Video Camera

**S.P** · September 21st, 2005, 10:15 AM

Hey Guys,

I've been wanting a video camera to record my playing so that i can later scan through it and make sure that everything sounds and looks good!

I also plan on doing some editing for things such as my Audition video for university and maybe edit some concerts that i record.

I'm stuck between choosing Minidv or DVD recordable camera.

Mini dv (the small tape) can record for 1 hour whilst the dvd camera only records for 30 minutes per disc.

Also, i was wondering about the sound? Anyone have experience with recording drum sounds from home video cameras?

Whats a good program for editing film, preferably freeware!

Thanks alot!
Daniel

**elpatricio** · September 21st, 2005, 10:33 AM

I've only had experience using a dvc, with digital 8 tapes which transfer on the computer in real time with no hassle via firewire or usb. Once on the computer they can be edited with ease using a program such as Pinnacle Studio DV, (which came with my camera), If you go out an buy a dvc it will almost certainly come with video editing software what also serves to transfer your film from the camera to the P.C.

The only prob i have with my cam is the built mic is really crap very tiny, can't handle a lot of sound presure, doesn't pic up anything in the low range. However, all dvcs will have a 3.5mm jack input where you can attach an auxillary mic. You could buy a good quality stereo condenser for home recording, or if you are recording a live gig or studio session, you could take the tape output from the sound guy's desk and feed it into your cam and get top quality sound.

**S.P** · September 21st, 2005, 11:30 AM

will i not need pre amps?

I have a vocal mic right now but if i plug it in to computer or anything it picks up sound EXTREMELY quietly even though its a loud sound

**elpatricio** · September 21st, 2005, 12:41 PM

A preamp could be required if you are using a passive mic, although it is possible that the camera's mic input has a built-in pre-amp. A lot of gadgets these days have built in pre-amps like my mp3 recorder. You could probably check in the specs of the camera before you buy it. If on the other hand you buy an active condenser mic like the Sony ECM-MS907 (that takes batteries) you wouldn't need a preamp.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ September 21, 2005 09:42 AM: Message edited by: elpatricio ]</font>

**S.P** · September 21st, 2005, 01:39 PM

alright cool...i think i might go for the Mini DV camera because it could be quite annoying to switch over every 30 minutes to a new disc

Its not long at all considering that i want to record performances and etc

Plus the MiniDV cameras of a bit better quality cost the same as a dvd camcorder of a little superior quality

**CLWarunki** · September 21st, 2005, 02:22 PM

Get hard-disc technology (like your computer!).

SONY CYBER SHOT DSC-M1

I just got one of these and it's slick... with built in stereo mic. Sounds decent. If you have a 1 gig card then you can record an hour or two of footage, plus it doubles as a digital still camera too. I'll post a clip soon for you...

=C=

**CLWarunki** · September 21st, 2005, 05:27 PM

This is what I shot one morning w/ the sony cyber shot. Don't mind the ballcap and pajama pants [img]graemlins/shhh.gif[/img]

I wanted to play somewhat busy and loud to see how the built-in stereo mics could handle it. The distortion (if any) is VERY mild! Enjoy...

http://s7.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=26...H2ZFOVGUR34PMD

**S.P** · September 21st, 2005, 09:27 PM

hey chris, it looks and sounds great!

Does the camera come with a 1GB stick duo?

Cos if it doesn't those things are PRICEY!

Hmm this is actually at the top of the list right now thanks!

i'll have to do some research into minidv aswell