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Post by froglover on Apr 7, 2006 11:15:00 GMT -5
I am planning on buying a new camcorder. So my questions is what do I buy. A digital one or the other ones. And as far as what it records to a mini dv or 8mm tape. I plan on using this on investigations.. So any help would be appreciated.
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Post by spriskeptic on Apr 7, 2006 13:56:27 GMT -5
Hi Ali, When Rick suggested a "tech area" I knew it was a good idea, but who would have thought we would get our first question less than an hour later? Anyway, as far as recording format...... Remember that first and formost you are purchasing this camcorder for yourself. We are very happy to have you use your equipment on the investigations, but in the end it is yours. So, the recording format should be something that you would like to have. 8mm tapes are very common (including their kin the Hi8) and are not very expensive. They are also pretty durable. Usually they have a 1 or 2 hour recording limit. DVC tapes are smaller, but not much smaller. The ones I have seen have less recording time than 8mm (but I'm not sure of the longest available). The cost is a little bit more than 8mm, depending on where you buy and how many. I am not that familiar with the strictly digital recorders, perhaps Rick will have some good info on those. I do believe that these have the best picture quality. All camcorders will have a way to play their recordings on a TV (with A/V inputs) or monitor, although many will require that you purchase the cables separately. If the format does not matter to you, I would recommend the Hi8 or 8mm based mostly on a cost/usability ratio. As for brand and/or features....... Since you said that you wanted to bring it on investigations, I recommend getting a camcorder with "night vision" SONY Handycams come with a "night shot" feature that works great for about 15 to 20 feet, and they cost about the same as their peers. I can also say from experience that they are very durable. I have an early model (many years old, before night shot) and I have dropped it often. It still works like a champ. JVC has a feature called "Magic Pix". This is NOT a night vision feature, not matter what the salesman says. We used one at our original investigation of Cypress House and it did not perform well at all. I am not aware of the other manufacturers' "night vision" capabilities, but what we don't know either Rick or I will find out for you. There are lenses and IR emitters that can grant or enhance night vision, but they would be something that you would have to purchase after you have your camera. Hope this helps you, Tom.
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Post by Rick on Apr 7, 2006 16:11:18 GMT -5
Thie is from how stuff works, this explains a whole lt about formats. Tom is right about the :night shot. I would go [glow=red,2,300]NOT [/glow]with JVC. I have a panasonic that doesn't do night vision very well. It is good for everything else.
ALso When I have some extra$$$ I will be building an Infrared light source. IT looks like that will cost about $25 or so...
Formats Analog Formats Analog camcorders record video and audio signals as an analog track on video tape. This means that every time you make a copy of a tape, it loses some image and audio quality. Analog formats lack a number of the impressive features you'll find in digital camcorders. The main difference between the available analog formats is what kind of video tape the camcorder uses and the resolution. Analog formats include:
* Standard VHS: Standard VHS cameras use the same type of video tapes as a regular VCR. One obvious advantage of this is that after you've recorded something, you can pop the tape out and play it on most VCRs. Because of their widespread use, VHS tapes are a lot less expensive than the tapes used in other formats; they also give you a longer recording time. The chief disadvantage of standard VHS format is that the size of the tapes necessitates a larger, more cumbersome camcorder design. They have a resolution of about 230 to 250 horizontal lines, which is the low end of what's now available.
* VHS-C:
Shopping for a digital camcorder? Whether you're creating an entry for a film festival or recording a dance recital, there's a digital camcorder out there for you. Check out StuffGuide.com for more information. VHS-C camcorders record on standard VHS tape that is housed in a more compact cassette. You can play VHS-C cassettes in a standard VCR, but you need an adaptor device that runs the tape through a full-size cassette. Basically, though, VHS-C format offers the same compatibility as standard VHS format. The smaller tape size allows for more compact designs, making VHS-C camcorders more portable. But the reduced tape size also means VHS-C tapes have a shorter running time than standard VHS cameras. In short play mode, the tapes can hold 30 to 45 minutes of video. They can hold 60 to 90 minutes of material if you record in extended play mode, but this sacrifices image and sound quality considerably.
* Super VHS: Super VHS camcorders are about the same size as standard VHS cameras, because they use the same size tapes. The only difference between the two formats is that super VHS tape records an image with 380 to 400 horizontal lines, a much higher resolution image than standard VHS tape. You cannot play super VHS tapes on a standard VCR, but, as with all formats, the camcorder itself is a VCR and can be hooked up directly to your television or to your VCR to dub standard VHS copies.
* Super VHS-C: Basically, super VHS-C is to super VHS as VHS-C is to standard VHS: It's just a more compact version that uses a smaller size cassette.
* 8mm: These camcorders use small 8mm tapes (about the size of an audio cassette). The chief advantage of this format is that manufacturers can produce more compact camcorders, sometimes small enough to fit in a coat pocket. The format offers about the same resolution as standard VHS, with slightly better sound quality. Like standard VHS tapes, 8mm tapes hold about two hours of footage, but they are more expensive. To watch 8mm tapes on your television, you have to attach your camcorder and use it as a VCR.
Photo courtesy Sony Sony Hi-8 Handycam * Hi-8: Hi-8 camcorders are very similar to 8mm camcorders, but there are several important differences. For one, Hi-8 camcorders have a much higher resolution -- about 400 lines. Also, Hi-8 tapes are more expensive than ordinary 8mm tapes.
Digital Formats Digital camcorders differ from analog camcorders in a few very important ways. They record information digitally, as bytes, which means the image can be reproduced without losing any image or audio quality. Digital video can also be downloaded to a computer, where you can edit it or post it on the Web. Another distinction is that digital video has a much better resolution than analog video, typically 500 lines. There are two consumer digital formats in widespread use:
* MiniDV:
Photo courtesy Newstream.com Canon MiniDV Camcorder MiniDV camcorders record on compact cassettes, which are fairly expensive and hold about 60 to 90 minutes of footage. The video has an impressive 500 lines of resolution, however, and can be easily transferred to a personal computer. DV camcorders can be extremely lightweight and compact -- many are about the size of a paperback novel. Another interesting feature is the ability to capture still pictures, just as a digital camera does.
Sony has recently introduced MicroMV, a format that works the same basic way as MiniDV but records on much smaller tapes.
* Digital8:
Photo courtesy Sony Sony Digital8 Handycam Digital8 camcorders (produced by Sony exclusively) are very similar to regular DV camcorders, but they use standard Hi-8mm tapes, which are less expensive. These tapes hold up to 60 minutes of footage, which can be copied without any loss in quality. Just as with DV camcorders, you can connect Digital8 camcorders to your computer to download your movies for editing or Internet use.
Digital8 cameras are generally a bit larger than DV camcorders -- about the size of standard 8mm models.
* DVD:
Photo courtesy Sony Sony DVD Handycam DVD camcorders are still relatively rare, as compared to MiniDV models, but their numbers are growing steadily. Instead of recording magnetic signals on tape, these camcorders burn video information directly onto small discs. The main advantage of this format is that each recording session is recorded as an individual track, just like the individual song tracks on a CD. Instead of rewinding and fast-fowarding through tape, you can jump immediately to each section of video. Other than that, DVD camcorders are pretty close to MiniDV models in performance. The picture is a little better on DVD models, however, and DVDs can store more footage. Depending on the camcorder's settings, a disc can hold 30 minutes to two hours of video.
The newer DVD camcorders support two DVD formats: DVD-R and DVD-RAM. Both are three-quarters the size of DVD movie discs and are encased in plastic cartridges (at least while in the camcorder). The advantage of DVD-R camcorder discs is that they work in most set-top DVD players. The drawback is that you can only record to each disc once, which means you need to buy new discs regularly. You can record over DVD-RAM discs again and again, but you can't play them in ordinary DVD players. Like MiniDV tapes, you have to either use your camcorder as a player for your TV or copy your movie to another format.
Photo courtesy Sony The Sony Network Handycam IP records onto both MicroMV and Memory Stick. * Memory card: There are now some digital camcorders that record directly onto solid-state memory cards, such as Flash memory cards, Memory Sticks and SD cards.
These days, you can get a digital camcorder for $600 and pick up some tapes for under $10. Digital video editing programs simplify the editing process to the point where you can master it in an afternoon.
Even low-end analog camcorders have so many helpful features that anybody can get decent footage with a little practice, and you can create quality movies with more in-depth studying. The technology that was once the exclusive domain of television professionals is now available as hobby equipment. Whether you simply want to record birthday parties and recitals or you hope to produce ambitious video projects, the newest camcorders certainly have a lot to offer.
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Post by froglover on Apr 8, 2006 7:14:10 GMT -5
Wow Rick that is a lot of information.. Which is still very confusing to me. I was planing on using my computer to make the dvds.. I have the media center on mine and many features to movies and things and i have the dvd recorder on my computer.. So what do you sugguest? I would like to have the easiest one that can be recorded on to a dvd (thru the computer i guess) I guess I just like it when someone just tells me which ones are the best to buy...I am just so clueless about this kind of stuff. But thanks so much for the info already.!!!!
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Post by Rick on Apr 8, 2006 11:20:20 GMT -5
Go with the sony if you plan on doing hunting. Also, When we do our training class here, I'll show you what I use to edit videos. IT is ging to be very similar to what you want to do.
FYI TOM, new computer was ordered.....
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Post by Amy on Apr 8, 2006 14:02:30 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks for all that information, Rick. I'm still confused about it myself. I'd like to eventually get one that records in digital format when I actually have some money.
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Post by froglover on Jul 17, 2006 7:56:15 GMT -5
Well Rick I have my sony handy cam DCR-DVD105 and if I bring it can you show me how to copy dvds? Because we can't figure it out. ON the computer it just wont do it..I dont know if i need a special program to do it or not. Thanks!!!!
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Post by spriskeptic on Jul 17, 2006 9:03:15 GMT -5
Yeah Ali!!!! ;D Soon everyone will be wandering around with night shot camcorders!!!!!! We're going to need more parties to look over all the evidence. Tom.
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Post by Rick on Jul 17, 2006 10:42:06 GMT -5
Ali, I can show you how to copy dvds, you will need a piece of software. Tom, I picked up two of these: www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=141724&pCatg=5867since it works pretty good, I'll be picking up a couple of more and looking at dvr system. Right now the issue is how do you connect them to something? I could drop them to our cd recorded (one at a time)
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Post by spriskeptic on Jul 17, 2006 10:55:08 GMT -5
Rick,
I had those in my hand a couple of times. Question: Does each one have to be plugged into power or do they get their power through the monitor like our other system does?
Tom.
P.S. Bring one to the meeting for show and tell.
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Post by Rick on Jul 17, 2006 12:18:58 GMT -5
they come with their own power cord. the cable from the camera has 3 rca connectors, One connector is plugged into the power supply (provided). The cameras come with 100 feet of cable. the other two cables are video and audio. I would lile to try them on the spri system. See if there are any better.
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Post by froglover on Jul 17, 2006 14:27:41 GMT -5
Thanks Rick!!!!
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odinn7
Junior Member
Posts: 69
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Post by odinn7 on Jul 24, 2006 8:47:04 GMT -5
I know it's a little late for this but I have a Sony TRV-280 Digital 8 and am very happy with the quality of it. The thing is built real well and the pictures are great. It records a digital image on standard 8mm or Hi-8 tapes. A good lower budget camcorder that I would recommend to anyone.
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Post by Rick on Jul 24, 2006 9:24:54 GMT -5
If I were to buy another camcoder. I would get one with night shot or something similar. My camcoder doesn't do that, but I bought it for the video work that I do, I didn't buy it for ghost hunting. I wasn't a member of spri when I bought it. if I were, I would have bought something with night shot. I have this camcoder: Panasonic PV GS65.It works great for sports and church videos _I tend to shoot a lot of basketball games and church events.
I would only buy DV or perhaps mini dvd. I have yet to see video from an hi 8 or similar camera that matches my camera.
Also don't worry about the effects that the camera has. the reason being is that most of the editin software will do a far better job. (the ony effect I use is the fade to black option) it makes it easier to sort out clip endings.
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odinn7
Junior Member
Posts: 69
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Post by odinn7 on Jul 24, 2006 20:04:30 GMT -5
Mine is a Sony with Night Shot and as I said, it's a Digital 8. I find the picture very crisp and clear for a camcorder in it's price range. I would still recommend this camcorder to anyone that doesn't have money rolling out of their a**. It's a good, all around budget priced camcorder with a picture that is far superior to analog.
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