Video camera

[supton]

We have one of those Flip cameras, and it appears to no longer record audio. Wondering about getting another low cost video camera. We don't do much, just kids recitals really.

Are the low cost cameras any better than say my iPad mini, or the Touch that my wife has? What price level are we looking at to go better than those? It looks like (on Amazon) there is a selection of sub-$100 models, which is tempting--but if they really aren't any better than the iDevices we have, then it's probably not worthwhile for us (outside of the SD card anyhow).

 

[Quattro Pete]

Don't you have a digital camera lying around that records video?

I've got an older Panasonic LX7 point&shoot, and it actually does a great job at capturing 1080p video.

 

[supton]

We do a couple, and have used those. Not sure if a dedicated video camera does something better or not.

I actually did forget that our point and clicks will take video also, thanks for the "DUH!" reminder.

Wife has a nice camera but seems to always have a flat battery just when we want to use it. Mine eats batteries--but since it take AA's it actually fits my kind of usage better.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: supton
Not sure if a dedicated video camera does something better or not.

You'll typically get more zoom with a dedicated video camera. Also, the mic on a dedicated camera is often better at cuting out lens motor noise as you zoom in/out.

I suppose a dedicated video camera is also more ergonomic if you have to hold it in one position for extended periods of time.

 

[Brybo86]

cell phones take great video, 1080p if you want it do, why not just go that route?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Brybo86
cell phones take great video, 1080p if you want it do, why not just go that route?

He mentioned kids' recitals. Depending on how far back you sit, having good zoom capability could come in handy.

 

[supton]

Zoom could be nice, but also ability to work in low light settings.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: supton
but also ability to work in low light settings.

The little light that's included on most video camcorders is only good at very short distances, so if your kids are up on the stage 30 feet away from you, then it won't really help. But then you would expect the stage to be well lit anyway.

 

[eljefino]

Cell phone cameras don't have much glass or that big a sensor and digital zoom makes it worse. At kids' recitals there isn't much light, not many photons bouncing around, and smaller lenses catch less.

I got a Canon Vixia HF R100A for around $100 on ebay; it works splendidly.

 

[supton]

Yeah, I don't expect it to make light, just work well enough in low light situations, doing... whatever it is they do.

 

[Andrew1972]

I'd look at point and shoot camera's and video ratings. Buy a tripod, setup in near front of room and leave it.

Hopefully you can get a decent setup that balances cost and quality.

 

[Vikas]

If you use digital camera or cellphone, you do not have enough power to do event recording such as kids recital or performance. They are NOT designed to handle long continuous video recording. They are very good if you take few short clips. As LJFN suggested, get a dedicated camcorder which will run circles around cellphone camera.

If you can manage to save the output for twenty odd years, you can come back here and thank us for the suggestion! It is amazing to go back twenty plus years back in time and watch the family grow up.

Another suggestion:- If you take camcorder to Disney or Legoland or Seaworld or MGM, DO NOT RECORD the shows :-( Record your kids' reaction to the show and capture their spontaneous enjoyment. I wish I had learnt that lesson at that time. I have hours of footage of Disney Parade and Indian Jones stage show. It is completely pointless.

Don't be like me.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
If you use digital camera or cellphone, you do not have enough power to do event recording such as kids recital or performance.

Power may not be the issue, but what may be an issue is clip length. I think in high def, my P&S camera can only record a maximum of 30 mins at a time. After that it stops and you'd have to press 'record' again.

Quote:
Another suggestion:- If you take camcorder to Disney or Legoland or Seaworld or MGM, DO NOT RECORD the shows :-( Record your kids' reaction to the show and capture their spontaneous enjoyment.

Good tip.

 

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Quote:
Another suggestion:- If you take camcorder to Disney or Legoland or Seaworld or MGM, DO NOT RECORD the shows :-( Record your kids' reaction to the show and capture their spontaneous enjoyment.

Good tip.

DITTO!
+1,000

 

[Andrew1972]

The 30 min record time is due to some sort of tax(EU?) and also codecs require a different license for makers.

 

[Vikas]

To be fair, that is not much of a restriction. It will be punishment for anybody else who is forced to watch the long clip of your kids performance. It is lot better to have multiple clips from multiple angles etc even for a long performance.

My previous tip still stands. You yourself will NOT be interested in watching the two hour school play either. All you would want to enjoy are the bits when your kid is on the stage. Even in a group performance, you want your kid occupying most of the view finder frame.

I hope all the mistakes that I made in the past, you will be able to avoid them. I am in the process of converting old VHS 8mm and minDV tapes and have been slapping my forehead way too often!

If you have young ones, listen to us oldtimers. Don't make the same mistakes. Having access to old physical media has its advantages and disadvantages. Your memories would be all digital and will be lot more easier to lose!

Imagine if my memories were on the 5.25 floppies instead of VHS tape. Digital technology move very fast and unless you take active steps, after quarter of century you might not be able to find or use the 25 year old ones and zeros!! Heck, I have some files which I encrypted last year and today I can't remember the password making them useless.

 

[supton]

No, I hear what you are saying. I don't take that much video nor photos, as I've long realized that they get looked at once or twice and then forgotten.

Only came up as the wife was busy on the day of recitals so she couldn't be there to watch. I think she also likes to post the vids on facebook for the grandparents who can't be here for many of these little things, but who otherwise relish in seeing them.

 

[Vikas]

Well, who knows! Things might be the same in 20 years and you could still watch your kids on youtube when you are a grandpa