digital video camera

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cwamit

1194 posts

cwamit

WA, 1194 posts

12 Mar 2007 9:36pm

Looking at a digital video camera mainly for kite surfing video production, after doing a search so far seems like the Sony hc3 was recommended by other users.

In any case would like some more info or other recommendations as 12 months ago is a long time in geek land for technology...BTW Sony hc3 been super-seeded already by the Sony hc7.

So what video cam do you guys use that you're happy with and could recommend?

Looking at spending around 2 grand.

doppelganger

VIC

337 posts

doppelganger

VIC, 337 posts

13 Mar 2007 2:58am

I own a HC3 and find it is a great cam with one exception, it has no AV in and this means that if you wish to hook up a bullet cam to a helmet for example, you cant. Also the HC3 only has the Sony hotshot which means that you cant hook up a 3rd party microphone: ie , the popular "road mike".

I know nothing of the new models out at the moment.

cwamit

1194 posts

cwamit

WA, 1194 posts

13 Mar 2007 9:38am

How do you find the zoom and focus on the camera? Is it ok to zoom in from say 50 to 100 meters off the beach onto a moving object and the focus stays focus , do you use a tripod or do you find its not too bad with camera shake just holding it for long periods of time?

I like the Sony... its got the wow geek effect with that touch screen menu. There was a cheaper model in the store that I have seen.

What media does yours record on? Micro tape, mini DVD or HDD and do you have time stamps so when you stop recording at times to go back and play different areas you can and if it looks crap you can delete – I assume that’s more able on the HDD versions , I wasn’t fully briefed on that in the shop as the assistant didn’t really know much.

Kitehard

2782 posts

Kitehard

WA, 2782 posts

13 Mar 2007 9:59am

Hey Cwamit,

There is no getting away from using a Tripod. Buy as good a tripod as you can afford. A Manfrotto tripod is awesome especially if you go the extra mile and get a fluid head.

The anti shake in Digi cameras is good but not good enough when you are zoomed right in unless you have exceptionally steady hands or something to brace the camera against.

I use an old Sony VX2000 (it cost $5,500, 5 years ago) and it still produces some of the most beautiful images, even compared to some of the latest stuff. The biggest difference between mini DV and DV is the tape speed and cost, you will blow through DV tapes at a rate of knots and they cost a fortune compared to Mini DV.

There are definately disadvantages to my camera, ie its weight and size, but I reckon you need big glass to get the best images, so I guess it's worth it.

Happy videoing,

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