Help needed for best camcorder

[Baz1]

I want to buy a camcorder to record fast moving images and also be able to transfer the images onto a PC quickly, then I need software that can be manipulated to add other images and adverts etc.

1 - What will be the best Camcorder for this
2 - What is the best software available that can do alot of different tasks
3 - I need to ask how long would it take to down load a 10 mins high def AVI file on Broadband at say speed 5 meg average
4- If it takes more that 15 mins we would not need a High Def camcorder, just standard def.
Thanks, Baz

[redsox_mark]

Questions 3 and 4 depend not only on High Def vs. Std Def, but also the format and quality setting used. A standard def cam in standard quality will use a rate around 6 Mbps.. om a 5 Mbps line that would take about 12 mins or so to download. A HDV cam is 25 Mpbs, so that would take 50 minutes. But a AVCHD HDD cam on standard setting (depends on the cam) is not much different than SD... rate of 7 Mbps would be about 15 mins...

But given this is for web download, and fast action, you probably are better off with standard def. Best quality from a DV (tape) cam, then convert to a compressed format like .wmv in your editor. Do you have a budget in mind?

For editing, any of the major editing packages. I'm partial to Sony Vegas, but also consider Adobe Premiere/Premiere Elements, Ulead Video Studio, etc.

[senu]

Mark has ( as usual ) covered it well
but

That leaves question 1 Mark......


Baz1.. "Best camcorder" is
One which is within your budget.. which you haven't stated

Does what you want

For fast moving images You want a good MiniDV SD model..

For Transfer to PC quickly you want an HDD or Sd flash card model

The problem with Hi def MiniDV models ( HDV) and HDD/ Flash card ( AVCHD) is that when light levels are little low auto focus can hunt .. a bit. This is not a problem in good light but a combination of low light and fast objects is challenging (Eg inddor go karting.. ect)

Futhermore regardless of Definition ( HD or SD) , HDD and SD flash card models are a little less good at taking fast moving objects some worse than others However each model has to be judged on its own merits

As such there is no "best" . Anyone you get will have some area in which you may have to compromise . a little Youll have to decide how little that matters
As for software: any of the current NLE software titiles will do what you want, the preferences are down to what you feel youll find easy to learn

[redsox_mark]

Senu,

I agree...
Another point I'd make is not to worry too much about the size of the raw files, as you can compress them (and also use a lower resolution) for the web. The important thing is to get the best quality you can to start with... as fast action is critical, and as you are unlikely to see the benefits of high def in after reducing the size to fit on the web then a good SD model seems the way to go.

[Baz1]

Hi,
Thank you very much for your quick responeces.

We will require 2 camcorders and our buget will be about 1800 pounds.
I thought a HDD/ flash card camcorder would be the best.
It looks like we have to go standard def, due to time taken to down load, even after compression.

1. Would it be best to transfer to the lap top using USB or the flash card.

2. We want to be able to use slow motion if that is possible, so we need good quality images.

3. Can you get standard def Professional camcorders second hand for this price.
Thanks Baz.

[redsox_mark]

1. Would it be best to transfer to the lap top using USB or the flash card.

Doesn’t matter.

2. We want to be able to use slow motion if that is possible, so we need good ququality images.

You’ll generally get better quality with a good DV (tape) model than a HDD or flash memory based model.

3. Can you get standard def Professional camcorders second hand for this price.

Yes, but they will be DV tape. Professional camcorders which record to HDD or flash memory are very rare (and expensive); Panasonic has some that record to P2 memory cards but these cost several thousand new.

[Baz1]

Hi,
So with 1800 pounds and 2 camcorders needed, what have I to look for, anything new coming to the market.
Thanks, Baz.