Two questions about audio and video

[Eversio]

Hey there, long time fan of this site and it's extremely useful resources. I've created 3 really short and pathetic "movies" and I really wanted to move on in quality. Currently I'm using my parents' 5 year old vhsc camcorder and wanted to progress to digital. Here's my problem, it's either digital 8 or minidv. As far as I can tell, both have long recording times, transfer via firewire, and have near equal quality (around 500 lines resolution) so I come to the experts to break the tie. Which format is better/easier/cheaper? What type do you use? What kind of brand/models do you recommend? I'll be buying a new camcorder in the next couple of months and defiently wanted to get my research in full.

As for my second question, which ties into what kind of camcorder I should buy, how should I record audio? So far I've used my JVC's internal mic and transfered via RCA to my pc and it was pretty bad. Do higher end models allow better audio from internal mics? How about mic inputs, so the sync is correct? Or is it best to get a 20 dollar mic and hook it up to a tape recorder and sinc in post-production. Again, I hope you can help me. Thanks a lot guys.

[Yammeryammeryammer]

I started to use Digital 8 because the resolution difference was not worth worrying about between that and MiniDV, and so I just bought a Sony Handycam 740, which had a lot of features, was back compatible to a lot of Hi8 stuff I had already, and was easy to find lenses for. However, if I did it again, I would buy a MiniDV Handycam because mine is horribly loud. There is a sharp high pitched sound in the background that pisses me off, so much that I have brought a second older camera just for sound. But eventually I started using pin mics and that got rid of most of the problem for dialogue purposes, and a zoom mic that runs about $75.00 American helped for the rest. Also MiniDV will probably be around a bit longer than Digital 8 which will essentially be out of production in a few years. But they are still great for learning on, and that could possibly be a better route, learn on a cheaper digital camera for editing, and then save your money for a nicer camera once you have come to a conclusion as to what would serve your long term purposes.

[Yammeryammeryammer]

Yes, if you get a camera with a shoe, you can plug in the reciever for pin mics and then they will read the mics that are attached to a transmitter. Best to do a test first. Yes, I have a fisheye lens that ran about $120 canadian, and a wide that cost $80 canadian. I'm sure there are more out there, but I don't know much about them or their cost.

[Eversio]

See, what I really want out of this camcorder is decent sound and the ability to change lenses. The 740 seems to fit that description, but Sony doesn't make em anymore so I'd have to buy second hand.

[Actor]

Here in the midwest USA I have found that MiniDV is cheaper than Digital8, both at stores like Best Buy, Circuit and at internet/mail order outlets link B& PhotoVideo. I would really recommend MiniDV.

I think the cheapest video cam that offers interchangable lenses is the Canon XL-1s at about $3,700.

[Eversio]

Midwest USA here too. Chicago to be exact. Anyways, now I'm lost for what to get [img]eek.gif[/img] Maybe if I post what I want I can get something going?

$600 or less
Digital (digital8 or minidv)
wide angle lens availability
And depending on how I should record audio, a mic input

Hope someone can help me find a nice cam, thanks.

[Eversio]

Thanks for the advice. Are there any other downsides to Digital8 besides the fact that minidv is the new wave? It took me 2 years to save up the $600 and I really want to make my money count. I think I'll get a really nice Digital8 and wait another couple of years until the superb DV camcorders become affordable. (sony pd-150's).

So what are these pin mic's all about? Do they record sound straight to the tape? And what about the lenses, do they have telemorphic and wide angle lenses that are affordable? I'd like to know everything there is before I buy this [img]smile.gif[/img]

Oh yea, one more thing, I guess sony doesn't make 740's anymore? What would you suggest that is close to the 740 that sony makes now in Digital8 camcorders? Thanks for all the help.

[Generic Skinhead]

You're not going to get a dv cam with a wide angle lens for 600 buddy. Fuggedaboutit.

It really depends how serious you are, but try and find a mini dv camera with as many manual settings as possible.

[Eversio]

Well, I meant I want to be able to upgrade to a wide angle lens eventually, I know the lens cost like $200.

Anyways, I want this camera to be pretty good, as I'm going to attempt at making one of my shorts (approx 30 mins).

Any suggestions?