Can Anyone Recommend a Good First Hand-Held Video Camera?

[Chrysalis Academy]

The title says it all . . . dd-almost-11 is interested in digital filmmaking, and has a birthday coming up . . . I have no idea what would be a good first video camera for her.  Suggestions?

 

 

[mommymilkies]

We like our inexpensive Flip camera.  I'm not sure if they're still made.  I'd have to check.  But it's dependable, portable, and easy for kids to use while still taking great quality footage.

 

ETA: Whoa!  The price has more than doubled on Amazon from when I bought mine!

[jg_puppy]

nm

[Jilly]

I would second the recommendation for a Flip camera. The Flip camera makes a great first video camera for kids. 

[Spy Car]

Flip cameras are dead. They were discontinued two years ago because Cisco saw the handwriting on the wall.

 

Smart phones and devices like iPod touches could do what a Flip could do (and more). The Flips had their moment, but the moment has passed. If one could find a Flip dirt-cheap used it would be fine for a little kid. But at a premium "collector" price a Flip doesn't make sense. They have almost no controls and have been passed by technologically speaking.

 

Bill

[Lori D.]

Okay, just consulted DS, and he says for a beginning student who wants to get into video/film-making (including shooting, possible still-animation work, and then editing/adding titles/credits and special effects (SFX)):

 

For middle schooler, start with a decent camcorder style digital camera (side panel opens out and becomes the viewfinder), with:

- output to computer capability (to download chip info to a computer, so you can then edit/SFX)

- decent zoom capability

- at least 1080 resolution

- good amount of memory

- decent battery life (and consider buying extra batteries and recharger, so you have 6-8 hours of battery power minimum for all-day shooting)

- adaptor for plugging into the outlet so you don't always have to run on battery

- option for both auto and manual control of focus and exposure would be nice, but if it's all auto at this point, for a beginner that's fine

 

Another reason this is a good camera to start with is that it has a little bit of weight to it, which makes panning and tilting shots much steadier and more even, and much easier to hold hand-held shots steady. Looks like you can get a decent camcorder-style camera in the $200-$300 range. Sony is always at the top of the video camera industry. Samsung, JVC, Toshiba, and Panasonic also put out good products.

 

You might talk to anyone at the middle schools/high schools around you if they have a digital video/film production program or club, and see what cameras they use -- or even if they have an older model in good shape to sell at a good cheaper price, if they are upgrading.

 

Also, be sure to get a tripod, for steady shots and ability to do frame-by-frame animation. At this stage, a cheap tripod with a head that pivots in all directions will be fine. They run between $25-$50, depending on brand and options. One with a bit of heft to it so it won't tip over or be knocked over easily if bumped is very important.

 

 

AVOID: flip cameras (look like an i-phone) -- not much zoom capability, low memory capacity, not much in the way of other features, and too lightweight so it's very tough to get a steady shot, even if you put it on a tripod. (Camera phones and flip cameras are so light the camera moves with every twitch of the hand, even every breath/heartbeat.) Pretty much, you can use your cell phone's camera for this type of "home movie" option and style of shooting.

 

 

LATER: If your student is still really into film-making in 4 years, then consider a decent DSLR (still camera with digital chip film-making capability) and a few quality lenses and more professional tripod. ONLY go this route now if someone else in the family has a high interest in still photography and is ready for quality, semi-professional equipment so the camera & lens would be doing double duty. (You're talking $400-500 *minimum* for a basic camera and kit lens, and another $200-400 for basic a zoom lens and additional helpful goodies.) Also, this would be a harder option for a beginning filmmaker to start with, as it will be all manual controls, so the student has a much steeper learning curve (equipment use and capability AND filmmaking techniques all at once).

 

Starting with a simplier more automated camcorder can give a middle school/high school student much more immediate success and gratification. (Waiting until the student is older and more experienced with filmmaking and understanding of the delicate nature of camera equipment allows them to be more able to be careful with expensive equipment when it is time to step up to that level.)

 

 

If you need a cheaper option, check for used equipment locally through Craig's List, etc., (so you can check it out for defects), or look for close-out sales on older models online. Read reviews and compare features to help you narrow down which specific camcorder would fit your DD's filmmaking needs best. Hope that helps -- and Happy Birthday to your DD! ;) Warmest regards, Lori D.

[Spy Car]

If the child is potentially serious about film-making, and knowing there are always budget compromises to be made, I would make the number one priority the zoom range of the camera (and especially looking at the wide angle capability).

 

Much of the cinematic art is involves experimenting with different angles and framings. Having image size options for framing matters. Using different focal lengths yields different psychological results (even when the "framing" is the same.

 

There are some "astoundingly" high quality cheap fixed lens cameras that would potentially work as "insert" cameras in professional productions, but they are almost useless for learning the cinematic arts.

 

If there is a compromise to be make in an entry level camera between image quality specs and zoom range, go with zoom range. Same goes for battery life, storage capacity, sensitivity, or anything else.

 

Bill

[Chrysalis Academy]

So would any of the top 6 on this page be acceptable?  I would love to spend $200 or less . . . 

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_36_3?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A7161073011%2Cn%3A172421%2Ck%3Asony+camcorder%2Cp_89%3ASony%2Cp_72%3A1248880011%2Cp_36%3A1253506011&sort=relevancerank&keywords=sony+camcorder&ie=UTF8&qid=1381878204&rnid=386442011

 

Or if not, any specific model choices you could direct me to in this price range?

 

Thank you!

[Farrar]

I'm curious as well.  Ds got really into movie making and his film for our DI team won their regional tournament...  but then he mostly lost interest and I feel like it's because he maxed out on using the crummy iPhone camera and found it frustrating trying to use it.  But what to get instead?

[Arcadia]

So would any of the top 6 on this page be acceptable? I would love to spend $200 or less . . .

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_36_3?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A7161073011%2Cn%3A172421%2Ck%3Asony+camcorder%2Cp_89%3ASony%2Cp_72%3A1248880011%2Cp_36%3A1253506011&sort=relevancerank&keywords=sony+camcorder&ie=UTF8&qid=1381878204&rnid=386442011

 

Or if not, any specific model choices you could direct me to in this price range?

 

Thank you!

Are you near my area?

The Sony outlet at Gilroy has plenty of choices for your daughter to check out and prices are generally lower. The Sony stores at Valley Fair Mall and Stanford Shopping Center have a good selection to check out too.

[Lori D.]

So would any of the top 6 on this page be acceptable?  I would love to spend $200 or less . . . 

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_36_3?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A7161073011%2Cn%3A172421%2Ck%3Asony+camcorder%2Cp_89%3ASony%2Cp_72%3A1248880011%2Cp_36%3A1253506011&sort=relevancerank&keywords=sony+camcorder&ie=UTF8&qid=1381878204&rnid=386442011

 

Or if not, any specific model choices you could direct me to in this price range?

 

Thank you!

 

 

Honestly, I hope someone else can jump in here with first-hand knowledge; our camera was an actual VHS from 15 years ago, then about 5 years ago DS was given a flip, and for the past 2 years, DS has moved up to a DSLR (borrowing, and very recently DH bought a higher end still camera for his own photography interests that also is a great DSLR for film making, so they're sharing). So, I really have no input for you on camcorders. I read the reviews, and it sounds like there can be real problems with focus, zoom, battery life, and lack of power cord/outlet adapters. For shooting a film project, even for a beginner who doesn't need a lot of capabilities, those are all pretty big problems to *ME* (and I do have a film & video production background). I would at LEAST try out different models in person at Best Buy or whatever you have locally. Make sure there is tech support and ability to get extra batteries, adapters, chargers, etc.

 

One other thing to really pay attention to is sound -- some built-in microphones are better than others -- some you hear the sound of the camera motor! Ug! If possible, see if you can find a camera with at least the option of being able to plug in an external mic. Amazingly, we've had pretty good success using the Rock Band mic in a pinch...

 

 

Farrarwilliams -- if your student is more serious and ready for the next step up, I'd be looking around for equipment that is normally in the $500-700 range, but is a few years old, not got the latest jazzy options/higher resolution, and is gently used so the person (or school) is upgrading and will sell at about $200. If you're really lucky, you might find a "remainder" new camera that a company just wants to get rid of for a much lower price because all the new models are coming in and the old model is just taking up space.

 

While the camcorders can be great for first adventures into filmmaking, a serious student quickly gets frustrated with poor lens and built-in mic quality, focus issues, lack of manual controls, etc. I commiserate -- filmmaking is not a hobby for people on a budget. :( Maybe this is the time to find like-minded students who are more well-equipped and join forces and create a partnership / production company... ;)

 

B&H is a good quality camera company, and I trust their info -- the first few paragraphs of this article might help give you some direction.

[Jilly]

Flip cameras are dead. They were discontinued two years ago because Cisco saw the handwriting on the wall.

 

Smart phones and devices like iPod touches could do what a Flip could do (and more). The Flips had their moment, but the moment has passed. If one could find a Flip dirt-cheap used it would be fine for a little kid. But at a premium "collector" price a Flip doesn't make sense. They have almost no controls and have been passed by technologically speaking.

 

Bill

 

I had no idea they were discontinued. It has been quite a few years since my kids had their first Flip, and I remember they were quite affordable. My kids made some great movies with theirs. 

 

Now they only use their mini iPads to make films. For the money one would spend on a camera I would invest in an iPad mini. The quality is good and there is some great software out there for film making. Also if your child becomes more serious about making movies you could also invest in various lenses for the iPad.  

[Chrysalis Academy]

I had no idea they were discontinued. It has been quite a few years since my kids had their first Flip, and I remember they were quite affordable. My kids made some great movies with theirs. 

 

Now they only use their mini iPads to make films. For the money one would spend on a camera I would invest in an iPad mini. The quality is good and there is some great software out there for film making. Also if your child becomes more serious about making movies you could also invest in various lenses for the iPad.  

 

Well, and the upside is that then you have an iPad, which is useful for so many other things as well!  This is a tempting option.  Gahh, how can an otherwise intelligent grown woman feel so helpless before the myriad choices technology offers?  Having to decide something like this makes me feel dumb.  And old.  :tongue_smilie:

[Lori D.]

I had no idea they were discontinued. It has been quite a few years since my kids had their first Flip, and I remember they were quite affordable. My kids made some great movies with theirs. 

 

Now they only use their mini iPads to make films. For the money one would spend on a camera I would invest in an iPad mini. The quality is good and there is some great software out there for film making. Also if your child becomes more serious about making movies you could also invest in various lenses for the iPad.  

 

Intriguing option! A google search pulled up some interesting

 

Forbes Article: Turning Your iPad into a Filmmaking Camera -- high school film production teacher who designed a device you put around the iPad to make it a handheld camera, with the ability to attach different lenses, a mic, and a light, and attach to a tripod -- the $65 i-Ographer. The only downside I see to this is that there is no zoom ability, which is extremely helpful for a beginning filmmaker. On the flipside, learning to work with a fixed focal length lens (you can attach 3 different ones to the i-Ographer), really trains you to think like a cinematographer (IF you get a little training in lenses and what looks they provide), rather than rely on the "crutch" of always zooming. You'd also have to purchase the lenses separately.

 

Looks likes others are jumping on that bandwagon -- the Movie Mount is a similar case with similar options, for $70. It looks like there is the possibility of a crude zoom lens. The 2 lenses linked in that article are each listed for about $30.

 

IPad Movie Making [for the classroom] Workshop: informational slide series by Jessica Pack

5 Free Apps to Create and Edit Videos on the iPad

Filmmaker IQ: 22 Filmmaking Apps for the iPad and iPhone