Cam + Mic for outdoor footage

[Baemzs]

Hi there!
So I was thinking of making some prank videos in the streets but I'm not sure about the equipment and this is why I'm asking you for help!
Does anyone know what kind of camera would be good (and relatively cheap, ~<500$) for filming HD videos in outdoor environments that can easily be edited with e.g. Sony Vegas or After Effects?
And it would also be great if someone could also recommend a camera that is capable of working with external microphones as the camera will only make make the footage and the sound will be recorded separately. Speaking of which, what kind of microphones are good for that use?
Summing up, I am looking for a cam and microphone that suit my filming plan and that do not pick apart my wallet
Thanks for any helpful information!

[Cornucopia]

Lots of different questions there...

What's your current equipment, & budget & timeline needs? <$500? None of the HD cameras in that range are "easy" to edit (they ALL use some form of long-gop AVC). If sound is recorded separately, what's your budget for that?

What's going to be your subject(s)? This will determine what is the best kind of microphone(s) to use. Are you planning on doing this alone or with a separate DP and Audio Recordist/BoomOp?

What's your level of quality expectation? Because <$500 for everything necessary is rediculous in terms of professional quality.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just give you a little reality check and help you focus on the "doable"...

Scott

[brunerww]

Baemz - I would get a used Panasonic V700 from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $371. It has a jack for external microphones. Here is what it can do outdoors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HytTs9KGQ8w

I would also get a Sony Bluetooth wireless mic for $149. This will allow you to hide the mic (or put it on a person) up to 150 feet from the camera.

This should allow you to get decent sound at a distance. Here is what it can do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHnA2HaNuGE

Hope this is helpful!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Baemzs]

Thank you very much for your reply!

What's your current equipment, & budget & timeline needs? <$500? None of the HD cameras in that range are "easy" to edit (they ALL use some form of long-gop AVC).

We currently don't do any videos, so this would actually be our first time recording. Nevertheless I'm experienced with the use of Vegas and AE. If this project turns out well, we will probably be upgrading our equipment.
At the moment we care more about the price-perfomance ratio than the actual quality, if you know what I mean. So 500$ just for the cam should really be the upper limit.

If sound is recorded separately, what's your budget for that?

Should also be as cheap as possible. I thought of something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR-3350-Omnidirectional-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002HJ9PTO

What's going to be your subject(s)? This will determine what is the best kind of microphone(s) to use. Are you planning on doing this alone or with a separate DP and Audio Recordist/BoomOp?

The equipment will be used for recording pranks; the camera should be having a good zooming option and the mic should be as small as possible so that I can hide under my tshirt or so..

What's your level of quality expectation? Because <$500 for everything necessary is rediculous in terms of professional quality.
Not trying to rain on your parade, just give you a little reality check and help you focus on the "doable"...

I see that professional equipment is out of my league but again I am looking for some good starting equipment.

Thanks again for your answer and it would be awesome if you continue helping me find the right thing!

[Baemzs]

Baemz - I would get a used Panasonic V700 from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $371. It has a jack for external microphones. Here is what it can do outdoors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HytTs9KGQ8w

I would also get a Sony Bluetooth wireless mic for $149. This will allow you to hide the mic (or put it on a person) up to 150 feet from the camera.

This should allow you to get decent sound at a distance. Here is what it can do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHnA2HaNuGE

Hope this is helpful!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Thanks man, I will have a look at it but this seems totally like what I was searching for!

[Baemzs]

Baemz - I would get a used Panasonic V700 from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $371.

This camera seems to be the perfect fit for me! Well in the price range and amazing quality for that.
Do you know what format the HD videos will be, what size they'll have or if I might have problems editing them with Vegas or AE? Is there anything I should keep in mind?

[brunerww]

Baemz - I would get a used Panasonic V700 from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $371.

This camera seems to be the perfect fit for me! Well in the price range and amazing quality for that.
Do you know what format the HD videos will be, what size they'll have or if I might have problems editing them with Vegas or AE? Is there anything I should keep in mind?

Hi Baemz - Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. The video files will be in AVCHD format. The files are recorded at 28mbps, so they are rather large. I use Sony Vegas 11 to edit AVCHD, and it works just fine - if a little jerky. I hear that Vegas 12 will be smoother.

The only caveat I would keep in mind is that the V700 has no headphone jack, so you won't be able to monitor the sound going into the camera. Other than that, it is a great, inexpensive camera.

Last I looked, there was 1 left at Amazon Warehouse Deals for $359. But they're also on sale new for $399.

Good luck with your project!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Baemzs]

Thanks for all the answers! I got myself the Panasonic V500 ( http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/HC-V500K?t=specs ) as I got a good deal for that at my warehouse. Also bought an Olympus voice recorder for the sound. I'm pretty excited about beginning our project. If I have any questions I'll hit you up in another thread.
Thanks again!