on boat/water video cameras

[sushi42]

I figured this would be the forum for this topic and question. I have been using an older Sony 8mm vid cam for all of my on the water film producing and has been fine until now. Basically I mean I'm ready for the next step and that is to turn the raw footage into an actual short movie clip w/ music and enhancements. So what camera does everybody suggest and why. Marty, I'd appreciate some input from you sir as I know damn well you go through some camers every year!

How about editing software. I've heard of some allready but hearing from the masses never hurts either. Thanks for all of your input!
Ed-

[offshore]

Ed,
There are many great cameras out there to choose from. I have a Canon HV20 and a Canon HV40. Basically the same camera. But the HV40 is AVCHD capable which is a form of HD that is compatible with Blu-ray Disc format and can be used for authoring and distribution of high definition video.

I am going to start using the HV20 for underwater footage using a Epic Camera housing and the HV40 will take the place of the HV20 on deck.Both of these cameras are MiniDV tape recorders. Personally I like the tape hard copy but many like the hard drive format cameras.

I would also recommend a wide angle lens for the camera I use a Raynox 52mm 0.66x Wide Angle Conversion Lens with 43-52 Step-Up Ring. This will give you more coverage in the cockpit.

I am still using Pinnacle 11.1 software and have been very happy with it. make sure your computer will handle editing the footage. I would also recommend a external storage device for your videos. Videos and video projects require a huge amount of storage space. I am using a G-DRIVE external. I was using a HD external and it crashed. That was a sad day!! Good luck Mark

[clt_capt]

There are a lot of great cameras available. I have made a conscious decision to go with fairly cheap cameras, that even if they get destroyed, aren't that bad to replace.

That said, I have been using a Sanyo Xacti for a couple of years. It was about $250, 1080P, Waterproof to 10 Ft and a small form factor.

For editing, I use Pinnacle 11 - if you want to get your feet wet, Windows includes Windows Movie Maker for free - not as powerful, and not as many effects, but free...

[Admin]

Canon VIXIA HV30

I have 4 of these with wide angle lens on them all.

Cameras rock and if i read the directions im sure I could do alot more with them...

[calebw]

I don't do much filming on the boat but I do alot back at home. I like sony vegas as editing software, personally I have the platinum version because I do so much editing and it can handle HD video and burn Blueray. All of the editing softwares are about the same, it just what you get used to. Most of the filming I do are on cameras with mini dv tapes because I like to keep hard copies of the video (just as a backup) but if I were going to film on the boat fishing all day I would definitely get a camera with a hard drive, at least 30 GB. This way you don't have to change out the tapes every hour, just turn on the camera and keep fishing. The wide angle is a good as it helps capture all the action in the cockpit. As far as video camcorders go, you can't ever go wrong with sony.

[Tenacious]

BUY A MAC FOR EDITING VIDEO YOU DONT HAVE TO BUY THE SOFTWARE ITS ALREADY ON IT.(IMOVIE) AS FAR AS A CAMERA I HAVE A JVC, JUST REMEMBER TO BUY A CAMERA THAT IS COMPATIBLE. THAT"S ALL THERE IS TO IT...

[dunn6253]

I have a Sony SR-11. All I need for my video. Also bought a mac to edit the movies, and although I haven't done a lot, it is pretty simple to use.

There are some good threads on cameras, ill try doing a search and bringing one up. I think I asked some questions a year or so ago......

[Catcher's Mitt]

Ed

i have been doing a little research and the camera that Offshore mentioned, cannon HV 20, has recieved good reviews on picture quality. the housing is a little cheesy though. without going to a ....they have a term for it...means semi pro. those babies are nice but will put you back at least 2500. you cant get much better for the price than the cannon.

[Catcher's Mitt]

i bought a canon hf20 over the weekend. bought it at Best Buy and it was expensive. there is a thread at the end that will get you everthing thing you neeed to know about the canons. i also bought pinnicle 12.0 there is a download you can go to to update it to 12.1. looks like it is pretty simple use.

the hf20 has a built in flash drive. the hv20 has a tape and is larger. the hf20 is small. smaller than a beer can. it also has very few moving parts. which is probably very good how most of us plan to use it. it has lots of features and a fairly thick manual that i have been reading but i think jumping in and using it will be easier.

it has a 15x opitical zoom which is high for HD. most HD has 10x. the higher opitical zooms are on non HD cameras.

the link below is an example of how popular these are with people that know what they are doing.

http://www.hv20.com/

hope this helps you Ed.


Mark

[offshore]

i bought a canon hv20 over the weekend. bought it at Best Buy and it was expensive. there is a thread at the end that will get you everthing thing you neeed to know about the canons. i also bought pinnicle 12.0 there is a download you can go to to update it to 12.1. looks like it is pretty simple use.

the hv20 has a built in flash drive. the hv200 has a tape and is larger. the hv20 is small. smaller than a beer can. it also has very few moving parts. which is probably very good how most of us plan to use it. it has lots of features and a fairly thick manual that i have been reading but i think jumping in and using it will be easier.

it has a 15x opitical zoom which is high for HD. most HD has 10x. the higher opitical zooms are on non HD cameras.

the link below is an example of how popular these are with people that know what they are doing.

http://www.hv20.com/

hope this helps you Ed.


Mark

Have you had a chance to do any filming with the camera? You will really like the camera. Mine has been through quite a bit. I'm surprised you found the HV20 I thought all they offered was the HV40 and some places still had the HV30. If you are doing any on the boat filming take a look at the wide angle lens. The wide angle will give you about 25% more cockpit coverage without distortion. I have tried a few but the
Raynox 52mm 0.66x Wide Angle Conversion Lens seems to be the ticket....Mark