Buying a camera for more than just amateur use

[Mylo]

I'm deciding on buying a camera.

OK - my pick basically IS HV20 - but it's also on the edge of my budget.

Priorities for my filming will be;

- night clubs
- quick transfer from camera to PC


It would be ideal if camera had quality of decent night shooting quality and flash drive or DVD...but miniDV are also in the consideration, although it will slow down the process of transfer.

So, any ideas?

[zoobie]

buy it and a tripod

[Mylo]

Too bad it can't record video on SD cards...

Kinda slows me down but I guess I can't help that..

[Soopafresh]

Too bad it can't record video on SD cards...

Kinda slows me down but I guess I can't help that..

The Canon HF11 uses flash cards, but the file format (AVCHD) means you'd better have a really fast computer to do the editing.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Vixia-HF11-Camcorder-Review-35436.htm


With either the HV20/HV30 or HF11, learn how to do the "Exposure Lock Trick" so your club footage won't look grainy.

http://www.vimeo.com/videos/search:exposure%20lock

Finally, the volume in most clubs is so loud (Ooosh! Ooosh! Ooosh! Ooosh!) that you'll have to play around with the mic input sensitivity to get it so it doesn't distort.

[edDV]

If SD DVD is the target, you'd do better with a used Sony VX-2000/2100 which is much better for low light.


Main audio issue is getting a mic level XLR feed from the mixer board. You will need a matching transformer balanced XLR to unbalanced mini jack. You will need two for stereo. The audio guy can help make the mini-jack stereo adapter.

Shure A96f

[Mylo]

Ahh thanks so much for the input.

Now, about the Sony VX-2000....hm - I'm looking at some sample videos of low light footage with that camera on Vimeo.

It looks good. But the camera itself is...well...too big. HV20 seems much more convenient.

And about the bass distorting the sound, yes, that could be the issue, I hate watching clip of concerts and than hearing nothing but woofer distort the whole audio for few seconds.....


Thanks for that SD card AVCHD format tip. I knew there has to be a catch somewhere

[Soopafresh]

Also, zoobie's suggestion for a tripod, or steadicam

[edDV]

Ahh thanks so much for the input.

Now, about the Sony VX-2000....hm - I'm looking at some sample videos of low light footage with that camera on Vimeo.

It looks good. But the camera itself is...well...too big. HV20 seems much more convenient.

And about the bass distorting the sound, yes, that could be the issue, I hate watching clip of concerts and than hearing nothing but woofer distort the whole audio for few seconds.....


Thanks for that SD card AVCHD format tip. I knew there has to be a catch somewhere

So you are taping without club approval or what? To get any kind of quality you need a camera with good low light capability, a tripod, a house audio feed and a good camera position.

There is no such thing as a small camcorder with good low light capability. That requires a big sensor (or three) and big glass.

The HV20 low light performance can be improved with progressive mode and longer shutter but this technique requires a solid tripod. See HV20.com for details.

The other advantage of the VX-2xxx is ability to handle both low light and high contrast at the same time. In other words, the exposure "knee" keeps highlights (e.g. lights and lit performers) from white clipping. This keeps contrast managed within 8 bits (16-235). All consumer models including the HV20, lack the exposure knee.

[zoobie]

I always think HD...SD never crosses my mind these days
neither do Edsels
maybe if we knew what your budget was we could end the guessing
for example, you can pick up a hv20 factory refurb for around $430 but no LANC...
the Sony probably has a LANC but is around $900...
is the LANC important?
craig's list usually has some tripods on them...you could buy locally to save shipping costs
shooting live night club acts with one cam is going to be a challenge
you'll need to practice with a smooth tripod...all in the dark of course

[edDV]

I always think HD...SD never crosses my mind these days
neither do Edsels
maybe if we knew what your budget was we could end the guessing
for example, you can pick up a hv20 factory refurb for around $430 but no LANC...
the Sony probably has a LANC but is around $900...
is the LANC important?
craig's list usually has some tripods on them...you could buy locally to save shipping costs
shooting live night club acts with one cam is going to be a challenge
you'll need to practice with a smooth tripod...all in the dark of course

HD (usable) club shooting requires higher budgets and the dreaded TV lighting*. The audience puts up with TV production only because they got in free (usually) and they think they will be seen on TV. An house comedian is needed to warm them up and entertain them during prodution delays and second takes. The talent usually craps out with TV in the house.

* TV club lighting looks dark moody on TV but for the audience it seems like a late afternoon beach scene. The whole point of TV lighting is to bring black level up to 8 bit contrast limits. 10 bit pro cameras do better in lower fill light situations (less dark blocking). Think $25k budgets per camera. That is why you rent.

[lordsmurf]

So you are taping without club approval or what? To get any kind of quality you need a camera with good low light capability, a tripod, a house audio feed and a good camera position.

Don't you just love stuff like this?

QUESTION ASKER: I need to do _____________ (some professional scenario).

REPLY FROM PRO: Get this, do this, use that, few great tips, etc.

QUESTION ASKER: Oh no, that's too expensive, too big, too hard. Isn't there something I can buy at Walmart, freeware tools, etc.

Argh.

[Mylo]

Also, zoobie's suggestion for a tripod, or steadicam

Of course, filming almost anything without some sort of steadicam or tripod is wasted effort...in most cases.

maybe if we knew what your budget was we could end the guessing

700$ is a stretch...maximum of all maximums...




I read your advices....I'll check out the rent prices also....


Also, it's not mandatory for footage to be exactly in crystal clear HD quality...

I know I'm repeating myself here...but some example night shoots with HV20 on Vimeo look really close to what I want to achieve...