Michelle My Bell Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 I need a professional digital video camera for as low a price as possible that would have an external microphone is and is easy for an amateur to use. I have knowledge of filming and editing, but it is not up to the professional level. I keep looking on Amazon and I feel overwhelmed at the choices. I would love some recommendations. I need to get this as I will need to bring in finances for my family very soon and this is my one opportunity to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 What are you wanting to film? If it's a wedding, you will need a small wireless microphone that can be attached to the groom's jacket (usually hidden). It will pick up all the talking and music that you need. The external microphone on most video cameras, even professional ones, are not usually the source of sound in a final, professional product. I'd at least test out the sound quality before doing a job. As far as cameras, it's very hard to recommend, but you could go to your library and get copies of VideoMaker magazine for reviews and to find the exact features you'd like. :) (You can find a "professional" video camera for as low as $1500... Do you need a tripod and/or stabilizer to get rid of the "shakes"? lol Factor that in.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tntgoodwin Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 Check out http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ I have a Canon Vixia (the HF11). It does 1080p recording at 24 frames per second, and has an external mic jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted May 29, 2011 Author Share Posted May 29, 2011 What are you wanting to film? If it's a wedding, you will need a small wireless microphone that can be attached to the groom's jacket (usually hidden). It will pick up all the talking and music that you need. The external microphone on most video cameras, even professional ones, are not usually the source of sound in a final, professional product. I'd at least test out the sound quality before doing a job. As far as cameras, it's very hard to recommend, but you could go to your library and get copies of VideoMaker magazine for reviews and to find the exact features you'd like. :) (You can find a "professional" video camera for as low as $1500... Do you need a tripod and/or stabilizer to get rid of the "shakes"? lol Factor that in.) I have factored all of that in, but I appreciate you asking. Yes, I will need an external mic as my current camcorder doesn't have a jack for one. I do already have a tripod. I am looking to film a single person for a business I am starting. I just feel overwhelmed at the choices and need some personal recommendations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 I think that you can't go wrong with most Canon or Sony models. My dh uses a high end professional camera, but he's used less expensive Canon cameras and even some JVC brand models as his backups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the4Rs Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 We use Panasonic HMC 150 cameras in our wedding business. We've had really good luck with them. Easy to use and high quality. They may, however, be out of the price range you are wanting to stick with as they are upwards of $3,800 a piece. Knowing your price range would help determine the best quality to get. P.S. Don't forget lighting. Are you going to need to outfit your cameras with some kind of lighting for what you will be shooting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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