What Video camera to buy?

I am working with a not for profit group who is interested in putting some videos about members of the group as part of telling it's history.
I am considering buying a consumer camera, probably HD, and am wondering which camera's work well in this situation.I suspect that we will also be using some Sony studio camera footage if that makes a difference.
Thanks

I am no expert so I'll just tell you what works for me and what doesn't.
AVCHD as I've experience with my Panasonic HDC-SD9 absolutely *****! There is not better way to put it. The compression fragments are like a JPG compressed to leass than 40%. Also, the video cam ***** for low light, so anything I've done in low light has been unusable between the grain the fragments.
Now, as sad as it is, with my $1000 video camera sitting doing nothing, I have found my new love. My Canon SD960 IS. It does 720P video and it is nice. I've watched it directly off the camera on a 52" LCD and it was very nice. I'm guess that for what you are doing this might be a good choice. Not only does this camera do great video, it aslo take great pictures! After all, it's a camera that takes video, not the other way around.
Seriously, video on these devices (cameras) has gotten really good for general consumer use and it works for me for the most important thing in my life, my daughter (16 months now).
Do youself a favor and avoid AVCHD like the plague!
I won't even go into the nightmare I had editing, or even getting a computer good enough to edit AVCHD.
Curse Panasonic Video and HP Computer hardware. Curse you both!

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What video cameras are compatible with Final Cut Express?

I live in Japan and was thinking of buying a Victor " Full High Definition" video camera (1920x1080). The only thing I was warned about by the salesperson is that unless I have a Blue-Ray DVD recorder/player, I will never be able to enjoy true Full HD after burning my video to a DVD. I guess regular DVD recorders/players can't support it yet.
I have searched to find a page that tells me what video camera is compatible with my iMac G5, but no luck. Any ideas on how to find out before buying a video camera? I would appreciate anyone's advice.
Thanks, Larry in Japan
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

...snip...
You want to stay away from recordable-DVD and hard-disk camcorders,
...snip...
Hope you don't mind me asking why? - As long as they've got a F/W connector how does the source media make any difference? - In fact, I would think that shuttling around would be faster with HD's or DVD's.....
I also believe the salesperson was trying to say that he's going to need a BluRay deck in order to be able to view his HD material on an appropriately equipped TV - Which is correct, no?
Thanks in advance for any comments,
Cheers,
Ian
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What Video Camera?

Hi. Im planning on buying my first own video camera and also im planning on buying Express next month because i heard its more for beginners. Anyways i was wondering what video camera has really good quality. What I like to film is just daily life with my family and friends. I love being able to watch something later down the road and i want to be able to have a good image of that when it happens. Ive always been raised in a home of Sony products so thats pretty much all I know. (Im 20 by the way). But I was wanting to be open minded with my first video camera purchase and see what else is out there besides Sony. I was reffered already to get a min-DV camera. So I narrowed it down to 2 Sony ones.
These are the 2 and also I was wondering why such a big price difference of $250?
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SYDisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DCRHC48&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc _DICamcordersMiniDVHandycamCamcorders
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SYDisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DCRHC96&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc _DICamcordersMiniDVHandycamCamcorders
What other video cams do you guys suggest? My range is up to $650. Please help me out so I dont make a mistake on which to buy. Also please dont get in a fight over which is better. If you have a different suggestion than someone else let me know why you do also. Thanks for your time.
Black Macbook Intel-Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Hello dietwater5,
the biggest difference between the HC-48 and the HC-96 is the size of the CCD, which in the end translates as picture quality. Another feature is the A/Vin of the HC-96, which makes it possible to capture video from analog sources.
In the price range you're targeting, I personally would try and see if I could get a good offer on a Panasonic PV-GS300 or PV-GS500. These camcorders come with 3 CCDs and offer very good image quality.
hope this helps
mish

What video cameras are compatible with mac without having to download software

What video cameras are compatible with mac computers without having to download software?

Did you try connecting your camera to the computer USB port via the supplied USB interface cable instead of plugging in the SD card directly?
No driver is needed to connect your computer to your camera.
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/consu mer_camcorders/vixia_hf_r52#DriversAndSoftware
Regardless of whether or not you 'like' downloading and installing software on your computer, Canon DOES HAVE software available for your specific camera and it IS compatible with recent versions of the Mac OS X operating system. Maybe try that instead of whining here about it not being compatible.

What is best type of 'new' video camera to buy for editing with PE 10?

I currently own two Sony miniDV camcorders (models DCR-HC28 and HC40) and was doing fine in Premiere Elements and recently upgraded to version 10. I was in the process of using the HC40 cam as a 'pass-through' device to digitize some old VHS tapes, and it worked well for copying from VHS to miniDV tape. Then, I could capture in Premiere Elements and edit, etc. (It would never work to pass all the way through to capture in PE in one step using Firewire). Now, the HC40 camera has locked up on me halfway through my box of VHS tapes, and is stuck showing the Time/Date screen and the touch screen seems to be disabled. What to do?
There do exist plenty of used DCR-HC40 and 52s (which also support pass-through) on Amazon for sale in the $200 range, and that is one option. I also went to Best Buys this week and looked at all the new Sony video cameras, and they fell into basically two series: the DCR-SX series, which record in standard definition onto flash memory (SD cards), and the more expensive HDR-CX series, which record in Hi Definition (also on SD cards) but also, I was told, can record in standard definition. The miniDV camcorders are no more, apparently. I am not so enamored of HD recording that I would go whole hog for it, as I am happy with the results I have been getting with my miniDV cameras once burned to DVD or converted to MPEG or MP4 for playing on my iPhone, etc. Plus, HD takes up so much more memory and space on the hard drive compared to standard def files.
I called Sony tech services today to find out that none of the new cameras support the pass-through function for digitizing from old VHS cassettes, so I am looking at buying a VHS-digitizing device as recommended here on the forum such as the ADS Pyro AV Link or Grass Valley ADVC110. Since I would rather spend that money on a new video camera instead of merely the AV link device which I will have no use for once the tapes are digitized, my question comes back to the cameras. Which of the new cameras will be most ideal for editing in PE10 going forward, or is it best to stick with miniDV for now?
Steve G has always seemed to point out that miniDV tape and the ensuing AVI files are the best for PE to work with. Sony told me today that even the SD cameras such as the DCR-SX65SD ($219) now record onto the SD cards in MPEG2 format, and that AVI is a thing of the past that died with the miniDV tapes. I assume MPEG2 still comes out as different clips that one assembles on the Timeline in PE10? One probably could convert the MPEG2 files to AVI, but would that give the same quality as an original AVI file from a miniDV tape? And if MPEG2 is the new standard going forward, do the resulting videos made with PE10 have the same quality as those made from 'native' AVI files? I will buy a used DCR-HC40 miniDV camera if the end result is better than those to be obtained with the brand new DCR or HDR series cameras now available in stores. But if the quality is the same, I could perhaps opt for one such as the HDR-CX 130HD ($349) which also records in SD in case some years from now I decide I really DO want to switch to HD formats.
Any advice on choice/use of the newer cameras and their default formats such as MPEG2 is welcome, in relation to PE10 editing and output capabilities.
Thanks very much,   paultool3

Dear JM and Steve,
Thanks much for your replies. I plan to get my DCR-HC40 miniDV camera fixed so I can use it for pass-through digitizing from VHS tapes. I also recently bought one of the Dazzle Video Creator Platinum capture units ($84 at Best Buys) just to try it, and actually got pretty good results in digitizing a VHS-C tape using a VHS-C to VHS adapter unit to play it in our VCR, and then using the Pinnacle Studio HD (version 15) that came with the Dazzle unit to import and digitize through the Dazzle unit.
The Dazzle unit would not show up in Premiere Elements 10 as an option to capture from, but did in Pinnacle Studio 15.   I used our Sony VAIO with i7 processor and Pinnacle captured the one hour, twenty-five minute- long VHS-C tape to a single 18GB .AVI clip which I then was able to bring into Premiere Elements 10 and use for output in various formats.
When using a less powerful laptop initially, the digitizing failed, with 319 dropped frames in the first 5 minutes.. So it takes a more powerful computer to work with a capture unit like Dazzle, apparently.
I will eventually be shopping around for a new, AVCHD format video camera as well based on your recommendations, but the current group of Sonys in this category, such as the HDR-CX130HD ($349) which record video onto SD cards, are getting bad reviews from CNET, claiming they have poor quality HD and other issues. So for the forseeable future I will be sticking with miniDV using my Sony DCR-HC28 and HC40 camcorders.

What video camera to get????

Hi all,
I've dug through the posts and can't find an answer yet....
I am trying to choose a new video camera. I am using a MacBook Pro, 2GB, 2GHZ. I plan on using iMovie HD 6 since 08 is missing so many features. I've been given a budget of $500 and could probably add a bit more for the right camera.
I want a hard drive based camera since mini dvds are out due to the slot loading drive and tape just doesn't hold enough video and I don't want to carry around extra tapes.
I know Sonys don't seem to play well with Macs. What brand/model would everyone recommend for the money?
I am getting this camera primarily to have a friend video my wedding, then we are going to keep it for family videos. Probably nothing professional or for profit.
Also, I know iMovie 08 is compatible with more cameras than 06. Would it be possible to import with 08, then edit in 06?
Thanks,
Kris

With regard to reusing tapes. You can buy quality tape fairly cheaply, especially if you buy it in bulk online, say from B&H Photo. Stored properly, tape will probably outlive you, but you shouldn't reuse them more than a few times, if at all, according to many users. Of course, you may wish to archive every tape you shoot, if it is family footage. I will use a once used tape to do an archive of a finished movie by exporting from iMovie back to tape. Your tape heads will last longer and more importantly, stay cleaner longer, if you reuse tapes infrequently.
With regard to buying "old" technology, you should read the posts by David Babsky in a recent thread titled "Video camera recs". Just because tape is an older technology doesn't mean it is going to disappear. It is still superior to any other format on the market and is still the preferred choice amongst professional videographers. You are buying into the manufacturers hype over hard drive convenience.
Capture time from DV tape is real time. A 60 minute tape takes 60 minutes to capture.
If possible, get the Sony HDD cam owner to give you the cam, instead of having him transfer it to DVD. Every conversion results in some degradation of quality and you will be converting that cams info several times in the process of going from HDD to DVD and then finally to DV on your Mac. Better for you to capture the video from his cam to iPhoto or Image Capture and then do the conversion to DV with MPEGStreamclip. The fewer format conversions the better. Hope that helps.
Forest
Message was edited by: Forest Mccready

What video camera would you get...

Today I am returning a video camera I bought before I got my Mac which is not computer-friendly. I'd be interested in everyone's opinions on what camera to get that would work well with Imovie. I'm looking in the $400-$500 range, give or take a couple hundred. Thanks.

Sony DCR-HC38 Mini DV Camcorder + Lenses + Filters + Pro Accessory Kit
Really, any Sony with a firewire (Sony calls it iLink)and one that uses DV Tape should be fine. I just thought the kit in the above link was a good price.
:)Sue

What video camera will work with my macbook pro

I want to buy a video camera but I am not sure which camera is compatible with my MBP, do you know a camera that allows me edit my home movies without converting them first?

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http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=10876&Item=ATI100435928
http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonhd3800/macpc/index.html
http://www.barefeats.com/harper15.html
http://www.barefeats.com/harper18.html

Which $3-4k video camera to buy?

I currently shoot with the Sony VX2000, which has been great, but I'd like to improve my picture quality. I've been impressed with the Panasonic DVX100a/b (we have one at work). Other contenders are the Sony PD-170, for DVCAM, or the Sony HVR-Z1U, w/ HDV. So it's 24p vs. DVCAM vs. HDV. But then there's a whole crop of new HD camcorders coming down the pike, such as Panasonic's HVX200k, and others by Canon and JVC. So many choices - what do other shooters out there think?
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DVXUser.com for all the dirt on the DVX cameras and HVX cameras.
If you're going HD I'd go with the panasonic... but be ready for 10k. I wouldn't mess around with the others.
CaptM

What video cable to buy to watch tv on old tube tv and mac pro

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<http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Hardware/Conceptual/HWTechVideo/Articles/Video_implementation.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40003994-SW891200331181>
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<http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9267G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MjE0NTg4NQ>
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Last year my FlipHD cameras were okay, but nothing spectacular.I sold Standard Definiton DVDs so the quality wasn't great anyway, but now I'm looking at selling Bluray High Definition discs too so I need to up my game a little. I've posted a picture of what my Main FlipHD did at the play.
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Screencap: in 1280x720 resolution.

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Hi Bengt,
Thanks very much for the input. Your brief comparison rundown has given me a lot to ponder, I really appreciate it. Hope you don't mind me bouncing some of it off you?
I'm very new to iMovie (my background in commercial/graphic art and using Macs since '89 has helped me a lot). Previously I've put together a DVD from old family 8mm silent colour film, that I had digitised commercially, and a bunch of old slides and photos I scanned.
The family are very happy with the results, but I was hoping to save some money (and editing time) with the conversion of old BETA and VHS tapes of the remainder of our family footage by doing it myself.
You said of iMovie, The viewer is mere an approximation!
I didn't realise this but it posed some questions for me.
Firstly, do the 55 or 110 have any user controls over the quality of the signal that they send to the Mac?
If that not the case is there any difference between the two other than the ability, with the 110, to see your iMovie editing in real time on real TV?
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iMac Intel C2D 2GHz 1GB Mac OS X (10.4.8) eMac G4 1.25 GHz 256 MB/80 MB; P'book G3 400 MHz 384 MB/6 GB

Best $1000 video camera?

So, what is the BEST video camera to buy that is simple to edit in FCP??? (Preferably digital, not mini-DV, and under $1000) Is this a pipe dream?
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Bill,
Look for a used Panasonic DVX100B which is MiniDV, but please don't shy away from Mini DV as a format in that price range! In my opinion, the arguments for recording digital aren't compelling enough... yet. Remember, MiniDV tape means "instant archiving" to a cost-effective, reliable media and a manageable workflow.
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The other reason to look specifically for a DVX100B, (besides great color) is 24 Progressive frame rate for film-like video recording.
You should be able to find them on Ebay in roughly the $1,200 - $1,500 price range.
Hope that helps.
Eddie

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What Video camera to buy?

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