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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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 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 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

More confused than ever which HDV camcorder to buy

I do whitewater rafting videos. Have MacPro 2.16Intelcore2 duo, 1 gig memory with 111.47gig harddrive using imovie6. Super fast footage processing needed for quick souvenir DVD turnaround. Considering new 3chipHD JVC camcorder with 60gig harddrive for faster than realtime downloading(in theory!). 1)Will this GZ-7 work and if so, how much faster than real time will it download? Also noticed that it is much faster to record a DVD in realtime to a Philips DVD recorder than it is to export to iDVD and burn. I burn the video back to DV tape, rewind and firewire record the movie to the Philips DVD recorder (Since the Macbook doesn't recognize the Philips as a recorder) 2)Which DVD recorder would the imovie recognize? 3) Is there any way to beat real time recording with my current set-up? Here's the concept: Chase a raft trip and get 8 to 10 mins footage. Upload it to an imovie that already has stock shots and music, make a few quick edits and burn as many DVDs as possible before people leave. I have roughly 30 to 45 minutes to produce say six finished DVDs. The longer I look the more confused I am which camera to buy ($1500 budget) and the fastest way to get mutiple DVD copies finished. I've looked at stacked multiple DVD recorders and wonder if they will work to record at real time - say 5 DVDs at once using firewire from imovie or is it just another box of empty promises?

from a movie-makers point of view I'm more on tilmans side... (sorry, Kirk )
sure, Kirk's recommendation, DVDcorders, produce fast instant-dvds.. but including all errors while recording... no extras, no 'good lookin' '
I would:
* use any standard miniDV camera (you get water-proof cases for...)
* for superb quality, get a 3ccd with a large ccd ...
* I would create a 'frame' project in iM... that includes:
a nice intro, a standard message 'hi, I'm scc, and THIS is your ride of a lifetime..', add some 'stock' footage (=best scenes), perpare an iPhoto album of stock-pics (map of your canyon etc), an iTunes playlist (your Garageband projects )...
after recording, double-click on that 'frame project', and first step, save it under a unique name ('tour 12may07') ... that keeps your 'frame' intact for future use...
import your few minutes of fame, use the crop feature (oops, you're using v5? upgrade to v6... ), add the few scenes, save project. launch iDVD, add your ready-made backgrounds and DVD-intro animation, etc. and select iM project under media... burn disk.
to multiply that disks, use a copier as tilman recommend it, use Toast's copy feature, or use a HDD/DVD standalone (I'm owning a Pioneer DVR520), which also allows a very fast copying of DVDs...

Which HD Camcorder to buy to use w/ iMovie 11?

I have done hours of research to figure out what type of HD Camcorder to buy to work with iMovie (without using a conversion software utility). The world of HD video is VERY confusing to me. The best summary of all this I've seen is at Camcorderinfo.com.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/d/Reviews&level_b=Camcorder&level_c=HD.htm#
However I am still confused with all this. Seems like there are several key things to factor:
I Type of HD:
     1. Resolution
     a. "Full" HD
     b. HD
     c. HD "Light"
     d. SD
     2. Scan rate:
     a. i (interlaced)
     b. p (progressive)
    3. Frame rate:
     a. 24
     b. 30
     c. 60
     x. native or not
II. Compression (Codec):
     a. ACVHD
     b. mpeg4
     c. mpeg2
     d. HDV (old, so probably not recommended)
So the question are:
A. which of the above combination of types works well with iMovie 11?
B. which camcorder meets these types the best (preferably a newer model, and preferably a Sony, Canon, or Panasonic)
Any help would be EXTREMELY APPRECIATED
Thanks!

a. "Full" HD
This is a marketing term. It usually means 1920x1080, but there is nothing inherently better in 1920x1080 or 1440x1080 or 1280x720. The sensor makes the difference not the format. Cheap little sensor that gives Full HD is worse than large sensor that shoots 720.
b. HD
Anything that isn't standard definition. In the US technically anything larger than 720x486 is HD.
c. HD "Light"
Another meaningless marketing term. I guess it means 1280x720. In the US CBS and NBC shoot in 1080i, while ABC and Fox shoot in 720p60, progressive frame, high frame rate, which is great for sports.
     d. SD
In the US that's 720x480 for DV and 720x486 for uncompressed.
a. i (interlaced)
Media in the US is recorded and broadcast at 29.97fps, basically one frame every 30th of a second. In an interlaced recording half of the resolution is recorded in 1/60th of a second. During this recording the image is written as a series of lines from top to bottom, the first set of lines in the first field in the first 60th of a second might be the even lines, line 0 (actually half a line), line 2, line 4, line 6, and so on. In the second 60th of a second the other half of the image resolution, the odd lines are written, line 1, line 3, line 5, and so on. If there's motion in the image the two halves of the image, the two interlaced fields, are not identical.
b. p (progressive)
This can be even more confusing. Theoretically it means that one complete image is taken 29.97 times a second. In most cameras this is not the case. What they actually shoot is called PsF or progressive segmented frames. This lets a camera shoot both interlaced or progressive. It shoots half the resolution, the single field of interlaced video, and then the second field. The difference here is that each field is the same. As there is no difference in the fields no interlacing appears on the motion.
a. 24
Only film cameras and very few video cameras shoot true 24fps. Video cameras shoot 23.976fps, sometimes referred to 23.98 and sometimes simply called 24, which it isn't. To confuse things further many cameras claim to shoot 24fps but don't. They capture 23.976fps but record at 29.97 with what is called pulldown added to make up the difference of frames between 23.976 and 29.97. It uses a complicated method alternating interlaced and progressive frames in a 2:3:2:3 cadence. (There is also an advanced pulldown cadence that's 2:3:3:2, which can have the pulldown removed and be restored to 23.976 for editing.) Pulldown is the way movies are shown on television. The 24fps film is played back at 23.976, pulldown is added, and the result is broadcast at the standard 29.97 frame rate. This adds flickering to the image which we're used to watching. Those who come from Europe and watch US television often find the pulldown flicker quite noticeable. When an iMovie project refers to 24, it means something shot at true 23.976, not something shot 24 with pulldown added and recorded at 29.97.
b. 30
No such thing, except maybe in computer animation. The correct frame rate is 29.97. iMovie calls it 30. It's not. An iMovie project is 30 when it's shot at the standard North American (and Japanese and Korean) frame rate of 29.97.
c. 60
Again, no such thing. The frame rate is 59.94. Some cameras shoot this, quite a few professional cameras do. iMovie does not support it.
x. native or not
No idea what that is, unless it's the frame rate they use in Borneo.
a. ACVHD
Codec stands for compression-decompression algorithm. It's the mathematical formula that's used to calculate how the video is compressed. AVCHD (Advanced Video Compressor HD) is a format based on the H.264 codec using MPEG-4, which is another format.
b. mpeg4
This is a format that can be used for acquisition or delivery. It's not a codec. MPEG-4 is used in AVCHD. It can also use other codecs.
c. mpeg2
This is another, older format. It can be either HD or SD. It's most common usages are as the format for DVD disc encoding, and as the basis for HDV.
All of these formats, MPEG-2, MEPG-4, AVCHD, use what are called GOP structures or interframe compression. What that means is that a single frame is encoded, the I-frame, and the next (usually 15 frames) are made up of comparing the previous frames and also the next frame, the B and P frames. These long GOP structures are great for encoding, easy to compress, and widely used for acquisition in cameras, and delivery on the web and disc; they're horrible for production, because there are no individual frames. When you specify a frame you want to edit on, the computer has to do a whole lot of work to calculate and generate a complete actual frame where none really exists in the GOP structure, unless it happens to be that one in 15 frames at the start of the GOP. This is why most professional systems, especially high end systems, convert these interframe compression formats to intraframe compression formats. Here each frame is individually encoded and compressed. The files are larger but it's much easier for the computer and the application to calculate what you want to do.
d. HDV (old, so probably not recommended)
An MPEG-2 based HD format that's 1440x1080 or 1280x720. It's never 1920x1080.
A. which of the above combination of types works well with iMovie 11?
B. which camcorder meets these types the best (preferably a newer model, and preferably a Sony, Canon, or Panasonic)
No good answers to these. HDV tape and AVCHD work well with iMovie. All three manufacturers make cameras of these types. Though you can throw pretty much anything you want into iMovie (it's remarkably resilient), it prefers, like most editing systems, to work with I-frame based media. Both HDV and AVCHD get transcoded on ingest to the Apple Intermediate Codec. This is a high data rate codec used by QuickTime. It's pretty good quality by prosumer standards and easy for the computer to work with, but these are much larger files than the original media.
Check here
http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html?lang=en_US
to see if the camera you're interested in works with iMovie.
I hope I have you thoroughly confused by now. Oh and by the way, it's changing every day. This answer will be obsolete probably by the time I finish writing it.

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.

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

I have two iphone one is iphone 5 and othere is iphone 4 . can i use same id for both ? And do i have to purchase the application again for iphone 4 which i have buyed for iphone 5.??

i have two iphone one is iphone 5 and othere is iphone 4 . can i use same id for both ? And do i have to purchase the application again for iphone 4 which i have buyed for iphone 5.??

You can use the same Apple ID for both phones, you would then be able to use the purchased Apps/Content on both phones without having to pay again.

Trying to find out which adapter to buy which has 30pin socket on one end and lightening plug on other - any help really valued - thanks

trying to find out which adapter to buy which has 30pin socket on one end and lightening plug on other - any help really valued - thanks

Many thanks - I was typing in the wrong keywords - fr your time and trouble.
Dave

Which camcorder do I get?

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.

Which Desktop to Buy for Solaris 8 ???

Hi,
Recently I bought a Dell Dimension 4100 system and found out that Solaris 8 does not install on that because of some acpi problems.
Now I am returning the system and planning to buy another one.
Can somebody tell me which system to buy so that I am able to sucessfully install Solaris 8 on it.
I checked the Hardware Compatibality list but it either lists expensive servers or outdated desktops which the manufacturers no longer sell.
I am looking to buy a P3 atleast with 1GHz Clock Speed.
If somebody knows then please let me know.
Thanks
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I recommend you stay away from the 21.5" iMac and Mac mini because they cannot be upgraded. Upgrading the 27" iMac's memory when you need the extra RAM will be less expensive than maxing out the RAM now and less expensive than replacing the computer a couple years from now. The retina iMac is beautiful but in your work how many times have you felt your 2007 iMac lacked pixels? Maybe you'd benefit from it, maybe not. When it comes to the difference between displays I've always recommended people sit down in front of them and see. Looking at the specs, my wife's display looks like a winner. She loves using it, I hate it. Displays are a very personal choice.

What's a great, affordable Mini-DV camcorder to buy for Final Cut?

I just got a MacBook Pro and Final Cut Express. What's a great Mini-DV camcorder to buy if I was to get my feet wet with video editing? I've just graduated from film school, looking to make short films and short documentaries. Does anyone know what a good entry level camera would be and what type of equipment I'd need? Thank you so much, I'm on my own in this so any help I could get would be great!

hey there RohanRuin, welcome to Discussions!
what you get should be determined by your needs/project & your budget... if you just completed film school don't you have some idea of the features & capabilities of cameras & other tools necessary to shoot clean usable footage. anyway.... any prosumer Sony, Panasonic or Canon will be a good buy as they have manual controls as well as automatic, they also have features being left out on lo-$$ consumer cams, such as mic in, headphones out, analog to digital conversion. JVC & Canon HDV cams have interchangeable lenses.
a solid tripod that works w/ your cam(size & weight), lights & stands-will it be "guerilla" lighting that you cobble together from your local Home Depot, or will you buy Lowell instruments in a 3-5 piece kit? ....softboxes? you'll need/acquire all sorts of stuff as you progress in your career. i still have/use a few of the reflector shop lights i got when i began 25 years ago to shoot small projects 'cause that's what i could spend. also think about some sort of external mic-ing so as not to record cam noise. there's more but i think you need to assess your needs & budget first.
i use Sony mini DV & HDV cams, & depending on the project, a compact audio mixer, Shure & CAD mics. iighting instruments w/ barndoors & gels, foamcore reflectors, a couple of battery-powered on cam lights. a cheap lav that works for interviews,... get the most cam that you can (3-chip over one-chip) so you can continue to use it for a few years, a good lav mic if you'll need it or a good stick mic, boom & stand, maybe a couple of halogen shoplights are my starter suggestions.
good luck.

I am trying adobe Photoshop and adobe illustrator because I can't decide which one to buy so I want to try both, after I downloaded Photoshop I can not see the option "free trial" for adobe Illustrator, it is because I can only free try one at the time??

I am trying adobe Photoshop and adobe illustrator because I can't decide which one to buy so I want to try both, after I downloaded Photoshop I can not see the option "free trial" for adobe Illustrator, it is because I can only free try one at the time??

Bryan,
You can download both at the same time.
But you may wish to start off with one and use it full time, then download the other later, so you get the maximum possible time with both.
If you have trouble getting the free trial on the Adobe site, you may try here or here:
http://prodesigntools.com/tag/ddl
http://technolux.blogspot.co.nz/2011/02/adobe-direct-download-links-less-akamai.html#more

Could someone please tell which cable to buy for my iPad 2 so that I can watch Netflix , film four, and such others on my TV via my iPad, I am getting very confused

could you please advise me which cable to buy for my iPad 2 so that I can watch Netflix , film four, and such others on my TV via my iPad, I am getting very confused , many thanks

You need this digital iPad adapter http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD098ZM/A and an HDMI cable.
 Cheers, Tom

Which Camcorder to Buy?

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