What kind of camcorder (for good video quality and sound)?

Question

I'm interested in making videos, for school projects and other things (like YouTubing), and I want to get a good camcorder. I need it to have good video quality along with good sound.

So, if you know of any camcorders, please post, regardless of the price. Thanks.

*I need to able to transfer it to my computer and I will either post the finished product on the internet or burn it to a disc (if it's possible to do that)

Answer 1

use a sony HD camcorder, they are about $2,999. But they are the best.

Answer 2

Yikes, why do the answers have to be so messed up?! An HD camera for $3,000?! PLL? Sync? Picture package?! I have no idea what all this has to do with your question.

Since I don't own such a camera right now (I do professional film&video) I won't recommend a specific model, but can give you my 2 cents how to find the right camera for you:

Virtually every video camera sold today can do everything you've asked for, including easy transfer to a computer to edit and finish on DVD/online.
I'd just go to any store that can show you working models and start with the cheapest one. Are you comfortable with its buttons and menus? Does the picture quality look good for you? If not, work your way up, ask them why bother spending more on a more expensive model.
I would go for a miniDV camera, and would trust pretty much any Sony model. They start from $250. Be cautious about cheap hard-drive/flash-memory cameras.

Videomaking is a huge field, once you have any adequate camera, getting good video and sound quality is about how you use it. The camera is just an acquisition tool.
For example: DVD/internet finishing have nothing to do with the camera but with good editing & encoding software, and wind noise is a problem with any microphone on the planet, the solution is not to shoot with wind, or to put a windshield (anyway the first rule of sound for video is: don't use the camera's mike).
So put aside $30 for a videomaking book, it will give you LOTS more than $30 more on the camera.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Sony Handycam DCR-HC40

User rating
Very good

7
out of 10"Good Quality, Small Package"
January 12, 2005

.
Pros:Small size, good on hikes, skiing and places I never brought a video camera before. Camera was also able to digitize my old VHS tapes which could not be handled by my ATI All In One Wonder Pro (must have a good PLL because it syncs while ATI bombs out).

Cons:Picture package is worthless - buy Pinnacle at least. Sometimes it is hard to find what you want in all those menus - especially when you need to change something fast. Noise from wind can be a problem outdoors.

Answer 4

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