Camcorder
- Thread starter zahra
- Start date
Eshta
New member
I need to buy a camcorder to record both dance classes and
performances. Does anyone have a suggestion on what one to purchase?
I'm clueless
Thanks!
One that copes with dark lighting would be a bonus if you plan to record at performances. Top tip!
Kharmine
New member
I would suggest going to a good camera shop where they have demonstration camcorders on hand you can try out. It's got to be something you feel comfortable using -- not awkward or complicated.
If it uses batteries, look for a model that uses as few as possible because digital cameras and camcorders eat those things up. Ask which models have a tendency to come back for repairs and avoid those!
If it uses batteries, look for a model that uses as few as possible because digital cameras and camcorders eat those things up. Ask which models have a tendency to come back for repairs and avoid those!
bellyfester
New member
whenever I make a big purchase like that I use Which? online. And you can just do a cheapo £1 trial. Even if you dont get the specific model they recommend you can usually see what brands generally perform better (dont do Samsung). Depends on what your criteria is though! They do have ratings for dim light performance amongst other measures and there are 71 models tested.
Also if you get a decent camera with a motion picture setting that may be enough if you just want to record a single dance!
Also if you get a decent camera with a motion picture setting that may be enough if you just want to record a single dance!
tutankhamun
New member
Does anyone have a suggestion on what one to purchase?
I'm clueless
Thanks!
You need something that comes with a function (pre-set) for quickly moving objects (i.e. dancers :lol: ). Then again lighting can be an issue - you'll have dark areas and then some bright bits. It can all go terribly wrong on a cheap camera. Image stabilizing is essential because you'll have vibrations to cope with.
As Kharmine suggested, better check with your local shop. They might even lend you a camera to test it in the action.
khanjar
New member
Your biggest requirement as others have suggested, is a camera that works well in poor or artificial light, as these kind of conditions will be your biggest problem.
If you need to be able to zoom in from afar, then it is an optical zoom you need, forget about digital zoom, that is not what you want.
Another thing, beware of gadgets and effects within the camera, they are largely useless, but if used are used rarely until the novelty wears off.
Most video cameras use a thing called a CCD to pick up the image, most consumer cameras have one of these things to record the three different lights. If you are serious about what you want to create, then a camera with three CCD's is what you need, each one specific to it's own light.
Editing now can be done on a normal computer, be it pc or mac, in camera editing will never be the best.
Personally, if I were in the market for another video camera, I would be looking at the big three, those being JVC/Panasonic, Canon and Sony, with a bias on the latter for me.
You need to be able to attach accessories, like portable light and external microphones, look for a camera that will accomodate this.
If you need to be able to zoom in from afar, then it is an optical zoom you need, forget about digital zoom, that is not what you want.
Another thing, beware of gadgets and effects within the camera, they are largely useless, but if used are used rarely until the novelty wears off.
Most video cameras use a thing called a CCD to pick up the image, most consumer cameras have one of these things to record the three different lights. If you are serious about what you want to create, then a camera with three CCD's is what you need, each one specific to it's own light.
Editing now can be done on a normal computer, be it pc or mac, in camera editing will never be the best.
Personally, if I were in the market for another video camera, I would be looking at the big three, those being JVC/Panasonic, Canon and Sony, with a bias on the latter for me.
You need to be able to attach accessories, like portable light and external microphones, look for a camera that will accomodate this.