What camcorders are best, inexpensive for making Instructional DVD's?

[scenicworld]

Hi all,

I am a complete Newbie here and novice to proper technical terms and such. I have searched quite a few pages and haven't seen what I can understand as video camcorders that are good for recording video that one plans to edit and then make into a DVD. I'm sure its there but I thought I'd make my first post and ask. All I have is an old Sony digital 8 video camcorder and it doesn't allow for an external mic. I want to make an instructional DVD that will be professional and sellable. I was told its best to have two camcorders shooting at the same time, each at a different angle, and then edit accordingly. Audio is usually poor if trying to use the onboard mic from what I have experienced. Can you tell me which Camcorder would be the best to purchase for this project that is in a reasonable price range, and where you would recommend I purchase them from? Thanks a million in advance.

David

[Soopafresh]

Canon Hv20 or HV30. Costco has the HV30 for $599. BHphoto is VERY reliable as well http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/539289-REG/Canon_2680B001_VIXIA_HV30_HDV_Camcorder.html

Sample processed HV30 video: http://vimeo.com/931736 .The video quality looks really good because you're starting out with an HD signal. Once you edit it and resize to standard DVD, it's still going to be very sharp and nice looking.


Several folks have bought the earlier model HV20 for $450 from here: http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=92302
Although it says "factory renewed", they're brand new HV20 cameras.

https://forum.videohelp.com/topic358525.html

The two camcorders (HV20 vs HV30) are close enough that it's worth saving the extra $100-150 to get the HV20.

Affordable wireless mic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYlhDGrw_eA&fmt=18

Looking at your PC stats, you'll need a larger hard drive in order to do your editing. A 500GB-1TB drive will do. A faster computer would very much come in handy, but if you're willing to deal with longer rendering times, your system will be just at the acceptable level. Let us know if you're looking for a PC as well.

The Velbon Videomate Tripod should be fine for what you're doing, and it's quite affordable. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/146249-REG/Velbon_VMATE607F_Videomate_607_Tripod_with.html
Read the rave reviews on BHphoto over this $60 tripod. MUCH better to get this tripod as opposed to something off the shelf from Best Buy.

[scenicworld]

Thank you very much!! I really appreciate your time in explaining this. Have a great day!!!

[lordsmurf]

With all due respect to Soopafresh, I don't see why you'd want or need a HD camera.
Personally, I'd go for a decent Canon DV camera, and shoot DV. These now run as little as $200 these days. And they make for great cameras.

Instructional DVDs tend to be very basic and boring, so Adobe Premiere Elements would work fine, less than $100 usually.

Definitely use a tripod.

Definitely get a decent sized hard drive for all the video. Internal drives are probably going to be required for DV transfers, you cannot use a USB2 drive. Get as big as you can afford, whatever fits the system (IDE or SATA).

[Soopafresh]

lordsmurf, you're absolutely right. I've got a hammer and I tend to see everything as a nail.

Indeed, standard def DV cameras will work as well. It'll save some $ for sure. The Canon ZR900 is $230

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120249

[zoobie]

I read the reviews on that tripod...
don't knock over a plastic tripod...you'll be sorry
the amateurs are complaining it's too heavy

[scenicworld]

Lordsmurf,

Thanks, but does the Canon DV cameras have external mic and manuel volume control like the Hv20? I will look this up for myself but you guys are the gurus and could probably tell me in a couple seconds what will keep me busy an hour.
Thanks again.
David

[edDV]

Lordsmurf,

Thanks, but does the Canon DV cameras have external mic and manuel volume control like the Hv20? I will look this up for myself but you guys are the gurus and could probably tell me in a couple seconds what will keep me busy an hour.
Thanks again.
David

The HV20/30 are probably the lowest price with pro style adjustable audio*. They also can shoot DV format or convert HDV to DV in the camera.

* By that I mean non-AGC and manually adjustable. Also has a peak meter in the viewfinder (invaluable). Downside is you are limited to single stereo pair i/o while recording and hi impednce only. You can add BeachTek Adapter or Shure tranformer to adapt XLR 600ohm pro mics.
http://www.beachtek.com/dxa2s.html
http://www.sjmediasystem.com/a96f.html

[jams002]

maybe you search at the internet to know about your topic,











_________________
Rapid Tooling