so there has been posted a lot of interesting stuff since I last posted.

I use a Flip Video HD camcorder which we bought for less than 200 bucks and it shoots in HD (720p) AND allows you to edit in iMovie.

http://blog.digitaladvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Kodak-Zi8.jpg

Is that link what your talking about?

As opposed to what a previous poster has said, your $350 limit will NOT limit you to only MiniDV camcorders

Is that the one that I use tapes? I think I'd like to use tapes.

Does every camcorder work with every editing software? Or do some camcorders only work with certain programs (Final Cut, Premier, Aftereffects, etc.).

I'll check www.Ebay.com for some camcorders.

I can buy this tonight. Looks like a large package, and comes with lots of extras. is it a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-Camcorder...eo_Cameras?hash=item35a72f69c7#ht_3024wt_1078

 

[MisterMe]

...

Does every camcorder work with every editing software? Or do some camcorders only work with certain programs (Final Cut, Premier, Aftereffects, etc.).

...

The answer is a very qualified "No." However, you can edit a wide variety of formats if you are willing to put-up with the hassle. You are fairly well set if your camcorder uses mini DV tape (including HD formats that use this media) and a FireWire port. iMovie handles other cameras on a case-by-case basis. On its website, Apple lists the formats handled by Final Cut Pro. You should search the websites of each application that interests you for compatible formats.

I have imported video into iMovie from a $30 camcorder that used a Smart Card for storage. Other camcorders may require additional software or even additional hardware for your software to handle it. MPEG Streamline is essential software for many. Because most camcorders are designed for playback on a TV, you can use an elgato eyeTV to capture video on your Mac. With a mini DVD camera, then you are set if you have Handrake on a Mac with a tray-loading optical drive.

Within the limits of your budget, however, you are set if you have a mini DV camcorder with a FireWire port. You will need no additional software and no additional hardware (provided you have a FireWire cable).