Looking for an HD Camcorder for under $400

I am looking to buy an HD camcorder for under $400. I have Final Cut Studio (so in other words I am running Final Cut Pro 7) and really have no clue what camera to go with that is compatible with my program. I have been immensely impressed with the reviews of the Canon Vixia HF R20, and figure if I also buy an external mic to accompany it, it will be great, but then I read it isn't compatible with FCP 7... I could download a converter, but then I worry about losing picture quality.... basically I'm lost in a sea of options, and the Internet is full of contradictions and different opinions! I've always loved editing, and got FCP Studio while in university, where we were able to borrow a camera when we needed one, but now I am graduating and want a camera of my own. I am looking to stick to my budget, as I don't need a $1000 dollar camera, just a quality camcorder that shoots nice HD video. Please, someone who knows more than me, help me out with this!

Good point(s). That's why I said I think I'd like to go HD. I didn't know how necessary it was, I just knew it was what was popular now. I'd mainly be using it to do home movies, maybe the occasional web clip and make regular SD DVDs. I don't even have a Blu-Ray player yet, though I plan on getting one and I don't think I'd take enough movies to have a burning desire to plug the camera into an HDTV to watch videos.

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Looking for best compatible camcorder for Mac

Which format is best duited for I movie and Macbook's in general. I want a mid level camcorder for vacations and family and would like ease of use for editing in I movie & other video editing programs with my new Macbook pro. Is Mini DV still the format of choice? What about SD flash?
thanks

Start your research here:
iMovie 11 - cameras supported:
http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html?lang=en_US
iMovie 9 - cameras supported:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3290?viewlocale=en_US
iMovie 8 Camcorders supported:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014
Digital camera RAW formats supported by OS X Lion:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4757?viewlocale=en_US
Digital camera RAW formats supported by OS X Snow Leopard:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3825?viewlocale=en_US

Camcorder for FCP

Looking into getting a camcorder for making video of a lesson about 20 min long.Camcorder will be on a tripod. Will be editing in final cut pro on iMac.Budget $500 range.
I am looking for good video, good sound and seamless (easiest and fastest) transfer of video from camcorder to iMac and final cut pro.
Video will be edited for view on youtube and website.
I have looked at these, and it seems they are all in range of what I am looking for. They all fit in the apple specs, but from amazon reviews, someone always has had some difficulty in transfer process or something. So if anyone has advice that can tick the all the boxes, it will be much appreciated
$500
Good video
Good Sound
Easy transfer to iMac and FCP. Easy being plug it in and go ( If thats possible).
Thanks
Panasonic HC-V110 Light Weight HD 1080p Digital Camcorder (black)
Canon Vixia HF R300 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder with 51x Advanced Zoom
Sony HDR-CX110 High-Definition Handycam Camcorder

I'm with Russ - all AVCHD, all easy with FCPX ...
meant as an addendum:
• audio - what Russ allready said: depending on your recording situation, you'll need a Lav- or shotgun-mic; or a complete external audio-solution, FCPX multi-cam feature makes it drop-dead-easy to synch different video+audio sources.
• light - you get a softbox/lamp/tripod-combo for less than 50$ .. adds incredible 'bang' for little bucks to your videos Do not rely on 'low light performance' - low light='noisy' pics=cheap look. photography is painting with light ... you get a superb pic with a low-budget cam with lots of light; search at YT for '3 point lighting' tutorials... you get with really cheap equip a professional 'look' - but with lights, not the cam itself...
• wide-angle - in rooms, a 30mm-lense could be too narrow.. depends on your recording situation, have an eye on that, test it.
• if your recordings are 'single shots' (=done in one take), consider a used/super cheap/low quality 2nd cam, to get a 2nd perspective for a sort-of b-roll... cut-aways avoid too much 'boredom' ... steal from the pros: if the pic-quality of that 2nd unit is ... cheap, make it b/w, add (!!) noise.
I've seen many 'instructional' videos (e.g. musicians) - 25min, one shot ... < snore, falling asleep > ... add at last a little movie-magic to your videos...

Camcorder for Premiere Elements

I am looking for a sub $1000 dollar camcorder that saves to card media in SD that I can be confident will work well with Premiere Elements 7. Whatever codec the camera uses to compress shouldn'r give Premiere Elements problems. I would love to hear suggestions. For an educational documentary project. Thanks

Actually, you'll be hard pressed to find a miniDV that costs more than $400!
Although they've fallen out of favor with the general public (who like the convenience of hard drive and flash cams), video editors know the truth: It's far and away the easiest format for interfacing with a computer. And that goes for Macs as well as PCs.
Actually, I was being just a bit facetious when I said you'd be hard pressed to find a miniDV under $400. There are prosumer units (like the Canon XL series) that start at $1,000.
But you'll get great results with a mid-level Sony, Panasonic or Canon! And those can be had for between $200 and $400. Don't be afraid to buy a discontinued or even refurbished model on Amazon. They can be great deals!
In my experience, Sonys give the best low-light performance and value.

Best Camcorder for Simple VIdeo & Burning DVD

Hi all. I've had a MiniDV camcorder for about 10 years that just broke. Since only 1 camcorder is sold with MiniDV, I'm nervous that I'll need to find a new storage medium for our existing movies. I'd like to buy a new camcorder to take videos of kids etc and have the ability to burn to DVD for future storage.
I don't think I'll plan on editing (but would like the capability) and I've seen the list of Apple supported products and all of the discussions here which have just made my head spin. I'm really just looking to take decent video, put the SD Card into my computer, and burn it to a good quality (not internet) DVD. I was leaning towards either the Canon FS200 or the Sanyo with iFrame but I've seen mixed reviews (which may have just been from Pros).
Lastly, we have a new (2009) MacBookPro with iMovie '09 and iDVD '09.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.

This may sound counter intuitive but I and others I know get fine results using just a Canon point-and-shoot camera. A friend and I have spent some time comparing the cost and results from "dedicated" popular-priced video cams compared to our (we both own the same model) Canon S3-IS cameras. If anything - the video quality is a bit better with our "still" cameras. The current version of the S3 can be found at the Canon website. Oh - From S3 onward, this model line takes the high capacity SD cards up to (at least) 8 GB. This size memory card provides over 60 minutes of video at "full size" (640 x 480).
I carry the S3 almost daily - just in case I get a photo op or a "video op" like a fire or other emergency. I've shot video downtown with just street lights for light source: the videos need very little lightening if any under those conditions. My camera has 12 X optical zoom and the latest version has 20X optical zoom. I also like that this model line continues to use 4, AA size batteries (you can use rechargeable NiMb AA, of course). Shop around, I'm pretty sure you can get the latest version for under $400.
Other points: I find the built in microphones in these cameras to be very good - as good as any in a camera in that price range. Downloading (the AVI / QT .mov) files can be done with a simple card reader or with the connect-to-camera USB cable supplied with the Canon camera. I use a card reader - just on the thought that having the camera on while downloading drains the batteries a bit.
The Canon downloader software works fine with Macs - but I use Adobe Bridge because it gives more options for naming files, etc. I would NOT recommend GraphicConverter for downloading / organizing video: it handles digital photos okay but sometimes just "screws up" video files for no apparent reason. Some people now like Picasa for Mac - but I haven't used it much so I can't say myself.
I go with the others responding here when it comes to editing: iMovie HD seems to be the last gasp from Apple when it comes to low-cost (but practical) movie editing.
I did like iMovie 09 - mainly for the "jiggle remover." But the little update (to 8.0.5) really messed up iMovie 09 for me and quite a few other people.

Recommend a camcorder for me

Hi
I am looking for a simple camcorder to use with imovie 08 and a macbook alu. It's primarily to be used to make small video clips for our website so I don't need anything super flash or complicated. Any recommendations would be welcome (budget up to €400 in euroland) Thanks
http://www.thebootroom.fr
Message was edited by: Julsie74

A good review site for camcorders........ http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

Connect camcorder drivers for a Sony CCD-TRV608 Hi8 Camcorder for Windows 8.1. How do I SOLVE? New camcorder?

There are no drivers for a Sony CCD-TRV608 Hi8 Camcorder for Windows 8.1. How can I solve this problem? Do I need to buy a newer or different model that plays video8 and videoHi8 tapes that IS compatible? Its a shame because I searched for months for the power cord and bought connecting cords for USB and the old fashion three RCA plugs for a VHS VCR and now I cant use them.

Dear Comrade VideoGeek, Yes, I am extremely frustrated, and you have my sincere apology if I was rude to you. I should have known better than to say unwise and unkind things to you. My bad entirely. Sorry!! The things you don't know are that Windows 8.1 does not under ANY circumstances acceps USB video streaming. Not from my camera and not from Dazzle or ANY other device or cable. That is written into STONE by Microsoft. Can't do nothing about it. That's a barrier that cannot be broken or worked around. The other thiing you don't know is that I do not have RCA outlets on my camera. I bought it assuming it must have as most devices until then did and got it home in 2001 or whenever and found to my great dismay that it ONLY has a USB output. Not multicolored RCA jacks of any kind. That is also a barrier that I cannot break unless I buy a used camera that takes my tapes and DOES have RCA outputs. My bad. I should have returned it immediately at the time, unfortunately I was too ill at the time to do so. I know you were only trying to help. I'm sorry if I was snippy with you. You were extremely kind to try to help. And I appreciate you. Hopefully other people will see your answers and they will help them. Meanwhile, I'm banging my head against the Apple walls trying to find out which product of theirs MAY be able to work for me and which is the best solution for me all around and that too is a nightmare. Thank YOU for being so kind!! And for respoding with kindness.

Looking for a WebLogic Admin for a client in the Miami, FL area


We are currently looking for a WebLogic Admin for a client in the Miami, FL area (Permanent position)
This right candidate must have experience with the following technical skill sets:
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Some Preferred Experience:

· Past experience in the financial sector would be preferred


If you are interested, know anyone or have any questions please feel free to call or email me at (561) 745-6945 or [email protected]


Thanks in advance,
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FYI. Forums abuse has been reported.
:Rob:

Best Camcorder for the Mac

I just want to know what everyone's opinions are on the best Camcorders that are out there for the Mac. Here are some of the attributes that I would rank from most important to the least.
- Compatibility with OSX
- Most Bang for your Buck (image quality)
- Ease of use with video editing programs. (Starting with iMovie, will probably migrate to final cut express)
Anyone who has had experience with camcorders please leave a reply as I am looking to purchase one.
Thanks

Hi, I'm on the lookout too. Contrary to what Zak Ray said, I already have a Sony MicroMV (tape based) camera and it doesnt work with the Mac at all (neither does my Cybershot DSC-T1 camera). Hmm, no more Sony products for me.
I've been looking at the Panasonic HDC-SD1 as recommended in Steve Jobs keynote and it looks like a fine camcorder. I was wondering if anyone has been able to play with one of these yet as I really don't want any compatibility issues again. I just want to connect it to the mac, drag the video over and begin editing. I'll probably just use iMovie'08 really although I've not had a play with it yet.
Equally happy to hear recommendations on this or other camcorders before I take the plunge...
Thanks

I looking a compatible tv tuner for a iMac 800mhz, can one any help?

I looking a compatible tv tuner for a iMac 800mhz, can anyone help?

Elgato's EyeTV 400, no longer produced, worked with iMac 800 Mhz. Just a note, your machine is a bare minimum for video conversion to compressed formats. You may get choppy video. I would seriously consider upgrading to at least an iMac G5 1.8 Ghz, if not an Intel Core2Duo iMac.

Looking for graphics adapter driver for Presario c700 video

Looking for graphics adapter driver for Presario c700 video

Please read the XP Downgrade Guide at the link below:
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-systems-and/General-XP-Downgrade-Guide-for-HP-Laptop...
The guidance for installing XP on your model series can be found under the section labeled 2. Moderate Models.

Best compatible Pro HD Camcorder for FCP 6?

I am used to the old days of mini-DV format when things where simple LOL! With the introduction of new formats I do not know which way to go?
Can someone help me in the best HD Camcorder for ease of capturing and editing. I will need to give pros and cons to my boss. I know DV tape is still easy to capture and edit but what is the cons of it now a days?
I heard with compressed formats editing can be difficult and still has issues??
Budget wise looking at options in the $2500K up to $4K.
Thank you

I use HDV in a Sony V1U. I used to edit in HDV natively, but now I capture to ProRes 422 (NOT HQ) any my G5 Quad does it in real time.
Pros: HDV uses DV tape which is inexpensive and great for archiving: capture it, then stuff in in its case, then in a plastic box (I got mine from Tapestockonline.com) for safekeeping.
ProRes edits easily, but if you have multiple streams (like multiclip, composites, etc.), you may run out of disk band width. I use the internal 7200RPM drives, or external FW800 drives and get two to three streams. More than that and you need a RAID (see CalDigit). A trick: put different captures on different devices/busses: one stream on an internal SATA, another external FW800: you are sort of doing a poor mans performance RAID.
Cons: a drop out on tape may mean up to 1/2 second of missing video and audio data. Whoops! I use Sony HDM-63VG (videographer grade: $8/tape) and have never had this issue.
Capturing HDV to ProRes 422 is only "capture now." There is no log an capture, so recovering from a failing disk drive is more complicated... You could capture to native HDV, then convert it in and FCP sequence set for ProRes 422, or using Compressor.
Prores 422 takes about 4x the disk space as HDV (or DV, for that matter).
I will eventually go to solid state capture, and the new JVC's are pointing in the right direction. Long GOP mpeg2 on SDHC will be more reliable than tape, so dropouts should not be a problem. I'd probably still convert to ProRes 422, however. Buying bare drives and a Wiebetech ComboDock is about as cheap as archiving tapes.
Just some thoughts: no conclusion.
Eddie O
PS: with the NEW JVC camera, does anyone know if the color space is 4:2:2 or 4:2:0?
Message was edited by: Edward A. Oates
Message was edited by: Edward A. Oates

Best Camcorder for recording hunting???

I am looking to buy a camcorder to use while hunting. So it has to be good for use around dusk. Also I am wondering what kind of recording system I should get....if it should record to a dvd, mini dvd, scan disc, flash drive. We are fairly computer savy but want something that I can transfer to a dvd fairly easily. Please any advice is appreciated. This is going to be a fathers day present so the sooner the better.
Thank you

Flash drive units are going to be the most rugged.
If you want easy DVD transfer you probably want a standard definition unit. High def units have very high system requirements for playback and editing.
*disclaimer* I am not now, nor have I ever been, an employee of Best Buy, Geek Squad, nor of any of their affiliate, parent, or subsidiary companies.

Best camcorder for a beginner

We want to take pictures of trips, my husband's grandkids and just general things. I would then like to be able to save them, play on the TV (or computer). AND maybe down the line use them in imovie. But mostly just save them. I don't know what the firewire is and if that is just need to download to the computer????? I do have some great advice as to looking into a minidv camcorder with dv in and out or a dvd camocorder format. Are there any particular brands best?

Hi ferdosh.
If your main concern was taking picture and create slide show and burn it on cd / dvd to play to your tv or computer, then you don't need to buy a camcorder.
just use your sony digital camera, download the file to iPhoto, and use iMovie and or iDVD to create slide show.
But if you want to capture video and want to edit and burn it into dvd, then you have to consider a camcorder.
For now, only camcorder that comes with firewire port or iLink or ieee1394 (all the same with different name) that will be able to communicate with iMovie and final cut.
And mostly that available on camcorder that use mini DV as storage media.
Do compare yourself for the brand , price range and ease of use. I prefer Sony, Canon, Panasonic and JVC as brand to consider.
And you might need to buy the firewire cable yourself since it ussualy doesn't come with the camera accessories. Just ask for firewire cable 6 pin to 4 pin at the electronic or computer store.
Good Luck.

Best camcorder for preteen to download videos??? Any recommendations?

My son asked for a camcorder for xmas. He wants to film his friends doing bmx bike tricks and download it to youtube. (With my approval, of course.) Any recommendations for an inexpensive camcorder that will do the job?
Thanks!

For a high rated camcorder for beginners, look below:
Pure Digital - Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder - Black
Product Features
From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores
2x digital zoom
Brings you up close to distant objects.
1.5" color LCD monitor
Provides a clear view of the action you're recording or reviewing.
1/4" CMOS image sensor
For stunning detail and clarity with both video and still images. Offers 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps.
One-touch recording
Record what you want with the simple touch of a button.
Stores video and photos
Utilizes 2GB of built-in flash memory. Holds up to 60 minutes of MPEG-4 video.
Built-in microphone
Records rich, detailed sound.
USB 2.0 interface
For easy image transfer. TV output and included cable lets you watch your videos on a TV.
Built-in software
Allows you to easily edit, share and e-mail video footage and capture still images from video.
For beginners, for an hour of video, thats not bad at all, and the fact that its MPEG 4 video makes things clearer at half the file size of MPEG 2!
I dont think you can go wrong with this!
Let me know if theres anything else in mind.
*******DISCLAIMER********
I am not an employee of BBY in any shape or form. All information presented in my replies or postings is my own opinion. It is up to you , the end user to determine the ultimate validity of any information presented on these forums.

Looking for an HD Camcorder for under $400

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