"Home" Type video camera

I just recently, 5 months ago, purchased a new digital camera specifically for HD video.

I originally went out to purchase either the Kodak Zi8 or the Flip Ultra but both were disappointing. I ended up purchasing a Canon SD780 IS because it had an optical zoom and an auto-focus lens.

The Kodak Zi8 takes decent video but the quality isn't always great. It has a fixed focus lens and no optical zoom. The Zi8 only has a digital zoom so the quality of the video will deteriorate quickly when zoomed.

My suggestion when buying a new digital camera/video camera, bring an SD card to Best Buy, Fry's, etc and test out the video quality of the Canons, Nikons & Kodak Zi8 on display. Be sure to mention the camera brand and model while recording so you can compare later.

I would suggest testing the Zi8 to at least the following Canons:

Canon SX130 IS, SD1400 IS, SD1300 IS & SD940 IS

They're all in the $200 price range or less.

Test them out and make your own decision.

Not exactly on topic as this camera is twice the price of the Kodak but I just love this test shot. The bus is barely visible before the zoom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6dBAdAqGNw
 
DolphinNoSharks said:
I just recently, 5 months ago, purchased a new digital camera specifically for HD video.

I originally went out to purchase either the Kodak Zi8 or the Flip Ultra but both were disappointing. I ended up purchasing a Canon SD780 IS because it had an optical zoom and an auto-focus lens.

The Kodak Zi8 takes decent video but the quality isn't always great. It has a fixed focus lens and no optical zoom. The Zi8 only has a digital zoom so the quality of the video will deteriorate quickly when zoomed.

My suggestion when buying a new digital camera/video camera, bring an SD card to Best Buy, Fry's, etc and test out the video quality of the Canons, Nikons & Kodak Zi8 on display. Be sure to mention the camera brand and model while recording so you can compare later.

I would suggest testing the Zi8 to at least the following Canons:

Canon SX130 IS, SD1400 IS, SD1300 IS & SD940 IS

They're all in the $200 price range or less.

Test them out and make your own decision.

Not exactly on topic as this camera is twice the price of the Kodak but I just love this test shot. The bus is barely visible before the zoom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6dBAdAqGNw
Click to expand...

That zoom video was impressive! Thanks very much , great ideas.
 
I'd like to recommend reading the instructions no matter what camera you buy.

I have a Flip and it actually does great in most situations - press the button and go. NOt much to it.

I also have a Samsung MX20 and I neglected the instructions for quite a while and honestly didn't think much of it. However after taking an afternoon to read the instructions and play around with all the features I found that I can set it to take some very good video. The Samsung has an "easy" button which auto adjusts the settings. It's deceiving though because of the fact that it does real good one time and then not so good another time. When I stopped using that button and started using the controls in the menu then my video got better.

I think that just about ANY modern video camera that is a name brand will work for you if you learn to use it.

I am looking at buying an HD webcam though - anyone have any advice on how to make them work great over 30' of USB cable? 15' seems to be the limit for me so far.
 
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book collector said:
I want to start recording the 1 pocket matches at the pool room between me and several guys I play all the time,
I am looking for input from people who have one they use or have used for this purpose, that does a good job.
I don't think professional equipment is necessary {{but I may be wrong}
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Most cheap cameras will work in normal lighting situations [basically daylight or brightly lit]. But there may be significant graining and loss of resolution for low(er) light activities. For example, I have an Aiptek HD camcorder that is brilliant outdoors during the day (720P@60FPS). But indoors or at night, it has poor performance. I also have a Kodak HD camcorder (720P@60FPS), and it works great during the day, and just OK in low light. I have a few other normal resolution cameras, but they aren't really any better in low light.

If you only play during the day almost any HD camcorder will work well. If your pool room is poorly lit, especially at night, you may have to spend a little more to get a camera that works well in those conditions.

There are tons of choices out there at different price points. IMO, you can easily stay under $100 and get something that will work.

-td
 
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