Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

[Tim Weaver]

Does anybody have a little video cam that you could prop up on the doghouse and film your show? Specifically looking for something that will deal with the low-light and possible fog conditions well. Bonus points if it has an audio input.

Thanks!

 

[Tim Weaver]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

I should note, that this is for outputting to youtube, so it doesn't really need to be a super high end device. Cheaper is betterer!

 

[Tom Manchester]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

I should note, that this is for outputting to youtube, so it doesn't really need to be a super high end device. Cheaper is betterer!

I have a standard Flip video camera. The video looks really good, the audio is so-so. If you are shooting from back at FOH the audio is ok, if you are filming right next to the stacks- forget it. It will distort.

It has some pretty cool software that facilitates editing and uploading to youtube, but be forewarned the files are HUGE even for 10 minute clips.

 

[Tim Weaver]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

Hah! My wife is a Certified Pro photographer. She shoots everything in full raw and will burn a 1000 frames at a wedding. We understand the massive amount of data problem!

 

[John O'Brien]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

I'll have to second the flip. From front of house, it gets audio that is much better than expected from a tiny little device.

 

[Helge A. Bentsen]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/q3hd/


This is exellent. Incredible sound and video quality for a low price.

 

[Tim Weaver]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/q3hd/


This is exellent. Incredible sound and video quality for a low price.

That looks perfect! Thanks Doc.

 

[John O'Brien]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

Whoa. Didn't know Zoom had something like that. That's definitely a step up from ANY of the current hand held cams out there as far as audio in concerned. (at least from what I can deduce and know from the Zoom products I have used.

 

[Tim Perry]

Re: Looking for a cheap mini camcorder recommendation for recording shows

I have a q3. After upgrading the software, it worked much better in low light (typical bar gigs).

The mic gain has two settings: too hot, and not enough.

Battery life with standard alkaline is terrible. Battery life with lithium's is acceptable and the higher cost. There is no easy way to power it from a supply.

The mic only / camera button went intermittent making mine unusable. While recording video it switches at random to mic only mode.

I took it to the place of purchase and have been waiting over 6 months for a repair or replacement. I was told this week that the mfr. would not repair under warranty. it is less then one year old.