Which Camcorder Please

I have narrowed down my search to two camcorders either the Canon HV20 HD which is a HDV Camera or the Samsung HMX20 High Definition Camcorder which uses an SD card. I am just stuck as to which one to choose. Any help again would be highly appreciated. I have read all the reviews but it helps to hear from people that have either used them first hand or know about this stuff. I will mainly be using iMovie. I travel to Canada for two tears in 8 weeks so was wanting to capture all my experience and then the best bits cut and burn to DVD to send back to England so family and frieds can see what I have been up to.

it does not really matter that much if you are going to shoot in HDV, which will look better in any case than DV, though it may take longer to render. For iMovie there are some recommendation I saw somewhere in the iMovie documentation. As long as you finding a camera that you can easily operate that would be my criteria. Quality-wise HDV is HDV.

Similar Messages

  • Which camcorder is compatible without the need to render?

    Hi there, just swapped from PC to Apple, and just like a few other posts on here I am having problems in deciding which camcorder to buy to use with FCE4, I am ideally looking for a budget camera prefer SD/HC or HDD with a max price about £300. I have checked the compatibility list but I have one question, When I take the footage from a camera and import it into FCE4 will I have to then render it, as, just to have a play with FCE4 I tried taking some video footage using photobooth, I then imported it into FCE4 placed it in the timeline and it then needed to be rendered, and if I moved it around in the timeline once it had been rendered I then had to render it again, this can't be right as it takes so much time to do anything.I am feeling a little bit disappointed, as at the moment Windows Movie Maker works faster.
    Please any advice or help greatly appreciated. I just want to experience the might of theApple Imac that I have been told about.

    Hello and welcome to the fourm.
    Rendering captured or imported footage is only necessary when you're using media which FCE doesn't handle natively. If you work with DV-PAL media (or any of the other several FCE-native formats), you'll only need to render certain effects or transitions. What it VITAL is that your FCE Sequence Settings match the footage you shoot.
    Regarding camcorders, my personal bias remains in favor of standard-definition tape-based cameras. HDV workflow is still pretty kludgy (best I can tell; I don't work in HDV, but this forum is replete with posts from folks who are trying to deal with the associated complications) as is delivery of HD output. Most any firewire-equipped mini-dv camera from the major manufacturers will work fine. I particularly like most Sony and Panasonic gear. Canon cameras often cause problems when used with external drives.

  • Which Camcorder with HD?

    I want to buy a camcorder '' Any reccomendations for which camcorder with built in HD..I should consider. Obviously must have firewire d/load. L

    Hi,
    We have the Sony HDR HC3 and are really enjoying it. I'm also pleased to say that it works wonderfully with iMovieHD.
    Here's a review. There's a bunch on the net. Not sure what this one says though... just a high hit on Google.
    I believe its no longer available on Sony's site as they have replaced it with some newer models - but we are happy.
    YMMV.
    http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HDR-HC3-Camcorder-Review.htm

  • Which camcorder for enterprising teen?

    I've spent several weeks researching which camcorder to buy for my teenage son. He has had several years experience making short films at camps and schools, and now wishes to make his own shorts.
    On a limited budget, we want the best available option -- which, of course, must work well with FCE (on an iMac).
    Here's my short list:
    Canon HG 10
    Canon HR 10
    Canon HV 20
    Panasonic PV-GS500
    Panasonic HDC-SD5BNDL
    Thanks for any help you may provide!

    Yes, yes, yes... HV20? VERY GOOD!!! but it depends on what you are wanting to do with it... if you are going to make a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean then you can almost not spend enough money... but most likely you are not doing that! I own the HV10 the little sister of the HV20... you can actually still get the HV10 on amazon for somewhere around $680.00. It is in the style of a matchbox which is actually the only feature that puts it down on my list... I am EXTREMELY picky about the quality of my video... when I researched it out the HV10 was the only one that lived up to the standard... the HV10 shoots full 1080i High Def. VERY nice! Really rich colors! just always give it plenty of light to ensure the best possible quality! when that is done it is totally amazing! don't get me wrong... the HV10 does extremely well in low light.. its just not quite as good as full light...
    I would definitely go with tapes--none of this hard drive business for editing
    check out camcorderinfo.com and read reviews
    all the best and good luck!
    Ubuntu_user

  • Which camcorder works best with iDVD/iMovie?

    So I'm buying a new camcorder. Which camcorder is the easiest to use with iDVD and iMovie? For now I just want to view and produce a DVD.
    I had a JVC Everio and returned it. Converting MPEG-2 to DV I guess can be done but seems like a lot of work. My first attempt with Streamclip asked me to buy the MPEG-2 module.
    I'm now looking at a Sony HDR-SR1. Thought the AVCHD would be MPEG-4 compatible and work with iMovie/iDVD but not sure. It will record in both AVCHD and MPEG-2 though.
    Any suggestions or ideas? I could really use the help.

    Welcome Michael Snell
    I use sony camcorders (minidv plus i.Link) successfully with iLife '06 and FCP HD. The ones to avoid are those that record to DVD directly or to an internal hard drive. Make sure your camera has digital pass thru which will also allow you to connect most analog sources as well should you need to like a VCR or another camera for import into iMovie via firewire.
    Canon also works well but represents my second choice of minidv cameras.
    JVC is in the same situation and would represent a third choice IMO.
    The good news is that almost any minidv camcorder will work on a mac that uses fw provided it records to mini dv tape and has a firewire or i.Link connector/s.

  • New-B!  Which camcorder to buy?

    Hello all. Totally new to this forum and to video editing. I have a clean slate and am trying to figure out which camcorder to buy this weekend and was hoping for some help. What I'm looking for is good quality video (doesn't have to be great, but solid) that I can easily import to iMovie 08 and then edit with either of my computers and export the finished product to the Web, or burn to DVD using iDVD. I've been doing a lot of reading and it seems that I could have trouble with some cameras using my G5 as it is not Intel powered, so I would like to stay away from those. I'm not needing to do anything professional with this, just something that is good quality, easy to use, compatible with iMovie 08 and iDVD, and is under $1000. I would consider buying an HD Camcorder while understanding that I have to film/export in a non-HD format until I get FC down the road. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks so much

    I did have a problem with Canon repair service during the first year when I bought one of their camcorders several years ago. The on-start-off switch started being intermittent after only 4-5 months and got worse from there. Canon wouldn't do the repair, as their guarantee said, and wanted to charge me a high price to do it. I operated using the remote for a long while. The camera finally wouldn't turn on at all and became totally useless.
    Needless to say, I haven't purchased another Canon product since that time. Since then, I went to other makes and have spent quite a bit on both still digital cameras and, very recently now, a camcorder by Sony (HDR-HC9). I stay with the miniDV tapes for both quality and convenience purposes, and also found that I had to revert to iMovie HD (vs 6, rather than iMovie 8) in order to properly edit my videos. So far, I really like my results with the HDR-HC9 - and iMovie 6.
    Incidentally, I now only purchase fine camera equipment from very well established local dealers who specialize in camera equipment rather than the big box electronic supply house where I purchased the Canon. The largest camera dealer in Atlanta told me that Canon should certainly have done the repair for me and that Canon would have - if I had purchased it from that dealer. They said that they have such a large volume that they easily pressure such camera makers to uphold their guarantees since Canon wants them to continue selling their product.
    I went from a very strong preference for Canon to the opposite. The big box electronic supply house simply said it was between me and Canon and that they wouldn't help at all. So, "good price" is not at all necessarily "good deal". Besides, the good sellers will now generally try to meet the best internet prices.
    Good luck.
    So time has passed, but these are lessons that, at least, this one person has learned by experience. Hopefully, Canon may have corrected their problems in their service department by this time. But, I don't feel inclined to test them again myself.

  • Which camcorder should I buy? Please help

    I am an older and casual user and I have been looking to an affordable camcorder compatible with iMovie but they all have problems. They all seem to be almost there but according to the consumers who bought them and the reviewers who test them no one of them is really "there". I need to take movies of concerts, two to three hours, I need a good sound, possibly 5.1, and a decent battery life.
    I also need to take snapshots while I record.
    A technician I know tells me that Sony camcorders are over all the best made and he just bought one for himself. Consumer Report recommend Sony HDR 150 for quality/price ratio. I'd like the Sony HDR 550 as well: it takes great snapshots, I heard! Am I going to be out of my mind if I buy one of them?
    I cannot afford Final Cut but I don't mind to upgrade to iMovie11 or a new version of OS X
    Thanks

    As you didn't detail your needs, I can only recommend the Canon HV30. It has consumer form factor and shots in HDV, but has a mike input, shoe, great image quality, HDMI output to bypass HDV compression in live capture, and an affordable media storage - miniDV tapes. I believe you can find one in less than $600.

  • Given these criteria, which camcorder would you recommend?

    As I research more, the more questions arise. Of the four kinds of camcorders *(High Definition, Standard Definition, Flash Memory, Standard Definition DVD, and Standard Definition mini DVD)*, *which kind is best suited for iMovie '09?* I realize that there is a link which shows which camcorders work with it, but my question is narrower. By this I mean:
    I read that CMOS image sensors conflict with the Image Stabilization in iMovie '09. Therefore, I do not want a camcorder with a CMOS IMAGE SENSOR. It has to be the other kind.
    A sideshoot question: If the camcorder lacks Image Stabilization, will that be taken care of in the iMovie '09 application? If so, then I don't need to look for IS as a requirement in a camcorder.
    I read that there are ways that one can make a standard definition look like high definition on the YouTube video, so I think that High Definition is not that crucial. I saw a YouTube video shot with a camcorder that did not have High Definition, and it/the video, look very very sharp. It looked High Def without the downsides of High Def.
    Because I want a small camcorder, I chose the Flash Memory Camcorders. I also love the idea of having separate memory cards for raw footage in each video.
    I now have a Sony digital video camera recorder DCR-TRV 11, which uses cassettes, so I do not need to get another one of the same type. I want one that is smaller *that works seamlessly with iMovie '09* with no extra steps involved such as decompressing a compressed video. I read something that jolted me: It said that flash memory compresses the video and that one would have to de-compress that video. *IS THIS TRUE?*
    Can anyone give me some thoughts and advice or wise counsel on this?
    I am looking at the *Canon FS100,*
    *Canon FS200,*
    *Sony DCR-HC52*
    Studying hard, but finding new questions around each corner.........
    -L
    Message was edited by: Lorna from Hawaii
    Message was edited by: Lorna from Hawaii

    /I guess, this will be a record-breaking Lorna-twitters-thread.. /
    ok, from top-to-bottom:
    • list of Apple-tested devices: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3290?viewlocale=en_US
    (this list means 'tested'! usually, devices of same 'family' do work, as XS100/listed, XS110/XS130 not listed but supported too.
    • DVD-corders = NoGo .. (please, Lorna, don't ask why .. you don't want it. period. )
    • CMOS-probs are demonstrated and explained on my site: http://sites.google.com/site/karstenschluter/imovie09jellodemo
    you will hardly get now-adays a non-CMOS consumer camcorder..
    one simple (=in means of doesn't work everytime) workaround: set shutter-speed as short as possible.. IF device supports manual shutter speed...
    • nothing replaces HiDef. period.
    • .. but *HiDef ≠ HiDef* .. there are devices claiming 'FullHD', but using plastic-lenses, offering only digital-zoom, 'chip' is small as a pin-head, no native 1080-pixel res, PLUS low bitrates.
    • compressing... bitrates define pic-quality. actual top-of-the-line: ~22Mbit/sec; 15-17 is fine; any under 10 is nonsense with FullHD ..
    .. which uses cassettes, so I do not need to get another one of the same type.
    so, why is the HC-52 on your list ?
    all three devices on your list are SD - any reason for that?
    imho, SD + flash-mem devices usually compress too much (=low bitrate)
    what is your main delivery media? DVD? web? ... ?
    a good source for tech. info is camcorderinfo.com
    general 'Lorna advice':
    there is no such thing as the perfect device.
    make your own list of needs&want-haves; what about mic-in? what about battery charger? what about 'handling'/too big, too small? what about size of wallet? what about tripod, scuba-cases, wireless mics, lights...? ...
    NO, Lorna, don't answer too me, answer yourself..

  • Which camcorder works best with mac computer

    I am looking to purchase a camcorder for my teen ager.  She is interested in making short movies and using imovie and the mac computer to edit them, etc.  Which canon  camcorder would be best?

    elvis25,
    I will be more than happy to recommend a model to you.  What price range are you looking to stay in?
    If this is a time sensitive-matter, additional support options are available at Contact Us.
    Did this answer your question? Please click the Accept as Solution button so that others may find the answer as well.

  • Really Frustrated - Which camcorder for dummies?

    I purchased a canon vixia hf s21 recently as I was told it was a great camcorder but even after loading the included software could not view all the videos.  I was told that I needed editing software like Premier Elements 9 so I purchased it and STILL can not see all the videos!!  I can load the ones from the card but not the ones from the 64GB internal memory.
    I am so incredibly frustrated!!  I just want something really simple to take home and travel video's and be able to actually view them.  I have decided to sell the camcorder (at a huge loss I am sure) as it is just way too complicated for me and pick up a pocket camcorder like the flip or bloggie or kodak zx3 but want one where I can plug it into my computer, do some simple editing (with elements 9 since I have it) and upload to flickr. I want the most dumbed down model out there!!
    Please help me!!  I am tired of throwing away money and not being able to see my videos. Which one will do this very simple task without having to convert files or any extra steps??!!  

    Wanted to add:  at this point, If someone has a suggestion of any pocket camera or camcorder (with decent video capabilities) that I can plug into my computer (windows 7), have everything recognized instantly, do some simple editing, and easily share, please tell me.  I have the premiere elements 9 but at this point, will edit with anything that is simple as long as I can plug the camera/camcorder into my computer and hae it recognize the camera, the files as they are, and not have to convert or some other such silliness. 
    I signed up for lydia online training and started watching the PE9 videos but haven't yet seen my problems addressed.
    I do like the vixia from what I can see on my TV (don't know about the computer yet) why is everything is so dag-gone complicated these days!  I just want something SIMPLE!!
    My brain is too old and tired for all of this.

  • Sorry - this is a "which camcorder" question!

    Hi,
    I'm completely new to iMovie and camcorders so please bear with me.
    I've had a look through previous posts and can't see anything in relation to my question so :
    I'm looking at buying the Sony HC44. Previous posts have mentioned that camcorders have to be transferred by Firewire. Nothing in the blurb on the Sony mentions Firewire, only AV output and USB connection. Am I just being dense? Will this work on iMovie?
    If anyone replies to my post please talk (type?) really slowly and preferably in words of one sylablle or less because I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.
    Thanks for your patience.

    So basically if I have a DV out, DV in and an AV output this should be all I need to get up and running?
    dv-out = transfers video from tape into Mac
    dv-in = transfers edited iMovie back to tape (storage...)
    AV/analogue-out = connect camera to TV-set...(all cameras have such)
    AV/analogue-in = useful, e.g. transfer older VHS to camera to Mac...
    search this forum for camera suggestions...
    Sony is a well-known, recommended brand; you do NOT need any fancy "effects" in camera - you'll do this with you Mac better.
    think about: would I use my "clumpsy" camcorder to do stills? or do I prefer to carry a second, not-so-clumpsy second device?
    think about "do I need 16:9"?
    think about "I do Hollywood - I buy a 3ccd camera!!" (<<excellent pic quality, but very expansive...)
    NEVER think about using a DVDcorder or stuff like that, stay miniDV.
    ... and get a tripod... (<< internal joke, apologizes to confuse you, I'm FORCED to write that)

  • Which camcorder contains a webcam function?

    Hello guys,
    I would like to buy a Toshiba camcorder, but it should contain a webcam function. Because I am gonna use it as a high-quality webcam. But I saw alot of posts on the internet about the new Camileo camcorders don't have a webcam function anymore.
    Question: Which Toshiba camcorders contain a webcam function?
    Thanks.

    Hi
    As far as I know the Camileo Pro supports the webcam functionality.
    I have found an Toshiba page which provide some details about Camileo Pro.
    Unfortunately its in german but you can see camcorder details and webcam is one of the features provided by Camileo Pro!
    http://de.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/generic/1007_CAMILEOPRO
    Greetings

  • WHICH CAMCORDER IS COMPATIBLE

    I want to buy a sony camcorder which would be compatible with my iMac OS X ( 10.7.2)

    Lists of compatible camcorders:
    For iMovie http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html
    For FCP http://help.apple.com/finalcutpro/cameras/en/index.html
    Stefan

  • Which camcorder format?

    I need to buy a camcorder but am confused by all the formats (MiniDV, HD etc) - with the software I have which type of camcorder will I be able to use EASILY.
    thanks

    Thanks for the info - and yes I am doing the homework as fast as p[ossible but ther e is a lot to sift through - very time consuming! Your help is appreciated!
    Are there restrictions on what will actually play/display HDV? i.e. does it have to have special presenting software?
    So even if I would like HDV miniDV the bottleneck is burning to DVD? - i.e. probably would need Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro?
    I need to video this event:
    http://internationaldayofpeace.org/participate/findanevent.html
    "An evening of Inspiration, Information and Celebration Expressions from local peace groups as well as entertainers, musicians and dancers.
    The Music Room
    Assembly House, Theatre Street
    Norwich, United Kingdom"
    which might be sent to any number of differing places afterwards to try to help promote peace
    thanks:D
    Message was edited by: Simon King

  • Which Camcorder to Buy?

    Hi - just bought a Panasonic SDR-H18 (30gb hd and SD card slot) - burns in mpg-1), only to find that I can't import the files into i-movie or i-dvd. Just talked to Apple tech who advised that purchasing i-life8 won't solve the problem. I can take it back, but before getting a replacement does anyone have any suggestions on which camcorders work best with i-movie or i-dvd? Not stuck on Panasonic, but like the hard-drive concept....
    Your help is appreciated!
    Nico

    Antony, I agree with you that you can use MPEG Streamclip (very good tool!) for converting MPEG1 and MPEG2 and other formats to the native FCE/P formats, but I would not use it as part of a standard workflow, mainly if you may still choose your camcorder: compressing/decompressing doesn't improve quality (...) and takes time and disk space.
    In any case, to prepare a FC-ready file with MPEG Streamclip you should Export to QuickTime (cmd-E - NOT Export to DV!) with Compression: Apple DV-PAL (or Apple DV-DVCPRO/NTSC), Quality: 100%, fps: 25 for PAL or 29,97 for NTSC, Audio: uncompressed, Stereo, 48 KHz.
    When imported to FC, the resulting .mov will not require audio rendering.
    Piero

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