Tech: Need a HD camera

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: chordstrangler
Date: 18 Dec 11 - 03:27 PM

Thanks all. Finally went for a HD Canon camcorder

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: glueman
Date: 18 Dec 11 - 05:37 AM

Philip Bloom on filming with DSLRs:
Pros and Cons

It really depends what you're looking for. If it's point and shoot go camcorder.

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: Tangledwood
Date: 18 Dec 11 - 04:03 AM

"40X intelligent zoom (whatever that means). 5 MP stills."

The manual isn't entirely clear on this point but it appears that 40x is the maximum optical zoom. The camera then has two digital zoom settings - 60x and 1500x (!). Judging by the viewfinder screen the latter would be barely usable at its maximum setting.

Apart from the discourtecy of the video light as mentioned above, the inbuilt light would have very limited ability and probably hit the battery consumption significantly.

Still pictures - only based on a couple of shots from the Panasonic, but they appear compare very favourably with my older Pentax 12Mp DSLR.

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 08:22 PM

I am in agreement with Jack with regard to Lights ! I would not be happy to have someone waving a Photo Flood around if I was performing either !
I have a Sony Handycam that I picked up in USA a couple of years back that works well in natural light - Never tried it in a Dimly Lit venue though .

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 07:57 PM

A stock review of the Hdc-SD90 mentioned by Tanglewood above ($350 with rebate at Adorama, regular $429). 40X intelligent zoom (whatever that means). 5 MP stills.

http://camcorder-reviews.net/panasonic/panasonic-hdc-sd90k-review

I am a still camera user but have been thinking of an HDC.

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 07:42 PM

High end Panasonic HDC $990 at Adorama, and Panasonic HDC-TM900K 32GB. The HDC-TM900 32GB is $870. Too rich for me.

The low end of these HDCs is the HDC-SD800K at $494 with U.S. rebate, otherwise $764- I've heard and seen good things with it, but I haven't used it myself.
I have seen indoor shots of a lit stage (using no lights on the camera) that were good with this one. Has no flash. Needs an extra lens for 3D.

A review here, but I doubt that it is "independent." It notes good low light color and good stills.
http://camcorder-reviews.net/panasonic/panasonic-hdc-sd800k-review

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 06:15 PM

Are you talking about an on-camera light?

I have no problem at all with being photographed, recorded or videoed by complete strangers in sessions, but video lights in my eyes are completely unacceptable. (They're one of the few stimuli that can set off a migraine for me). I always stop playing and tell the videographer to cut it out if they try that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: Tangledwood
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 06:09 PM

The Panasonic HDC-SD90 has the features that you're looking for. In an Australian magazine this has been well recommended. I've had one for just a few days so haven't given it a workout yet but I'm happy with what I've seen so far. It's less than $AUD800 so should be in your price range.
I'd certainly recommend that over trying to record music on a still camera. ;)

Subject: RE: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: glueman
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 10:18 AM

I'd opt for a DSLR. It won't come with lights or mic but they're available cheaply from ebay and elsewhere. A Canon 550D with a zoom lens and the accessories you require will be well within budget. If you have any old film lenses you'll be able to use them via an adapter (typically £10-15) on the Canon. You may even buy the 600D on budget - as 550D but with articulating screen.

To get the same quality and flexibility in a camcorder would be more expensive though camcorders may be easier to use if you're already familiar with their operation.

Subject: Tech: Need a HD camera
From: chordstrangler
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 08:49 PM

Hi Catters. Looking for a bit of help. I have about 700euros to spend on a HD camera that I can use to record at music sessions. It needs to have its own lighting system,the ability to plug in an external mike, and any other bells and whistles that might prove useful.   Any advice would be greatly appreciated..M