Video Cams
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westytoploader
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I have a Sony DCR101 digital DVD camcorder and love it. Very compact and lightweight, easy-to-use menus and touchscreen display, and the best part is you don't need a cable or special VCR adapter for video playback! After you "finalize" it on camera, put it in your DVD player and you're ready to go!
Sony again
I have the DCR-HC42, very similar to Austin's camera, though mine uses mini-DV, or digital video tapes.
Now, once you have the camera, you may want an editing program. Check out the Premiere Elements forum on the Adobe website. It's a good editor, reasonably priced and there are some great people over there that offer a lot of help with editing. In the FAQ section of that forum, there is also information on cameras.
I have the DCR-HC42, very similar to Austin's camera, though mine uses mini-DV, or digital video tapes.
Now, once you have the camera, you may want an editing program. Check out the Premiere Elements forum on the Adobe website. It's a good editor, reasonably priced and there are some great people over there that offer a lot of help with editing. In the FAQ section of that forum, there is also information on cameras.
I've been wanting a camera also. My still-shot jobbie doesn't do so hot on video clips. I'm leaning toward tape instead of disc.
kevinpreston8
Well-known member
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- Jan 23, 2006
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- 371
Many choices here
In the typical consumer space, the last few years have been dominated by the Mini-DV digital cameras. This is digital technology but records onto small tapes. The stored image can then be transferred via "firewire" onto your PC and edited via aforementioned programs.
As also stated, more and more manufacturers are coming out with the format that lets you record right onto a small DVD.
Other important things to consider:
External microphone connector. If you ever want to make "movies", you must have the ability to use an external microphone to get close to sounds. Otherwise, you are stuck with whatever is on board.
Decent sized screen: The advantage of modern cameras is the swing out color screen that most of them have, allowing you to even frame yourself in the action by turning the screen around. However, alot of the smaller cameras have really dinky screens. Check before you buy.
Autofocus shut off: make sure you can!
Other options such as Macro, digital zoom, etc are more to your invidividual needs and tastes.
The other important feature is whether you go for a 1CCD chip or "three chip" (3CCD) camera. With a 3CCD, there is a chip for each color used, resulting in a crisper color picture and better color reproduction. Panasonic finally makes a model that is not crazily priced.
I am of the 5% or so of the video buyers out there that do not care for the consumer grade of cameras. Over the past years, they just keep getting smaller and smaller. The result, even with image stabilization, is a wavery picture with too much up and down movement. The old fashioned standard VHS camcorder that you positioned on your shoulder were actually capable of delivering a better shot with less stress. Try holding a small camera steady sometime. Better use a tripod.
And of course, working with a 3" square box is ridiculous if you want to do something interesting with it besides shooting the spouse and kids.
I purchased the Panasonic DV4020 a few years ago, and it is larger and easier to control than what is out now.
For me, Panasonic makes something perfect--a full sized, shoulder mounted but very lightweight "prosumer" model. A three CCD, semi-pro model with all the good features. You can easily spend $10K on a more professional digital camera, and this model bridges the gap. It's about $1300, so it's my next "big" purchase.
Good luck!
In the typical consumer space, the last few years have been dominated by the Mini-DV digital cameras. This is digital technology but records onto small tapes. The stored image can then be transferred via "firewire" onto your PC and edited via aforementioned programs.
As also stated, more and more manufacturers are coming out with the format that lets you record right onto a small DVD.
Other important things to consider:
External microphone connector. If you ever want to make "movies", you must have the ability to use an external microphone to get close to sounds. Otherwise, you are stuck with whatever is on board.
Decent sized screen: The advantage of modern cameras is the swing out color screen that most of them have, allowing you to even frame yourself in the action by turning the screen around. However, alot of the smaller cameras have really dinky screens. Check before you buy.
Autofocus shut off: make sure you can!
Other options such as Macro, digital zoom, etc are more to your invidividual needs and tastes.
The other important feature is whether you go for a 1CCD chip or "three chip" (3CCD) camera. With a 3CCD, there is a chip for each color used, resulting in a crisper color picture and better color reproduction. Panasonic finally makes a model that is not crazily priced.
I am of the 5% or so of the video buyers out there that do not care for the consumer grade of cameras. Over the past years, they just keep getting smaller and smaller. The result, even with image stabilization, is a wavery picture with too much up and down movement. The old fashioned standard VHS camcorder that you positioned on your shoulder were actually capable of delivering a better shot with less stress. Try holding a small camera steady sometime. Better use a tripod.
And of course, working with a 3" square box is ridiculous if you want to do something interesting with it besides shooting the spouse and kids.
I purchased the Panasonic DV4020 a few years ago, and it is larger and easier to control than what is out now.
For me, Panasonic makes something perfect--a full sized, shoulder mounted but very lightweight "prosumer" model. A three CCD, semi-pro model with all the good features. You can easily spend $10K on a more professional digital camera, and this model bridges the gap. It's about $1300, so it's my next "big" purchase.
Good luck!
Looks like I am going to have to upgrade--i have an old GE camcorder that uses a full size VHS tape---.these newer digital models sound very nice-and record on DVD's no less.
Here's an example of web video
I did this quick video for another thread here, where Kelly was sharing photos of his Lincoln.
Once you have your video in your camera or other sources, like video from the internet, say Prelinger Archives, or DVDs or tapes that is where the editing program comes in. Editing programs allow you to edit the video and audio, add various effects and transitions between the segments. Then you select the method of output, burn to DVD, to a video CD or various types of internet files.
In this example, it's one of my web sites through my internet provider. From my VCR I used the camera as a converter to get the analog signal into a digital format. Then edited in Premiere Elements 2. I saved it as a Windows Movie format. Did a very quick website allowing the video to be downloaded to Windows Media Player.
You also need to consider your own computer, does it have enough resources, memory etc. to handle editing. And your own patience is very important. Editing programs can have a high learning curve and can be cranky at times.
Kevin makes some very good points about cameras. Do you want just something to shoot the occasional washer or are you thinking of doing more professional shooting, for say weddings. Adobe does have trial versions of their software and I believe other companies have their trial versions as well. The trial versiona may be limited, but you can get a feel of what they do.
http://members.cox.net/cougarmike/
I did this quick video for another thread here, where Kelly was sharing photos of his Lincoln.
Once you have your video in your camera or other sources, like video from the internet, say Prelinger Archives, or DVDs or tapes that is where the editing program comes in. Editing programs allow you to edit the video and audio, add various effects and transitions between the segments. Then you select the method of output, burn to DVD, to a video CD or various types of internet files.
In this example, it's one of my web sites through my internet provider. From my VCR I used the camera as a converter to get the analog signal into a digital format. Then edited in Premiere Elements 2. I saved it as a Windows Movie format. Did a very quick website allowing the video to be downloaded to Windows Media Player.
You also need to consider your own computer, does it have enough resources, memory etc. to handle editing. And your own patience is very important. Editing programs can have a high learning curve and can be cranky at times.
Kevin makes some very good points about cameras. Do you want just something to shoot the occasional washer or are you thinking of doing more professional shooting, for say weddings. Adobe does have trial versions of their software and I believe other companies have their trial versions as well. The trial versiona may be limited, but you can get a feel of what they do.
http://members.cox.net/cougarmike/
I just bought a brand new video camera, a JVC Enviro with a 30gig hard drive, it records onto the tiny hard drive so you never need disks or tapes, I love that! Plus it transfers instantly through USB2 into my computer for editing in Premier Elements. The audio quaility is MUCH better than my old camera and the video quality is improved as well. The washers actually sound like they really do on video now.
You guys will get to experience my new camera first hand.
You guys will get to experience my new camera first hand.
The Brady Washers
Ok a quick change on the site from dear Julia to dear Alice. This was the start of Day 2 at Ross' house in our Tucson Wash In 2006. This was done with Premiere Elements 2 and my Sony camera.
Now a note, always shoot more video than you think you'll need. People with sharp eyes can see why.
Due to the compression of the video for the internet, it will appear a bit fuzzy, but the actual DVD was sharp
http://members.cox.net/cougarmike/
Ok a quick change on the site from dear Julia to dear Alice. This was the start of Day 2 at Ross' house in our Tucson Wash In 2006. This was done with Premiere Elements 2 and my Sony camera.
Now a note, always shoot more video than you think you'll need. People with sharp eyes can see why.
Due to the compression of the video for the internet, it will appear a bit fuzzy, but the actual DVD was sharp
http://members.cox.net/cougarmike/
That video was so great Michael!
frontaloadotmy
Well-known member
It was so great
So very great indeed!
So very great indeed!
Oh, and sheets. I like to use it on sheets being as they're typically a less-grungy-type load and tend to suds more during EcoActive with a full dose of detergent.
Oooops, LOL! That post was supposed to go in the thread "Gifts From Venus."
That was GREAT, Michael! I love how the 1-18 sounds like machine-gun fire. When I was using one in my warehouse apartment---which had old wooden floors---things in the kitchen cupboards would rattle.
Thank you all!
Should any of you missed the first offering, just send me an email with your name/address and I will send you the full DVD of the Tucson Wash In, complete with Mary Jones and her Ironrite.
That was 9 tracks of video. The slight mistake was not having enough video to last the whole segment, so I had to loop a few of them.
Should any of you missed the first offering, just send me an email with your name/address and I will send you the full DVD of the Tucson Wash In, complete with Mary Jones and her Ironrite.
That was 9 tracks of video. The slight mistake was not having enough video to last the whole segment, so I had to loop a few of them.
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