9 replies to this topic

[Craig_G]

I'm thinking about getting a second hand video camera to take along this year, probably second hand.  Has anyone taken one before and have any recommendations, tips or festival films online?

[Mr Ploppy]

Craig,

It all depends what kind of footage you want to be honest.
I only ever take a regular compact camera to film my video although I make sure it is one that does give a good sound an picture quality.

A video camera is bigger and obviously bulkier than a slim compact camera and I am not a big fan of filming at long zooms at Glasto as you need to have an arm steadier than Iron Man to avoid severe camera shake.

Getting a good quality camera that will let you record HD footage is the best option in my mind as it is alot more compact and you can take great photos too.

Having said that tho, I have only ever taken 640x480 video and am pleased with the memories I have captured coupled with the convinece of having something to shoot video on that can just go in my pocket.

A camcorder does have advantages but even if I had one to take - I think I would prefer the compact camera option although if you do that - choose wisely as I have recently tested a few new ones and there are a fair few out there that produce pretty dire video.

You can click my signature below to see a festival film that I made with a 3 year old regular compact digital camera.

Edited by Mr Ploppy, 12 May 2010 - 07:50 AM.

[laid back in the sun]

Craig_G, on May 12 2010, 07:56 AM, said:

I'm thinking about getting a second hand video camera to take along this year, probably second hand.

doesn't that make it a third hand video camera??  

[Craig_G]

laid back in the sun, on May 12 2010, 10:34 AM, said:

doesn't that make it a third hand video camera??  

lmao.  It was too early in the morning and I was easily distracted.  oops.  

I agree, that even though phones and camera all are capable of taking video most are actually pretty poor.  As you mentioned, camera shake is an issue and trying to film bands from a distance is never going to be that great.  However sound is really important as is battery life and portability.

[Pauljoanss]

Mr Ploppy, really great film, reproduced the chaotic atmosphere of Glasto. No sign of Bruce, maybe not your thing.
Can I ask what video editing software you use, it seems to be far advance of my program.

Looking forward to the 2010 movie.

Regards

[smiley33]

I've just  bought one of these head cam for a skiing holiday - was ace - loads of attachments and brilliant quality video - size of a matchbox

[Craig_G]

That was a great video.  Was surprised by the quality from such a small and relatively cheap camera. Think I may be getting myself one of these.

[Superfly1967]

"Ooh! Have we got a video?"

[Craig_G]

hehe. I'm glad someone got it.

[Craig_G]

Mr Ploppy, on May 12 2010, 08:48 AM, said:

Craig,

It all depends what kind of footage you want to be honest.
I only ever take a regular compact camera to film my video although I make sure it is one that does give a good sound an picture quality.

A video camera is bigger and obviously bulkier than a slim compact camera and I am not a big fan of filming at long zooms at Glasto as you need to have an arm steadier than Iron Man to avoid severe camera shake.

Getting a good quality camera that will let you record HD footage is the best option in my mind as it is alot more compact and you can take great photos too.

Having said that tho, I have only ever taken 640x480 video and am pleased with the memories I have captured coupled with the convinece of having something to shoot video on that can just go in my pocket.

A camcorder does have advantages but even if I had one to take - I think I would prefer the compact camera option although if you do that - choose wisely as I have recently tested a few new ones and there are a fair few out there that produce pretty dire video.

You can click my signature below to see a festival film that I made with a 3 year old regular compact digital camera.

Can you tell me a bit more about the F20?  Particularly storage and battery life.  I'm guessing you had a  fairly big memory card and a spare battery or two?