Recommendations on HD camcorder

Hi all. My first born will be here later this summer and of course his Dad wants to shoot everthing in HD ;o) For the most part, whenever I currently need to shoot, I grab a Sony PD150 we have here at work; but now I'm going to need something on a regular basis and figure I might as well shoot HD. I'm considering going tapeless, so Pani's HDC-SD1 is on my list... The AVCHD work around is my only concern. Sony's HDR-HC7 looks impressive too but then I'm back to tape based. Any recommendations? I'm looking for portable, powerful and preferrably tapeless.
MacBook Pro 17" Mac OS X (10.4.9) FCStudio / Avid / Nitris / Discreet Smoke

You are not confused, but correct. If you are doing compositing, HDV (or DV for that matter) is not an ideal choice due to the 4:2:0 (4:1:1 for DV) color space. FCP offers the option of rendering transitions and other effect in ProRes 422 so that they will have better color renditions and subsequent compression will be faster.
Another reason to use ProRes (or DVCPRO HD for that matter) is that the "conforming" process needed HDV is very slow: basically decompressing it then compressing it again into long GOP HDV. Using ProRes etc. don't need to do that because they are iFrame formats.
I was considering ProRes 422 HD in order to improve the down conversion to SD. Direct down conversion in compressor 2 from HDV to MPEG2 resulting is jaggy edges due to what was termed the "dreaded line doubling" in compressor. Dumping the HDV sequence into a DVCPro50 (SD) sequence, and then sending that to compressor (possibly with a light blur) reduces those jaggies. I was hoping Compressor 3 either fixed the direct conversion of HDV or ProRes 422 to give as good a down conversion as possible. I was disappointed in the cross conversion to ProRes 422 HQ, but again, I'm likely doing something wrong somewhere. No one seems to be able to shed any light on the subject, however.
Ed

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Recommend a HD Camcorder with iMovie08?

Hi,
I've been waiting for the hard disk cameras to support iMovie before I upgrade from my current Sony cassette based camcorder. Last time I checked none of the hard disks could directly import to iMovie. Now that I've purchased iLife08, I'm wondering if there are good quality hard disk digital cameras that are compatible. I saw the iLife08 demo where they showed a Panasonic with flash memory and USB output. Do you recommend that one? What is the model number of that one? Does anyone know? I would appreciate some advice before I purchase a new one since I've been very happy with my old Sony digital. I want to upgrade to a smaller more compact camera that has a hard disk so that I don't have to rewind cassettes nor play off a CD.
Thanks.
Elencita

I like Canon MUCH better than Sony. Sony is a direct competitor of Apple and as such I think they support Apple with reduced enthusiasm.
Canon makes excellent equipment and their technical support people always seem Macintosh savvy (They were very familiar with iMovie).
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid= 173
I use my Canon with iMovie 06 and iDVD 08. (and occasionally with iMovie 08)
If I plan to make a DVD I will always use iMovie 06, if I want to share a movie on the Internet I will use iMovie 08.

Recommendations for compact Camcorder / Digital Camera combo?

Now that I'm 2 years into fatherhood, I'm finding that I have specific digital habits for which I'm hoping to get some recommendations for a product. Basically, I use a decent Sony camcorder to shoot DV, which I edit in iMovie into little videos. I also have a few digital cameras (point-and-shoot and SLR) to take a big range of still photographs. But I'm getting tired of carrying them all around with me.
What I'm hoping to get is a new product that's small, has good video capture, and still takes good still photos. And most importantly, I need it to work seamlessly with iMovie and iPhoto. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm really just looking for something that I can put in my pocket and shoot video or stills of my son when he does something cute!
Thanks!

You might want to check out Sony's latest Cyber-shot Digital Camera, the DSC-W300.
It's a point and shoot with video in HD. If you have a nice HDTV, you'll be able to playback the footage easily. I don't know the size of the file for importing into iMovie but your memories will look great.

Need recommendation for video camcorder

I have an old Sony DCR TRV8 mini DV standard def camcorder. It has recently been giving me problems. I love the FireWire interface. I generally use it to make home movies and my kids use it to make their music videos. I would like to spend under $500 for a new camcorder. Of course, it must work with FCP X. Any suggestions ? I realize I won't be getting a pro camera for that price, but I need one that is easy to use decent zoom and decent picture. Keep in mind where I'm coming from (the Sony).
Thanks

Hi Alfredo,
don't let you make you 'monkeys' on these quality-only-with-big-bucks discussion.
for sure, you get a decent quality for $500 - if you keep some simple rules (of photography) in mind.
It's very difficult to recomend types&models, due to different demands ...
Example: I LOVE my Lumix FZ35/38 ($300!) - it lacks a mic-in, no foldable screen, no 'FullHD', handling like a stills-cam (which it is) not like a 'camera' - but for MY needs a superb camera: 26mm (KB) wide-angle, you'll not find on camcorders (perhaps a few) good for indoors, it has a super-zoom (>500mm/KB) good for my soccer movies, it allows manual control for more cinematography needs (aperture, speed, ...), it's small and reliable. And records in 720p good for my 'effects' and is fully compatible with iMovie and FCPX.
For 'camcorder' I lately was pointed to the Panasonic HDC-SD99 ... seems to be a very nice device, and (almost) within your budget
Make a wish list - what do YOU need your camera for?
lots of indoor (e.g. daughter's ballet)? => light sensitivity, big lense, 3 ccd?
lots of 'action' (e.g. skiing) => simple to use, no -zillions of knobs to care for
lots of audio (e.g. music tutorials) => ext. mic-in or additional costs for am audio rec device as H1
lots of 'long lense' (e.g. nature, football, ... ) => avoid 'digital zoom', get a real glass zoom
camcorderinfo.com is an excellent source for technical info and independent tests.
All AVCHD-devices are supported by FCPX, except the latest models with 1080/50p/60p ... (fingers crossed, Apple updates to AVCHD v2 soon ... FCPX DOES handle these formats, but not straight from camera)
Take super-zoom/bridge cameras into consideration ... somehow, the market for camcorders shrink, the all-in-one-devices, stills with video-ability, is common standard. DSLR is nice to have, but a) $.$$$, and b) not meant for point 'n shoot, in terms of: for real quality such devices need photographer's skills.

Please recommend a tapeless camcorder to use with Apple iMovie5, standard definition 4:3.

I'm still using Apple iMovie5 and a Power PC to make standard definition 4:3
aspect ratio DVD's for industrial training purposes. Historically, I've used
miniDV camcorders to aquire the raw content. I want to go tapeless, but still keep
everything else the same. Any specific suggestions for camcorders that aquire in
SD 4:3 with files compatible with iMovie5 (like .mov files)?? In other words, I
need to replace the miniDV capture process and go with something that easily
imports into iMovie 5, std def, with 4:3. Help please!!!
Thanks! Also, I do not need a real high end camera. Something under $600 preferable.
<Edited by Host>

The nearest we can get to an answer about the very old iMovie 5 and what types of cameras and video types it supported is here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2264#

Camcorder recommendations

My 13 yr old grandson has been making and editing videos for a number of years. He uses a Macbook and Final Cut Express to edit his films. He films action videos with two or three "actors" both indoors and out. His camcorder until now has been a Flip but it is time to upgrade. The new camcorder must have an external mic jack (and perhaps there are other must-haves that I am unaware of, eg, lights???). budget for the camcorder is $500. Can anyone recommend a particular camcorder that is Apple compatible. Family members are looking to buy camcorder accessories for Christmas presents so any recommendations for those are also appreciated.

I'd suggest the following model lines for your stated price range, but you will have to do your own research to see what specific models best meet your requirements. There are models in each line under $500 that have inputs for external microphones.
Canon Vixia HF series
Sony HDR-CX and HDR-XR series
Panasonic HDC-TM and HDC-HS series.
I can also recommend the Canon HV40 and its predecessors the HV30 and HV20. However they are HDV camcorders and while the HDV format is still very much in use it has largely been overshadowed by AVCHD camcorders in the marketplace.
At a minimum, make sure the camcorder is an AVCHD or HDV camcorder. If those logos are not on the camera and/or in the manual then beware. (Beware if the specs only say H.264, MPEG4, AVC or HD but don't actually specify AVCHD or HDV.)
Also, you are correct in specifying an external mic jack; this is a requirement for any decent video. The other thing I'd recommend is a good tripod with a fluid video head. Make sure it's a good sturdy tripod. I am partial to Manfrotto tripods (for example the 190XB legs or 055xdb legs and 701 head or 501hdv head) but the most important thing is that the tripod be sturdy regardless of brand. A cheap tripod that isn't sturdy will quickly be a wasted purchase. The other starter accessories I'd suggest include a UV or Skylight filter for the lens (to protect the lens from dirt & fingerprints), a case and a spare battery.
One more thing ... may I suggest B&H Photo Video. They are an exellent vendor whose knowledge, selection, prices, delivery & reliability are top notch.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with B&H in any way except as a long-term, happy customer and I do not receive any compensation of any kind for recommending them.

Can you recommend a camcorder that is compatible with iMovie 08?

I looked at the list of compatible video camcorders with iMovie 08, but was wondering if anyone has a strong recommendation for a camcorder that is really working well. I'm ready to buy a new camcorder, but want to really avoid any
issues regarding conflicts with the software, etc...
Thanks for saving me a headache.

I like Canon MUCH better than Sony. Sony is a direct competitor of Apple and as such I think they support Apple with reduced enthusiasm.
Canon makes excellent equipment and their technical support people always seem Macintosh savvy (They were very familiar with iMovie).
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid= 173
I use my Canon with iMovie 06 and iDVD 08. (and occasionally with iMovie 08)

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Hi All,
So my bro in law wants to buy a new HD camcorder, however he has an older g5 which I know basically isnt compatible with any new cameras due to the way they process video. Can anyone recommend an HD Camcorder, nothing highend just something that takes good video that will work with his G5...Thx everyone. Looking forward to your feedback

If your bro is sticking with a G5, then you need to look for an HDV camcorder.
The *Canon HV20, HV30 and HV40* have very good reputations. The HV40 is about $650 at B&H PhotoVideo. The HDV 20 & 30 are slightly older models; you may or may not find one new, but there should be lots of good used ones around.

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I was curious about what sort of camcorder to buy. I would like to purchase an HDD with a Sd slot. Problem is, I've heard concerns about the JVC GZ-MG555 and Panasonic HDC-SD1 and the SDR-200 having some compatibility issues. Can anyone recommend a good camcorder thats around 500 - 600? I greatly appreciate the help.

I have used and tested many cams for reviews. My advice for a100% trouble free iMovie experience:
price range 500-800 USD: stick to mini-dv SD quality. Do not buy a HD cam in this price range.
the Panasonic NV-GS300 or NV-GS320 is top notch. 3CCD guarantee superb image
price range 800-1100 USD: buy a HD cam with mini-dv tapes.
the Canon HV20 is no doubt the best buy and 100% compatible with EVERY current imovie and Final Cut version
price range 1100-2000 USD: buy a SD or HD based AVCHD cam. image is not better than HV20; and no compatibility with iMovie 06 nor Final Cut Express. You wil enjoy though lightweight cam and fun of random access of recording. At the moment any 5.1 sound cam has stereo downmix problem with iMovie 08 and FCP6.01. I expect Apple to solve this but stick now to stereo mic.
the Panasonic SD5 or Sony HDR-SR7
A special cam is the JVC HD7. This cam costs 1500 USD records in HDV mode and is compatible with every iMovie and FCP version when using streaming via fire wire. The harddisk guarantees 5 hours recording and random access. Forget zooming more than 5x because stabilisation is poor. Forget full HD filming with this cam because getting the footage in the Mac is via this route slow and requires the very very best hardware on the Mac side at this moment. Yet this cam gives me every day fun in filming and playing with all the options.

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I'm trying to choose the right camcorder. The main focus of this camcorder is to make an instructional video to be sold on the internet.(not u-tube) It will be on a tripod the whole time. Would like to use an SD card of some kind for storage.My computer is a Mac osx10.6.8 and will be using I'Movie to edit. Want it to be in HD, good still shots if possible, good sound and no more than $700. Could anyone recommend a specific camcorder or at least the specs I need to accomplish this.. Just sent back the Sony HDR-CX260V.Beautiful little camcorder but wouldn't interface with my Mac. I'm so frustrated especially because I don't know anything about camcorders or what I should be looking for. HELP?

Hello
try this
put your tow imac side by side then plug an ethernet cable between us , ethernet logo look like that
then on each imac desable wifi ( air-port )
go to system preferences -> network , you should see somthing like that
select from Configure IPv4 to MANUALY on both imac , then fill info for ehternet exactly as folow
for 1st Imac
for 2d Imac
then try launch again migration assistant , or use file sharing options on old imac
HTH
Pierre

Camcorder help before purchase

Hello all,
The help provided in this forum is outstanding and I'm hoping to make a quick request of your time.
I was thinking of buying a Canon Vixia HF M31 for small projects like, home movies, kids playing at the park, birthday parties,Disney vaca. I have Premiere and AE CS4 version 4.1. Does anyone have any experience in using this type of camera with the software I just mentioned. I'm running W7-64bit, AMD Tri-Core, 6GB memory, 1 TB and 320 GB hdd. I've used premiere with my old panasonic which used Mini DV cassette and the rendering was not all that bad. I would like to burn my HD movies into a dvd if possible. I have a blue ray player for playback. My biggest concern is the rendering and the time it takes to complete a 30min - 1hr video project in premiere. If anyone has any recommendation for a camcorder within $500, please do so, as I don't know what else to look at.
I appreciate all the help anyone can provide as I have to make a decision on buying a camera in the coming days.
Thank you,
Mary

I am not familiar with that camera... exactly what codec/format does it create?
>burn my HD movies into a dvd if possible
You may not DIRECTLY do this with Encore... but you may have Encore create the BluRay folder structure on your hard drive and, as long as the file size will fit on a DVD, you may use Imgburn to write the folder to a DVD
This will work in a BluRay player as HiDef... albeit for a very limited time
For a "full length" movie, you need an actual BluRay burner
>AMD Tri-Core
That may be a bit of a struggle, since the AMD chip does not have the SSE4 (I think is the name) instruction set, which makes editing HD video easier
If that camera produces AVCHD, you really need a Quad-Core Intel... an Intel i7 950 is the current price-to-performance choice
>Premiere and AE CS4 version 4.1
I believe there is an update (to 4.2.1 ???) which fixes/improves several things... go to the update page and check
http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/

Best HD camcorder under $1000

Can anyone recommend a HD camcorder under $1000.00 to be used with final cut pro x and a 2010 unibody MacBook pro?
Any information will be helpful.
Thanks!

I've seen very good reviews for the Panasonic TM900. It works with FC, does 50/60P, and is now on sale.... I could've picked one up for $699 (Canadian) in Best Buy.

Trouble connecting Canon Vixia HV 40 over Firewire, should I use FW800?

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Eric

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Best low cost professional-grade camera?

Hey videographers,
I need to upgrade from a consumer to professional camcorder.
Can you recommend a reliable camcorder with 2 audio channels, great image stabilization, best picture quality, firewire, battery life and tape features at the professional level?
I'd love to have a Sony HVR-Z1U (but that will have to wait till I'm a little richer). Any second runner ups under $3000?
powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Hi,
I use the Sony FX1 and I'm very happy with the image quality. I recently bought an extended time battery, that gives me about 350 minutes of recording time. I like the film 24 fps, saturation mode. The regular video mode looks very clear and high contrast. But the film saturation mode, is warm and soothing to the eyes. Sound is ok.... but I bought a converter box so that I can use XLR inputs. I bought it off of ebay from Datavis for about 3150.00 $. BTW, i buy alot of my film props off of ebay too, but don't tell anyone.
Mark
http://www.super-natural-films.com

Any camcorder recommendations?

Hi experts. Have bad experience with Sony (DVD Camcorder). Was not compartible with iMovie (tried really everything!!!). Sold it now. Could anybody recommend one? Do the new ones (with harddisk) work or will I get the same problems as with the dvd's? I also had to buy a new printer. My old HP had no batch for my new intel-baby.

http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/camcorders.html
iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Recommendations on HD camcorder

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