Goal – Students will examine the variety of digital camcorders that exist and begin to study the features of camcorders. This knowledge will then be applicable as students use classroom cameras and other cameras.
There are several different video cameras in the consumer market place today. They range in size from palm size (often in cell phones) to full size, what may be called ‘prosumer’. The cost of a typical family camera ranges from $200 to $2000. Those looking for high definition quality or better can spend well over $2000.
Your assignment is to learn about the variety of cameras that exist in today’s marketplace. Learn about the different features offered in each camera and find out which features might be most important to live TV and video for editing. Are there cameras more suited for the studio versus outdoor use? Visit websites such as CNET.com and jnr.com to research different cameras and different camera companies. Learn about the differences between cameras and write a one-page journal entry on this topic.
Your responses must be posted no later than 7:30 AM on Tuesday, September 9th.
31 comments:
Camcorders
There are many different types of camcorders such as Canon, Samsung, and Sony.
Canon has some great camcorders such as the Canon xh A1. This specific camcorder costs 2,799 up to 3,999.00. It is great because it has fast focus, good optical stabilizer, and it has excellent video quality. Many people have said “ this camera is great for an entry level film maker.”
Another Canon camcorder which is cheaper can cost 849.95 up to 1,199.99 which also has excellent video performance and can take still photos. This camera is better for home movies.
A high definition video camera has wide spread support by software such as video editing programs.
This is a great web site that describes the different media types
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/d/Reviews&level_b=Camcorder&level_c=HD.htm
After reviewing the camcorders the one I would decide on is the Canon xh A1 because of the weight just being under five pounds and all the good qualities it has for editing and film making.
Hannah Daly
Hannah,
Thank you for getting us started in this assignment. Your post has some good info. The Canon xh A1 sounds like a great camera but the price seems a little steep. How did it actually compare to the less expensive Canon you mentioned but didn't give details on?
Mr. Kipp
There are many cameras out there on the market today! Some are simple while others are very complex and have a lot of special features. Cameras are so different these days in size, their media type, the features it comes with, and with the sophistication of them. Cameras can be compact, midsize, or large depending on what size you would want to buy. The way people usually choose their camera is by the features it offers for the price they can afford to pay.
There are so many features in cameras these days, some of which include a microphone input, photo capture, an LCD, zoom, special effects, and light. Nowadays, most cameras have an LCD screen where you can look at what you’re filming on there instead of putting your eye to the lens and being uncomfortable. According to http://www.k12.nf.ca/janecollins/comtech/jeremyc/types.htm, there are two types of video camera: portable cameras and larger studio model cameras. Portable cameras are handheld while the larger studio model cameras would have to be put on a tripod. http://www.abbysguide.com/camcorder/guide/digital-camcorder-features.html
The larger studio model would be great for the studio while the portable camcorder would be excellent for outdoor use because outside you don’t want to be dragging around a tripod and a large camera. You want to have a little camera with you on the go. For a studio you want to be more “professional” so you would use the larger studio model. An example or a larger studio model camera would be the Canon XH G¹ (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-xh-g1/4505-6500_7-31986884.html). Some good features about this camera are it has great lens and fast focus. According to the website, this camcorder is perfect for a professional or independent filmmakers. A negative about this camera is that it is very pricey; it costs around 5,199.00 to 6,999.99 dollars! The AG-HMC70 is made by Panasonic and it’s noticeably cheaper than the Canon (its price range is from 1,649.00 to 2,139.99 dollars), yet it basically has the same features. The handheld cameras are great too!
The Sony Handycam HDR-HC7 is a handheld camera that has decent photo quality, has a few manual controls, and according to the product summary on http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-hdr-hc7/4505-6500_7-32312626.html it has excellent video and performance! This camera is good for filming “live” because it is handheld so you can freely move around with it and film you target. Another handheld camcorder is the Flip Video Mino in white (http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/33059746-2-440-0.gif).This camera is small yet it is very functional because it has a flip out USB and you can edit videos on the camera! This camera is not as good as more sophisticated camera, but it’s great for editing because once you film something right away you can just pop out the USB and connect it to your computer. There are so many cameras out on the market and so many companies like Canon, Panasonic, and Samsung with their great offers of different types of cameras and the features that it gets extremely hard to figure out what to choose.
- Mila Deych B244
hannah the conon xh a1 sounds good but its way to expensive.you have some great information in your post:]
Hannah,
I liked how you added a website URL and I found it very interesting.
Lily
Camcorders
There are a wide variety of camcorders some of which include Pure Digital, Canon, and Sony.
Pure Digital has cameras on the much cheaper side. They are designed for home movies and nonprofessional productions. These camcorders are between $100.00-$150.00. They have the Pure Digital FVULT60MINB 60-Minute Flip Video Ultra Camcorder which has a small screen (1.5 in.), tripod mount, 60 min. 2 GB flash memory, you tube compatible, and easy built in software for easy editing and viewing. Recommended for "casual users" and "semi professional users" and given 5 stars by reviewers.
Another camcorder that is more expensive would be a Canon camcorder such as the Canon ZR900 miniDV Digital Camcorder. This camcorder is not too much and has many great features. It costs about $250.00. It has a 2.7 in. LCD screen, it has a genuine 41x Advanced Zoom, 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom as well as being extremely light weighing in at under a pound. Another canon camcorder on the higher priced side is the Canon VIXIA HF10 High Definition Camcorder. It is priced at $790.00. It also has many features that make it another great choice for a more advanced user. Some of its features include 12x Zoom, 2.7 in. LCD screen, 16GB internal Flash drive and Video Light. This camera is definitely recommended for a more professional level of recording. This camera also got great reviews and between 4 and 5 stars.
The last camcorder is very similar to the Canon cameras in there price range and there features. There are also some Sony cameras on the much higher end. One camcorder is the Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder. It sells for around $1,600.00. Some of it's features are 6.1-Megapixel still images, Optical image stabilization system, Super Night Shot, Smooth Slow Recording. It has better sound recording and it is definitely recommended as a semi-professional camera.
The website I used was http://www.jr.com/category/cameras-and-optics/camcorders/page-40/
It was very helpful and offered allot of information as well as reviews and recommendations.
By: Lily Wood
Steven Tadros
Camera Varieties
There are many types of camcorders. Good quality cameras could range between $80 and $2000. The cameras that would cost cheaper would be the camera phones but the family sized camera $200 minimum. The $200 hundred dollar mini flip camecorder camera has 1.5" diagonal screen, Tripod Mount, Built-in software for instant viewing, editing, and emailing, 60-Minutes on 2GB Flash Memory. ( http://www.jr.com/category/cameras-and-optics/camcorders/ )
A $2,000 dollar camera would have a high definition TV, 1920 x 1080 screen, 150x digital zoom and HDMI-CEC. This camera is about a little bit bigger than palm size. The most camcorder that families would buy would be the decent size not to expensive $600 dollars because its not a bad one to choose and it has a 2.7" Widescreen, SDHC Memory Slot for Storage, HDMI, USB, LED Light, and Still and Video
Different cameras have different qualities, costing different amounts. The way the video records has a lot to do with the pricing of cameras. The most common cameras, mostly used for home moves record on a MiniDV tape are the cheapest, ranging from about $200 up. DVD models are more expensive starting at about $300. The hard drives built into the camera and combinations of a hard drive and memory card starts at $400 and so do DVD/memory stick combos. They each have benefits, and drawbacks. The MiniDV has the finest editing capability but you can only get 60 minutes of filming, and you have to lug around tapes, they also can tangle. DVDs allow you to skip through tracks as if you were watching a normal DVD instead of a home movie. The draw back is that it is easy to scratch the disc and if you bump the camera while filming, it skips. The hard drive and memory cards you need a computer to turn them into watchable movies. If you go up to an HD camera, you add about $400 to any given camera.
Personally I would probably buy a standard def MiniDV Panasonic, one of the more reliable camera brands, according to www.consumerreports.com and personal experience with my mom’s camera
Zoe Doucette
Mila, your comments are very in depth for such little space. You covered a lot of ground with your entry.
Lily, you nicely covered three types of cameras that represent three different price ranges. This is a nice preview of the features and prices out there.
Michael, you could have put a little more into your research. You have a good foundation and maybe could include more details on the differences of the features in the $80 camera vs. the $2000 camera.
Zoe, I like the way you focused on the recording media of different cameras and the effect it had on price. I little more detail and perhaps a link to a related article would be a nice touch.
lily your entry is really interesting to read:)
-mila
steven the mini flip sounds good and doesnt cost alot
-mila:)
zoe your entry is really informative:)
-mila
Gianna A
September 9, 2008
A Period
There are many different camcorders out there, with different features. The more expensive camcorders are the ones that have the different features, or have better video and sound quality. They can range anywhere from 80 dollars to in the thousands. Some are good for more professional recording, and others are good for just home videos. It depends on the kind of quality you want, and the price you want to pay.
The JVC Everio GZ-MS100, for example, is a small camcorder that has average video quality. It can zoom up to 35 times, and has a microphone on the left side, so it can’t be accidentally covered over by your hand during filming. The battery is very small, and doesn’t hold a charge for that long. Like most camcorders nowadays, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen. It can also take pictures. A cool feature this camcorder has is the ability to upload its film to YouTube. This camcorder ranges from $288-$309. This camcorder is good for your basic home-video camera.
The HDR-UX7 is a more expensive camcorder. It has features like a microphone jack, headphone jack, and a big 3.5-inch LCD screen. The flash is located to the left side of the lens, rather than above. This is generally a good position for a flash. There is no external lens cap or manual lens cover switch, but the HDR-UX7 has an automatic lens cap like most higher-end camcorders in its price range. Directly beneath the lens is the remote sensor and infrared NightShot light. It has a thick and wide strap that is comfortable. It has very good video and sound quality too. This camcorder is in the $1000 price range.
There are many different camcorders out on the market these days. I choice to research two of them.
One of the camera I looked into is the Pure digital FVULT60MINB 60-minute flip video Ultra Camcorder-black. This camcorder is on the smaller side of the camcorders. There are some good qualities and some good qualities. Some good qualities are that it is small so that it can fit in your pocket very easily. Also, there is a USB arm that comes out so that you can plug it right in the computer to download, you don’t have to worry if you forget where you put your cord it is just right on your camera. One last good thing about the camera that makes me more interested in the camera it is the batteries aren’t like the other batteries on regular camera that we use in class that you have to recharge they are just double A batteries so you could always have back up and you don’t have to worry about charging the batteries. Some things that are not the best quality are the size of the screen. Granted the camera is small but they say the screen is only 1.5 inches which is not that much it could be bigger. The last quality that could be better is the amount it holds it could be better. This camera is more suited for out doors us rather then in a studio because it is so small and can do the same things a bigger camera can do. For example the Sony HVR-VIU Digital HD camera recorder.
Another Camcoder is the Sony HVR-VIU Digital HD camera recorder. Is on the bigger end of the size of the cameras. And the more expensive end too. Some good qualities are that it is easy to move around so it is easier filming on the go. The screen is easier to see because it is bigger. The last good quality is that there is a good microphone on the front of the camera. Some bad qualities are that it is heavy then the camera I mentioned before. The last not so great quality is that you have to charge your battery unlike the one above. This camera is more for the studio then the outdoors. It is perfect for the studio because it has a good microphone and it is bigger and you get a better picture. It is not so good outdoors because it is so big you would want something easy to carry and one that you can just put in your pocket. Those are the two camcorders that I researched this week for the journal entry.
Websites used: http://www.jr.com/sony/pe/SON_HVRV1U/
http://www.jr.com/pure-digital/pe/PUF_FVULT60MINB/
Jen B.
Hannah
WOW!!! i never knew that camcorders were so expensive!! I liked how you gave the prices of how much the camcorders where or around there. I found your journal entry very informative
Jen B.
Mila
i liked how you gave the web addresses in your journal. I found journal very interesting.
Jen B.
Lily
I liked you Journal. it had a bunch of information in it. I liked how at the end you gave the websites address and what iformation they gave you.
Jen B.
Wow mila you really wrote a lot! You were very descriptive and listed many good points like the prices and features of the different styles of cameras you talked about. You also had some good information about the difference between the tripod and the mini hand held cameras. Nice job! -Michele B.
Using the 2 websites given: CNET.com and jnr.com, some new information I learned about the different video camera styles is:
•The youtube style video cameras are cheap, but if the only thing you want to do is quickly uploading your videos to youtube, then it’s the perfect camcorder for you. The software to upload and playback videos comes loaded on the camera. They don’t operate well on Macs.
•Flash based recording helps keeps the size down on some models.
•Some of the cheapest camcorders are sold for less than $250, although their small sensors usually give them bad low-light shooting, they are pretty good quality. -Michele B.
Hannah, although the price is very high for the canon xh A1 the features sound very good! Nice job!
- Michele B.
Lily, you had lots of good information! You included lots of detail! Well done! - Michele B.
There is a large variety of cameras in the marketplace, there are so many different camcorders with different features like SD recording, fast focus, LCD screens, built-in lights and image stabilization, that choosing a camcorder can be difficult. People use their cameras for many reasons; to film home movies, do school projects, remember special occasions etc so they want a camcorder that has what they are looking for. People who are serious cinematographers would approve of the Sony HVR-Z7U Professional HDV High Definition MiniDV Camcorder (http://www.jr.com/sony/pe/SON_HVRZ7U/) It is Sony’s first HDV (high definition) handheld camera with an interchangable lens system. It has smooth slow recording capability so the camera work isnt shaky and hard to follow.
Another profesional camera that recieved great reviews would be the Canon XH G1(http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-xh-g1/4505-6500_7-31986884.html?tag=mncol;lst). It was given 4 out of 5 stars by the editors at CNET, being called an “excellent camcorder for entry level proffesionals and independent filmmakers”. The camcorder has good video quality, great lens, and “extremely” customizable. The downside is the price; ranging from $5199 to $6999, it is one of the most expensive camcorders. With this camcorder, the pros clearly outweigh the con.
In comparison to the expensive Canon XH G1, the Sony Handcam HDR-SR11 (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-hdr-sr11/4505-6500_7-32775808.html?tag=mncol;lst)ranges in price from $849-$1199 and has many of the same features. The editors at CNET even said it “top notch performance and image quality”. Though the more expensive cameras usually have more “high tech” features, there are still many camcorders that deliver the same performance with half the cost.
The Panasonic SDR-H18 (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-sdr-h18/4505-6500_7-32343416.html?tag=centerColumnArea2.0) has 32X optical zoom so you can catch even the smallest detail when filming an object from far away, a 30 GB hard drive and is very comfortable to hold because the hard drive is on the right side of the camcorder shaped like an ipod making it easy for a hand to wrap around. For prices $429.99-$514.65, this camera is a great deal for anyone who wants professional performance without paying thousands.
Lily- I went on the Pure Digital website (http://www.puredigitalinc.com/products/index.html) and really liked the Flip Video Original because of the built in software, i wouldnt pay $129 for it though.
---Lisa Shuster
There are so many different types of camcorders around today. There are different models, different features, and different brands. The top selling camcorder according to www.pcworld.com is the Sony DCR-DVD408. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/132339/in_pictures_top_10_camcorders.html)
This camcorder costs anywhere from $292.49 - $545.00. Some of this camcorder’s features are; it has a 80x digital zoom, 10x optical zoom, it has a high quality recording speed, it has an LDV viewfinder type, and only weighs 1.3lbs. This camcorder would be great for outdoor use, but I would use something more advanced for the studio. (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-dcr-dvd408/4505-6500_7-32306101.html?tag=mncol;lst)
A camcorder that would be more appropriate for the studio would be the Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100E. This camcorder is on the pricey side, but it is definitely worth it. The price can range from $2,173.84 - $2,249.95. This camcorder has some amazing features, Such as; the 12x optical zoom, a 48x digital zoom, and it only weighs 3.3lbs. This camcorder is more advanced and has more features that are better for the studio. (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-dcr-vx2100e/4507-6500_7-31012227.html?tag=mncol;rnav)
While looking through all the camcorders I realized that there is such a huge variety. A lot bigger than I thought it was. I also realized that all the really expensive camcorders have so much to offer, a lot more than the cheaper camcorders. The really expense camcorders are very advanced have so many different features opposed to the cheaper camcorders who have the basic necessities for filming.
Sam Hanson
Gianna, you covered a couple of good cameras. Next time try to include the links to an sites you may have used.
Jen, the Pure digital cameras are fun. My daughters have an early version and they are simple to use. For the purpose of editing a camera with more features would be very useful.
Michele, Try writing more in a narrative format rather than with bullets. Using bullets can be good within a narrative of this sort, but not as the majority of the entry. Your content covered a good beginning to what we are trying to show.
Zoe
You entry was really nice. I liked the cameras you listed because some were affordable.
Lily
Tv and Meidia
The cannon VIZIA has a 12x HD zoom lens. It has super range optical image stabilization. This camera has 16 GB internal flash drive. Overall this camera is good for TV and video editing usage.
Another kind of camera is the Sony DCR-DVD610 Hybrid this camcorder has super steady image stabilization and super night shot. It also has 40x optical zoom. This camra is not as good for TV and video editing as the cannon VIZIA.
There are defiantly cameras more suited for video editing then outdoor use and those are my two examples.
By: Jackie Connors
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