What do I need to know about video cameras?
I recently took up photography, but would also like to try making videos. I don’t know what to look for in a video camera. I’m talking about the technical specs. Explanations on everything I should look at when buying a camera. Whats the best recording format? Is 1080p worth it? What else effects quality of a video? What has the best colors? Stabilizers? What am I talking about basically. I like to know everything I can before making a big purchase. I plan on editing the videos when needed depending on what I record.
Thanks!
P.S. – Somewhere I can read everything I need is also good. Reviews and info. Thanks again!
I forgot to add budget. I’d like to stick with no more than 0, but i could possibly go up to 00.
I also have a VERY powerful computer (i’m a nerd and built my own computer. Constantly upgrading to the best technology when I have the money). Decompressing won’t take long. But I know its best to just have the least compression possible.
Great answers so far! I’ll favorite one soon when I’ve researched some of the suggested cameras. Thanks so far! You’ve all been a huge help!
2 Responses to “What do I need to know about video cameras?”
Leave a Reply
Things to look for in a video camera… in no particular order:
Large lens. Entry level consumer camcorders have lenses of 37mm filter diameter or smaller. Mid-range consumer camcorders get to about 43mm filter diameter lens. High end consumer camcorders bump to 58mm. Prosumer and pro camcorder lenses will get to 72mm. Remember, the lens determines how much light gets to the imaging chip.
Large imaging chip. Entry level consumer camcorders have imaging chip – usually 1 – of 1/5" or smaller (typically 1/6"). Mid-range consumer camcorders get to about 1/4". High end consumer camcorders bump 1/3". Prosumer and pro camcorder imaging chips will be 1/3" – but either 3CCD or 3CMOS – not single chip. The imaging chip is the "retina" and translates the light coming in through the lens to electronic signals.
Least amount of compression. After the imaging chip digitizes the image, additional firmware in the camcorder compresses the digital video stream before it writes that data to the camcorder’s storage media. Applying the least compression means the data is not discarded – which results in a better potential video image. Standard definition DVD camcorders should be avoided. Consumer DVD, Flash memory and hard disc drive camcorders that record high definition typically record to two VERY compressed files. Either .MOV Motion JPEG files or AVCHD/MTS files are typical. Much less compression is applied when HDV format video is recorded – this is what miniDV tape records – whether consumer or prosumer or professional grade.
First choice: miniDV tape
Second choice: flash memory
Hard disc drive camcorders fall off the list because of their known issues with vibration, altitude and poorly defined work flow (especially for archiving video).
DVD camcorder recording time (blank DVDs) have a short record time at best quality and optical disc stability is not very good.
In either case (flash memory, hard disc drive or DVD), the very highly compressed AVCHD files require a very robust computer for decompressing and editing the MTS files.
MiniDV tape requires the computer to have a firewire port for video transfer to the computer. If the computer has not firewire port, then hopefull the computer has an available expansion slot to add one. If that is not possible, the flash memory is the likely resolution.
Optical stabilization is prefered (over digital stabilization) – but every effort should be made to not capture video when the camcorder is handheld. Tripod, shoulder mount system, camera crane, vest stabilizing system… but not handheld.
Video’s biggest difference from still image capture (other than still vs moving subject) is audio. The camcorder *should* have a mic jack and manual audio control.
What is your budget?
Suggested camcorders for your investigation:
Canon HV40
Canon HF or HF S series
Nikon D90 with external audio system
Sony HDR-FX7
Sony HDR-FX1000
Canon XHA1
Panasonic AG-HVX200
JVC GY-HM100
Sony HVR-Z5
Mics:
Audio Technica PRO24-CM, AT-825
NRG Research SA-800
Sennheiser or Audio Technica shotgun and wireless mics
RODE video mic or stereo mic
Steadying devices:
Bogen Manfrotto
SpiderBrace
Kessler camera crane/tripod/head
GlideCam/SteadyCam/VariCam vest system
Additonal high capacity battery (or two) from the camcorder manufacturer.
Video light (Bescor, NRG Research).
Good luck!
Depends on your price range. I favor sony and some Jvc’s. a good recording format for camers normally i see is an mpeg3 format. compatable with macs and pc. JVC GMC-670 is nice if your trying to save a little bit off money i believe the pirce on it is $429.99 it is a standered def camera but it does have an hd up convert so from mini hdmi to hdmi into your tv it will do the full 1080p. editing softwear for it to is nice. pops up with a little callender for you when you save all of your videos. If you can spend some good money though like 1k range I love the new sony’s the XR500 and CX500. Features sonys new "G" lens and there EXMOR R senser. which both play a big roll as well in your video quality. senser is helpfulll with the lighting effects as well as lens. the G lens also does an awsome job at macro shots I sold one to a jewelcrafter that needed to video close ups of all his dimands.
hope this helps.