What video camera should I buy?

I'm doing the same thing. This is what I'm planning on:

I had bought a new Mini-DV camcorder in 2006, that I never used. So I'm going to stick it up in the ceiling, and hook it up to an old laptop with a Firewire cable. I plan on having a shelf below the camera that will hold the computer. I will record my practice sessions directly to the hard drive of the laptop, instead of the camera's tape. From there, I will archive the files, if I want to keep anything, put them on youtube, etc. I can also play it back right on the monitor.

Now, my camera is 6 years old. Its not HD, but it is a 3CCD model, which means it does well in low light. I don't think Mini-Dv camcorders are popular anymore. So I don't know what the current recommendations would be.
 
You might want to use a surveilance system that would record onto a hard drive. Just an idea. Good Luck with it.

Best Regards,
 
Oh, with a Firewire setup, you can actually control the camera from the computer, so you don't need to be near the camera. I'm a novice with camcorders, and my info is 6 years current :) ...

Lenny, what replaced Mini-DV? Do the cameras all have build in HD's now? Do they record uncompressed video, like Mini-DV did, or do they compress on the fly? How do you get the recorded video to a computer? (Firwire, USB2/3, something else?) How do you record directly to the computer?

Thanks.
 
If you're going to edit your footage, the camera is only half of the equation, and probably the less important half.

The other part is the downloading/editing software you'll use. Most software that comes with the camera is worthless. My camera is a Canon HF10 which has AVCHD (a high quality recording format) paired with Pinnacle Ultimate Studio. My version is v13 (I think the current version is v15) and unfortunately I can't recommend it. It's file system was designed by a drunk, downloading the the camera is a press-and-pray operation and it scambles the audio timeline.

Bottom line: do as much research about editing software as you do about the camera.
 
Steamer Cue Sports Ltd., sells this package for a mere $995.95.
It's a very popular item with pool players, as well as amatuer film buffs who want to capture that special moment either in the pool room, or the boudoir.
Available in Beta, or VHS. :smile:
 
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What is your budget, and what are you looking to spend?

Flipcams
I took this using a Kodak zi8 that I bought for less than $100. The remote is $10, and if you leave it plugged into a wall outlet then you don't have to worry about changing batteries. Add another $20 for 25 foot HDMI cable to hook it up to a HD TV, and it can play videos back at up to 1080p, all controlled from the remote.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeJkKtpej9Y

Videocam
Canon Vixia G10 are great, but last time I checked B&H they wanted $1,100. I ended up buying a Canon Vixia M40 instead, and used the difference to buy a rode video mic and Canon t2i DSLR setup.

Here is footage from the Canon Vixia M40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO0QPFxT4KE

DSLR
My Canon t2i has the same megapixels and controls as the t3i. Stock firmware limits recording to 12 minutes in 1080p. If you're recording a single game of 8-ball, 9-ball, its fine, but not for longer games like 1 pocket or straight pool, unless you like pauses.

My Vixia M40 is alot easier to use than the DSLR, I just hit the record button. On the DSLR, I end up tweaking ISO, shutter speed, aperture and changing lenses. Before getting a DSLR, I never knew or cared about photography. Nowadays, everytime I walk into dark poolroom, I ponder selling my fellini, jack justis, and murnak cases so I can buy a low light f1.2 lens.

If you're looking to make movies, DSLR is the way to go. T3i big brother is the Canon 5D Mark II. Footage from Marvel's Captain America and The Avengers has been shot on the 5D, and the cartoon ParaNorman was filmed entirely using it.

For my next video camera I would look into the the Panasonic GH2/GH3. People swear the video quality is on par with the 5D, but without the 5D pricetag.
 
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DTL said:
I'm thinking about buying myself a video camera to mount up in my basement so I can film practice sessions and challenge matches. Looking to have a good quality picture but simple to use. I'd like to put it up in the corner of the room sort of looking down on the table but be able to control the on/off, etc from another location in the room. And, if possible, I'd like to have it connected to the large screen TV that's nearby........for replay, etc.

Any recommendations will be appreciated. Thx.


DTL
Click to expand...


What's up Ty.

I use a Kodak Zi8, it's under 200 bucks and it works pretty good. Has a HDMI input and I believe you can get an accessory remote control for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-P5...loTcAFWoUkdi4_RfgeNLWJp5&index=3&feature=plcp
 
GoPro is good if you change out the bubble lens for a flat one. HD quality and you can mount it in MANY different ways. If you do any outdoor stuff it is the nuts for that too. Comes in a waterproof housing you can SCUBA with. Check out their website.
 
Editing software??? 1k setups???

You're not producing porn flicks... Pick up an HD flip with built-in memory for $50 and call it a day... Edit your videos on youtube for free.... Mine came with soft case and mini hdmi cable for 50 bucks...


This isn't 1985 guys... You can prob get decent quality video right off your smart phone/i phone, etc...
 
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