Video & Camera Equipment

How do I choose a family camcorder (video camera)?

I don’t know much about them and the info out there doesn’t really break it down from the basics to the advanced. All I know is what they have at the local stores. How do I choose a good family video camera? Of course budget is a factor, but remove that and tell me what to look for/where to look/how to differentiate.

DVD camcorders are never a good choice! Since it’s a family camcorder I’ll make a couple of assumptions – you’ll want to keep the video for a long time and it needs to be fairly robust. Look for an entry level MiniDV camcorder – they record to tapes which can be kept for years and, while you can’t use them as footballs, they’re able to stand some rough treatment. Don’t get too hung up on the specs – get something that feels right, with the controls where you expect to find them, and that’s within your budget. Don’t bother about how much optical zoom a camcorder’s got – they’re all adequate, and ignore digital zoom completely. I’d avoid camcorders with touch screen controls (sticky fingers!) and look for something with a viewfinder so it’s easier to use in bright sunlight.

You’ll see a lot of (usually cheap) camcorders that record to Memory Cards. These are great for recording a few minutes of the kids playing and then watching the results straight away – they’re not so good for the long term, though.

90% of the video that’s shot is crap! That’s not me being snotty, it’s a law of nature (you should see MY 90%)! If you want something that people will watch more than once you’ll need to edit it. You’ll need to capture the video via firewire – if your PC hasn’t already got one you’ll need to install a firewire card. They’re cheap, easy to install and readily available. You’ll also need a firewire cable. You can then edit the video using Windows Movie Maker.

Sony HVR-Z5E Professionl Hd Video Camera / camcorder (HDV HVR Z5) – www.cvp.co.uk

Pistol Masters [VHS] $34.95 GunVideo Pistol Masters features nine of the best, most accomplished pistol shooters in the world. Brian Enos, Rob Leatham, Chip McCormick, Bill Wilson, Ray Chapman, J. Michael Plaxco, Angelo Spagnoli, Joanne Hall and Jerry Barnhart. Each shooter discusses the techniques and methods that have made them successful in combat pistol competition. Starting with how to draw, grip, sight picture, trigger…

Successful Camera Work for Video (Films for the Humanities & Sciences) – VHS This program looks at the main functions of the camcorder – focus, aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, and zoom – as well as aspects of framing and image composition, including techniques such as pull focus and the trombone shot. The relationship between subject and camera movement is examined in a section that also introduces the notion of simple tracking and jib movements. (Part of the Vide…

Successful Lighting for Video (Films for the Humanities & Sciences) – VHS Creative use of light can turn an ordinary scene into something special. There are ways of controlling sunlight, artificial light, and professional lighting instruments for maximum video effect, and this program covers them all. Control principles are considered in five sections: contrast, quality, direction, intensity, and color. The method of three-point lighting is described in detail, along wi…

Tripp Lite PV375 PV 375W 12V DC to AC Portable Inverter with DC Auto Power Outlet $41.95 TRIPP LITE DC TO AC POWER INVERTER ( EXTERNAL ) – 12 V – 375 WATT – 2 OUTPUT CONNECTOR(S) Manufacturer : TRIPP LITE UPC : 037332119841…

Paladin Tools 1113 Stripax Pro 6 Stripper/Cutter, 28-10 AWG $74.81 Three (3) FireWire 800 ports (1394b)One (1) FireWire 400 port (1394a)Three (3) 9-pin FireWire 800, and One (1) 6-pin FireWire 400 connectorsExpand your single 1394b port to multiple 1394a/1394b connections, and able to extend the connection up to another 25 metersSupports up to 63 devices in peer-to-peer configurationIdeal connection for devices with FireWire 800/1394/i.Link interface; such as, hi…

Tovatec Mini Torch Flashlight $49.95 Tovatec Aluminum case Mini Torch Flashlight with Ultrabright LED bulb…

Shoot Great Video with your Canon DSLR Camera (DVD) $29.99 REGION FREE DVD developed for new to intermediate photographers buying their first DSLR cameraIntended for the still photographer moving into video; learn skills and secrets to producing great videoCreates a solid understanding of the camera’s features and controls and helps to unleash its potentialSample subjects are: shutter priority aperture priority/depth of field focus alternatives metering a…

The Young Filmmakers Club: Video Camera Techniques $8.50 …

Professional Video Camera Technique Training by Award Winning BBC Senior Cameraman $49.00 To view a taster on YouTube type: SingleCameraPro. As used with BBC journalists and production staff, the ‘singlecamerapro’ video features BAFTA/EMMY award winning team member, Nick Shipley, who provides practical/creative advice on CAMERA TECHNIQUES with topics such as focussing, framing, exposure, depth of field, microphone and lighting technique as well as detailed information and examples o…

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Rebel XT/XTi Digital SLR Cameras and VIXIA HV Series and ZR Series Camcorders (Retail Package) $70.00 The Canon NB-2LH Lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is compatible with the following cameras and camcorders: DC310 DVD Camcorder DC320 DVD Camcorder DC330 DVD Camcorder Digital Rebel XTi Elura 40MC Elura 50 Elura 60 Elura 65 Elura 70 Elura 80 Elura 85 Elura 90 EOS Digital Rebel XT HV20 High Definition MiniDV Optura 30 …

DV550UW Digital Video Camcorder and Still Camera with Waterproof Housing – Charcoal $69 The Bell + Howell DV550UW Digital Video Camcorder and Still Camera features 8X Digital Zoom, 2.0″ LCD Display, Flip USB, Underwater Housing up to 33ft., and much more!

Take 2 HD Digital Video Camcorder and Still Camera – Black $69 The Bell + Howell Take 2 HD Digital Video Camcorder and Still Camera features Flip-up USB, 2.0″ LCD Display, 3.1 Still Images, 4X Zoom, Lithium Battery, HDMI Output, and much more!

Looxcie Camera Mount for Camcorder $15.24 Looxcie Camera Mount for Camcorder

Medium Camera / Flash Camcorder Case – Black $8.99 Minimalist design quality materials and thick padding provides reliable protection for your medium sized camera or pocket video camcorder. An external pocket provides storage

DV600HD Digital Video Camcorder / Still Camera – Grey $75 The Bell & Howell digital camera is perfect for starting a photo hobby. It features an ultra compact body, a full 8-megapixel resolution, a 2.4″ color LCD display. It also features slide-out USB port and 720p HD Video Output.

DV600HD HD Digital Video Camera Camcorder – Blue $69 The Bell & Howell digital camera is perfect for starting a photo hobby. It features an ultra compact body, a full 8-megapixel resolution, a 2.4″ color LCD display. It also features slide-out USB port and 720p HD Video Output.

DV600HD Digital Video Camcorder/Still Camera – Blue $75 The Bell & Howell digital camera is perfect for starting a photo hobby. It features an ultra compact body, a full 8-megapixel resolution, a 2.4″ color LCD display. It also features slide-out USB port and 720p HD Video Output.

Digital Concepts 30692 640×480 Pocket Video Digital Camera/Camcorder/PC Camera w/16MB Memory (Pink) one Touch Sharing! $16.67 Digital Concepts 30692 640×480 Pocket Video Digital Camera/Camcorder/PC Camera w/16MB Memory (Pink) one Touch Sharing!

Digital Concepts 30690 640×480 Pocket Video Digital Camera/Camcorder/PC Camera w/16MB Memory (Silver) -One Touch Sharing $16.67 Digital Concepts 30690 640×480 Pocket Video Digital Camera/Camcorder/PC Camera w/16MB Memory (Silver) -One Touch Sharing

The Camcorder Timekeeper Video Recording Watch $149.95 Want to have a camera that’s ready to capture a chance celebrity sighting or a pet’s impromptu antics? Now, a handsome camcorder watch with a pinhole size lens lets you do just that! Watch’s 1.3 MP camera records video at 640 x 480 resolution, storing up to 12 hours of video onto its built-in 4 GB flash memory. Don’t miss a moment of the action with this remarkable video recording watch. Analog watch features an attractive stainless steel case and band, with Citizen 2035 quartz movement for reliable timekeeping. A rechargeable battery – that uses a USB AC adapter (included) – provides up to 2 hours of use from a 4-hour charge and allows videos to be copied to a PC running Windows. But hurry! Strong demand is expected for this unique watch, and you won’t want to miss out. Order now!

Take 2 HD High Definition Digital Video Camcorder & Still Camera – White $69 The Bell + Howell Take 2 HD Digital Video Camcorder and Still Camera features Flip-up USB, 2.0″ LCD Display, 3.1 Still Images, 4X Zoom, Lithium Battery, HDMI Output, and much more!

Waterproof Camcorder $119.99 The Waterproof Camcorder is a videographer’s delight with its high definition 720p video capability. With digital still, digital video, and digital voice recordings, you can’t go wrong. The digital video camera inside the waterproof camcorder is just one of the five functions of the device. Other device tools built in are the video player and mass storage. Features: 5-in-1 Multi-functional Camera: Digital Still Camera, Digital Video Camera, Digital Voice Recorder. Video Player, Mass StorageWaterproof to 9.8′ DepthHD 720P Video Capturing5MP CMOS Sensor 2.7″ TFT-LCD4X Digital Zoom Specifications: Image Sensor: 5MP CMOS SensorLens (Focusing): Fixed FocusAperture Ratio: F=3.2mmFocus Length: f=7.35mmDigital Zoom: 4XDisplay: 2.7″TFT LCDExposure Mode: AutoWhite Balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescence / TungstenShutter Speed: 1/2 ~ 1/1024 sec.Internal Memory: 32MBMemory Card Slot: SD/MMC Up to 16GBMicrophone: YesSpeaker: YesInterface: HDMI / USB 2.0 / AV OutTelevision System: NTSC / PALPower Source: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Digital Still Camera Resolution 4000 x 3000 (Interpolated) 12M2592 x 1944 5M2048 x 1536 3M640 x 480 VGASensitivity AutoFile Format (Image) JPEG Compatible Digital Camcorder Resolution 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps640 x 480 @ 30 fpsFile Format (Video) MP4 (H.264) Digital Voice Recorder File Format (Audio) WAV Mass Storage Mass storage (Driver): Windows 2000/XP/VISTA32-bit(Mass Storage only) above Accessories AAA Battery x 3Application CD x 1Manual x 1USB cable x 1AV cable x 1Camera Bag x 1Camera Strap x 1 Sample Videos

Mach Speed Trio T3010 4 GB Black Flash Portable Media Player – Audio Player, Photo Viewer, Video Player, Camera, Camcorder, … $62.93 Mach Speed Trio T3010 4 GB Black Flash Portable Media Player – Audio Player, Photo Viewer, Video Player, Camera, Camcorder, …

Mach Speed Trio T2810C 4 GB Black Flash Portable Media Player – Audio Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, Camera, Camcorder,… $44.22 Mach Speed Trio T2810C 4 GB Black Flash Portable Media Player – Audio Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, Camera, Camcorder,…

Hoodman HCAM4 Camcorder Mounting Straps $36.44 The new Hoodman neoprene Camcorder Mount Strap (HCAM4) allows you to attach a Hoodman 3 Pro HoodLoupe to your Video Camera / Camcorder LCD to improve LCD Screen visibility by turning your Video Camera / Camcorder LCD Screen into a viewfinder. The HCAM4 is sold as an accessory to the Hoodman 3 Pro HoodLoupe (HLPP3). One size HCAM4 fits most all Video Camera / Camcorder LCD s. Neoprene Camcorder Mount Strap. Make your LCD screen a viewfinder for improved video performance. One Size Fits All.

Professional Video Camera $82.85 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A professional video camera (often called a television camera even though the use has spread) is a highend device for creating electronic moving images (as opposed to a movie camera, that records the images on film). Originally developed for use in television studios, they are now commonly used for corporate and educational videos, music videos, and directtovideo movies. There are two types of professional video cameras: High end portable, recording cameras (essentially, highend camcorders) used for ENG and EFP image acquisition, and studio cameras which lack the recording capability of a camcorder, and are often fixed on studio pedestals. Portable professional cameras are generally much larger than consumer cameras and are designed to be carried on the shoulder. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 108 Publication Date: 2010/12/04 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.26 inches

EWAEMVPE UNDERWATER VIDEO CAMERA HOUSING $248 VPE Underwater Video Camcorder Housing – Yellow carry-case which water-proof interior and zippered side-pocket – Foam padding – Step up ring 30mm to 37mm – Hard plastic adapter to protect camera controls from water-pressure – CD5 Silica gel packs – Ewa-marine One year warranty

KJB DV270 Car Video Camcorder Self Recorder $107.81 The DV270 from KJB is a small and compact car video camcorder that features in monitoring the vehicle and records the conditions of the road weather and traffic directly from the dashboard. The DV270 uses SDMMC Card from 128mb to 2GB to store the recordings. There are two ways to power the Car Camera one by using a 12V DC cigarette lighter adaptor or by using four AAA batteries. The DV270 can be easily installed by just securing the structure to the dashboard and then placing the main recording unit inside the structure. The camera recording direction can be set using the built in laser indicator. The DV270 helps to supply evidence to insurance companies and law enforcement when ever needed. It includes a car cam unit a camera mount with screw cap an AV out cable and a cigarette lighter power adapter.

X7HD 720p HD Video Output Camcorder – Black $89 The Bell & Howell X7HD Camcorder is a super-slim, budget-friendly camera that’s ready and willing to give you 720p high def recording. Not only that, but the X7HD also puts still image capture at your fingertips as well. No matter which you choose to record, however, the camcorder records files to SD/SDHC memory cards. The camera also sports a 2.0″ LCD display, a slide-out USB connection and easy-to-use touch pad controls. Other features like and HDMI output for your HDTV and a built-in flash sweeten the pot. And when it comes to shooting controls you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the rarely seen options on cameras of this ilk. When you’re ready to upload to your computer, the X7HD features direct upload to YouTube for your convenience.

980 Camcorder/Video Briefcase – Grey $89.99 TAMRAC 980 Camcorder/Video Briefcase – Grey

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