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Question

I know nothing about camcorders - help?

Dec 12, 2013 12:18AM PST

This will be a Christmas gift for my SO. Here's the current situation:

He has a camcorder (not sure of brand but bought a couple years ago). He does video reviews and posts online. Has a macbook. The problem with his current camcorder is the quality. Obviously, it looks fine on the camera screem but grainy/pixelated once he uploads the video. It would also need or be able to connect to a tripod.

He already has editing software but I'm not sure which, and don't want to look obvious by asking if I can get around that.

What camcorder would you recommend? HD? I'd like to keep it under $1000. Unfortunately I don't even know the basics of where to even start, so any help is appreciated!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
1. Yes to HD
Dec 12, 2013 12:27AM PST

That's 1080 to most folk.

2. Can you consider a DSLR?
Bob

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Thanks Bob
Dec 12, 2013 12:45AM PST

What is DSLR? I thought that was a still camera?

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Used to be.
Dec 12, 2013 12:50AM PST

My son and I have the Canon t3i and it does video too. I take the memory card to my PC, use handbrake to compress it and here's a terrible example.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29864315/x202e-draw.m4v

Email me (click on my name) and I have a nice short video of buffalo in Yellowstone that I'll send a link to.
Can't post it here as it creates too much dropbox traffic.
Bob

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Thanks again Bob
Dec 12, 2013 2:14AM PST

So, the T3I...does it have a decent zoom and a good mic? I forgot to mention
in my post that a lot of his videos make him sound far away because he has
to back the camera up enough to capture the surroundings, if that makes
sense.

What do you think of the Canon Vixia HF M52?

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Zoom depends on the lens.
Dec 12, 2013 3:15AM PST

I sent you an example shot from far away using the 55-250 IS lens from Canon. "Good mic" is never accepted as onboard. My son has mics and a Tascom. I have a Tascom DR-40 if I need to get great audio work.

To "back" is the opposite of zoom to me but the stock 18-55MM lens may be fine for getting more into the shot.
Bob