What video camera should I use to shoot in a dim light enviroment without infrared?

Question

When I say dim light enviroment I mean a club. I don't like the infrared effect! And I can't use a light bulb to lighten the scene that I'm shooting because it will ruin the club atmosphere... Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Some camcorders are better than others at low-light but none will look good. Cameras need light. In general, your best bet would be a 3-CCD model.

I recommend that you get permission to use lighting. The "we're shooting a live TV program today" atmosphere can be just as appealing as the dim club scene so long as you don't do it every night.

You can get some low-light performance info on different models at the link below.


WK

Answer 2

Hi "Caseman": Even though you neglected to specify exactly which Everio model you have (there are a LOT of GZ-series models), I can confirm that none of them have a "night mode" (InfraRed) setting similar to what Sony NightShot models have. But almost all CCD video sensors exhibit IR sensitivity, and as long as IR-blocking filters aren't used in the camera's design (some IR light always shows thru filters), then you'll find that your JVC may operate under IR illumination. For hunting shots at any decent distance, you might not find IR LED sources that are powerful enough to do any good. (You can do your own quick experiment by shining a TV remote's IR emitter at your camcorder and watching the "invisible" beam show up on your LCD screen.) I might post a link or two of others' YouTube demos of their JVC cams with IR flashlights, but like I said, none show much range or IR sensitivity. hope this helps, --Dennis C.  

Answer 3

Any DV cam with CCD sensors!
They are great for Low-light exposures!