Originally Posted By: Eric_MayerWith that being said, you can start off with a much less expensive HD camera that does not have quite all the bells and whistles, but does an excellent job.
If you are going to spend some money, I would concentrate on a decent computer system to handle the editing. The time spent editing can be a nightmare if you do not have a decent computer, loaded with what you need to edit efficiently!
Good point.
Cameras have come a long way during the last few years. High Definition has been a game changer. While the high-end, high-dollar cameras are nice and yield great videos, the new HD cameras with a reasonable size chip (CCD) can produce some spectacular videos at a fraction of the cost.
My Canon HV30 cost me around $900 when I purchased it new. I have had several people over the years comment on just how good the quality of video is. I then purchased a Rode Video Mic that cost me $150 at the time, and a good tripod. Those three units have produced some great videos. The only real issue I see with my current camera is low light performance, and optical zoom. The newer HD cameras have considerably more zoom and are getting better and better all the time. Finding a good camera for a reasonable price is not as difficult these days as it once was. You don't have to use a pro camera to produce good videos anymore.
As mentioned, a good (fast) computer is needed to handle the editing of HD video. Even then, editing can sometimes be a nightmare. A user friendly editing program isn't all that expensive. I use Power Director 7, which is outdated now, but allows me to produce some very good videos. The program is rather cheap to purchase. I have been contemplating getting the latest version, which I think is #11. I'm thinking it probably has more features than 7.
This is my Canon HV30 and Rode Mic.
I also use a wind muff (the little furry looking thing). It really helps cut down on wind entering the mic.
