Good video camera?

Magnus · 28th November 2006, 21:50

If we wanted to do some recording of interviews for a video podcast for the site, what would you recommend for a camera?

I would want HD, even if we wouldn't actually send it out as HD (imagine the bandwidth!). It would have to be able to take external microphone (preferably two mics) and external light. It doesn't matter much if it's very small since we would carry it around from place to place and use it on a tripod most of the time. Obviously being supported by iMovie, FCE, and FCP would be required

Any suggestions?

Zaid Al Hilali · 28th November 2006, 22:49

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Digital Video Cameras.

calreid · 29th November 2006, 00:46

I could recommend a few cameras

If you are not looking for HD but high quality footage the panasonic nvgs 400 or 500 would surfice as they are 3ccd cams

In terms of high definition i would recommend the Sony HDR-HC1E Handycam, its a highly portable semi pro cam with a great deal of manual features and shoots at 1080i. In terms of external mics for interviews get a uni directional microphone, rode is a good brand.

Happy to help
calum

calreid · 29th November 2006, 00:57

Oh a wide angle lens adapter is useful in that situation too and the sony is also capable of shooting high quality sd standard definition, it is twice the price of ther other two and it all depends wether hd is essential in making your choice

calum

Magnus · 29th November 2006, 05:19

Thanks calreid for your help! That gives me somewhere to start looking at least.

istara · 9th January 2007, 15:32

If you don't mind using tape, would recommend the new Sony (VX1 I think - I can never remember numbers) that is coming out this month. It is entry-level professional quality, will be the same size as the PD150/170 (so smaller than the first gen entry-level HD). Has proper XLR(?) mic inputs.

Otherwise Panasonic have several hard-disk recording cameras. However I'm not sure if there is anything pro-end available and affordable that is tape free.

But as mentioned a wide angle lens adaptor is CRITICAL. I can't stress this enough. And if you can't get good natural light, get a toplight (one of the new LED ones that takes the same type of battery as the Sony cameras would be good).

And if you want compression tips, you know where to come

iDubai · 9th January 2007, 17:37

I want to sell my HD Sony. I just used it for 100min or so.

Very nice image quality + I used on it the wide angle adapter.

Magnus · 9th January 2007, 20:59

What's your asking price, iDubai?

28th November 2006, 21:50	#1 (permalink)
Magnus Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dubai Posts: 7,801	Good video camera? If we wanted to do some recording of interviews for a video podcast for the site, what would you recommend for a camera? I would want HD, even if we wouldn't actually send it out as HD (imagine the bandwidth!). It would have to be able to take external microphone (preferably two mics) and external light. It doesn't matter much if it's very small since we would carry it around from place to place and use it on a tripod most of the time. Obviously being supported by iMovie, FCE, and FCP would be required Any suggestions?

28th November 2006, 22:49	#2 (permalink)
Zaid Al Hilali Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mirdif-Dubai Posts: 1,356	Not sure Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Digital Video Cameras.

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29th November 2006, 00:46	#3 (permalink)
calreid Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 12	I could recommend a few cameras If you are not looking for HD but high quality footage the panasonic nvgs 400 or 500 would surfice as they are 3ccd cams In terms of high definition i would recommend the Sony HDR-HC1E Handycam, its a highly portable semi pro cam with a great deal of manual features and shoots at 1080i. In terms of external mics for interviews get a uni directional microphone, rode is a good brand. Happy to help calum

29th November 2006, 00:57	#4 (permalink)
calreid Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 12	Oh a wide angle lens adapter is useful in that situation too and the sony is also capable of shooting high quality sd standard definition, it is twice the price of ther other two and it all depends wether hd is essential in making your choice calum

29th November 2006, 05:19	#5 (permalink)
Magnus Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dubai Posts: 7,801	Thanks calreid for your help! That gives me somewhere to start looking at least.

9th January 2007, 15:32	#6 (permalink)
istara Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 156	If you don't mind using tape, would recommend the new Sony (VX1 I think - I can never remember numbers) that is coming out this month. It is entry-level professional quality, will be the same size as the PD150/170 (so smaller than the first gen entry-level HD). Has proper XLR(?) mic inputs. Otherwise Panasonic have several hard-disk recording cameras. However I'm not sure if there is anything pro-end available and affordable that is tape free. But as mentioned a wide angle lens adaptor is CRITICAL. I can't stress this enough. And if you can't get good natural light, get a toplight (one of the new LED ones that takes the same type of battery as the Sony cameras would be good). And if you want compression tips, you know where to come

9th January 2007, 20:59	#8 (permalink)
Magnus Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dubai Posts: 7,801	What's your asking price, iDubai?