[Melina Kolb]

I never got an answer, but I ended up hiring someone at Captions and Subtitles Services (AngieNRussell@capsubservices.com) to make sure the proper format was delivered to the broadcast station. I was only charged $50.

[Melina Kolb]

I actually read this document and realized that nowhere does it actually say how to create captions from scratch, only how to edit existing captions that are imported in. If you know of a good resource for this info, I would appreciate it!

[Melina Kolb]

I figured out what to do. Before when I was in Premiere and I tried to import my captured files (through File > Import), they were grayed out so I couldn’t select them. But when I looked at them through the Media Browser I was able to import them that way. Not sure why the first method didn’t work.

[Melina Kolb]

The files are all using the codec DV/DVCPRO – NTSC, Integer (Little Endian), Timecode

[Melina Kolb]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have found some other resources for anyone who is interested: https://nofilmschool.com/dslr/camera/ and https://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/. I also bought Richard Harrington’s book so hopefully I can gain better insight.

I’ve spoken to other journalists and videographers who use DSLR video and while they do say it’s not good for breaking news, it is very much possible to pursue documentary-style footage using these cameras. The main negatives I’ve found are figuring out how to stabilize your image if doing handheld (I’ve seen some shoulder rigs that people use, also invest in good tripod), dealing with the limited time you can do one shot (during interviews you can cut the shot while asking questions and/or record sound separate from camera and plan on using b-roll to cover the gap), and as mentioned before, the lack of audio controls (which can be remedied with separate audio recording and using sound sync software).

Though the downsides are annoying, I’d also like to point out the positives. For one, the ability of these cameras to shoot beautifully in low-light is unrivaled by any regular video camera. This will help me when I do events at night and I can avoid messing with additional lighting. Also, the small size helps detract attention and make it more portable, which is good when I am responsible for carrying my own equipment and need to do interviews in public without nosy people messing up my shots. And finally, I need a new still camera and HD video camera anyway so why not just pay to get 2-in-1? If I am on a scene and there happens to be a great photo op, or if something interesting is happening, I can pursue either medium, which is great for journalists these days who are expected to do everything multimedia.

So anyways, that’s some food for thought.

[Melina Kolb]

Thanks, I am currently on a 2GHz Intel Core 2 duo Mac. I shoot mostly hand-held, with the majority of content being interviews and events. I shoot documentaries and some journalism packages as well so being able to quickly get shots without too much setup is important.

I’ve been reading a lot of reviews on these cameras, but it seems not many people are focusing on just the video capabilities. I would love to be able to switch over not only because of the image quality, but for the convenience (size, price, need HD, can take photos too…).

[Melina Kolb]

Thanks everyone. After much consideration, I decided to get a used AG-DVX100B for about $1500. I figure I can get some good use out of it for the next year or so, then upgrade my entire system (computer, editing software, Sd to HD) when I’ve made enough money off of this camera!

Plus, most of my stuff is distributed online anyway so I wasn’t convinced that HD is quite necessary yet for good looking footage.

[Melina Kolb]

Know anything about working with AVCHD files in Final Cut? I want to know how long it takes to convert footage into the Apple format (and whether my iMac can handle it) and how much hard drive space it takes up.