What is a good camera like a vx(1000,2000,2100) that is either hd (hard drive) or sd memory card?
im planning to film skateboarding with it so nothing really bulky…i just dislike using tapes
The Sony DCR-VX series are standard definition, prosumer, miniDV tape based, camcorders that have not been made for a few years. MiniDV tape continues to be a preferred format for “good camcorders” because the DV (and HDV) format video is not very compressed. More compression = more discarded video data = reduced video quality.
In addition to the low compression (which is better for capturing fast action), miniDV tape is also very inexpensive – and much more cost-effective for long-term storage – archiving – of video. Without the digital tape, long term storage of low compression video would require a computing infrastructure investment in multi-hard drive, RAID1 (or better) hard drive systems – and the $ per gig continues to be fairly expensive.
If ALL video captured camcorders using different storage media was the same, then this would be a easy question to answer. As well, since the industry is moving to high definition video, finding new standard definition-only camcorders is a bit of a challenge – and finding new standard definition-only camcorders that use something other than tape won’t happen.
In the consumer space, standard definition flash memory and hard disc drive camcorders record to fairly highly compressed MPG or MOD files for standard definition video. Typically, neither of these file types is usable directly by a video editor – which means the video needs to be transcoded, first.
In the consumer space, high definition flash memory and hard disc drive camcorders record to fairly highly compressed AVCHD MTS/MT2S or TOD files. Typically, newer video editors (and robust computer hardware) can deal with AVCHD files, but the TOD files need to be transcoded, first. There are a few high definition cams (generally DSLRs) that record high definition video to MOV files (h.264 encoded).
In either case, copying the the video contents from the camcorder to computer for editing over USB *seems* like t is some sort of “time save” compared to the firewire importing of miniDV tape, but between the transcoding and extra steps/expense for archiving, there really is little advantage.
I know a lot of this has little to do with your question, directly, but it made sense to me to provide some background as to why there are not any prosumer standard def camcorders that use flash memory or internal hard disc drive video storage mechanisms.
Back to your question… What is your budget?
The camcorders with an “over-camcorder built-in handle” like the DCR-VX prosumer series include:
Canon GL2 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV format)
Sony HDR-FX7 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV and high definition HDV format)
Panasonic AG-DVX100 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV format)
Canon XL2 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV format)
Canon XHA1 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV and high definition HDV format)
Sony HDR-FX1000 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV and high definition HDV format)
Sony HVR-Z5 (miniDV tape; standard definition DV and high definition HDV format)
Sony HDR-AX2000 (Memory Stick PRO duo; hi def MTS files; MPG files standard def)
JVC GY-HM100 (SDHC memory cards; MOV files to h.264 format)
Sony HVR-Z7 (SxS compact flash memory; DVCAM/XDCAM/HDCAM format)
Canon XLH series (miniDV tape; standard definition DV and high definition HDV format)
Panasonic AG-HVX200 (P2 cards – flash memory; DVCPRO HD format)
Canon XF series (Compact Flash; MXF files)
There are a few I missed.
You *could* use an external storage device with any of the firewire-equipped cams. Focus Enhancements makes the FireStore line; Sony has their add-on. These will save the files to whatever would normally be save by the internal storage. They are pretty expensive.
If the above is outside your budget and non-digital tape is still required, then a consumer cam (like the Canon HF S series – I like the HF S100 – or Sony CX500 series) are your likely best best. Then just add a over-cam handle… like a Scorpion.
And just so you know in video acquisition land, “hd” is typically “high defintion”. The more common acronym for “hard drive” or “hard disc drive” is HDD.
|
|
Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries World’s Longest Lasting AA Battery in High-Tech DevicesLasts up to 8x Longer in Digital Cameras*vs. Energizer® Max®Digital CamerasHandheld GPSLED FlashlightsPhoto EquipmentCD PlayersLasts Up To 7 Hours Longer* In Handheld GPS DevicesLightweight and Performs In Extreme Temperatures (-40° To 140°F)Guarantee: We will repair or replace, at our option, any device damaged by these Energizer batterie… |
|
|
GoPro Camera AHDBT-001 HD Hero Li-ion Battery for HD Hero Camera $17.95 GoPro’s Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (1100mAh) keeps your HD HERO camera going. This battery provides up to 2.5 hours of power on a single, full charge. And when the battery runs out of juice just charge it up again for another 2.5 hours of fun…. |
|
|
Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch $26.29 The ultimate spy tool, packed with high tech spy features. Includes: real working video camera and microphone to record video, audio and even photos; full color 1.4? TFT screen to watch recorded videos and live playback; onboard memory to store your evidence and files; upload and download video missions from SpyNetHQ.com. Rechargeable battery and USB cable, included. Ages 8+. Battery charge will d… |
|
|
SPY HAWK 3.5CH Metal RC helicopter RTF + Gyro and SPY Camera + FREE SD memory card – Large Size 12 wide $58.95 Battery Requirements: Vehicle: 7.4V 1300mAh Rechargeable Battery (Included) Transmitter: 6 AA Batteries (Not Included) Want to watch your helicopter fly directly from the cockpit? The GYRO Hawk Spy Camera 3.5CH Large Metal RTF Electric RC Helicopter is equiped with a Gyroscope as well as a Hi-Res Digital Video Camera with 4GB micro SD camera which can record up to 8 hours and even more! The ca… |
|
|
Big Size SPY HAWK 3.5CH Metal RC helicopter RTF + Gyro and SPY Camera + FREE 1GB SD memory card – Large Size 12 wide $64.95 Package Includes: Remote control with antenna |
|
|
Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master Security System with Night Vision $349.99 Keep an eye on things day and night, indoors or out with the Logitech Alert 750e 961-000337 Outdoor Master Security System. Set it up yourself, count on it when you need it. With the Logitech Alert 750e Master Security System you get everything you need, a smart, weatherproof, night-vision camera; powerful software; and free viewing online or on your mobile. Setup is simple, using your existing el… |
|
|
Logitech Alert 700i Indoor Add-On HD-Quality Security Camera $229.99 HomePlug® networking uses your electrical wiring and outlets to connect the Logitech Alert 700i 961-000330 Indoor Add-On Camera to your existing master system. Versatile mounting options allow you to place your add-on camera almost anywhere—even on a window to see outside. The HD video and wide-angle lens on the Logitech Alert 700i 961-000330 Add-On Camera produce high-quality video that mak… |
|
|
KJB Security DVR260 Camcorder Sunglasses $28.00 For hands free recording use the Camcorder Sunglasses! These stylish sunglasses have a built in camera and DVR with micro switch controls right at your finger tips. This unique camcorder system will view and record what the user sees. Use in any application to record video i.e. sporting events, concerts, school programs or kids ball games. Play back is easy using your PC and almost any video softw… |
|
|
Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC10E $13.99 Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card (TS16GSDHC10E) – Frustration Free Package Certified Frustration-Free Packaging has certified this product’s packaging is Frustration-Free. A Frustration-Free Package is easy-to-open and comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic ‘clamshell’ casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It is exactly the same as a traditionally packaged … |
|
|
SanDisk microSDHC 32GB Flash Memory Card (Retail Packaging) SDSDQM-032G-B35,Black $14.99 Now you can take your media files with you anywhere with the help of the SanDisk SDSDQM-032G-B35N Flash Memory Card. This flash memory card offers 32GB of additional storage so you can save more files, downloads and data. It is compatible to use with both microSD and microSDHC-compatible devices. Grab the SanDisk SDSDQM-032G-B35N Flash Memory Card and provide more room for your digital files…. |
