Video camera suggestions, please

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Level 2

209 points

Video camera suggestions, please

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a video camera, but want to ensure that what I purchase will be compatible with my Apple TV. I don't mind doing some conversion (using HB 0.9.3), although ideally I'd rather not.

What specs or models should I be looking for? Which should be avoided?

My budget is pretty limited, too. Ideally, I'd like to spend ~$300.

Sorry for the vagueness of this, but I'm very new to the video thing. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Message was edited by: Maggot

iMac 2.4 Ghz Intel Core Duo, 24", Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Dec 3, 2008 10:15 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 3, 2008 10:47 AM in response to Maggot

There are very few video cameras that will produce content which is compatible with the tv without performing a conversion of some kind. Bearing in mind your budget I think you may want to look at tape based mini DV cameras, which one is another question. You may want to import it into something like imovie for final export where you may or may not want to do some editing (although imovie 08 now makes it very quick and easy to do basic editing).

However if you have or intend getting a new macbook mini DV will be a problem since this mac does not support firewire.

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Answer 2

Maggot Author

Level 2

209 points

Dec 3, 2008 11:18 AM in response to Winston Churchill

Thanks very much for the prompt response, Winston.

I'll definitely look at the mini DVs. (I'm on an iMac, so Firewire connections aren't a problem.)

After poking about the web, this learning curve seems rather steep. Guess I'll have to actually haul my butt down to an electronics store and start asking some questions!

Any other suggestions welcome. And if you have good or bad experiences with your current gear/setup, I'd really love to know.

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Answer 3

alderre

Level 1

0 points

Dec 3, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Maggot

Get the Kodak Zi6. It records 720p video on an SD card. Very crisp and clear video. Not for filmmakers but good enough for casual memories. It records video as .mov or quicktime movies.

You can always export to Apple TV (mp4) later with Quicktime.

Great picture, impressive sound for $140 plus the SD card

It comes with rechargable batteries.

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Answer 4

Maggot Author

Level 2

209 points

Dec 3, 2008 1:25 PM in response to alderre

Thanks very much, alderre -- I'm checking it out online now.

The more (suggestions) the merrier, folks.

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Answer 5

Dec 3, 2008 7:09 PM in response to Maggot

I bought the Aiptek HD video camera. Very small and handy. It "says" that the video it grabs is ready to roll. That is a lie. They are mov files that are a bear for most computers to run. Plus...all editing software uses DV files. I convert the mov files from the camera with imovie and edit them there. I then export using expert settings. I get a crisp clear awesome widescreen picture. Cheap and good quality output. Don't expect fancy lenses or gadgetty buttons. It works. Its small..and oh yeah cheap.

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