Needing a new camera under $700

[ingeborgdot]

We need a new camera for our football season. What would someone recommend that is a great camera for taking football video coverage? Would it be best to get an hd camera? If so when I make my dvd's would I need to buy bluray discs or what can I use to get the best possible picture. I don't think bluray would be a feasible option but picture quality is important to me. Would anyone be so kind as to steer me in the right direction. Thanks so very much.

[Soopafresh]

Canon HV20 or HV30

You need to realize the camera ends up being the cheapest part of your video system. After tripods, stabilizers, wide angle lenses, filters, software, you're talking a lot more $

This shot uses a tripod and a steadicam. If you don't stabilize your footage, even the best camera out there won't do a good job of shooting action.

http://www.vimeo.com/773439

To process the footage, you can use Vegas Movie Studio Platinum which will edit and create DVDs from the video. When you shoot HD and create DVDs at lower resolution, the quality is still very very good. BluRay will cost you a lot more to create - the burner and the disks are much more than DVDs.

[aedipuss]

interesting - malwarebytes blocks vimeo because it's part of IAC Search Media Inc. - Known for distributing malware.

[Soopafresh]

interesting - malwarebytes blocks vimeo because it's part of IAC Search Media Inc. - Known for distributing malware.

I've used Vimeo for 2 years. Never had any problems with malware. I would say malwarebytes is giving a false alarm.

[ingeborgdot]

I have Vegas pro for 64 bit that I use.
Yes, I will also need a good tripod too.
Everything will be shot from one vantage point and not be moved around so a tripod should suffice. I just need to see what people recommend.

[aedipuss]

interesting - malwarebytes blocks vimeo because it's part of IAC Search Media Inc. - Known for distributing malware.

I've used Vimeo for 2 years. Never had any problems with malware. I would say malwarebytes is giving a false alarm.

malwarebytes blocks all of iac - IP range 66.235.112.0 - 66.235.127.255 is blocked. vimeo may not, but the rest does distribute malware. no way to whitelist one ip yet in malwarebytes, they say maybe next release.

[ingeborgdot]

I can't seem to find those canons under 700.

[Soopafresh]

These guys are the real deal. 90 day warranty as well. You'll know within a week if your camcorder has problems.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productList&A=buyUsed&Q=539289

I'd suggest you also buy a 4hr battery for $50-$60

[44echo]

How'd this end up working for you? Did you make the DVDs after all?

[ingeborgdot]

Yes I did. Many of the people told me after they saw it that I did not charge enough. It turned out really well.

[ingeborgdot]

What do you think of the CANON VIXIA HG20? Are there any really good SD cameras? I checked and they only want to spend around $500 I guess. I told them you get what you pay for. What do you suggest? Thanks again.
Also the HF200

[ingeborgdot]

Man, this is hard. I don't know what to buy.

[ingeborgdot]

If I were to buy an hd camcorder will I need to burn in bluray? Can I burn a standard DVD?

[aedipuss]

If I were to buy an hd camcorder will I need to burn in bluray? Can I burn a standard DVD?

no. of course you can re-encode to dvd spec and author dvds if you want to.

[edDV]

You don't have enough money at $500 for an HD camcorder.

Start condition is Vegas Pro and $500? What is your current camcorder?

Remember that DVD is SD. If you shoot HD, you will need to convert back to SD. Can't you raise another $150 for the HV30?

Another take. With sports you probably want to do heavy editing. That will be a pain with HD source unless you spend another $129 on Cineform NeoScene. Vegas Pro has an older version VFW Cineform codec that will do in a pinch but can't capture directly like you can with NeoScene. It will take a separate capture + conversion.

[edDV]

Considering the HV30 option, the HV30 can also output SD DV for conventional capture and editing. The tape holds HD video.

There will be maybe 10% highlight plays that you can separately capture and edit in HD. These might be released in both DVD and Blu-Ray.

[ingeborgdot]

It's not my budget it is the school's budget. So what you are saying is that the Vegas Pro I have will work but not well? IT might just be best and easiest to buy a good SD camera.
Camera right now is an older Canon optura 10. Starting to have some problems with it is why they want to change.

[zoobie]

rah rah sis boom bah
I have no idea what you're talking about...and neither do you.
I suggest you do your homework and research everything you've just typed.
I saw some hv20's on ebay but the best deals are on craigs list...

[ingeborgdot]

What are you talking about?

[ingeborgdot]

I am not going to buy a school camera off of ebay or craigs list. They won't take PO orders. Wake up.

[lordsmurf]

$500 simply is not enough for a good new camera.

[ingeborgdot]

Even an SD camera?

[ingeborgdot]

When you are on a budget and they ask you to find something that is not out there it is almost impossible. Would a Canon FS22 be worth it? I will keep trying to get them to increase the budget but as for now I have to do what I have to do.
What about a Canon FS200?

[greymalkin]

What about refurbished units? I've seen a refurbished HV20 direct from Canon's website for $399..of course I don't think they have any right now, but I'm just saying if you don't mind refurbished you can find one for under $500.

It doesn't make any sense to buy an SD camera anymore. I know it's not your decision but I would strongly recommend to them that they are going to be getting more for their money if they go ahead and go to HD.

[edDV]

There are nice used SD cams for ~$500 but not new.

Can't you find a local donor to contribute to the HD camera fund?

It used to be the car dealer but maybe now it would be best to ask the telco or cable.

[ingeborgdot]

Yeah, I will check my options and see what we can do. How much do you think I should pay for a descent HD camcorder?

[edDV]

We have been directing you to the Canon HV30. If you can raise over $3000, look at the Canon XH-A1 or the JVC GY-HD200U/250 (720p/60fps)

[ingeborgdot]

They have given me to around 700 now and maybe a little more. They won't allow me to seek donations because of different things I don't want to waste our time talking about. I will look for the HV 30 but probably won't find it for that. I will also look at alternatives to that and see what is out there for offering.

[edDV]

I understand that government procurement can be difficult but here is the current private price landscape for the HV30. It is within reach.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=HV30&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1116540424142307...m=4#ps-sellers
http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=Canon%20HV30&FORM=CPRE&p1=%5bCommerceService+sce...5d&wf=Commerce

This changes monthly. It was lower.

B&H may have a gov't/education discount.

[ingeborgdot]

EdDV, thanks for your help. I am searching but need to act quickly. What does the HV30 have that the likes of an HF200 does not? I am trying to do comparisons but am finding it hard. I will keep trying. Thanks.