Newbie looking for help with video equipment setup

[hoosier812]

I'm looking to capture testimonials from 15-20 local clients. I have a flipcam, but am not happy with the audio capture on it. I also have a GoPro, but being as it has no LCD screen, I don't feel comfortable wasting a clients time to find out I didn't frame the shot right.

I'm looking for advice on an amateur video camera, microphone, and some very simple lighting and green screen backdrop. Links to where to purchase it would be great. I will NOT be doing the editing. The end result I'd like to have my editor display with a black fade background and my logo. I've done many of these, but always hired a local professional to shoot for me, and I want to do it myself now.

All help is appreciated!

[Supreme2k]

We would need to know cost limits. How much did you want to invest? The equipment that you already have is pretty cheap.

A quick fix would be to get a digital voice recorder and sync up the sound later.
Sony bx8700
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICD-BX700-Digital-Recorder-Microphone/dp/B001RB1XVG

You can also get a knock-off Sony ECM-DS70p from eBay for under $5 (including shipping), which performs very well, I would even say outstanding for under five bucks.

Make sure that you have a tripod for stability. You can even get a small table-top tripod at the dollar stores (Dollar Tree, 99 cent store) that work very well.

[hoosier812]

Like to stay in the $500-$1000 range for everything. The audio sync is a cool idea, never thought of that.

edit: after looking at stuff, my estimate is low. lol

[hoosier812]

What's everyone think of the quality and price of this: http://www.tubetape.net/servlet/the-225/Essential-Chromakey-Video-Kit/Detail

[Trishash]

I'm gonna hijack the thread a little bit with a question about the Sony ECM-DS70p Mic mentioned above & just eliminating wind noise in general.

I'm new to video recording & my friends go on cruises/track our cars. I purchased a Gopro HD Motorsports Hero, but the wind noise is just ridiculous. Does anyone have any recommendations on a way to eliminate the wind? I have some foam from work that I'm going to try zip tying around the camera, but if that doesn't work, then I'd want to do something similar with an external Mic hooked up to a recorder. Perhaps take the same foam & zip tie the Mic. The housing the camera comes with is great & video is amazing, but the sound is sub par.

I have no problem getting the Sony BX8700 & that Mic. I actually read up on the Mic all ready & was told that the cheaper 5 dollar mic was a Sony knock off & I should invest in the Sony mic on Amazon, since it was truly made by Sony. Not sure how true that is either.

My budget would be around a 100 bucks. I've spent my budget on the gopro camera all ready & the video they feature on the racecar isn't accurate because it's basically on a loud racing engine. When you're talking about a regular car, then it stinks.

Thanks in advance! This site has a wealth of info on it!

Ash

[Trishash]

bump