susanfromhilton head
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Camcorder recommendations

My 13 yr old grandson has been making and editing videos for a number of years. He uses a Macbook and Final Cut Express to edit his films. He films action videos with two or three "actors" both indoors and out. His camcorder until now has been a Flip but it is time to upgrade. The new camcorder must have an external mic jack (and perhaps there are other must-haves that I am unaware of, eg, lights???). budget for the camcorder is $500. Can anyone recommend a particular camcorder that is Apple compatible. Family members are looking to buy camcorder accessories for Christmas presents so any recommendations for those are also appreciated.

Posted on Dec 8, 2011 1:15 PM

by Ian R. Brown,Solvedanswer
Ian R. Brown Ian R. Brown
Level 6 (18,660 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Recommendation is one of the hardest things to do as what suits one does not suit another.

 

As there are hundreds on the market and any one of us has probably experience with one or two, you will understand what an impossible task it is.

 

All I can say is that FCE can only edit video from DV, HDV and AVCHD cameras.

 

DV and HDV (Tape) cameras are now virtually extinct amongst consumer products so the choice will mainly be between AVCHD models.

 

Note that you will need the latest FCE 4 to edit these.

 

Canon and Panasonic tend to be the most favoured makes.

Posted on Dec 9, 2011 12:19 AM

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susanfromhilton head

Q: Camcorder recommendations

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Ian R. Brown,Solvedanswer

    Ian R. Brown Ian R. Brown Dec 9, 2011 12:19 AM in response to susanfromhilton head
    Level 6 (18,660 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 9, 2011 12:19 AM in response to susanfromhilton head

    Recommendation is one of the hardest things to do as what suits one does not suit another.

     

    As there are hundreds on the market and any one of us has probably experience with one or two, you will understand what an impossible task it is.

     

    All I can say is that FCE can only edit video from DV, HDV and AVCHD cameras.

     

    DV and HDV (Tape) cameras are now virtually extinct amongst consumer products so the choice will mainly be between AVCHD models.

     

    Note that you will need the latest FCE 4 to edit these.

     

    Canon and Panasonic tend to be the most favoured makes.

  • by MartinR,Helpful

    MartinR MartinR Dec 9, 2011 10:25 AM in response to susanfromhilton head
    Level 6 (14,891 points)
    Dec 9, 2011 10:25 AM in response to susanfromhilton head

    I'd suggest the following model lines for your stated price range, but you will have to do your own research to see what specific models best meet your requirements.  There are models in each line under $500 that have inputs for external microphones.

     

    • Canon Vixia HF series
    • Sony HDR-CX and HDR-XR series
    • Panasonic HDC-TM and HDC-HS series. 

     

    I can also recommend the Canon HV40 and its predecessors the HV30 and HV20.  However they are HDV camcorders and while the HDV format is still very much in use it has largely been overshadowed by AVCHD camcorders in the marketplace.

     

    At a minimum, make sure the camcorder is an AVCHD or HDV camcorder.  If those logos are not on the camera and/or in the manual then beware. (Beware if the specs only say H.264, MPEG4, AVC or HD but  don't actually specify AVCHD or HDV.)

     

    Also, you are correct in specifying an external mic jack; this is a requirement for any decent video.   The other thing I'd recommend is a good tripod with a fluid video head.  Make sure it's a good sturdy tripod.  I am partial to Manfrotto tripods (for example the 190XB legs or 055xdb legs and 701 head or 501hdv head) but the most important thing is that the tripod be sturdy regardless of brand.  A cheap tripod that isn't sturdy will quickly be a wasted purchase.  The other starter accessories I'd suggest include a UV or Skylight filter for the lens (to protect the lens from dirt & fingerprints), a case and a spare battery.

     

    One more thing ... may I suggest B&H Photo Video.  They are an exellent vendor whose knowledge, selection, prices, delivery & reliability are top notch.

     

    Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with B&H in any way except as a long-term, happy customer and I do not receive any compensation of any kind for recommending them.

  • by David Fahnestock1,Helpful

    David Fahnestock1 David Fahnestock1 Dec 9, 2011 5:05 PM in response to susanfromhilton head
    Level 2 (475 points)
    Dec 9, 2011 5:05 PM in response to susanfromhilton head

    Susan,

    A good tripod with the camera controls in the panning handle is necessary if you want to produce good videos. The Sony HDR-PJ10 (499.95 Sony price) with the Sony VCT-60AV remote tripod would be ideal. The camcorder will shoot over 2 hours of HD video. It also has an excellent built in projector.

    I use the Sony HDR-PJ50V and VCT-60AV for my work.

    David

  • by susanfromhilton head,

    susanfromhilton head susanfromhilton head Dec 10, 2011 6:38 AM in response to susanfromhilton head
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 10, 2011 6:38 AM in response to susanfromhilton head

    Thanks so much for the excellent recommendations and caveats. We will be much more savvy shoppers because of your input. I appreciate your time and expertise.

  • by Red Ford,

    Red Ford Red Ford Jun 6, 2014 9:33 AM in response to susanfromhilton head
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 6, 2014 9:33 AM in response to susanfromhilton head

    I've used a Canon Vixia for years and love it. They all have an external accessory mount which can be used for a light or mic. The image quality is amazing especially for the price. Thank you for supporting your grandson's dreams! :)