Video Cameras, what's cheap and good?

Don McClellan · Post by **Don McClellan** » 27 Sep 2012 12:56 pm

The post title says it all. I'm hoping to get some opinions on buying a video camera that's decent, easy to use and reasonably priced. Am I dreaming?

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 28 Sep 2012 12:05 am

I like my Canon FS10. I bought it in 2009 and I think I paid around $300. It uses flash memory so there are no moving parts (except for the zoom) and you can record on a memory card or the built in memory. It's small and light and takes real good videos if you have good light. There are undoubtedly many other good choices, but I would certainly look at what Canon is currently selling.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 28 Sep 2012 4:20 am

I'll be interested in what opinions surface here as well.

My last video camera was a Panasonic analog (or whatever it was!) bought in the '90s. Sometime in 2004 my sister-in-law visited us and shot some film of our wedding (and of me playing my Emmons!) - when I saw the results (crystal clear and sharp) I was astounded at how far they medium had advanced.

I don't know what she had but it was obviously small, lightweight, and extremely 'digital'.

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 28 Sep 2012 6:18 am

I have a $4000 Sony and a $179 Kodak Zi8 pocket recorder.
The Kodak Zi8 is the one I usually use for most of my videos.
It fits in your pocket and one of the only mini video recorders
that has a stereo mike input on it. The picture quality is great.
The mike was a Sony mini stereo mike which really records nice.
The original video before conversion is absolutly outstanding.
Here's a video at lowest resolution & then converted to a flv file.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB8psLVqsC4

Heck! I forgot to show a picture of the camera. So here it is.

It uses a standard SDHC card and a lithium rechargable battery.

Ron Kirby · Post by **Ron Kirby** » 28 Sep 2012 10:52 am

I use a $129.00 older Canon Cassette type camera. It has an imput for ext. mic or pre-amp in. Sometimes it takes all day to do a video clip because I can't dub in takes(like in my tracks studio). If a mistake is made, I have to start all over again, but at the end of the day, I may have decent clip and a ALOT of practice time in it, and will know the tune well.

I am looking at a new vid-cam at bestbuy $179.00 Digital and no cassette needed. It also has an ext. mic input.

Anyway, have fun with it Don, and concentrate on your playing.

Don McClellan · Post by **Don McClellan** » 29 Sep 2012 7:54 am

Thanks for the tips and comments. Don

Roger Kelly · Post by **Roger Kelly** » 29 Sep 2012 10:23 am

I've used this one for several years. For making and editing videos, this is about as simple as it gets.
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-Cam ... B002JM1XWQ

James Kerr · Post by **James Kerr** » 29 Sep 2012 12:16 pm

Most Digital Cameras sold today can record HD Video
so you get the best of both worlds, Video and Stills.

James.

Riley Hart · Post by **Riley Hart** » 29 Sep 2012 3:13 pm

I have a little camera that has a built in 30gb hard drive that i am not using. Prefer th older hi8 or just my phone. Would be willing to let it go if ur interested in a trade or small amount of funds...

Jonathan Lam · Post by **Jonathan Lam** » 29 Sep 2012 9:28 pm

Thewirecutter.com is a product review site that is really comprehensive. They have a camcorder review uP for which one they feel is the best. It's a useful site

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 29 Sep 2012 11:10 pm

I have been using a Sony HDT-XR100E for more than three years now and I am absolutely satisfied. It is small, light and records on a 80 GB built-in harddrive. No more memory sticks, tapes etc. It is easy to transfer the videos to PC and burn them on DVD from there. Quality is amazing for picture and sound.

Kind Regards, Walter

Patrick Janka · Post by **Patrick Janka** » 3 Oct 2012 7:51 am

What are you looking to spend? You may want to look at a Canon DSLR like the new T4i, which takes great stills and video.