Cameras & Camcorders

[BeagleBoy587]

Way too many choices out there. Can anyone shed light on what is best for me?

Camera will be used for a non-profit organization looking to make a nice, high-definition instructional DVD to send to potential clients. The footage will be edited and a DVD made using a MacBook Pro laptop.

Thanks in advance.

[xl]

A few thoughts....

• do you really need an HD camcorder if you plan to be making DVD's?
• look for models with a forward facing microphone for best sound if you have no plans for getting an external microphone
• avoid cameras with bottom loading batteries, unless you don't plan to be purchasing extended batteries
• choose flash memory camcorders to save on battery life and cost.  Hard drives cost money and introduce shock concerns
• click on this link to see the HD camcorder choices..... then click on the wizard options on the left to short list models in your budget
  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Camcorders/High-Definition-HD-Camcorders/abcat0403004.c?id=abcat0403004

Skip the 3D unless you really want it..... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+Handycam+HDR-TD10+3D+Digital+Camcorder+-+3.5%22+LCD+LCD+-+CMOS+-+...

[BeagleBoy587]

XL,

I appreciate your thoughts and links.

I guess I'm in the dark. I just figured an HD camcorder would be the best purchase just because quality would be better when making these DVDs. Am I misguided in my thinking?

Also, I actually meant to say that I'd like to have the option of running a wireless mic if Best Buy even sold something like that. Do you know?

Thanks again.

[xl]

Standard DVD's are only capable of 480 lines of resolution.  Getting an 720 or 1080 HD camera would not get you a better image.  In some cases it's worse because regular definition cameras are better at low light, while saving you money.  The cost difference is minimal, and I do encourage getting an HD camera to "future proof" your content.

Yes I encourage getting a wireless microphone.  This avoid expensive problems when someone trips on the long cord.  Otherwise, getting a forward facing built-in microphone is a better choice than one that is point straight up (useless outdoors where there is no ceiling to reflect the sound back down to your microphone).

Yes, wireless microphones can be found on the website.  What do you think of the prices?

• http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sennheiser+-+Wireless+Monitoring+System/9591168.p?id=1218128733768&skuId...
• http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Audio-Technica+-+3000+Series+Wireless+Lavalier+System/1031344.p?id=12182...
• http://www.bestbuy.com/site/VocoPro+-+2-Channel+VHF+Rechargeable+Wireless+Microphone+System/9170728....
• http://www.bestbuy.com/site/AKG+-+Perception+Wireless+Presenter+Set+-+Black/2882815.p?id=12183612688...
• Click on this link and scroll through your options....
  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcat17071&type=page&initialize=false&sp=-currentprice+sku...

My objective is not to confuse you, but to educate on past mistakes I made in buying a camcorder.

[BeagleBoy587]

You are being very helpful. Yes, they are pricy for sure. However, not out of the question.

Do you know anything about this product?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Azden+-+Microphone/4309096.p?id=1218471868315&skuId=4309096&st=microphon...

Do the transmitters attach to the camera itself? Any idea on ranges for the one above?

That camera you suggested that was in the $1,900 range.... does it have the ability to connect a transmitter/wireless mic system to it?

[xl]

Sorry no experience with that microphone.  You're going to need to check with others or do your own research.

I've purchased "cheap" external shotgun microphones and found the results to be marginal improvements to justify the expense.  I would say get a camcorder with forward facing microphone first (with an external microphone jack).  Use it and then look at external microphones afterwards if the sound is not good.

To clarify the "receivers" attach to your waist or purse, with a cable coming up to the side of the camcorder.  Transmitters are worn by the person you are trying to record.

I assume you are referring to the Sony 3D camcorder (TD10)..... Yes, it has an external microphone jack.  However, I don't recommend 3D for your plans for "instructional DVD's".

• the camera is somewhat larger and heavier.  It's actually two camcorders encased as one
• you need 3D editing software to benefit from it