Camcorder help and Etiquette

[HEMI6point1]

Figured you guys can give a bit of advise on this, I know my way around computers but don't know a lot about camcorders...

I want to buy a camcorder early next year to replace a JVC that broke. I figured on this model here:

SonyStyle.com | DCR-SR82 60GB Handycam® Camcorder

I know Sony direct is a bit overpriced (buydig.com has it for $522), any thoughts?

Now, one of the reasons for buying this is because I want to make a documentary of my experience at G-ville next year. Namely, not just the racing but walking around the pits, tracking down drivers, getting pics and autographs, etc. Now has anybody here tried this before? And has any drivers objected to having a video taken? I wanna know because I don't want to be seen as a jerk with a camera.....

 

[.]

I know HD's are pretty reliable but I still prefer mini-DV tape over HD's just in case. If a HD dies you're S.O.L. but you can always carry around spare tapes. It also seems like guys that record video on their sportbikes have ran into problems with vibrations with HD camcorders and not so much with mini-DV models. They each have their pro's and con's but it's something to think about.

 

[Kati]

Before you record a bunch of stuff like that...you many have to get press credentials from NHRA.

Esp. if you do it the way you plan on.

I would hate it if you would get a bunch of stuff recorded only to get in trouble. Some of the press folks on here may be able to help you deceide what you need to do.

Just taping stuff at random is one thing...but if you start talking to drivers...interviewing them, etc...this could be frowned upon if you don't have it cleared first.

 

[.]

I did some research recently and found that mini-DV is still considered the best for video quality. (compared to a hard drive camera) I can't remember the technical reason for this and I'm not a camera guru so be sure to do your own research but the next camera I buy will be a mini-DV.

 

[.]

I did some research recently and found that mini-DV is still considered the best for video quality. (compared to a hard drive camera) I can't remember the technical reason for this and I'm not a camera guru so be sure to do your own research but the next camera I buy will be a mini-DV.

I believe it has to do with the different types of compression that each of them uses. Once you've transfered mini-DV to your computer it is supposed to be much easier to edit.

 

[HEMI6point1]

I don't want to deal with tapes, that's the issue. DVDs would be cool if not for their crappy recording capacity (30 minutes!).

Plus, I looked and the MiniDV camcorders from Sony don't have their accessory shoe, so you can't add a video light (which is what I want).

It's interesting that in order to video your experience in the pits you might have to get press credentials. I see tons of videos on youtube from the pits, did they all have to get press credentials?

What about the stands? I'm sure you don't need press credentials to shoot the main attraction - the racing.

 

[.]

Well, if you don't want to deal with tapes then I guess you're stuck with crappy recording times (dvd) or pain-in-the-ass editing (HD), so take your pick. There's nothing wrong with tape and it has a few advantages over dvd or HD so I wouldn't rule it out just because you "don't want to deal with tape." Why does it have to be a Sony? I wouldn't worry about press credentials if it's for your own personal use. If you're going to sell it then that would be an entirely different matter.

 

[HEMI6point1]

Well there's this one:

SDR-H200 - Hard Disk Drive/SD Camcorders - Shop and Compare at Panasonic

It trades in some recording space for a 3CCD chip, so image quality is most likely better.

It has to be either either a Panasonic, Sony or Canon. JVC is out as my last camera was a JVC and it sucked.

 

[HEMI6point1]

OK now, if I was going to go with tape, this is the one:

PV-GS320 - MiniDV Camcorders - Shop and Compare at Panasonic

Zoom is OK as 10x is more then enough, it has the accessory shoe and the LEICA lens, plus it has the 3CCDs for really good images. And it only cost $372 at buydig.

ETA: One thing I always noticed is the rip-off prices of OEM batteries - $115 for the super-high capacity battery. Lenmar makes a generic version for only $40.

 

[Kati]

Nope...you shouldn't have any problem shooting from the stands.....or anything at random walking through the pits. We have all done that.

 

[None]

Nope...you shouldn't have any problem shooting from the stands.....or anything at random walking through the pits. We have all done that.

Just don't try to sell anything.