I'm looking to spend $200-$500 on a digital camcorder for YouTube and other videos?

Question

I'm a musician and I've been wanting to upload some of my songs to YouTube. I've been looking at camcorders between the $200 and $500 range.

I want something that shoots well in low lighting (I will be playing my songs indoors), has relatively good picture quality, has its own hard drive, and is easy to use. I'm kind of a fan of point-and-shoot since I'm very bad with learning how to focus and all that.

Are there any cameras you'd recommend for me? And why?

Answer 1

I recently got one made to transfer for u tube ...it has a little pop up computer plug in port that goes right to the computer

made just for  that reason and it's small but tapes for 60mins.

called the Flip Video Camera.....it's really easy ...starts at $149.00 and you can buy it on line too.

Answer 2

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet...

Answer 3

It depends on your music.

If it is loud music, you need to be able to control the mic gain on the camera - other wise the audio will be very muddy and clip a lot.

The Sony DCR-HC96 has a "Normal" and "Low" menu selection to adjust the mic gain. "Low" mic gain would be used for recording loud audio. This is not optimum, but is the only camcorder with this sort of control that is in your budget range.

The ideal set up would include manual audio controls and external mic jack. The cheapest camcorders with both these are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. They are outside your stated price range.

In terms of video quality, DVD camcorders are the worst. Next best are hard drive camcorders and certain flash based camcorders. Best video quality continues to come from MiniDV tape based camcorders.

If your music is not loud, then the mic gain control are not important... for now...

Mr Safety has good tips on videos for YouTube - lighting is important - especially for low-end camcorders:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OePFgmyvnWo