Hi,
I've been considering a low-end camcorder for random family clips etc. we have a MiniDV camcorder which is ok but more of a hassle to capture since it's not solidstate media.
I've looked at the Flip UltraHD and some of the point-and-shoot cameras with movie mode.
Can anyone recommend something in the sub-$300 which meets (most of) the following conditions? I realize on some level I'll get what I paid for but should still be an improvement over what I'm at now.
1) NTSC (or better) capture. Ideally clip length limited only by media size.
2) Clean native file format that's compatible with FCP, ideally w/o transcode? (Is this even possible w/o DV?)
3) Compatibility with iPhoto
4) decent if not good low-light quality
5) rechargeable batteries
6) 8GB or more storage (memory card preferred)
7) expandable memory capacity (ideally SD/Compact Flash)
8) Ability to do still photos a plus but not required (I have 10MPx DSLR already)
9) decent optical zoom (2x+?)
10) tripod mount
I'm not completely clear what formats are best compatible with FCP. Of AVI's, is H264 best to look for? Does Motion-JPG suck horribly?
The Flip UltraHD comes up short with #5, 7, 8 and 9 (and possibly 3?)
Most point-and-shoot cameras seem to come up short with #2 and 5 (some Nikon's appeared to have rechargeable).
Can anyone confirm the above and/or make any suggestions? Outlining which criteria are met would be great if anyone can make a recommendation. I'd prefer things you've actually used if possible.
Thanks to everyone who can help! Hopefully this can pave the foundation for a mac-compatible tapeless camcorder buyers guide.
-Matt
_________
FYI I went ahead & picked up a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS at my local Best Buy. It can shoot HD to the built-in SD chip and iPhoto '08 imported the pics and movies both just great! Once the videos were into iPhoto, I can easily drag them to folders on the HD (if I want media sorted with the FCP project) or drag directly into FCP from iPhoto to leave them in the iPhoto folder. I think iPhoto transcoded to a QT-friendly format when it imports.
So far I'm very happy - got my ultraportable HD taken care of and have a 3x optical zoom and 12Mpx camera to boot! Same price at Newegg...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120352
I've been considering a low-end camcorder for random family clips etc. we have a MiniDV camcorder which is ok but more of a hassle to capture since it's not solidstate media.
I've looked at the Flip UltraHD and some of the point-and-shoot cameras with movie mode.
Can anyone recommend something in the sub-$300 which meets (most of) the following conditions? I realize on some level I'll get what I paid for but should still be an improvement over what I'm at now.
1) NTSC (or better) capture. Ideally clip length limited only by media size.
2) Clean native file format that's compatible with FCP, ideally w/o transcode? (Is this even possible w/o DV?)
3) Compatibility with iPhoto
4) decent if not good low-light quality
5) rechargeable batteries
6) 8GB or more storage (memory card preferred)
7) expandable memory capacity (ideally SD/Compact Flash)
8) Ability to do still photos a plus but not required (I have 10MPx DSLR already)
9) decent optical zoom (2x+?)
10) tripod mount
I'm not completely clear what formats are best compatible with FCP. Of AVI's, is H264 best to look for? Does Motion-JPG suck horribly?
The Flip UltraHD comes up short with #5, 7, 8 and 9 (and possibly 3?)
Most point-and-shoot cameras seem to come up short with #2 and 5 (some Nikon's appeared to have rechargeable).
Can anyone confirm the above and/or make any suggestions? Outlining which criteria are met would be great if anyone can make a recommendation. I'd prefer things you've actually used if possible.
Thanks to everyone who can help! Hopefully this can pave the foundation for a mac-compatible tapeless camcorder buyers guide.
-Matt
_________
FYI I went ahead & picked up a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS at my local Best Buy. It can shoot HD to the built-in SD chip and iPhoto '08 imported the pics and movies both just great! Once the videos were into iPhoto, I can easily drag them to folders on the HD (if I want media sorted with the FCP project) or drag directly into FCP from iPhoto to leave them in the iPhoto folder. I think iPhoto transcoded to a QT-friendly format when it imports.
So far I'm very happy - got my ultraportable HD taken care of and have a 3x optical zoom and 12Mpx camera to boot! Same price at Newegg...