Video photography and editing equipment

[David55]

So, what video photography and editing equipment do you use?

My video camera is a pretty old one, Sony DCR- TRV33. I also use a Sony ECM-HS1 gun microphone for improved audio.

In terms of editing...I use Premiere 1.5 for editing and Encore for creating DVDs. I use a PC with 2 LCD monitors and a TV for editing.
I am considering moving to Final Cut pro, but in the mean while MAC prices in Israel are way too expensive (almost double the price).

Just interested to hear what video equipment and editing systems you guys use...

David

[ooJosh384]

I use a Sanyo Cameracorder and an ibook to edit it. The Cameracorder takes video at TV quality even though it is the size of your palm. I use iMovie to edit the video and iDVD to create DVD layouts. I works pretty well because you can download and buy extras for iDVD and iMovie.

[BuddyB309]

I get my footage on Mini DVs useing either a soney handycam or a JVC something. To edit I use photoshop, After effects 5.5, 3ds max 8, and adobe premeir pro 2.0. I also use adobe encore to burn DVD's. I have my propmo video here if anyone wants to see it.

Winnovation Promo video

Sony DVCAM, DSR-570 which uses the full size DVCAM tapes or mini-dv tapes, 50-100 sun gun flood light with battery belt, Anton bauer Hytron120 camera battery, manfrotto tripod with 116 head.....Senhiesser (sp?) G2 wirless mic kit, and a backpack full of XLR adapters and cable and other things that we use in news every once in awhile....and always always always...a fresh roll of DUCT-TAPE

I don't edit...haven't learned yet....

[cjelly]

Originally Posted by STORMCENTRE

Sony DVCAM, DSR-570 which uses the full size DVCAM tapes or mini-dv tapes, 50-100 sun gun flood light with battery belt, Anton bauer Hytron120 camera battery, manfrotto tripod with 116 head.....Senhiesser (sp?) G2 wirless mic kit, and a backpack full of XLR adapters and cable and other things that we use in news every once in awhile....and always always always...a fresh roll of DUCT-TAPE

I don't edit...haven't learned yet....

I'll teach you to edit if you give me some of your equipment!

Originally Posted by cjelly

I'll teach you to edit if you give me some of your equipment!

Speaking of equipment, with the "broadcast" grade camera (DSR-570), I don't even get a color viewfinder, nope, a poor quality black and white viewfinder and believe me it makes me try real hard, if I can make an image look good in that viewfinder then I usually end up with a good piece of video.

[David55]

I am seriously thinking of upgrading to a better, more professional camera then my simple camcorder. I was thinking of the Sony HDR FX1...what do you guys think about it? anything you can say about it from your personal experience?

[BuddyB309]

I want the ultima APX-i2 digital high speed camera from Photron.

APX-i2

Originally Posted by David55

I am seriously thinking of upgrading to a better, more professional camera then my simple camcorder. I was thinking of the Sony HDR FX1...what do you guys think about it? anything you can say about it from your personal experience?

well, one of the storm chasers here in Ontario uses the model up from that and has lots of good things to say about it, the one you mention does not have XLR inputs for audio and manual level controls which can come in handy for production type shoots or news shoots.

Here is a link I found comparing these cameras...I use the Sony DSR-570 in news and while I have had a chance to totally compare the specs yet I have a feeling the Sony does better than my DSR.

http://kino-eye.com/docs/ProsumerHD-Comparison.html

[Jeremy L]

David: In my personal experience, it is not the quality of the CAMERA that makes the film good, but the quality of the CAMERA OPERATOR, and perhaps more importantly, the FILM EDITOR (I happened to be both). If you have a half-decent camera (one that when, on a tripod, shoots video that is acceptable for viewing on a TV), it should be fine. I've been managing over the years between my high school's Sony Handycam Digital 8 and my personal JVC camera which records to miniDV tape. I've found that while the quality of the video stays the same, a TREMENDOUS improvement can be made simply in the stylistic assembly of the video. I started off making crappy little montages (that I shudder to watch now because they were horrible) with iMovie, and changing nothing but my creativity, moved on to making some rather artistic movies that were fun to watch and make. Sometimes I use Final Cut Pro, when I feel like it, or Photoshop for other effects. Other than that, it was just my brain and my camera. You don't necessarily have to spend big money to upgrade your camera/computer/software unless you're really looking for super-high quality video and audio, and it might not be worth it depending on what you're going to be using the video for.

I've just violated Winston Churchill's rule: "A sentence ending in a preposition is something up with which I will not put."

[BuddyB309]

Originally Posted by Jeremy L

David: In my personal experience, it is not the quality of the CAMERA that makes the film good, but the quality of the CAMERA OPERATOR, and perhaps more importantly, the FILM EDITOR (I happened to be both). If you have a half-decent camera (one that when, on a tripod, shoots video that is acceptable for viewing on a TV), it should be fine. I've been managing over the years between my high school's Sony Handycam Digital 8 and my personal JVC camera which records to miniDV tape. I've found that while the quality of the video stays the same, a TREMENDOUS improvement can be made simply in the stylistic assembly of the video. I started off making crappy little montages (that I shudder to watch now because they were horrible) with iMovie, and changing nothing but my creativity, moved on to making some rather artistic movies that were fun to watch and make. Sometimes I use Final Cut Pro, when I feel like it, or Photoshop for other effects. Other than that, it was just my brain and my camera. You don't necessarily have to spend big money to upgrade your camera/computer/software unless you're really looking for super-high quality video and audio, and it might not be worth it depending on what you're going to be using the video for.

I've just violated Winston Churchill's rule: "A sentence ending in a preposition is something up with which I will not put."

I agree with everything that Jeremy just said but, If you want high speed footage, you need to buy a camera for that.

Lighting also plays a big role in making your videos look professional.

[aallen88]

iMovie has definitely upgraded itself over the years. Personally I'm in LOVE with Final Cut Pro and would recommend it to anyone. Next year I'll be converting to Avid because of the school I'll be at, which I hear is a lot like Final Cut. Anyone know much about their similarities/differences?

[ShotgunNinja]

Just my simple little Sony CyberShot DSC-W80. But it works, due in no smal part to the fact that I don't go anywhere near the robotics place of meeting without the camera bag slung over my shoulder, the USB/video camera cable in my pocket, and the battery charger in my back pocket.

Gonna be hard at the competition with the wolf suit, though. I might be stretched a bit too thinly on the team... NAH!

[1337Nerd]

Anybody know any good video editing programs? At the moment I'm using Adobe Premier Pro 1.5 and I want to put an axe through the computer cause it freezes all the time. I have to save immediately after I add footage just so I still have it because it freezes every 5 minutes, forcing me to restart.

[synth3tk]

Originally Posted by ShotgunNinja

Just my simple little Sony CyberShot DSC-W80. But it works, due in no smal part to the fact that I don't go anywhere near the robotics place of meeting without the camera bag slung over my shoulder, the USB/video camera cable in my pocket, and the battery charger in my back pocket.

Gonna be hard at the competition with the wolf suit, though. I might be stretched a bit too thinly on the team... NAH!

Haha, you sound just like me!!! Switching between Bearcat mascot, videographer (although there were two of us, so that helped), student driver, engineer, scout, match keeper-upper, etc...

We use a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD300, JVC GR-SXM38 SVHS for camcorders, some Canon camera (she just bought it, don't know the exact model still), Sony Vegas 7.0e BARELY running on a HP Compaq 6515b. Couple tripods, two batteries for each camcorder, countless blank media, etc...

Question. For those with mid- to high-end cameras like the Sony HDR FX1 mentioned before, how do you buy those? Is it out-of-pocket, through the club's funds, or do you have access to that sort of equipment? Does Sony give any type of discounts? Last but not least, can somebody PayPal me $1,000 so I can get a nicer camera?