What is a high quality camcorder for video??

Question

Hi there!

I would REALLY love to be able to make videos to put on the computer and edit. But, I don't have the video camera to do that with. What's a good one?

I need one that's got awesome quality video and audio. And of course, I need it to be able to plug in to my computer and transfer the videos. Also, if I were making a short movie, does this camera come with a microphone for enhanced sound quality? If not, do you know of one I could look into?

Thanks alot.

Answer 1

There is the flip mino,ultra,and the original flip.

check out there website

http://www.flipvideo.com/

Answer 2

I'd recommend the Cannon GL2 or GL3. It's not too expensive or overwhelmingly complicated. However, it will let you easily take control of the important settings (exposure, focus, audio level, etc) to create some good quality video.

That's what I would go with, but you might want to go on Cnet and compare a few comparable models.

If you plan to make any kind of production, I'd recommend that you go down to Barnes & Noble and pick up a book or two on the subject. One of my favorites is Anthony Q Artis's "Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide". It's more about the doc side of film, but it's full of tips on audio, lighting, sound, etc.

Answer 3

If you have the money, you will want to get a professional camcorder that can handle XDCAM or DVCPRO HD quality.  Any of the other professional video cameras the record to basic HDV are also good and can be found as low as $1,000 new or even cheaper for older used models.

If you can not afford any professional models, there is a huge myriad of consumer level camcorders that can work for you as well.  It all comes down to what your specific filming needs are.

All of the professional camcorders come with very good microphones.  If you get a consumer model, you can add professional audio by adding a Beachtek device and an appropriate microphone.

Your Windows computer will come Windows Movie Maker for free, but it may not be able to handle HD video.  Macs come with iLife which includes iMovie and iDVD.  With a Mac computer, you will be able to handle HD video and burn DVDs right out of the box.  The Windows system will probably require more work to find all the appropriate software for your needs.

There are a number of medium and high grade editing programs which will definitely do much better work.  Sony Vegas Pro, Avid's Pinnacle Studio, and Final Cut Pro Express are all available for less than $100.  You can also get something more powerful like Thomson Grass Valley EDIUS, Adobe Premier Pro CS3, or Final Cut Studio 2, but these will cost hundreds of dollars or more.