Seeking advice for a digital camcorder

Cafe Society
1

I have an idea for a documentary film. Nothing first rate but watchable. Does anyone have a recomendation for a HD digital video camera? Obviously I’m looking for something as budget minded as possble but that would still be servicable. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Steven

2

There is a serious breaking point from the lighter weight consumer “HD” mini dv cams and the prosumer ones.

Try to do a shoot-out. You are in NoCal? I think there is a Samy’s in San Fransciso. Find a dealer with a large selection. Ask to do a shoot-out using some of the cheaper models. By shoot-out, I mean this. You have to be allowed to record on their demo cameras. You shoot the same shot with different cameras. Then, play them back one after the other on the same monitor. Differences in image quality will leap out at you.

Many have a compression rate that - while it may technically be HD - makes the image awfully darned hard to view. It also, depending upon the KIND of HD being recorded, may not be compatible with all edit systems. Which is utter b.s. IMHO but there you have it.

If you can swing several grand, you can look at the Panasonic HVX-200. The glass is Leica, which is superb. I am not a huge fan of the workflow involved in P-2 cards, but I know if you can afford a P-2 set that is large enough, you can do documentary work. Note: The HD is only recorded on the P-2 cards. That camera also comes with a tape drive, but that tape drive records in SD only.

Similarly, the Canon HD and JVC HD bodies are quite good. I am a huge fan of the JVC because it is faster than the Panasonic and the JVC comes with a “real” Fujinon video lens. Similar to the bigger lenses I used to use, it has a barrel-mounted iris, focus and zoom. Excellent optics and very user friendly.

Anyway, if your budget is tight, go and do a shoot-out with a few of the consumer HD cameras. Look at these criteria:

  1. Cost of body
  2. Cost of spare batts. Documentary? 3 long-lasting larger batts MINIMUM, + charger.
  3. Cost of record media. Some cards are wicked pricey.
  4. Is it an HD format that can be used by the popular edit suites? i.e., Final Cut Pro HD or Avid Express HD? If it is not, skip it. You don’t want to have to buy an orphan edit system to go with an orphan HD format.
  5. What kind of lens does it use? Can you easily mount filters to it?
  6. What is the cost of a decent tripod?

There are other concerns but that’s a fair start. Sorry I don’t have model names and numbers. I’ve handled quite a few of these bodies at the trade shows but the names and model numbers are a blur to me.

Best,

Cartooniverse ( Professional camera operator for 28 years. )

3

I always think Canon is the way to go, just received this newCanon HG10 for $651 about a week ago and I have played with it a little bit. It takes very good pictures in low light if the subject is within the reach of the flash and if the camcorder is able to focus well. The hard drive makes it very easy to get out and shoot, I am happy with the product so far.

4

I don’t know much about digital camcorders from a technical aspect, but I’ve been in some short “films” that were shot on hi-def that had rich, realistic color and crystal-clear images (scarily so, like every wrinkle and pock mark thrown into high-relief), but any time anything (either the camera or a person or object in frame) makes a sudden movement, the image gets all pixelated. I’m not even sure how to describe the effect I’m talking about, but it’s very jarring and instantly reminds me that I’m watching something that was shot with a camcorder. I’d rather watch something that was slightly grainy all the way through. That said, I’m not sure what causes the effect and how to avoid it except that if you do get to do a “shoot-out,” make sure you include some motion in your test.

5

Thanks, Cartooniverse, that’s a lot of good info.

6

You can get external hard drives for the HVX-200, but you have to carry them on your hip for handheld. And there’s some compatibility issue with them and some OLEs.

7

Or is it NLEs? Non-Linear Editor.

8

The FireStore and other external hard drives also frequently come with mounting clips. The ones sold by G&G Technologies use a common screw-down clamp mount. Fairly safe to use. Some jiggle more than others.

It is valid to say that one does not need to run a cable to one’s belt to use a FireStore or similar drive.

E.T.A. The strobing mentioned above is a common artifact. Some cameras sample and “create” H.D. Others actually record IN H.D. A very good suggestion was made- make sure you pan slowly, and then more quickly, during each camera test.

Best,

Cartooniverse