DW
I currently use a Sony PD150 for filming but I'd like to go digital to avoid the hassle of capturing from miniDV tapes. Are there any comparable cameras out there that record direct to digital?
Answer
The "DV" in "miniDV" = Digital Video.
The video recorded to the miniDV tapes uses the same zeroes and ones that are used by flash memory or hard disc drive or DVD based camcorders. The files formats are different in that the DV and HDV files (the PD150 is standard definition DV only) use a lot less compression than consumer grade flash memory or hard disc drive camcorders - and no one should ever waste their money on DVD based cams.
The Sony PD150 records to DVCAM video format. It is a low compression, standard definition, digital video, format.
You have several options.
1) Keep using the PD150. Good workhorse pro-grade camcorder - recording standard definition DVCAM format digital video.
2) Add an external hard drive. I *think* Focus Enhancements makes a FireStore drive. If yes, then the same DVCAM format can be written to that external hard drive. They are expensive.
3) Check potential suitable replacements. For Sony, the only one that appears to come close is the HVR-Z7 or the new NX cam. Canon has their new XF line-up. And there is the JVC GY-HM100... and the Panasonic AG-HVX200 (using DVCPRO HD). If you drop to the HDR series, you are in the consumer arena and will lose many of the manual controls that are available on the PD150.
Personally, I would not bother with anything that deals with AVCHD compression. Too much compression does not play well with fast action.
And how are you planning to archive the video captured to flash memory or hard drive camcorders? Have you already purchased a RAID1 hard drive array NAS?
Yet another option is to look into the higher-end DSLRs like the Nikon D90. They do h.264 high definition video onto flash memory cards into MOV files. The audio control is not so good, however...
If you want to upgrade to get to high deifnition, I think staying with miniDV tape is still the best option. The tape is inexpensive compared to the other media ($/gig storage). Coupled with the low compression video, digital tape continues to be the preferred storage method for most serious videographers.
++++++++++++
Oops - forgot to answer your first question... So... Prosumer camcorders... The Sony HDR-FX7 and HDR-FX1000 and miniDV tape based prosumer-grade digital video camcorders worth investigating... Lenses and imaging chips are "pro grade" but the audio-in is "consumer grade" 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo in jack. The pro versions would be the HVR-V1U (pro sibling of the FX7) and HVR-Z1 or HVR-Z5 (pro siblings to the FX1000). The HDR-AX2000 is new - I have not investigated that one much.
The "DV" in "miniDV" = Digital Video.
The video recorded to the miniDV tapes uses the same zeroes and ones that are used by flash memory or hard disc drive or DVD based camcorders. The files formats are different in that the DV and HDV files (the PD150 is standard definition DV only) use a lot less compression than consumer grade flash memory or hard disc drive camcorders - and no one should ever waste their money on DVD based cams.
The Sony PD150 records to DVCAM video format. It is a low compression, standard definition, digital video, format.
You have several options.
1) Keep using the PD150. Good workhorse pro-grade camcorder - recording standard definition DVCAM format digital video.
2) Add an external hard drive. I *think* Focus Enhancements makes a FireStore drive. If yes, then the same DVCAM format can be written to that external hard drive. They are expensive.
3) Check potential suitable replacements. For Sony, the only one that appears to come close is the HVR-Z7 or the new NX cam. Canon has their new XF line-up. And there is the JVC GY-HM100... and the Panasonic AG-HVX200 (using DVCPRO HD). If you drop to the HDR series, you are in the consumer arena and will lose many of the manual controls that are available on the PD150.
Personally, I would not bother with anything that deals with AVCHD compression. Too much compression does not play well with fast action.
And how are you planning to archive the video captured to flash memory or hard drive camcorders? Have you already purchased a RAID1 hard drive array NAS?
Yet another option is to look into the higher-end DSLRs like the Nikon D90. They do h.264 high definition video onto flash memory cards into MOV files. The audio control is not so good, however...
If you want to upgrade to get to high deifnition, I think staying with miniDV tape is still the best option. The tape is inexpensive compared to the other media ($/gig storage). Coupled with the low compression video, digital tape continues to be the preferred storage method for most serious videographers.
++++++++++++
Oops - forgot to answer your first question... So... Prosumer camcorders... The Sony HDR-FX7 and HDR-FX1000 and miniDV tape based prosumer-grade digital video camcorders worth investigating... Lenses and imaging chips are "pro grade" but the audio-in is "consumer grade" 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo in jack. The pro versions would be the HVR-V1U (pro sibling of the FX7) and HVR-Z1 or HVR-Z5 (pro siblings to the FX1000). The HDR-AX2000 is new - I have not investigated that one much.
Is there a good digital camera that can record videos by remote control?
Harijot Kh
I am planning on recording testimonials from patients in a doctors office. I want a camera under $500 that I can record with. I thought while I'm at it, I might as well make it a normal camera for any picture taking I might want to do.
My ideal is a camera with a remote control to record video. That way there is less stress or pressure for patients to share their experience, without the intimidation of someone behind a camera. With a remote control, the camera will be more passive. I was looking in to good digital camera under $500. The best one looked like the Canon PowerShot SX20IS. Then I found out that it's not compatible with any kind of remote control.
Is there such a thing as a remote control that will start a video recording on a camera (digital and less than $500)?
Answer
Iâm not too certain of any digital camcorder/digital camera that offers a remote control. Is remote control a necessary feature for you? Since you are looking for still video for patient testimonials, Iâm thinking a camera with a tripod or tripod capabilities are a must! Many of the digital camcorders on todayâs market offer the function of both video recording AND still shots, just like those from a digital camera. Itâs easy to spend well over $500 on a digital camcorder/digital camera, but you can certainly find quality units well under that price range too! You may want to check out the Aiptek A-HDPRO 1080p digital camcorder. This HD camcorder offer the video option and with the 8 MP camera unit, this may fit exactly what you are looking for. Depending on the quality of still photos you want, keep in mind the number of mega-pixels of the camera. Hope this helps!
Iâm not too certain of any digital camcorder/digital camera that offers a remote control. Is remote control a necessary feature for you? Since you are looking for still video for patient testimonials, Iâm thinking a camera with a tripod or tripod capabilities are a must! Many of the digital camcorders on todayâs market offer the function of both video recording AND still shots, just like those from a digital camera. Itâs easy to spend well over $500 on a digital camcorder/digital camera, but you can certainly find quality units well under that price range too! You may want to check out the Aiptek A-HDPRO 1080p digital camcorder. This HD camcorder offer the video option and with the 8 MP camera unit, this may fit exactly what you are looking for. Depending on the quality of still photos you want, keep in mind the number of mega-pixels of the camera. Hope this helps!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
No comments:
Post a Comment