New

New

by Psyleid Nov 7, 2007 4:00AM PST

Hey,

I'm new to video recording and would like to know where I could learn all the terminology, equipment uses and get some guidance on buying my first camcorder.

I will be recording mostly short movies and 'mock-umentaries'. I want something that:
* Is less than $1,000
* Has good video quality in both low and high light
* Low Compression
* Easily transfers video into a Windows based computer
* Mic inputs (XLR)
-->Will the Shure sm57s I have in my home studio make a good microphones?
* Won't be outdated in a year

Thanks for any advice.

Discussion is locked

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Look up!

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 7, 2007 4:03AM PST

Read the forum stick first.

Now look at that budget... Hmm, try the Canon zr800 (has firewire, mic inputs, etc...)

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Okidokie

by Psyleid Nov 7, 2007 4:39AM PST

Alright, I've read it twice now.

Are there any sites that offer a step by step guide to learning this stuff?

I've been looking around and the Canon HV20 looks pretty promising so far.

Thanks.

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The HV20 is a good camera

by boya84 Nov 7, 2007 5:02AM PST

but does not have XLR inputs... you will still need an XLR adapter like the BeachTeks...

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Agree with the ZR-800 with mic-in

by boya84 Nov 7, 2007 4:59AM PST

but you will need an XLR adapter - the Forum sticky has info getting XLR mics (your SM-57s) to connect. I use a BeachTek DXA-6... you should probably get the DXA-6vu.

BUT, I don't think the SM-57s are a good plan - they, like the SM-58s I have, like to be really close (within inches) of the audio source for optimum quality. And while I have 6 wired SM58s and 2 UHF wireless SM58s, I do not use them directly connected to the camcorder.

There are mics better suited for camcorder video. I use NRG Systems switchable SA-568 (though I would like to move to a "real" shotgun mic like a Sennheiser) or an Audio Technica AT-825... or a Shure UHF wireless lavaliere... it depends on the subject being captured. (The NRG SA-568 camera mounted for a person speaking and the lav is not a good idea; or the lav for a person speaking... for recording bands, I use the AT-825 or get a real, properly done, board mix.)

Since you have SM-57s, I am presuming you are a musician or a music audio engineer. Grabbing audio from a mixing board is a WAY different animal that requires EVERYTHING to be mic'd... you don't want to use the mix going to the house mains, but a couple of discreet aux sends of all instruments, nicely mixed.

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Yeah

by Psyleid Nov 7, 2007 5:53AM PST

I was kind of worried that the SM57 would be inadequate when it came to recording voice from more than a few feet.

Does the XLR -> 1/8th inch use batteries?

Would you suggest using condenser mics for recording speech from a few feet away?

Thanks for the help.

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Oh,

by Psyleid Nov 7, 2007 6:09AM PST

My bad, that NRG SA568 is a condenser. I will have to consider that then .

What movie editing software do you use?

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I use an Apple Macintosh for video editing,

by boya84 Nov 7, 2007 9:18AM PST

and have iMovie (not the latest one though - don't like it) and FinalCut Pro...

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The BeachTek DXA-6 and vu

by boya84 Nov 7, 2007 9:14AM PST

each use one 9 volt battery and can supply phantom power to phantom powered condenser mics. (Or the mic uses its own battery and phantom power can remain off.)

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The mic for a couple of feet away?

by boya84 Nov 7, 2007 9:16AM PST

The SA-568 in Tele mode works well... The RODE video mic... there are lots out there.

Or a lavaliere... wireless would preferred in that case.

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