Camcorders??

[Double J]

We've had threads before about digital voice recorders, so I thought I would ask what people would recommend for a good quality camcorder, preferably toward the lower end of the $500 to $1,000 price range.

I'd like very much to start incorporating videography into my freelance work but am pretty clueless as to what sorts of things to look for in a camera. Suggestions regarding good, user-friendly and inexpensive digital editing software would also be appreciated!

 

[vicd]

If you're looking for a real simple camera that's good for youtube type video, try the Flip HD
http://www.theflip.com/
There are no bells and whistles, but it's a good point and click camera.
I use Sony Vegas ($99) for video editing, but I find Windows Movie Maker (free) works fine for basic editing.

 

[Double J]

I'm interested in something that will enable me to do video interviews that offer a bit more in the way of picture and sound quality.

Ideally, I'd love to eventually do multi-media projects that I can sell copies of on DVD.

 

[Stitch]

I use a Canon HG10. Make sure you buy either a shotgun mic or a lapel mike, plus a tripod.

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

Make sure you hide it behind some stuffed animals and DEAR GOD, please don't let her see the red light [/homemade porn'd]



I've heard good things about Canons. Look into HD camcorder too, for what it's worth.

 

[Double J]

Make sure you hide it behind some stuffed animals and DEAR GOD, please don't let her see the red light [/homemade porn'd]

LOL.....doesn't black electrical or hockey tape over the red light work? :D

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

Make sure you hide it behind some stuffed animals and DEAR GOD, please don't let her see the red light [/homemade porn'd]

LOL.....doesn't black electrical or hockey tape over the red light work? :D

Hockey tape? Only in Canada.

 

[Some Guy]

Make sure you hide it behind some stuffed animals and DEAR GOD, please don't let her see the red light [/homemade porn'd]

Stuffed animals?

By God, Chris Hansen is getting involved here, isn't he?

 

[JimmyHoward33]

I work at Sears part time selling electronics....I actually use a higher-end Sony digital camera to take game footage for posting on my paper's blog, YouTube'd. In that small a res, it looks fine.

If all you want to do it post on the web the aforementioned flip is great. If you want to spend a bit more money, I'd recommend Sony's SR47. Panasonic does a reasonably good job, not much experience with Canon.

definitely go for the external mic.

 

[Double J]

Thanks, everybody, for the suggestions. :)

 

[Stitch]

Just don't shoot two people talking to one another from behind a desk for several minutes. I've seen enough of those types of Web casts from newspapers and all of them are horrible.

 

[Double J]

No, I agree with you on that. I plan to use interview footage sparingly, as I would quotes in a traditional written article.

I guess I'm looking for something that'll give me more and better quality than a youtube-ready camcorder, because, as I said, eventually I'd like to make documentary-style feature articles and be able to burn them onto DVD.