Jordan Jasa
Silver Member
I think this is something thats needed. I don't know everything about camcorders but I know whats good to get. Brian or anyone else, if you see something not right go ahead and fix it.
Formats
- MiniDV. This is the industry standard. MiniDV camcorders record to miniDV tapes. This is what you are going to want to get for filming and editing scooter videos. You capture your footage onto a computer via Firewire, which should be on any miniDV camera.
-DVD/Mini DVD. Don't even think about it unless you're a soccer mom. Def a pain to edit on the computer.
-Flash. You should probably stay away from this. I believe this includes those Aiptek and other cell phone sized cameras. If it records to SD cards or some other removable media, the footage is usually compressed with some weird codec that doesn't work with all editing systems. Even if it says "HD" on it, its gonna look like crap.
-Hard Drive. These are alright, I wouldn't get one personally. Hard drives are fragile, if you drop it you might break the hard drive. JVC Everios seem to be decent hard drive cameras.
-HDV. High Definition Video, this is the future for consumer video. Popular cameras include the Canon HV20 and 30. Its basically MiniDV, just high definition.
-P2. Solid state flash memory developed by Panasonic. This is the best way to record footage right now, if you can afford it.
About CCD's
CCD, or charged coupling device, is basically the brains behind the camera. One chip cameras have one CCD, and will have low-average colors and quality. But don't let that stop you from buying one, one chippers can still produce nice footage.
The next step up from 1 chips are 3 chips, which have 3 CCD's. This is what most legit skate/bmx videos were filmed on. Popular 3 CCD cameras include the Pansonic GS320, 500, 150 (which is what I have), and the prosumer Sony VX1000, 2000, and 2100. These are all really good cameras that are great for scooter videos.
CMOS- CMOS is basically a different type of CCD. CMOS's are in the Canon HV series, and as you all know, they're HD, so you know you can't go wrong with a CMOS camera.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BUY- READ THIS FIRST
http://www.scooterresource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37168 - ADDRESS THE BEST CAMERAS FOR YOUR MONEY
If you're on a low budget, like 200-350, i'd recommend a Sony MiniDV camcorder. I had the HC21, it had pretty good colors, and really nice low light capabilities. The lower-end panny GS series is good too, like the GS80 and 90.
For a budget of 350-500, I'd suggest either a 3 chip panasonic or the canon hv20, or 30 if you can find it that cheap. I have a 3 chip panasonic GS150, i think it makes some really nice footage, but the low light leaves something to be desired.
500-1000. You'll def want to look at some HV30's. HD, 30p filming, 24p, it packs quite a punch. I think theres also some like canon HF____'s that are good, I don't know much about those though. You'll also probably have some money left over for a fisheye. I'd suggest either a 43mm Babydeath or the Reg Babydeath
1000+. Ehh, chances are if you're gonna spend some big bucks you'll already have an idea of what you want. Just don't get it stolen (andy).
FISHEYES
FILMING
If you wanna add anything, go ahead and post it and I/another mod will get it up.
Formats
- MiniDV. This is the industry standard. MiniDV camcorders record to miniDV tapes. This is what you are going to want to get for filming and editing scooter videos. You capture your footage onto a computer via Firewire, which should be on any miniDV camera.
-DVD/Mini DVD. Don't even think about it unless you're a soccer mom. Def a pain to edit on the computer.
-Flash. You should probably stay away from this. I believe this includes those Aiptek and other cell phone sized cameras. If it records to SD cards or some other removable media, the footage is usually compressed with some weird codec that doesn't work with all editing systems. Even if it says "HD" on it, its gonna look like crap.
-Hard Drive. These are alright, I wouldn't get one personally. Hard drives are fragile, if you drop it you might break the hard drive. JVC Everios seem to be decent hard drive cameras.
-HDV. High Definition Video, this is the future for consumer video. Popular cameras include the Canon HV20 and 30. Its basically MiniDV, just high definition.
-P2. Solid state flash memory developed by Panasonic. This is the best way to record footage right now, if you can afford it.
About CCD's
CCD, or charged coupling device, is basically the brains behind the camera. One chip cameras have one CCD, and will have low-average colors and quality. But don't let that stop you from buying one, one chippers can still produce nice footage.
The next step up from 1 chips are 3 chips, which have 3 CCD's. This is what most legit skate/bmx videos were filmed on. Popular 3 CCD cameras include the Pansonic GS320, 500, 150 (which is what I have), and the prosumer Sony VX1000, 2000, and 2100. These are all really good cameras that are great for scooter videos.
CMOS- CMOS is basically a different type of CCD. CMOS's are in the Canon HV series, and as you all know, they're HD, so you know you can't go wrong with a CMOS camera.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BUY- READ THIS FIRST
http://www.scooterresource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37168 - ADDRESS THE BEST CAMERAS FOR YOUR MONEY
If you're on a low budget, like 200-350, i'd recommend a Sony MiniDV camcorder. I had the HC21, it had pretty good colors, and really nice low light capabilities. The lower-end panny GS series is good too, like the GS80 and 90.
For a budget of 350-500, I'd suggest either a 3 chip panasonic or the canon hv20, or 30 if you can find it that cheap. I have a 3 chip panasonic GS150, i think it makes some really nice footage, but the low light leaves something to be desired.
500-1000. You'll def want to look at some HV30's. HD, 30p filming, 24p, it packs quite a punch. I think theres also some like canon HF____'s that are good, I don't know much about those though. You'll also probably have some money left over for a fisheye. I'd suggest either a 43mm Babydeath or the Reg Babydeath
1000+. Ehh, chances are if you're gonna spend some big bucks you'll already have an idea of what you want. Just don't get it stolen (andy).
FISHEYES
FILMING
If you wanna add anything, go ahead and post it and I/another mod will get it up.
