60wpm

Q: Camcorders I Use & Like

I want to buy a new camcorder, HD or HDV, using miniDV or a card format FCP will recognize

and the compatibility problems seem worse than ever.

 

 

I'm looking at camcorders like this:

 

NEXVG20H.png

 

Sony's NEX-VG20H, cost approx $2,100

 

The image quality reviews of the

Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder, cost approx $2,800 were good

 

But it was like wading through problems upon problems: What's a good camcorder in this price range but then what camcorder will work with FCP?

 

So any positive user experience appreciated.

 

 

 

Apple's page

Final Cut Pro 7.0.3: Supported cameras is at:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4887

 

It has cameras as old as my old Canon Optura...and now everything is HD or HDV, Final Cuty Pro X, and Lions OS

 

Re: Camcorders I Use & Like,

 

My old answer was, years ago I started with a Canon Optura 500, using miniDV, SD, connected by FireWire to FCE, cost $850,

I liked it; it was my start in digital video and I liked it because it worked.

 

Difficult now to know what works and is good quality. My budget is $3,500±

but I'm more interested in any camcorder folks use & like and connects and imports to FCP as easily as my startup gear from years ago, whether is cost thousands less of $thousands more.

 

The specific five (5) items I'd like to know are:

1.Camcorder (or camera) model?

2.Storage format: tape, disk, other?

3.File format?

4.How connects to Mac?

5. Cost?

 

Any direct experiences of customer satisfaction appreciated!

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.4), 8GB RAM,Trackpad, Wacom, MIDI Stuff

Posted on Aug 17, 2012 9:59 AM

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Q: Camcorders I Use & Like

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  • Helpful answers

  • by russ Andris1,

    russ Andris1 russ Andris1 Aug 19, 2012 9:36 AM in response to 60wpm
    Level 2 (205 points)
    Aug 19, 2012 9:36 AM in response to 60wpm

    Hey 60wpm,

     

    I use both tape & avchd format's. I like tape, but the video qualitiy of AVCHD has improved.

     

    The first thing that I have looked for in a video camera is, does it still have an Optical Eye Piece.

    I stay focused, when using one, no matter what I'm videoing.

     

    My next camera, that I'm looking at, is the Canon Vixia HF G10. It has an internal 32gb flash drive, plus it has slots, for two more SD cards. It records at 24p, 30p & 60i, which works for me.

     

    I'm old school. I use both a DSLR and a video camera to capture events.

    Nikon for stills and Canon for video-go figure.

  • by 60wpm,

    60wpm 60wpm Aug 19, 2012 2:17 PM in response to russ Andris1
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 19, 2012 2:17 PM in response to russ Andris1

    Thanks. Continuing researching for my new video camera I came upon two lists:

     

    Top Five Camcorders Under $2000

    http://www.camcorderinfo.com/Features/Buying-Guide-for-Budget-Filmmakers.htm

     

    and

    Top Camcorders From $2000 - $6000

    http://www.camcorderinfo.com/Features/Indie-Filmmaker-Buying-Guide-Best-Camcorde rs-Under-6000.htm

     

    The Canon HF G10 was on these lists -- yet so many other reviews to consider but

    What feels difficult is not just selecting a video camera but selecting one that works with FCP.

     

    So knowing any first hand experiences of using a video camera on the Mac -- and knowing what that camera is  that you've been using - is very much appreciated.

     

    I don't even care about "old" but more about "it works" on the Mac with FCP and you know because it's what you use...um, and the image quality is a-okay.

  • by Emilia,

    Emilia Emilia Aug 20, 2012 8:00 AM in response to 60wpm
    Level 1 (22 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 20, 2012 8:00 AM in response to 60wpm

    Yes, it has old cameras listed as you are looking at a 2009 article on FPC which is a totaly different piece of software as FCP-X

  • by 60wpm,Helpful

    60wpm 60wpm Aug 20, 2012 10:05 AM in response to Emilia
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 20, 2012 10:05 AM in response to Emilia

    Doing more reasearch, I found this link for

    Final Cut Pro X Supported Cameras

    at: http://help.apple.com/finalcutpro/cameras/en/index.html?

     

     

    The camera I was interested in is on this list...so that resolves my personal search

     

     

    Canon XH A1HDV / DVTapeFinal Cut Pro X: Connect your camera or device directly to the built-in FireWire port on your computer more...
  • by Tom Wolsky,Solvedanswer

    Tom Wolsky Tom Wolsky Aug 20, 2012 10:03 AM in response to 60wpm
    Level 10 (118,433 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 20, 2012 10:03 AM in response to 60wpm

    http://help.apple.com/finalcutpro/cameras/en/index.html

     

    It is a very incomplete list, and the information has not been properly updated.

  • by 60wpm,

    60wpm 60wpm Aug 20, 2012 10:10 AM in response to Tom Wolsky
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 20, 2012 10:10 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

    Tom,

     

    I happen to post discovering the link I was looking for....which this thread indicated you posted 2 minutes earlier -- Many thanks for providing the the info I was looking for; you get my "solved' click.

     

    True, too, what you say about needing this info updated.

     

    Right now, though, the Canon XH A1 is on the list, got good reviews, is in my price range...so now that I'm sure it will work with FCP I'm "good to go."

     

    Thanks again. I've noticed and profited from some of your many other useful post. Keep up the good work.

  • by Tom Wolsky,Helpful

    Tom Wolsky Tom Wolsky Aug 20, 2012 12:10 PM in response to 60wpm
    Level 10 (118,433 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 20, 2012 12:10 PM in response to 60wpm

    This is a tape based camera. I honestly would not go for anything tape based at this stage. It's a good camera, but it is HDV, MPEG-2-based , 4:1:1, and a really old format. It's an old model. Perosnally I think you'll get better value with AVCHD or some other media-based format.

  • by 60wpm,

    60wpm 60wpm Aug 20, 2012 1:25 PM in response to Tom Wolsky
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 20, 2012 1:25 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

    Tom,

     

    What your last post (above) confirms for me is: Tape is dead. & AVCHD is a-okay.

     

    Thanks for clarrifying that!

     

    Now I see I have options, like the

    Panasonic AG-HMC40 AVCCAM HD Camcorder

         which is AVCHD format onto a SD card -- and on the compatibility list. 

     

    That led to discovering the Panasonic GH2  which looks like a DSLR but had most amazing positive reviews at B&H (and is SD card and AVCHD).

     

    Both in my price range, in fact less,  around $2K

     

    If you have an upgrade suggestion, fire away.

     

    MEMO TO OTHERS, ESPECIALLY AMATURES WHO ARE DOING VIDEO WITH FCP.

     

    This has been on my mind for awhile...as a pro prosumer; as someone who's gotten paid to do video.

     

    The initial camcorder suggested in this thread cost about $500. & that triggered these thoughts:

     

    If you're filming only for your friends and family events, okay but if you ever think of filming for others (like weddings, sporting events, theater, special lectures or presentations, industrial training, promo for a business idea, etc.) -- you got to show up with a camera/camcorder better than 'the average Joe or Jane". (and good to have a backup camera)...a have a camera beigger than size of an IPhone.

     

    Those events (above)  are the type of events I've filmed for. Three chips and XLR sound more or less bottom line for a camcorder.  The bigger the size of the photo chips the better.

     

    And...the quality of the lens counts. An iPhone camera lens maybe be okay for home or YouTube but there's a reason photographers pay $Thousands for a good lens. Quality reasons.

     

    I LIKED the level of video production I got into, btw. It's been a nice way to get 'behind the scenes' and going to many events -- lots of fine wedding banquets ---  and a few $Hundred bucks every weekend.

     

    If you want to film for broadcast...I'm clueless but people here would know. And, although clueless I know I'd have to research broadcast formats and standards and expect to pay $4K to 6K minimum.

     

    If anyone knows more, please feel free to contribute.

     

    And if you just want to film for friends and family -- that's great too! Uh..."but you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear," as they say.

  • by Emilia,

    Emilia Emilia Aug 22, 2012 1:14 AM in response to 60wpm
    Level 1 (22 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 22, 2012 1:14 AM in response to 60wpm

    I was also considering the Pana HMC40 but finally decided to go with the Canon XA-10. Great image quality, good handling.. and works easy with FCPX

  • by 60wpm,

    60wpm 60wpm Aug 22, 2012 6:49 AM in response to Emilia
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Aug 22, 2012 6:49 AM in response to Emilia

    Lots of research to do, for sure. A big worldwide camera/camcorder show takes place every year in Sept., so I was also going to see what they had, at photokina | Home

     

    It, of course, would be nice to hear from 'happy users,' who have gear and thus we'd know what they actual use and that it actually works.

     

    I just found out yesterday, for example, that the DSLR Panasonic G2 will not allow previewing of clip in FCP until all files are converted -- or something like that; that's what scares me and in lieu of first hand user reports of what works it's hard to be sure.

     

    Re: I did discover what would be my dream camera, I think but way over my initial budget of 3K±, the

    Panasonic AG-HPX250PJ, sells for $5.5K at B&H --- but then again the problem is trying to make judgements based upon press releases; but this is as 'professional' as I could get in the next few years; sounds sweet.

     

    Humm...I like to compare reviews from Amazon ratings & comments, B&H photo, and dpreview.

     

    Anybody got any other favorite camera/camcorder review sites they like?

  • by 60wpm,

    60wpm 60wpm Jan 31, 2013 10:11 AM in response to Emilia
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Jan 31, 2013 10:11 AM in response to Emilia

    FIVE MONTHS LATER/UPDATE.

     

    I agree with you. It seems like the current Panasonic HMC-40PJ and Canon XA-10 are my best choices in price range around $2K -- work with FC, good reviews and user comments.

     

    What I like: FORMAT is AVCHD (as Tom also pointed out is good) - and they record onto SD or SDXC cards.

     

    I'm glad I finally got it down to two good choices...it seems the Canon has even the best, ultimate HD format 1080/60p -- I'll have to pour over the specs and probably post when I got one of 'em on hand.

     

    For $1K less than my $2K budget, for those in that price range, I heard good talk about the Panasonic HC-X900M, the Sony Nex-VG20, and Canon Vixia HF-G20

     

    For $1.5K to $2K more than my $2K budget the Panasonic AG-HPX 170PJ sounded good but some complain of expense of P2 cards and files maybe not being read by FC? --  there is also the Sony HDR-AX200.

     

    At least these models should put anyone interested on the right track.

     

    For my $2K I'll be getting what I want and be able to do what I intend. Amen. Good filming to us all!


  • by 60wpm,

    60wpm 60wpm Feb 3, 2013 10:09 PM in response to 60wpm
    Level 1 (135 points)
    Apple Music
    Feb 3, 2013 10:09 PM in response to 60wpm

    Eeek! -- So I purchased the Panasonic AG-AC90 -- Love it!