Best video cam to get nowadays? [Archive]

Lees Dragon

Mar-22-09, 04:11 PM

Righto..I got some cash in my pocket now and think its high time for me to get a new video camera.

The one I currently have is old, and has "complications". I never want a miniDV cam again. :eh:

Anywayz, its kinda confusing to buy a cam nowadays. I mean we got all this new stuff like HD hard drive cams, etc.

So I am lost as in what to get.
Lots of you guys make tricking videos and samplers, and of course this will be my main focus with a video cam.

I would absolutely love any help here.
My price range absolutely tops and wont go past 500 UK pounds, and i'm fine to buy online.

What video cameras would you recommend for me to buy or check into?

Thnks :good:

Lees Dragon

Mar-23-09, 01:51 PM

:dead:

Still waiting though :punched:

NoK

Mar-23-09, 01:56 PM

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm also waiting for a response. :)

Lees Dragon

Mar-24-09, 05:08 AM

You hear that people.
Now theres two waiting for a response!!

Pretty please :juji:

joepaxton

Mar-24-09, 05:34 AM

I have a Sony HDR-CX6

Its a real good quality cam, however it somewhat slightly lack with indoor abilities.

If I were you I would go for the Canon HV-30:smile:

Bozzy

Mar-24-09, 07:07 AM

I've got a HDR-SR10e

Works a charm, under 500quid and HD

Martial Way

Mar-24-09, 07:10 AM

Yeah I would like to know also. Good question brada!!

But how much do these cost, that would be helpful.

Lees Dragon

Mar-24-09, 01:54 PM

Nice suggestions.

Anything we should know about them?
Like is there a specific connection needed, or specific features that have to be in the computer that extracts the video.
Any downturns we should hear of, or any upturns we should know about.

I really havent a clue about camcorders so it woul dbe nice if you could shed some light.
I know the other lads with me would appreciate it. :smile:

Plus, more suggestions would be nice for comparisons.

Thanks evryone. This place ROCKS!!! :good:

SinBad

Mar-24-09, 05:55 PM

haha i have the same problem, im looking for a new camera but I only have around $200 on me that i can use. I was thinking about getting the Creative Labs Vado HD, but i have no clue at all if its any good or not ahaha. Does anybody know a decent camera that has decent quality for around 200?

Lees Dragon

Mar-25-09, 05:52 AM

:eh:

nightak

Mar-25-09, 06:11 AM

go for a HV-30. I think it's really one of the best HD cameras for tricking:smile:

Lees Dragon

Mar-25-09, 03:54 PM

Thanks for the input bruda.

But we need moooore! :juji:

The number of those in need of this thread is increasing!

NoK

Mar-25-09, 03:58 PM

haha, this thread went alot better than the last thread I created. I only got like 1 reply, hahah.Yea, more suggestions please!

TKD_Andy

Mar-25-09, 05:11 PM

argh!

Im torn between going to a load of gatherings this year and buying myself a HD cam :sad:

khalid

Mar-26-09, 05:07 AM

A good camera to get would be the Canon FS100

carney

Mar-26-09, 05:29 AM

I was thinking this too!

I wanted to get a HD 3CCD but im pretty sure there all out of my budget, and i also wanted to get a high fps camera too, but it seems none of the Good HD's have high fps only the more dodgy brands which im not to sure how good there HD capture is.

I was thinking the Canon HV-30 as that's what i know quite a few trickers have, And there vids are freakin sick!

Lees Dragon

Mar-26-09, 09:53 AM

Good. I like the discussion going on here.

More on good points/badpoints, and why you would recomend a model possibly?
Is it because you have experienced it first hand or because you know cams?

etc... :juji:

brandonn

Mar-26-09, 10:24 AM

canon hv 30?

whatever starfoot has is awesome

Lees Dragon

Mar-26-09, 02:09 PM

eh?! :eh:

Thats not very helpful. :tongue:

Suspense

Mar-26-09, 06:01 PM

Haha, how hard is it to just Google people's suggestions? I agree with Canon HV30. You can't go wrong with something that has John Mclay's approval.

carney

Mar-26-09, 06:09 PM

I do believe i will be buying the Canon HV30 in a month or so!

I mean as suspense said, Go watch on vimeo John Mclay's vids, and Scottys ATG clip. It captures tricking with ease, and makes reality caught on the camera more vibrant than it did in real life!

Edit: Im also looking at the 'JVC Everio' range as there not just HD but 3CCD as well with the same 1080i HDMI , HDD etc.

Anyone know if the Everio range are good?

ryanreMpfer

Mar-26-09, 08:48 PM

canon hv30 for the noobs and advanced a like on a budget

Lees Dragon

Mar-27-09, 11:42 AM

That Canon HV30 is looking tempting.

Anything we should know about it?
Downturns, specific specs?

We want something that will last in quality for the next coupla years. :tongue:

Hez

Mar-27-09, 11:46 AM

Canon HV20 is nigh on identical to the HV30 as far as I know, except for a few features that are mainly attractive to experienced camera users. Could save you a few bob. Don't hold me to it though.

simon

Mar-27-09, 12:26 PM

go with the hv30!
don't ask, just do it.
if you say i'm unhelpful you are wrong!
many tricking men use the hv30 and it works amazingly for them!
why would you be any different!?

Lees Dragon

Mar-27-09, 04:06 PM

The adrenaline of completely burning out my money is getting stronger than ever.
I believe it will not be too far until I join the elitists in the majestic league of HV30 owners.

Or maybe I won't. :tongue:

On a more serious note, this HV30 is lookin sexier by the post!!! :smile:

carney

Mar-27-09, 04:40 PM

BboyShinez

Mar-27-09, 04:54 PM

Canon HV30-http://www.amazon.com/Canon-HV30-Definition-Camcorder-Stabilized/dp/B00114PN1U/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238197843&sr=8-1

Sony HDR-http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-SR10-Definition-Camcorder-Stabilized/dp/B00123Q904/ref=dp_cp_ob_p_title_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1238197932&sr=1-1

Samsung SC-http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SC-HMX10-Definition-Camcorder-compatible/dp/B000MAQSD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1238198036&sr=1-1

Red One-http://www.red.com/cameras/

Carl!

Mar-27-09, 07:00 PM

Edit: Im also looking at the 'JVC Everio' range as there not just HD but 3CCD as well with the same 1080i HDMI , HDD etc.

Anyone know if the Everio range are good?

Well, I have a JVC Everio GZ-HD30. I reckon it's good, but because this camera isn't that popular (and there aren't many UNIQUE reviews on it) there isn't much info on it (tutorials/tips). It can record in both AVCHD and MPEG2 (.TOD extension) which is nice, though I only ever use MPEG2. Also, it's a 80gb HDD camcorder.

I'm still learning new things. Such as the other day, I found out that I got better colour by using the MANUAL white balance, rather than the auto one.

carney

Mar-27-09, 07:23 PM

Well, I have a JVC Everio GZ-HD30. I reckon it's good, but because this camera isn't that popular (and there aren't many UNIQUE reviews on it) there isn't much info on it (tutorials/tips). It can record in both AVCHD and MPEG2 (.TOD extension) which is nice, though I only ever use MPEG2. Also, it's a 80gb HDD camcorder.

I'm still learning new things. Such as the other day, I found out that I got better colour by using the MANUAL white balance, rather than the auto one.

Oh sick as man! We need someone to do a comparason between your and the canon HV-30!

Like film the same session, edit the footage then compare whats best quality, frame rate, easiest to go about, control over things like colour and environment etc! Would be good as! You wouldn't know anyone with a canon HV-30 do you?

Carl!

Mar-27-09, 07:59 PM

Oh sick as man! We need someone to do a comparason between your and the canon HV-30!

Like film the same session, edit the footage then compare whats best quality, frame rate, easiest to go about, control over things like colour and environment etc! Would be good as! You wouldn't know anyone with a canon HV-30 do you?

No :dead:
Most of my friends wouldn't know the difference between a digital camera and a camcorder.

carney

Mar-27-09, 08:09 PM

No :dead:
Most of my friends wouldn't know the difference between a digital camera and a camcorder.

ahh damn! :tongue:

Carl!

Mar-28-09, 10:32 PM

carney

Mar-29-09, 01:06 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNuEqkfPLLg&fmt=22
There's an example of my Camcorder.
I used Magic Bullet Looks, if you're wondering.

Also, the camcorder doesn't have an optical image stabaliser (has a DIS), though I often compensate for it by using my tripod as a steadicam (though I didn't do so in this video)

EDIT: I didn't trick because it was wet outside, and didn't want to get my clothes yucky :( and I don't have anything spectacular to show.

Ahh interesting man, I noticed how it didn't stabilize well if not at all, could that be options you need to adjust though man, i mean you were simply walking around the garden (lovely plants and things by the way, loved the vibrant and interesting ways it captures the colours) and it was pretty laggish! And is it worse the closer to an object it needs to focus! Haven t seen the Canon Hv-30 do this however the clips i seen of tutorials have been modified well to export!

Carl!

Mar-29-09, 01:46 AM

Ahh interesting man, I noticed how it didn't stabilize well if not at all, could that be options you need to adjust though man, i mean you were simply walking around the garden (lovely plants and things by the way, loved the vibrant and interesting ways it captures the colours) and it was pretty laggish! And is it worse the closer to an object it needs to focus! Haven t seen the Canon Hv-30 do this however the clips i seen of tutorials have been modified well to export!

Well, the reason why it had to focus while close up was because I often focused on the background and THEN moved to the subject, just because I thought it looked cooler lol. About the options, there are none (besides the DIS) that will stabalise the camera, though alot of it came from the fact that I was playing with the DOF shots, where I would either move in and zoom out, or move out and ZOOM IN. As you'd probably already know, zooming in makes it harder to stabalise a camcorder (especially ones with no OIS :dead:) You can also fix shaky video through scripts/plugins in some good video editing software. So if do what I do (with an exception for this video) and use a tripod as a counter weight, turn DIS on, and use some video editing tools, it shouldn't be too much a problem. As for the lagging, I'm not sure what you're talking about :ouch:

Tomorrow, I might make another example video for you: if I have the time.

waza

Mar-29-09, 01:59 AM

anything HD from canon you should get no questions asked
they have made some badass material
im investing into a canon XH A1
but yeah to keep within your price range get a HV30

Carl!

Mar-29-09, 02:43 AM

Ok well....

.TOD works in Sony Vegas, but not premiere (you have to convert it, which is a pain, because most programs convert it to interlaced)
You move the files to your computer via USB
According to the few reviews, the video quality is great. I don't know that much, and maybe I'm expecting too much, but RAW footage isn't as great as I'd like it to be (though I have watched some HV30 RAW footage, and it didn't look that much better.)

You'll want to put the contrast up!
and at times, lower the saturation.
(though I think you have to make a few alterations to get good video colour with all camcorder to get it looking nice)

The bad thing about this camera is that not many people have it. Sooo... there isn't a large community willing to (or able to) help you with teh problems you may face.

I think the fact that I turn the shutter speed up so high may be a problem. I'll play around with it tomorrow and see if I get better results.

Spyder_V

Mar-29-09, 08:05 AM

I may be late, but I bought the Samsung HMX-20c this year and love it.

Full 1080p HD, can be SD, but is still widescreen. Touch screen, built in 8MP camera with flash. Also has the option of recording 10 seconds of 300fps at SD, which is always good for tricking so you can analyze moves and such. Has a remote (but I think that's pretty standard nowadays)... hmm... what else...

Oh yeah, it works like a point and shoot. It's Hard drive cam with 8GB of space and has the option of adding an SD card with up to 16GB.

It's also small, so you don't have to worry about space with it at all.

Carl!

Mar-29-09, 11:26 PM

Here's a few links if you wish to know more:
http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/digital_video/jvc/everio_gz-hd30/261930
http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028388&pathId=141&page=12

This one is actually about the GZ-HD 40, which is exactly the same, except it has a 120gb HDD and a dock which allows firewire. I don't think it's worth the extra money, but that's just my opinion. http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-Everio-GZ-HD40-Camcorder-Review-35331/Format.htm#

Nathan.P.

Mar-30-09, 01:56 AM

Just get a hv30...

Carl!

Mar-30-09, 02:08 AM

Just get a hv30...
That's probably what I would suggest (even though I don't have any first hand experience), though the original poster asked for something other than a MiniDV camcorder, while Carney asked for info on the JVC Everio HDD range, so I'm just trying to be helpful and putting it out there for them.

Lees Dragon

Mar-30-09, 02:40 PM

That's probably what I would suggest (even though I don't have any first hand experience), though the orignal poster asked for something other than a MiniDV camcorder, while Carney asked for info on the JVC Everio HDD range, so I'm just trying to be helpful and putting it out there for them.

Oi!!
Is that all I am to you??!!
A original poster?????

I'm offended. :tongue:

carney

Mar-30-09, 03:42 PM

Thanks for all the information you supplied and tests Siplup, Appreciate it so far im thinking i might just go HV30 but ill still have a gander about!

Lees Dragon

Mar-31-09, 11:47 PM

Yeah, Ive still got about one week left to go before buying.
Its primarily HV30 for now, but us two shall gander together, my friend. :smile:

carney

Mar-31-09, 11:51 PM

HV30 here too. I am gonna purchase it within the next 2 months!

Lees Dragon

Apr-03-09, 05:00 AM

O shit!
I just checked the canon UK site and the HV30 is selling for 750 pounds. :dead:

It better not be that expensive in other places. :shocked:

Hez

Apr-03-09, 07:07 AM

They go from about 500 upwards on ebay.

Cameras have got more expensive since the RECESSION LOL about 4 months ago. HV20s were going for as little as 350 regularly back then, but are up to 450+ now. Freakin' sucks. HV30s are selling for over 100 more than they were as well.

Hez

Apr-03-09, 07:23 AM

Does anyone have any experience with Canon HF10/100? I've been looking for a HV20/30 for a while but they've been making sick money recently, and I'm also interested in moving over to a non-moving-parts cam as my last 3 MiniDVs have failed me.

I understand AVCHD compression still isn't as good as HDV or whatever the tape based cams are using, but I'd be willing to accept a minor step down for a more reliable camera.

Alexx, what are your computer specs out of interest? Cuz you were saying you were having trouble with avchd.

carney

Apr-03-09, 08:26 AM

I spent some time today to find a canon hv30, turns out no one stocks canon, a shop can order it for me and sell it $1100 cash! , R.R.P $1400 - $1500. I'm gonna go in there wave cash about and see if i can get it lower/with add in's.

I cant believe how slack all of the tech shops around here not having canon, a bloke mentioned the HV30 being real popular i was confused why he wouldn't get it in!

Chr1zZ-

Apr-03-09, 12:25 PM

yeah guys what about hf100 ? I think it's quite good for it's price, hv30 is kinda out of my $$ range so i was going to buy hf100, any1 got any experience with it?

Lees Dragon

Apr-03-09, 01:34 PM

Wait a sec....
Are you guys saying that miniDV cams are the best these days?

Thats surprises me. I woulda thought it was HDD.

Anywayz, I think I found the HV30 selling for 550 UK pounds.
I might go for that this week after I calculate my budget. :tongue:

Royboy20

Apr-03-09, 10:01 PM

The Flip Ultra is great for tricking, great quality, 30 or 60 minutes, 630x480 @30FPS, 30 minute model is only $80, my newer youtube videos have been taken with it, they look nice. example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85k4f76Kv7c

Remember, this is youtube quality, it looks better with original footage.

Lees Dragon

Apr-05-09, 02:30 PM

Can some1 explain why miniDVs are the best to get these days?
I woulda thought they were old stuff by now.

NinjabunnyTNB

Apr-06-09, 03:37 PM

Lees Dragon

Apr-06-09, 04:01 PM

Good input man.
I think i'll stick with miniDV.

But I might have to hold buying a cam until later on.
I think I should probably save up for when I find a new flat and pay for the rent and deposit. :dead:

Dammit.

Trel

Apr-13-09, 01:55 PM

Reborn of the debate...

I personaly choosed a canon HG-20, I think mini DV are stupid I always had troubles with them, stuck in the camera etc.

HG 20 can goes up to 24mps, which is high. As far ar the AVCHD, yes it will take a lot of ressources but nowadays most of the video editing software accept it.

It also has the cinema 25p mode (which is equal to a 50i, pretty high frame rate). It seems like a good bet, I'll let you know.

lostfoxeh

Apr-21-09, 04:27 PM

Sony has some nice high-end harddrive camcorder, you're looking at $900+

What ever brand you do chose though, stay far away from dvd type camcorders, and make sure that you have manual focus. Without manual focus and someone walks in front for a second the camcorder will take 15sec or more to readjust and that is a lot of good video to lose. Happens to me every time I try to film an event.

Also wanted to point out that a lot of the HD is shot on hardrive camcorders and not DVI, but they also cost as much as a used car....

Carl!

Apr-21-09, 06:21 PM

I found this to be helpful: http://eugenia.gnomefiles.org/2007/09/30/hdv-vs-avchd/

HDD/flash memory cams use th AVCHD format which records at a lower bitrate (about 15mb/s max) which results in lower quality when compared to miniDV cams using HDV format which records up to 25mb/s, but I don't think this will matter too much unless you're viewing vids on a big screen tv.

Also, AVCHD format requires a pretty decent computer to edit from what I've heard. HDV is a bit easier, so if you want to go AVCHD make sure you have a good processor and graphics card.

My camcorder records up to 30mb/s (It's a variable bitrate, so the average is about 26.6mb/s) to its HDD. It does this by using the MPEG2 format, rather than AVCHD. And yeah, it's HDV.

EDIT: Wait no! It's Full HD. But it can record HDV at 27mb/s, constant bitrate.