I want to buy a video camera, and I know there is a bunch out there. What can you guys tell me about the different kinds...specifically:
whats the difference between the kind that record directly to a dvd and the tape kind? Is that a real dvd, can a computer read it, can a dvd player read it, is it shorter recording time that the tape kind? What are the different types of tape kind? What are the different types of format they record in? anything else you think important
I'm looking for something for home use, and a little footbag too hopefully.
I went there and got the best information I could before purchasing mine. They have reviews, up and comming camcorders, info for all different types of recording, and comparisons. Check it out.
First of all, definately go digital. Seeing as how you've mentioned the DVD recordable ones, I assume you will.
Second, don't pay too much attention to the effects that a camera has... all that shit (B&W, Seipa, etc) can be done in editing. And, besides, if you do it with your camera, you're stuck with it. At least with editing, if B&W doesn't look good, you can fix it.
Digital zoom should not be a selling point, either. No matter what camera you use (especially if you're using it to film footbag), turn the digital zoom off. All Dig Zoom does is make the pixles bigger so, although the image is larger, it's starting to lose clarity and becomes more pixilated. Kinda pointless. Get a lens if you're planning on taking looooong shots.
Some of the things to look for is feel. If you've used anyone elses camera before then you should have a basic idea as to what you'll be using. Main features I use when filming footbag is the zoom (W-ide and T-ight), and the LCD screen.
The LCD screen is a really handy feature for footbag footage. It allows you to hold the camera anywhere - above your head or at ground level - and still allows you to see what you're fliming. Make sure that the LCD is big enough for you and is good quality. The degree that it can rotate is also something to concider.
The Viewfinder should be colour. It's often handy to use the viewfinder because it will ALLWAYS give you a better repentation of what you're filming. The image will be clearer than the LCD. Make sure that you can adjust it to different angles.
As for recordible DVD cameras... I don't know much about them, but here's what I do know. The DVD's are a stand alone disk (at least I believe this to be the case). They're smaller than your standard DVD, though I do imagine that you can use it in your DVD drive of your computer. This would make editing easier on your (I would imagine), rather than having to capture using a firewire card (don't bother with USB2 or anything other than firewire to caputre, otherwise. It takes too long and you may loose quality).
The only problem I see with DVD cameras is that you can't re-write the disks and that they're expensive, or were when I was looking. With Mini DV, you can always record over any old footage and it's still digital format.
Always go for a good quality product. I swear by Sony, and I know a few other modified users do too. Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR!
Also, do your research with each camera. Get a video camera mag or two (or more). Although some magazienes are paid for their endorcements, they're not going to talk up some total piece of shit. But do take everything with a pinch of salt (whatever that means). The people in the business know their business. Shop around with getting information, and when you've decided on the product. Shop smart.
whats the difference between the kind that record directly to a dvd and the tape kind? Is that a real dvd, can a computer read it, can a dvd player read it, is it shorter recording time that the tape kind?