Subscribe by EmailPeople love to worry about what video camera they should buy, as if the right camera will automatically take a more interesting video than the wrong camera. It won’t. You can shoot a great movie on your cell phone, and a bad one on an IMAX rig.
Manufacturers release a new video camera every 27 seconds and everyone’s needs are different. Rather than recommend cameras, let’s list the questions you should ask yourself when shopping:
Do you already own it? Many digital still cameras shoot HD video. So do iPhones, Droids and many other smart phones. Check yours.
Is it easy for you to use? Note the use of the word “you.” Nothing worse than a complicated camera you use as a paperweight.
Is it easy to carry? Easy to tote = more likely to carry = more likely to have when you want it.
Does it shoot video in a format that is current? For now, that means HD—full 1080p is best. No, I don’t think 3D home video will catch on, but I’ve been wrong before.
Does it take video you think looks good? Note the “you” again. If you can’t tell the quality difference between two cameras then for you there isn’t one.
Your standards may change as you shoot a lot of video. It’s like skiing—at first the crappy rentals are just fine, but as you learn to feel the difference between skis, you’ll upgrade to a more sophisticated ride. Should an occasional fair-weather skier buy racing Volkls? Only if they have more money than they know what to do with.
If you shoot enough that you find yourself thinking, “Boy, I wish my camera did X” then it’s time to think about trading up. The same questions apply, but your answers will be a little different.
I love shooting on a flip video. Not so distracted by all the "features", and the files aren't so ginormous that it bogs down the computer if I want to cut it up.
question #1 just saved me a few hundred dollars! although now that I've made one video and have a new macbook with iMovie I really want a good camcorder…!
well it's been 10 weeks and now I'm decided on getting a new camera! As you said, I'm ready to "upgrade to a more sophisticated ride". I'm glad I waited though – now I can feel good about the purchase because I know I'll use it!
The simpler the better. Composition, angles and light are the important ingredients.
Basically pick the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. Resolution and stabilization are particularly important. A video just wouldn't be worth watching if it was blurry or shakes too much.