Video camera recommendations?

Question

Video camera recommendations?

Hi all-

Been a long time since we bought a new camcorder (last was still using tape....), so figured I'd ask here.

Basically, we'd like a high definition camera with a hard drive and the ability to use SD cards as well. (& what speed to use?) Also, looking for something around $300.

I'm posting here because last time we were looking around (but didn't buy) I think there were file compatibility issues with Sony cams, perhaps another format.

Any help appreciated!

thanks,

Andrew

Posted on Oct 15, 2012 1:54 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Oct 15, 2012 3:46 PM in response to The Blue Chunks

You haven't mentioned what version of iMovie you will be using, so:

iMovie 11 - cameras supported:

http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html?lang=en_US

iMovie 9 - cameras supported:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3290?viewlocale=en_US

iMovie 8 Camcorders supported:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014

Digital camera RAW formats supported by OS X Lion:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4757?viewlocale=en_US

Digital camera RAW formats supported by OS X Snow Leopard:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3825?viewlocale=en_US

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Answer 2

Oct 15, 2012 3:54 PM in response to Klaus1

Thanks! (appreciate the digital camera RAW refrence too...)

I'd be using iMovie 11 and 6, as well as Motion 5.

cheers

Andrew

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Answer 3

Oct 15, 2012 7:30 PM in response to The Blue Chunks

Ok... anyway...

Any camera recommendations?

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Answer 4

Oct 16, 2012 1:21 AM in response to The Blue Chunks

aside Klaus' list, which lists 'Apple-tested' cams only, any AVCHD-cam will work with iM, except in 3D-mode or in Dolby5.1 mode.

you will not find any actual device anymore with internal harddrive - this was a 'interim technology', now obsolete.

focus on your needs:

• external mic-plug needed (doing interviews)?

• wide-angel needed (indoor)?

• super-zoom needed (sports/nature)?

• low-light performance (again indoor)?

• manual controls ('cinematography')?

• interchangable lenses ('cinematography')?

• frame-rates beyond video-standards (60(120/240fps for slowmo)?

• size, weight, ext. battery loader (usage)?

…

camcorderinfo.com gives excellent overview and in-depth info ......

my actual personal favorites are Panasonic 707 (biggest bang for price) and Panasonic x800 (legacy) x909 (awesome 3ccd technology but pricey).

my actual device is not a camcorder but a 'bridge', a LumixFZ38.

but I probably have diff. needs and a smaller wallet than you 😉

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Answer 5

Oct 16, 2012 4:12 AM in response to Karsten Schlüter

Thank you Karsten!

I would love (not in order of importance):

•Wide angle (24mm)

•Good low light performance

•Manual controls

•Compact size

•Decent battery life.

For now, the other stuff would just be icing on the cake.

I'll take a look over at the site you recommend.

cheers!

Andrew

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Answer 6

Oct 16, 2012 9:18 AM in response to The Blue Chunks

I guess, the US-version of the 707Pana is the HCV700:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HCV700K-Angle-Camcorder-Black/dp/tech-data/B0072 B5E7E/ref=de_a_smtd

what impresses me:

sensor size, 1080/60p with 28mbps .... for 399$ .

fullfills your list, a second battery is obligatory.-

(except 24mm - on video-cams rare, the Pana has ~28)

if you need that extra 1% to perfection, a 3-sensor cam like the x800/x909 is your choice: ~1.000$ But significantly bigger (optics, prisms etc)

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Answer 7

Oct 17, 2012 7:21 PM in response to Karsten Schlüter

Thanks!

I'll read up on it. Looks good.

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Answer 8

melican

Level 4

1,043 points

Oct 17, 2012 8:03 PM in response to The Blue Chunks

I'll second the recommendation of http://www.camcorderinfo.com.

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Answer 9

Oct 26, 2012 7:39 PM in response to Karsten Schlüter

Ok, so, I got the HC-v700.

Unfortunately, the high def format (AVCHD) does not seem to be fully iMovie compatible... Which is why I was posting on this forum specifically...

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Answer 10

Oct 26, 2012 9:19 PM in response to The Blue Chunks

The Blue Chunks wrote:

HC-v700.

Unfortunately, the high def format (AVCHD) does not seem to be fully iMovie compatible...

… fully functional here with iM11 ...

???

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Answer 11

Oct 27, 2012 4:31 AM in response to Karsten Schlüter

avchd 1080 60p?

From what I'm reading, from your link:

"iMovie does not support footage recorded in 1080-60p from this Camcorder"

iFrame is supported, but it's 720p... would really have preferred to be able to maximize available 1920 x 1080 resolution on the camera.

Now, I should have done my homework, as this is the first time I'm actually having to pay attention to what iFrame is, so I'll read up on it.

thanks,

Andrew

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Answer 12

hughmass

Level 3

592 points

Oct 27, 2012 4:33 AM in response to The Blue Chunks

I have the hcv700 and love it. You have the option to record in 60P or 30, and iMovie won't easily handle 60P. Just change the settings in the hcv700 menu. Sometimes I shoot in mp4, and it looks fine for the web. I think every setting but the 60P should work for you.

Apple's final cut pro x handles 60P well, though a fast computer is helpful with that.

Hugh

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