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Question

Camcorder for recording band - especially drums - esp 4 web

Sep 7, 2011 10:30AM PDT

What camcorders might work best for recording band, especially live in clubs? Special focus on capturing drum sounds (drums are not miked for the club sound system). Would like to post to web, do some basic editing. Our computer is very basic - both the hardware and our computer skills! We would definitely consider hooking external mic to the camcorder. Don't want to break the bank. Not overly concerned with video definition.

Thanks for any tips regarding either particular models or just features to look for!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Manual audio control.
Sep 7, 2011 6:30PM PDT

From what I've seen, the Samson Zoom Q3 standard def portable video recorder might be worth a look for you - but small lenses and imaging chip will be problematic for low-light environments (but you said video is not so important) - same with the Alesis VideoTrack. Above this, and the Canon HF M and HF R series and I *think* the Sony HDR-CX500 and above series - but they will have other issues for you - more to follow on this. It seems the Alesis VideoTrack can't keep up with the Q3...

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thank you!
Sep 9, 2011 9:41AM PDT

Thank you, boya84! I checked out the canon HFR20 at best buy and frye's and the salespeople I got at both places knew less than I did...The out from the camera is USB--is that going to be okay or do I need Firewire?

My laptop is a Dell Infurion, I'd have to check its specs/OS further (I'm using a different borrowed computer, away from home at this moment). So, do all the camera models you cite have the AVCHD compression? And if so--and please pardon my ignornace here--then what I think you are saying is that I need a model with miniDV and manual gain control? Or that I can use a camera with flash memory as long as I don't use HD? And, if so, do you know some low-end models that would fit the bill?

The external mic i would use would be an SM-57 (XLR--and if we ever pulled in house sound it would be XLR too of course) and the Canon HFR20 and all the low-end models are mini-input. In the archives of this forum there is mention of using an XLR adapter such as a Beachtek, $100+. The Best Frye folks both tried to convince me that a $5 adapter is all I need? (That sent my inner robot to proclaiming "Danger, danger!")

And, this is jumping ahead here, but suggestions for editing software?

Many thanks for your advice and insight as I try to get up to speed!

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Consumer-grade
Sep 10, 2011 4:42AM PDT

flash memory camcorders - including the AVCHD compressing high definition Canon HF series, Sony HDR series, JVC Everio series and Panasonics that use flash memory or hard disc drive for video capture storage have no firewire port. In the consumer and prosumer area, this is a MiniDV tape port only.