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Better videos.
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Trey,
Sony made a very good entry-level 3CCD videocam several years ago called the TVR-900. You can Google it (as well as Google “Bealcorner”) to get specs as well as advice for using it in different scenarios. You can shop carefully on Ebay and find a good one for under $1000. You might also find its professional cousin, the SONY PD100. Google both of them and get up to speed, because they will give you better results than a new videocam with one CCD or CMOS sensor. Years ago, I shot my first video for the local airport for an intro to flying. I used a very nice ($1000 new) single CCD Mini DV cam from Sony, as well as a TVR900. I was amazed at the difference in color and contrast between the 3CCD cam and the single CCD MiniDV cam. I did the research and bought a PD100, then upgraded to PD 150 etc… Canon XL series cams are good, too, but a bit more expensive, with lenses extra (when new). Hope this helps, and I’m sure others will have some great ideas regarding entry level cams that produce pleasing results.
Have fun,
Hutch
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Melvin,
I recently purchased the Casio EX-F1. I am producing a motorcycle racing DVD dedicated to Extreme Body English with losts of SLO MO. This Hybrid camera is one of the tools I am using and is really amazing. The 1080i and 720p capabilities are very cool considering the intent in it’s purchase was the variable burst still capability along with the 300fps, Haven’t really used the 600fps and 1200fps yet. I have a few tech questions that maybe you could answer. Can you email me at john@inlandimages.com so that I can continue offline?
JohnFrey
John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore
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I have seen a few panasonic videocams on ebay that are 3ccd for about 500 dollars but I dont know how good they are.
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Trey,
[Trey Isbell] “I have seen a few panasonic videocams on ebay that are 3ccd for about 500 dollars but I dont know how good they are.”
Panasonic is/was the only major manufacturer to make really low cost ($600-1200) 3 chip DV camcorders. They are based on 1/6 and 1/4″ CCD chips and for what they are they are pretty good. Not so good for low available light situations but quite OK when the light is high as in most of the outdoor situations that you anticipate using the camcorder. They aren’t going to perform up to the degree of $2.5-5k 3 chip units, but in the outdoor situations you want to capture, not too far off the mark.
Be certain to budget for a good polarizing filter for whatever camcorder you get. It’s essential anytime your background is the sky. Perhaps another $100 for a good one. And make sure whatever camcorder you get allows you to control the exposture manually.
Ron Shook
Shoulder-High Eye Productions
CreativeCOW Forum Host for Discreet edit* -
Trey,
If you will Google them, you can usually find an older review of the videocam that compares it to its peers. Panasonic is a solid brand that makes videocams that a lot of tv stations and documentary filmakers use.
Hutch
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Thanks for all the help. Since I do this mostly for a hobby I am not going to drop over 1000 dollars for a camera. I am going to look into the panasonic cameras. What kind of burner do you use if you have a high definition camera or do you guys use the high defintion feature of your camera. There are alot of people who dont have hd dvd players. I know to even enjoy hd you’ve got to have an hd dvd and hd tv.
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Trey,
[Trey Isbell] “I am going to look into the panasonic cameras. What kind of burner do you use if you have a high definition camera”
The Panasonic camcorders I was refering to are SD only. If you want HD for under $1k, you’ll almost certainly have to get a single chipper if you’re purchasing new. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong. I don’t think that there is a 3 chip camcorder out there that does HD for under $1k.
Most folks who shoot some form of HD now, still deliver on SD DVD, so to answer your question, you still probably use a regular SD DVD burner.
Ron Shook
Shoulder-High Eye Productions
CreativeCOW Forum Host for Discreet edit*
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