Digital video camera help?

MCWagner · Post by **MCWagner** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 2:59 pm

Believe it or not, a request from my boss.

He's thinking of getting a digital video camera for one of his kids so they can make movies, do some editing, etc., but he's unsure what to be looking for. Unfortunately, being obsessed with animation but not film, I've no use for such a thing and thus know little about them.

Anyone have any advice I can pass along to him about brand, model, type, etc? He'd prefer cheap ($500 or under if possible) but not so cheap that it starts breaking or falling apart.

Any help would be appreciated!

Katsumi_AMVs · Post by **Katsumi_AMVs** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:55 pm

Well I don't know nothing about price cuz I live in Japan,but when I search for a camera I just search for high number of pixels,let me explain more simple :

high number of pixels >> better capture quality >> good details on digital pictures >> price up

low number of pixels >> poor capture quality >> bad quality on details of digital pictures >> price down

Hope this helps...

TaranT · Post by **TaranT** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 2:09 am

I've been using a Canon ZR-10 (mini-DV) for all of my AMV source captures. Haven't had any trouble with it. Still-picture capture is not so great, but the CCDs on camcorders have fewer pixels than a decent digital camera (or so I've been told).

Canon is into the second or third generation of the ZR series. The ZR45MC is going for around $400-$500.

Steve's Digicams is a good site for reviews of digital video equipment.

iserlohn · Post by **iserlohn** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 8:24 am

You want something under $500? That's really pushing it. What I'd recommend (based on the research I did) is the Sony DCR-TRV19. It's the lowest (cheapest) model in Sony's miniDV line this year, and while it's got an old-skool black and white viewfinder and no analog->digital converter (you can't use it as a breakout box), it seems to do an OK job. Plus, according to people I've talked to, Sony's sub-$1000 models tend to resist breaking longer than Canon's or Panasonic's

Also, remind your boss that the cost of accessories (a big long-life battery, tripod, decent mike, etc.) adds up to an extra $100-200 pretty fast. He should also know that buying tapes from a B&M store is a ripoff - eBay is where it's at for blanks.

Oh, and avoid Digitial8. It's a horrid hack-job format that even its creators (Sony) are disowning - this year's line features only 2 cameras instead of 5, and reviews for both have been absolutely awful.

TaranT · Post by **TaranT** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 2:08 am

Another point: stay away from the TDK DVM60 (miniDV) tapes. Costco has been selling these for about $4 each in multi-packs (I have also seen them in other stores like Best Buy). It's a good price, but definitely not worth the trouble they cause. From what I've heard, the tape is prone to de-lamination (or whatever it's called), leaving a nice buildup on the heads.

My own experience was that not every tape was bad, but enough of them were and I was forced to throw out the dozen or so (some un-opened) that I had.

iserlohn · Post by **iserlohn** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 7:46 am

TaranT wrote:Another point: stay away from the TDK DVM60 (miniDV) tapes.

Yich. The only TDK tape I have is the free cleaning tape I got with my eBay auction...

From what I've heard, Panasonic and Sony tapes are the best, and those go for cheap in bulk online.

TaranT · Post by **TaranT** » Sat Jun 28, 2003 2:19 am

Lately, I've been using JVC 60ME tapes. A local video store carries them for $4.50 each. So far, no problems, but I'm still keeping an eye out for trouble.

Akashio · Post by **Akashio** » Sun Jun 29, 2003 2:09 am

MCWagner wrote:Believe it or not, a request from my boss.

He's thinking of getting a digital video camera for one of his kids so they can make movies, do some editing, etc., but he's unsure what to be looking for. Unfortunately, being obsessed with animation but not film, I've no use for such a thing and thus know little about them.

Anyone have any advice I can pass along to him about brand, model, type, etc? He'd prefer cheap ($500 or under if possible) but not so cheap that it starts breaking or falling apart.

Any help would be appreciated!

What does this have to do with amvs???

*resists answering his own question*

iserlohn · Post by **iserlohn** » Sun Jun 29, 2003 8:17 am

It's a question about video gear, which is good enough to post in this forum.

And I know a couple people who do use video cameras in their amv making.

AnimeMusicVideos.org

Digital video camera help?

Digital video camera help?

Digicam

Re: Digital video camera help?