What camcorder to buy?

TijmenDal

TijmenDal

Active member
Figured it'd be time to try some video as well, so I want to buy a camcorder. I have absolutely NO clue what to look for when buying one. Like how 'bad' is it if it shoots interlaced? 60i vs 60p, big difference?

And that's probably just one of ten thousand things to look out for. And then there's all the model numbers which confuse me a lot. I can't figure out which one is/was first. There's a Panasonic HDC-SD20, 40 and 80 and they don't seem be released in any logical order (as far as I'm aware).

Please recommend me an older 'A' camera, not a recent 'B' camera.

For example: let's say you I just want to shoot photo. I'd rather have an old XXD series (prosumer) camera (like a 40D) than the newest rebel ('B' grade camera, though still very capable). Always go for the best, oldest. Not the newest, not-quite-IT camera.

I just filled out the sticky hopefully you guys can help me.

1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future?

250-300€ right of the bat and we'll see how much I like it and how much I would like to invest.

My budget is for a SECOND HAND camera. I don't believe in buying new. Overpriced shit.

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?

I know shit about camcorders. I've never really held a camcorder before (I think anyway). Of course I know my way around an SLR, no secrets there. I've shot video with my friends 60D which I liked a lot. This also led me to buying something to capture video with.

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)

Tripod, 20 lenses in pretty much any focal length imaginable. (EF, F, PK, M42, OM, T2 mount)

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)

Sadly enough I probably wouldn't have too much time to shoot video, or at least not this year. I guess movies/short films/fun stuff would be the majority of my shooting. Next year I'm going to study at MSU so then I'll hopefully be able to shoot a lot (more) skiing.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

I guess. I won't be getting a RED anyways...

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)

-

7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.

2010 13" MBP with 8GB Ram

7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)

LR, PS - 8

Final Cut - 2

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------

1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?

Yes, but I always on here that you need to do a 1500$ investment, though I don't know if that would count for me because I already have a SLR+lenses, tripod.

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?

DSLRs: yes, a lot. Video on SLR's, not so much.

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?

Yes

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?

Blabla, do this all the time.

5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

Yes, I'll hand it out.
 
Also. Let's say I would pay 300€ for a camcorder, I could also invest that in a DSLR upgrade and a fluid head. I reckon the difference won't be too big...
 
What SLR do you have currently? Obviously you know your shit on the photo end, and you seem to have plenty of glass, which is where the main bulk of that "budget" comes from aside from random accesories. (batteries, SD cards, tripod, glidecam etc.)
 
Currently got a 40D.

I reckon the big(gest) investments I have to make for video SLR would be a fluid head and the upgrade of the SLR itself.

After that it's all gimicks: glidecam, mic, dolly, slider and all that kinda stuff.
 
Ok so I assume that means you have mostly F mount glass?

Do you think you might want to stick with Nikon or maybe try Canon, possibly even a Lumix GH1/2?
 
i know you say your on a lower budget, but if you do choose to go out and buy the pro stuff look into the canon XA10 my homie has it and it is amazing! Bump for ya and good luck on the search!
 
If you have a 40d why don't you just sell it and get a 60d? seems like the easiest most logical choice since you have everything else but mics and stabilization.
 
Ye I guess, it's just that I really don't like the 60D. Shitty ergonomics and buttons... And lower FPS, not really a big deal, but still. The 70D should drop soon. Probably worth waiting for.
 
Something a little cheaper please. I don't want to blow 500€+ straight away.

Something more like 200-300 used.
 
i really like my 60d. the ergonomics are a bit on the small side for bigger hands but not uncomfortable, the flip out screen is awesome for video, the option to use magic lantern with it is the best thing ever. and it shoots in all the standard frame rates and resolutions...1080/30p 1080/24p 720/60p and the standard definition ones as well. sounds like a good choice. you could always go with a 7d as well if you wanted a bit beefier better photo camera too
 
I read your post, but seriously, if you're using it just for video, and maybe want to have the option for a backup photo body, the T2i with ML is great, and CHEAP too
 
The T2i is a great camera, but I absolutely LOATHE the way it feels and is controlled. If I wasn't such a big hater of the rebel series, I'd probably get the T2i. But having such a shitty housing I would never get it.

I filmed with my friends 60D yesterday and I gotta say I'm a big fan of the swivel screen (unlike I expected). Might get the 60D after all...

Still, let's say I want a videocamera, not a DSLR, what should I be looking for? There's SOOOO many different camcorders out there and I have no clue what series/line and specs I have to look for...
 
Well for like 200 euros you could get a sweet HV40 if you're willing to deal with the tapes, it's awesome bang for your buck.
 
something that shoots to SD/CF (doubt many consumer cams use CF but...) cards

something WITHOUT internal memory (usually they use shitty harddrives prone to shaking)

something with a mic input/manual audio

something that shoots 1080P! no interlaced (1080i)

if you like cinematic shooting, something that has a 24p mode as well.

 
it all depends on what you will be shooting also. if you want any sort of slow motion you will want something that shoots at 60fps or 50fps for pal so you can slow it down smooth. avoid interlaced cameras like mentioned above. and then you have to think about what you want it to do. do you want to have the point and shoot, run and gun all auto hope for the best picture quality? because then you could just get a consumer camcorder for fairly cheap. or do you want some manual controls like zoom and focus rings with control over gain, resolutions, shutter speeds, aperture (or iris on a camcorder). those are a little bigger more expensive and usually record to cf cards instead of sd cards. so basically depends how into your camera you want to be
 
Definitely full manual controls.

As for the HV40, I honestly wouldn't give a fuck 'bout tapes, but how is it with uploading and all that? If I can just upload with a cable connected to the HV40, that sounds ok...
 
you have to rewind the tape and essentially record it to your computer in real time. AVIOD TAPES
 
Ouch, that blows. Won't get something with tapes then.

Still looking for non-DSLR advice in the 250-350$ used price range.
 
there are some decent canons for $250 over on b&h, brand new too! sure you could find one or one of the sony ones used for cheaper used, but the only place i can think of is fleabay
 
internal memory is good as long as it's flash. just avoid the harddrives. it's near impossible to spend like $400 and get something that shoots 60p and 24p and has full manual controls. You can get a TM700 for like $600 used and it does all that. It's above your price range I know but it's something that you won't grow out of, IMO it's worth the extra money. I don't think it matters if the camcorder has PAL frame rates if you're just uploading to internet, could be wrong there though.
 
i think the main reason for pal frame rates are for cameras in other countries where light bulbs and everything plugged in operates at a different frequency than that of the us. the difference in frame rates is to compensate for that so there is no light flicker from any sort of light that may be coming from a street lamp of even desk lamp in the background of a shot. uploading doesn't matter because when you export you can select the rate you want to export at. its main purpose is for recording i believe
 
I got my Panasonic Tm900 Through B&H for 700. im very happy with it.

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