Need advice on camcorder...

[Waylay00]

Edit: I'm set on miniDV, probably the Panasonic PV-GS320

Hey guys,

I'm completely clueless when it comes to camcorders. However, I'm in the market for one, and I need your help.

It must meet the following requirements:

- around $500
- good optical zoom
- good audio capture (moreso than video...I will be using these for filming local concert footage)

Also, what's the deal with hard drive vs. mini DV, etc...?

Past that, I have no idea what direction to take. Help would be greatly appreciated. Please excuse me if this topic has been discussed before. (Been a while since I've been around the forums)

Thanks,
Wade

 

[mruffin75]

I wouldn't suggest relying on the video camera (especially at a $500 price point) to record audio very well...

I'd suggest purchasing something like a Minidisc player/recorder and using that instead. They can now record at CD quality (no compression), whereas DV cameras record in a compressed format. Then it's just a simple matter of sync'ing the audio with video later..

I've got a minidisc recorder as well as a Sony HDR-FX1 high-def camera setup...works well..

 

[Waylay00]

Well the main purpose is still to capture video. I'd just be happening to use it frequently at concerts.

 

[Waylay00]

Originally posted by: mruffin75
I wouldn't suggest relying on the video camera (especially at a $500 price point) to record audio very well...

I'd suggest purchasing something like a Minidisc player/recorder and using that instead. They can now record at CD quality (no compression), whereas DV cameras record in a compressed format. Then it's just a simple matter of sync'ing the audio with video later..

I've got a minidisc recorder as well as a Sony HDR-FX1 high-def camera setup...works well..

So there aren't usually any issues with audio/video sync that would be troublesome when syncing the two?

Also, what is a good minidisc recorder?

Anyways, after some research, it looks as if I'm headed towards the Panasonic PV-GS320 (~$400)

 

[alfa147x]

If you value your sanity i would go with mini DV, thats all I have to say...

 

[Waylay00]

Yeah, I'm set on miniDV. Any answers to the other question regarding the audio recording via a minidisc recorder?

 

[gsellis]

There is a known "feature" called drop-frame where the audio and video will be out of sync on a camera if you record for a continuous hour. I think the sync difference it 2 frames.

But syncing is all about finding a sync point in the video with the audio. That is why Hollywood uses the clapper boards. You can use a little clicker or such. Or just find a drum hit. It helps if you have an editor that lets you see the wave form.

 

[Waylay00]

Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me more about what this "drop-frame" thing is? Do all camcorders have it?

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: Waylay00
Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me more about what this "drop-frame" thing is? Do all camcorders have it?

Dogpile and you shall receive...

And it is 3 seconds, not frames. So, you have to make sure your capture is set for drop-frame if you are doing standard DV. I have not sync'ed external audio that long, but I suspect there is a drop-frame option. I will have to check my editor when I get home.