HD Camcorders
Posted by: labrat on 01 November 2010
With two young kids (5 and 7) and it coming up to christmas, my wife has the idea that it would be nice to get a camcorder that we can upload the video from onto the computer.
I must admit this is not something I know much about so I would be grateful if anyone has any advice as to what I should look for and what I need to consider before getting one. Having had a quick look around there seems to be a bewildering choice.
I don't know if its relevant but our home computer is an Apple so I also wonder will there any compatability issues?
Posted on: 01 November 2010 by shoot6x7
the latest version of iMovie is perfect for hd camcorders.
another option is the latest batch of dslrs with video capabilities. The quality of some is excellent, e.g Canon 7D and up ...
For a pure camcorder I like the Panasonics ...
Posted on: 02 November 2010 by Mike Hughes
If you want simple to use; cheap; easy to download and easy to email etc then you are looking at a Flip Mino HD. Thinner than the normal Flip and can record for up to two hours depending on your choice. Variety of colours and ridiculously easy to use. Software is onboard so no cd installation etc. Charges from USB port and so on. Picture quality is excellent. I watch my stuff on a 50" plasma and can't fault it for the price. Software enables you to pull still off.
Alternatively, iPhone 4 wirh a whole host of other functionality gives you the same thing although the iMovie app is pretty poor. There are also issues getting very large files off phone but once you know the routine it's easy.
I now use both for several hours of video and they have the advantage that neither are anywhere near the bulk of any other item you will read about on this thread.
Mike
Posted on: 02 November 2010 by nap-ster
A lot of the newer compact digital still cameras have HD video recording too.
Posted on: 02 November 2010 by labrat
Shoot, Mike and nap-ster, thanks for the advice.
I hadn't considered getting a camera with video capability until someone mentioned this at work this morning. To be honest I think this will be the best way forward for me.
Not sure I want the bulk of a digital SLR and I already have a Nikon D80 which I am very happy with. I like the idea of the micro 4/3 cameras as I think these will be good when I am out and about on my travels. The only decision would be which lens to get with it and I suspect it will initially be a 20mm lens and see how i get on with that.
Again, thanks all
Tony
Posted on: 02 November 2010 by TomK
I bought a little beauty from Aldi a few months ago for about 60 quid and it's a remarkable piece of kit. It's hardly bigger than a standard digital camera and HD movie quality is unbelievable.
If you're not sure exactly where you're going with it maybe something like this would be a reasonable starting point.
Posted on: 07 November 2010 by blythe
Panasonic HDC-S600 with a Leica lens is a real gem of an High Definition camera. Can be bought for under £500.00
However, as Apple Mac's don't support burning to Blu-Ray (so I've been told), is it worth getting an HD camera when an SD one can give superb results anyway?
Compact still cameras may have "HD" capability but from my experience, they are no match for a dedicated video camera.
