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what consumer-camcorder-types are the best?
Hello,
sorry for being a little off topic here:
I am an editor, and since outsiders think its all the same here in europe, people often aske me wich camcorder they should buy. Well… i became curious myself.Is it better to stick with camcoders that record on MiniDV, or are the “new” systems better where they record on small dvd
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7 Replies
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I would stay away from the DVD based units for now, because it’s my understanding and perception that they add a LOT more compression to the signal to cram it onto the DVD, and you then need to do extra steps to extract the video and audio to be able to edit with it. All of this adds expense, complication, and transcoding losses.
If you will absolutely never edit it, then maybe it’s not a concern.
But how do you then make extra copies of it? Hm? -
Don’t get a DVD camera, second that.
I personally like the Panasonic DVX 100 or the Canon XL2. These are however high-end, expensive consumer cameras, but if you know how to use them you can generate fantastic looking results.
Good luck
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Stick with Mini DV for now. It’s got enough of a base to last for a while.
…But then again, I went with VHS-C for my home camcorder about 6 months before DV hit the market in the 90’s… so take my advice for what it’s worth. 😉
-TJA
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…I don’t know how easy they are to find anymore, but I still really enjoy using my PDX-10 when I get a chance…small body, but a huge LCD panel…balanced audio…megapixel CCDs…
Damn you HD!
TimK,
Kolb Productions,
Creative Cow Host,
Author/Trainer
http://www.focalpress.com
http://www.classondemand.net -
…. and that touch screen focus feature, I find that to be a lot of fun and very useful. Why the heck didn’t Sony include that on their HDV cameras?
Regards,
David -
Sony’s new HDR-HC3 !!!!!!! Totally rocks – tested it at circuit city – buying it this week on butterflyphoto.com dirt frigg’n cheap – point & shoot HDV using miniDV tapes – Sony’s HD lenses fit it – DVD technology bad bad – tapes have timecode, thus good good!
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\`(=)`/…Pixel Monkey
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It’s not a bad camera, but I am more partial to the previous model, the HC1. It’s too bad that they dropped the zoom/focus ring on the HC3 and generally dumbed it down. I’m sure it still shoots beautifully though.
— Paul Escandon
High-Def Editor and Motion Graphics Artist
The Outdoor Channel—
Paul EscandonHigh-Def Editor and Motion Graphics Artist
Outdoor Channel
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