Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

What is the best camcorder for a student beginner filmmaker?

I want to buy a camcorder so I can make my own short films and experiment on filming. My problem is that I am still a student and i don’t have a large budget.

I want a semi-pro camera for about 450 – 600 euro.

Do you have suggestions which camcorder is most suitable for me pls.

Thanks

please send links for any suggestions

Simon is on it…

Since the productions are yours to design, you have control over the lighting.

In the price range you have given us, you are essentially in the entry-level consumer camcorder area. There is no consumer camcorder that can behave well in low-light. The lenses and imaging chips are too small. But you can add light so you are not in a low-light situation. Learn about "three point lighting". The biggest issues you will face will likely be in audio capture.

If the audio is too loud or if the audio is too soft, you need to either limit the audio-gain or use an external mic. This means you need a camcorder with a mic jack AND manual audio control.

The least expensive camcorder I know of (new) that meets these two requirements is the Canon HV40. This is a miniDV tape based camcorder. That means your computer must have a firewire port for importing the video so you can edit. USB will not work and USB-to-firewire cable/converter/adapter things do not work. Most video editors can deal with the standard definition DV format video the HV40 can capture to digital tape – you need to be sure the video editor and computer hardware can deal high definition HDV format video this camcorder captures by default. The HV30, HV20 and even HV10 available will likely be used – The Sony HDR-HC9, HC7 and HC1 are also discontinued – but may be available used or refurbished.

Don’t forget to investigate and budget for the mics, tripod or other steadying device, computer upgrade, video editor purchase, lighting and light trees, cases to protect your investments, among other items… The camcorder is just one part of the whole "system" needed for successful video capture, editing and rendering out a final product.

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6 Responses to “What is the best camcorder for a student beginner filmmaker?”

LifeSaver=] Says:
February 9th, 2010 at 12:21 pm

Something real fancy
References :

Justin Frey Says:
February 9th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

You’re gonna want a 3ccd camera at least, and with a nice lens if you can find it. You should be able to come up with something good in that price range as things have gotten a lot cheaper since the 5 chipset cameras have come out.
References :

nicefella Says:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

the stick it p your ass hole camera by cannon…..
References :

Simon Says:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Canon HV30 or HV40. The best small camera for indie filmmaker. Ebay is full of them.
References :

Little Dog Says:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Simon is on it…

Since the productions are yours to design, you have control over the lighting.

In the price range you have given us, you are essentially in the entry-level consumer camcorder area. There is no consumer camcorder that can behave well in low-light. The lenses and imaging chips are too small. But you can add light so you are not in a low-light situation. Learn about "three point lighting". The biggest issues you will face will likely be in audio capture.

If the audio is too loud or if the audio is too soft, you need to either limit the audio-gain or use an external mic. This means you need a camcorder with a mic jack AND manual audio control.

The least expensive camcorder I know of (new) that meets these two requirements is the Canon HV40. This is a miniDV tape based camcorder. That means your computer must have a firewire port for importing the video so you can edit. USB will not work and USB-to-firewire cable/converter/adapter things do not work. Most video editors can deal with the standard definition DV format video the HV40 can capture to digital tape – you need to be sure the video editor and computer hardware can deal high definition HDV format video this camcorder captures by default. The HV30, HV20 and even HV10 available will likely be used – The Sony HDR-HC9, HC7 and HC1 are also discontinued – but may be available used or refurbished.

Don’t forget to investigate and budget for the mics, tripod or other steadying device, computer upgrade, video editor purchase, lighting and light trees, cases to protect your investments, among other items… The camcorder is just one part of the whole "system" needed for successful video capture, editing and rendering out a final product.
References :

eric Says:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:30 pm

I do recommend Canon iVIS HG21 Camcorder. it sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. It is easy to take movies and pictures and affordable.

Indeed, as a student you need to stick to your budget and try to save as much as possile. So i also suggest you to give a glance at http://www.chinazrh.com/wholesale-100-mp-digital-camcorderremote-controlav-outhdmi-eis-p-1887.html which is good for a beginner and saves you more money at the same time

Good luck!
References :
Eric from http://www.chinazrh.com which is one of the outstanding online wholesale electronics suppliers in China. We are ready to provide you with high quality electronics and considerate as well as thoughtful service.

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