What's the best handheld digital camcorder to shoot a short, small-time movie with?

by Captain Kimo – Catching Up!

*preferably UNDER $ 1000* I really want to get into film production and I figured I would test the water – you have to start somewhere, right? I’m looking mostly for 1) high picture quality and 2) ability to carry out simple cinematic effects like focusing in and out on an object. I may show it to the admissions directors at UCLA as part of my “portfiolio” when applying to the film school next year, so I really would like it to look professional as possible.
(and don’t be like all those morons who say “LOL WELL MAYBE YOU SHOULD LEARN HOW TO SPELL PORTFOLIO BEFORE YOU START MAKING ONE IM 45 YEARS OLD WITH NO JOB AND I SPEND MY TIME ON YAHOO ANSWERS CRITICIZING 17 YEAR OLD KIDS OVER TYPOS!! :):):)” produce obviously, it was a typo…)

Answer by Joseph
loes

Answer by ugafan
if you want the best under $ 1000, look for a 3ccd camcorder.

if you really want to get that “film look”, you’ll have to pay more money. you’ll need something that will shoot in 24p. a new panasonic dvx will cost you about $ 3500, but you can find cheaper ones on ebay.

Add your own answer in the comments!

I don’t need professional grade, but i want enough resolution to clearly play on a 20″ monitor. I am also trying to choose upon which means of storage I should get. I hear mini DV is terrible. Delight direct me to a decent product. Thanks.

Answer by knowledgeable guy
the canon hv20 is a fantastic camcorder. it will cost you around $ 620. it shoots in hdv and mini dv. and idk who told you mini dv is terrible, it really is pretty excellent quality. umm if you want excellent signal, i would deffinitely recommend an external mic. try to get a camcorder, that you can attach lenses too, for different intresting shots, if oyur into that thing. canon hv20 was camcorder of the year for 2007 fyi. and i have it, and absolutely like it. next year for my senior project, it will be on of the video cameras taht i will be by to shoot a 30minute documentary, on racial tension at my school, and city

Answer by Nieso
Try the new HD Camcorder for less than $ 200 when you buy it online (see below). This camcorder doesn’t have a TON of gaudy features, but the resolution is AMAZING and will come in handy when (or if you already have) made the switch to HD.

http://www.ioffer.com/i/50487446?buyer_view=right was the cheapest I found it, but sometimes it’s cheaper on eBay, too.

I just got mine last week, and I LOOOOOVE the quality. You can certainly tell the difference. I already had a 1GB SD card, which has been enough for me, but it takes up to an 8GB card. The internal memory is NOT enough for much.

DON’T buy SD cards in the stores unless they’re on sale. Check out eBay or iOffer(dot-com) for $ 50 or less. Walgreens just had a sale on 1GB SD memory cards for only $ 9.99.

The fantastic thing about SD cards is that they’re reusable AND you don’t lose quality.

The SLIGHT con about HD cams is that you need at least 512Megs of RAM on your comp or it may be hard to handle that kind of awesome resolution.

GOOD LUCK!

(PS mini DV are better than ancient school Hi8 or *gag* 8mm)

Answer by Nu’uanu
You can use the other poster’s responses – but one thing to clarify:

MiniDV tape provides the best available video quality.

MiniDVD discs are terrible and should not be on your camcorder small list.

Hard drive and sparkle memory video quality is between the two (though a small closer to miniDV tape).

You did not indicate your budget or what you plot on taping. If you are not expecting to capture audio that is REALLY LOUD or really soft, then take a look at the Canon ZR800, 900 or 930. They are the least expensive camcorders available with a mic-in jack. If you are expecting to capture video that has audio that is REALLY LOUD or really soft, you need manual audio control – and the cheapest camcorders with both mic-in jack and manual audio control are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9.

Give your answer to this question below!

Veho VCC-A003-PHM Professional Handlebar for Muvi Camcorders

• Allows you to fix your micro DV camcorder to your cycle/motorcycle/rollbars securely and reduce atmosphere when recording.
• Comes complete with universal tripod mount connector, clip/mount for your Muvi, and VCC-A003-PHM Muvi Waterproof case.
• Can be used in conjuction with VCC-A003-PHM Waterproof case by the tripod mount.
• Designed to fit Muvi, Muvi Turin and Muvi Pro.

Ride on and record it all. Designed for Muvi digital camcorders, this pro handlebar mount helps you to capture all the action from the front of your bike or motorcycle. Adjusts to any angle to set up the perfect shot

List Price: $ 49.99

Price: $ 9.99

The TV ad for the new Lumix G2 with intelligent auto — you don’t have to be a fantastic photographer to take fantastic photos.
Video Rating: 4 / 5