What do I need to produce high quality videos?

Question

I have a standard Hi8 Canon Camcorder and a good/decent laptop with a AMD 64 Athlon processor and a ATI Radeon 200M Graphics card. I shoot short films because it's part of my major. What do I need to upgrade the quality of the films i produce? Is it the video card, do i need a new camcorder, or should i get better editing software? Any suggestions or combonations would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

In order to produce the highest quality video you need to start with a high quality camcorder. No video card, editing program, or editing skill can improve or significantly fix bad video.

With that in mind, you will be able to remove camcorder shake, improve color, and spice up the video with a great editor. But, it's best to start with a great camcorder.

If you're major is communications/film, then you should look into a camcorder that will enable you to produce excellent content. Depending on what your budget is, you could look at a camcorder like the Canon GL2 or the Sony VX2100 - both are standard definition MiniDV camcorders. You can pick one up for $1,800-$2,300 for just the camcorder.

Or, you could take the step for HDV using a camcorder like the Canon XH-A1 ($3,500) or even the Canon XL-H1($8,100). These camcorders have received excellent ratings and are priced well. Your computer may need a performance boost, but if you are serious about your major and want to invest in one, you'll be happy with either one.

Good luck with your major and have fun!

Answer 2

To produce high quality videos, you'll need 1st and foremost is a good videocam and Hi8 cam is already at the bottom of the list.
Invest in either a really good miniDV camcorder or a modest HDD camcorder, as these videocams are direct connect to the pc/laptop via firewire port (don't get those dvd videocams!). As for now, you could still make quality videos with your unit as long as you use New cartridge or use the HI8 tape only up to 3x rerecording as rerecording does degrade the tape therefore degrading the video.
Next is to have a really fast pc rather than a laptop to work on. Preferrably twice the minimum requirement of the editing software (specially on memory and graphics).
Use editing software either Nero7 or Pinnacle's Studio10.

Any combination will do starting from keep on using your videocam, WMMaker, etc..... but never do away with a fast multimedia desktop pc as you will be heavily dependent on it.

Answer 3

you really dont need to get a 2000 $ camcorder just get a decent one like the DxG 305v Which is only 100$ then download its newest software and the video turns out great.