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Topic: DV Cam recommendations.

Jennifer Pan
THE JEN!

Posts: 1219
From: Denver, Colorado
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-20-2007 12:41 AM

I don't think they even sell the DVX100A beside having them in as part of film kits. Panasonic sort of improved that model which is now called the DVX100B.

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Tim Reed
Better Projection Pays

Posts: 5246
From: Northampton, PA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 11-20-2007 05:58 AM

I really appreciate all the input. And thanks for that link, Jen!

Joe, the specs on all the HD cameras I've checked out say 1920 x 1080, 24p, and one uses something called "ACVHD (MPEG-4 AVCH/H.264: 5/7/9/15 Mbps)" for a recording scheme. Here are some online spec sheets:

See what you think. "Maximum Video Capture Resolution: 1920 x 1080" Do you think they're fudging this somehow? (FWIW, this camera actually has 5 on board mics, and records AC3 audio. Not very practical for videomakers, but a nice thought just the same.)

Here's another one. Says, "True HD CMOS sensor (1920 x 1080)" It captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video in 16:9 format, using MiniDV cassette tapes.

And then there's this one. Which is probably out of my price range, but the specs are similar.

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Joe Redifer
You need a beating today

Posts: 12859
From: Denver, Colorado
Registered: May 99

posted 11-20-2007 10:16 AM

HDV is only capable of 1440 horizontal pixels and is stretched to 16:9. Read this, especially the parts about compression. Avoid HDV. It is "teh suk", at least in my opinion. For shooting videos of the family it'd probably be fine since nobody cares about family videos anyway. Now the other one that has the H.264 capture would be better, but it is still based on MPEG and therefore does not treat each frame independently. If you plan on editing, this is bad and you will be forced to endure at least one more generation loss than if you had shot on a format that wasn't MPEG.

If you must go with HDV, get one that is 720p, and make absolutely sure it isn't 960x720 because models with that resolution do exist! Interlacing is unacceptable.

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Harry Robinson
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 155
From: Franklin Tennessee
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 11-20-2007 02:14 PM

I just had to order a DV camera for my wife's adoption agency. They want to use it to record training session, etc. It was imperative that the camera accept an external mike. Canon makes a bargain-priced Mini-DV camera that shoots native wide screen and accepts the external input. It is the ZR800 model. Having the capacity to use a mike will give your son flexibility if he wants to shoot some narrative stuff. And the 199 price at B & H leaves room for other stuff. Just a thought.

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Tim Reed
Better Projection Pays

Posts: 5246
From: Northampton, PA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 11-22-2007 09:23 PM

Thanks.

I'm taking notes on everything, folks, so feel free to jump in with more suggestions.

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Cameron Glendinning
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 845
From: West Ryde, Sydney, NSW Australia
Registered: Dec 2005

posted 11-24-2007 02:46 PM

Hi Tim

My suggestion would be to get him the cheapest single chip mini DV tape camera and a roll of gaff tape. Tell him is OK to loose it or break it! but you would prefere that it would be running at the time!

A second hand lighting kit, light weight fluid head tripod and a book about 101 DIY home made dollies and camera cranes (I can find the books real title if you need)

Then suggest a trip in the car, gaff tape the camera to the side of the vechicle and go!

Just an idea!

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