Best digital video camera for recording church events and then moving these to DVD and the web?

Question

Our small church (< 100 people) would like to start recording services with a single digital camera on a tripod at the back of the church. Audio will come from a wireless microphone.

The idea is to make these available on audio CD, video DVD and the web for those who cannot attend. Our budget is small and we hope to purchase a used camera off of eBay.

Please suggest camera models and/or features in order to get the best value and yet simplify the process of making the video available to others.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Look for a MiniDV camcorder from Canon, Sony, JVC or Panasonic.  If you&#039;re going to record the video on the camcorder you&#039;ll need a socket for an external mic, though you might prefer to record the sermons on a separate recorder and use the camcorder&#039;s mic for the hymns and ambient noise.

Answer 2

You might have a small congregation - let&#039;s say 100 people.  If everyone donates an average of $30, you will have $3,000 - more than enough for a good new professional camera and possibly an editing station too.  Remember that film is a media that is specifically designed to make money from itself over and over.  This may not be the church&#039;s first intent, but if used wisely, film pays for itself and other issues.  Take a look at the huge leaps and bounds of film over the past 50 years or just the past 5 years.  As you read on, you will probably begin to understand.

If you are going to do this, you are going to want to do it right and make your investment pay for itself over a very long time.  The point of film is to get a story out.  That is what you explained you want to do, so get the best you can afford truly afford.

You will definitely want a High Definition miniDV system, but an older professional standard definition system may work just fine.  The preferred system would be a professional model from Sony or Panasonic.  You can find professional camcorders for as low as $1,500-$3,000 that will accept your in-house XLR audio.  The most economical professional models we can find for your needs are the Sony Professional HVR-A1U CMOS High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ENO... , the JVC GRH-D1 High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008H... , the Panasonic Pro AG-DVX100B 3-CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BYJ... or the Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006F... .  All of the churches in our area are using some sort of professional miniDV system like the ones above.

If you want to be more economical, you can purchase a consumer model preferably Canon and if not a Sony.  Many of the top of the line consumer cameras cost as much as the low end professional models.  If you chose a consumer camera, you will also need to purchase a Beachtek DX-A2S Dual XLR Compact Audio Adapter for all Camcorders http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007WV... or the BeachTek DXA-6vu Dual XLR Adapter with Phantom Power &amp; Built-in Level Meters http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FT7... to adapt your existing XLR audio to the camcorder.  This video will explain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOGKJ6mVk...

MiniDV tapes are the most economical of all.  You can get Panasonic AYDVM63PQ 63/42 Minute Professional Quality Mini-DV Digital Tape, 10 Pack http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANC... which are twice the quality and half the price of tapes at Wal-Mart.  If your services run more than an hour, your camera operator will need to anticipate the best time to change tapes, or use Panasonic AY DVM83PQ - Professional Quality - Mini DV tape - 10 x 83min http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BP5... which are 80 minutes tapes (20 minutes longer and sometimes twice the price).  We use the cheaper one hour tapes, and we start anticipating tape changes somewhere around 40-50 minutes into each tape.  Your camera operators will just need to feel for the right moments and make quick tape changes.  Practice and patience can improve this feat.

The main advantage of miniDV in your situation is that you can save each tape in a historical library immediately after each recording.  This allows you to recall each past video as necessary to mix and match videos as your needs and requirements change.  Your video library will also serve double-duty as a photo and audio repository.  You will also be able to extract frozen moments in time as photos and audio tracks for other uses.

MiniDV systems are extremely portable and relatively lightweight.  Our professional cameras are less than 5lbs.  If the holy ministry travels, the &#039;media ministry&#039; can usually pack up the entire filming and editing system into 3 small bags - one for the camera and supplies, one for the editing computer and accessories, and one for the tripod and monopod.  Each bag will weigh no more than 7-10lbs.

You also need to consider your editing platform.  We recommend a macbook.  The macbook pro is not necessary in your situation.  You can get a new Macbook for $1,000-$1,500 depending on the model and version.  You may also find a macbook with an Apple Care Plan (extended warranty) for a very affordable price on eBay.  The Macbook comes with everything you need for editing video, audio, and photos.  You may also be able to use your existing computer system depending on its current state.  

If you know your budget, we can give you a much more accurate list of possible choices and options.  There are also accessories that need to be addressed depending on all the filming situations you might encounter, such as lights, batteries, extension cords, and more.

As far as we know, eBay can be fine for camcorders.  We know several groups who are happy with their professional camera purchases from eBay.  We don&#039;t know of anyone who had any complaints with purchasing professional camcorders through eBay, and we also don&#039;t know anyone who purchased a consumer camcorder through eBay.