Root Admin Phil Lilley Posted April 16, 2007 Root Admin Posted April 16, 2007 I've narrowed my search down to the following: Not HD. Consumer, not professional and not over $1,000 (camera alone). There's a ton of cameras out there and so close to being the same. I want to use it for fishing. My plan is to put alot of fishing video on the web. I have good editing software and a good, fast laptop ordered. Plan on taking it to Alaska and posting mouthwatering clips for all you guys this summer... if I can find a decent upload connection (don't hold your breath). Any suggestions?
Rusty Posted April 16, 2007 Posted April 16, 2007 Take me and I will shoot the footage while you land the fish. I have a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD103 with a 20X Optical Zoom and love it. Use it for the kids sports and family gatherings. Easy to use and small. 3.5" X 5" and 2" thick. Not water proof though. Is it raining a lot when you are up there? Something to think about if it does.
Gavin Posted April 16, 2007 Posted April 16, 2007 Just bought one yesterday...We didnt have the $1,500 for a HiDef with a Hard Drive so we opted for a Sony DVD308 Handycam. We havent had a chance to play with it much, but it looks like its going to be a fun toy. Sony does make and underwater housing for it ($250-300) but I'll have to wait awhile before picking one up. Cheers.
ColdWaterFshr Posted April 16, 2007 Posted April 16, 2007 We've had one of these Pure Digital videocameras for about 6 months now and LOVE it. http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=s...asin=B000FD8MJS Its about the size of a deck of cards, runs on AA batteries, its idiot proof, and for $80 you can't lose! Its the perfect fish video camera. Just wish it was waterproof like my optio digital. Downside - the zooom isn't real great, but for normal shooting the quality of the video and the sound is amazingly good. Also, memory allows it to only record for 30 minutes at a time - but how often do you need more than that. Its perfect for taking 1-2 minute clips of neat things, like fishing or home videos. Dump it onto a laptop and burn a half-hour DVD in just a few minutes, erase it and go again. Its not professional quality, but I like the simpleness of it. I'm of the opinion thats there is far too many features in most electronic gadgets that you never use! With this thing - just turn it on, point it and go. Fits in a shirt pocket. If you drop it, its not a major tragedy.
Terry Beeson Posted April 16, 2007 Posted April 16, 2007 I don't own a digital, but past experience with VHS and compacts lead me to give you at least this piece of advice... If you guys could take some video and email it to Phil giving him and example of the video and sound quality of the rigs you are suggesting, it would help. Phil, take a look at sample video from some of the cams you are looking at. I know I had a Magnavox VHS years ago and the sound man in our band had a Zenith (if memory serves.) We took some video of one of our gigs using both camcorders. The idea was to put together a tape to submit to clubs as an audition... Well, he was perfectly happy with his camcorder until we started playing back the tapes from the two camcorders... The difference in quality - both video and audio - was astounding!! Just "off the shelf" you couldn't tell his videos were that bad. But the color and sound from mine were so much more vivid.... He wound up selling his and buying one like mine... I was part of the technical team at my last church. One of our charges was video - recording and CCTV in the church during services. I can tell you, there is a difference in cameras... pro or consumer... All that to say this... again, Phil, check out some sample videos to see what the camera you are getting will look like in the venue you are going to use it... I know you'll be glad you did... Just my li'l bit of two bit advice... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Members Growler Posted April 19, 2007 Members Posted April 19, 2007 Phil, Terry's reply was right on the mark. Even identical cameras, same model and manufacturer will look different. I would also recommend a trip to Best Buy or another "hands-on" store, where you can actually pick up and get a feel for the camera. Some of the new smaller camera's have such small buttons & cryptic menu's it may make an impact in your buying decision. Also, make sure you have threads on the lens for filters. Since you will be using this on the water alot of the time (in the sun), a good polarizer filter works like a pair of polarized sunglasses. Iris gets to open up giving you better color saturation. And don't forget a tripod...but I always say that. Lastly, whenever you have the camera on the water, keep it enclosed in a large, heavy duty Ziplock bag, or dry bag when not in use. I really like the hard shell Pelican cases which protect it from other destructive forces also. Namely getting stepped on. Curious what you choose Phil. I work in video production, and would also be happy to show you a couple of pointers sometime. Good Luck G
Root Admin Phil Lilley Posted April 25, 2007 Author Root Admin Posted April 25, 2007 FYI I bought a Panasonic PV-GS320. MiniDV, 3CCD. I went for picture quality instead of HDD or HD. Only $499 so I have some $$$ to spend on accessories. Thanks for the help.
Members ozarkriverrat Posted April 25, 2007 Members Posted April 25, 2007 DV is a great way to go i always prefer those over the new dvd camcorders. the video quality is much better on a dv. you will be happy.
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