Camera Suggestions for Videos?

11 posts / 0 new

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 14:18

TayvaRP

I've been looking back at some of my old videos after recently posting up one on my Youtube account, and I've been thinking of trying to see if it would be worth investing in a new video camera to get some better sound and video quality. The big problem for me right now is that what I have isn't that great for low-light situations (I'm using a Panasonic HDC-SD40 video camera), so I have to rely on post-production editing to try and help make things a little more visible (but it can only help so much). Better sound quality would be really great too.

Thing is I'm on a really tight budget, and with some money problems I dont have a lot to spend right now (it'd probably involve me selling the camera I have now to try and help fund what I want).

I'd like to know if there's anyone who has experience with video camera who might be able to point me in the right direction. My budget will probably be sitting around $350. Also places like eBay are not an option, as I reside within Canada (sellers who will actually ship to Canada tend to charge heavily for shipping, or I'll get hit with import fees)

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Wed, 05/13/2015 - 14:36

deleted_20180328 (not verified)

A used Canon dslr that'll do 1080p will do the job nicely even kit lenses are good. I'm sure you could pick up one used for around 350 bucks.

Or invest in some led video lights to throw more light out.

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 14:50

TayvaRP

I'll keep that in mind, but for now I need to probably stick with the notion that I'll have to get a brand new camera. Looking at local classifieds (as that'll probably be the only place to find good used cameras), there's a pretty big price gap (after $70, the prices jump upwards to about $800-900)

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Wed, 05/13/2015 - 15:07

Berry-DukeAlt

I will look into cameras as well tayva. I want to make some personal inflation projects and I need a camera for great photos and great video, but I'm so broke I have to settle with a $150 Canon PowerShot and my kindle fire's front camera

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 15:23

(Reply to #4) #5

TayvaRP

I know the feeling all too well. I only got a video camera in the first place because it was for Christmas a few years back. I've been wanting to upgrade for the longest time, but around here there's no such thing as 'spare cash'. Maybe trying to market the whole 'premium video' thing again might help get what I need.

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Wed, 05/13/2015 - 16:41

(Reply to #5) #6

Berry-DukeAlt

a little better than me. I ended up taking the canon powershot from my mom XD my other cameras were these $40 polaroid style flip camcorders, and they are the worst things on the planet. I've planned on upgrading to this one here: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-Digital-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00HQ4W3X0/ref=zg_bs_281052_37

it doesn't look like a huge wallet eater, and it's higher quality than the one I got. If I were you, I think I would consider making premium content. I like your work a lot, and I'm definitely not the only one. If I had money, I'd pay to see your work

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 17:00

(Reply to #6) #7

TayvaRP

Thanks, it really does mean a lot to hear things like that. I've got a few videos right now that I was looking at trying to sell, probably for about $5 a piece (since they're only 1-2 minutes long), but I've heard that clips4sale takes a 40% cut on all profits (plus they pay out in $USD checks, which I cant cash).

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Wed, 05/13/2015 - 20:50

throwaway261

Something to keep in mind in regards to your want of better sound quality: the microphones built into a camera are junk, no exceptions. Even if they were not junk, they are mechanically connected to the camera itself. If it is an old tape or disk based camera, that means the mic is picking up all the noise of the drive motors. In modern flash memory based cameras, you can pick up the wirl of the servos that control the optics, as well as any wind noises or the operator making adjustments to his or her grip or position.

If you want better sound quality, you have two options. The professional option is to use a separate audio recorder. This could be as simple as using your computer with an external microphone and some piece of software that can recrod sound. After you've recorded, you then add the audio recording to the video in post production. The "clapper" slate that is used on television sets and movies is used to sync the video and audio. You can do the same by just starting the recorders and then clapping your hands once in front of the camera. Your second option is to get a camera with a port that allows you to connect your own external mic, connect a mic, and position it away from your camera.

Formerly known as unknown.

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 21:19

(Reply to #8) #9

TayvaRP

I recall having once looked at cameras that have that separate attachment, though that tends to get pretty high into the price range. For now I think I'll consider sound as a secondary, as I'd really like to improve the video first. I don't really have anything good otherwise for recording sound (my laptop's microphone is no better than my camera's).

Also before I forget, how viable are the older variations of the big video cameras? Ive seen one or two of these before at a thrift store, but I think they only record to tapes.

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Thu, 05/14/2015 - 06:57

(Reply to #8) #10

Another Canadian Guy

He's right about this. Working in the video industry, the one thing they taught us about audio is never use the camera's microphone! Obviously if you can't afford it (and you stated you are on a budget), then it will suffice, but to get professional sound quality you'll need an external microphone or seperate recorder. Sadly, anything above a dynamic mic (those mics with the round balls on top) are going to cost a fair bit more. Dynamic microphones usually aren't suitable because while they are cheap and durable, they don't pick up a lot of directional audio/audio from a place in the room.

(Not on here too often, replies might be slow.)

Thu, 05/14/2015 - 14:50

(Reply to #10) #11

TayvaRP

Right. Again I can always upgrade to a standalone microphone should I have more income at my disposal, but upgrading the camera itself would be the priority.

With that said, are there any specific brands or models I should look at (rather just anything DSLR, since there's plenty of variance between companies I would assume)

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Camera Suggestions for Videos?

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