Pro-sumer, Consumer or Professional Camcorders Pick the One for You. by Jay Preston
Just what exactly are the differences between consumer and pro models? They look similar, they do similar things but a closer look is needed to distinguish the differences between the two.
Hd is no longer a relevant difference from pro to consumer camcorders. HD used to be the calling card of the pro models, not any more. From ipads to point and shoots all kinds of devices can shoot in hd.
The current industry buzz word is full hd. Thats a full 1920 by 1080p lines of resolution not i, p. As in progressive not Interlaced. Interlaced uses alternating half shots to make a single frame while progressive takes a full frame shot. This results in much denser video information. Giving deeper, richer color and smooth motion.
Pro rigs will have larger sensors and larger, better lenses than the consumer models.
What this means to the shooter is much better low light performance. Filming concerts or plays indoors or low light outdoor shooting is no problem for the pro grade camcorder.
Professional camcorders will have easily accessible manual controls for iris, focus, zoom, shutter, gain and audio. You will find some options like these on consumer models but not all of these and they will be more difficult to access.
Xlr inputs for audio recording is standard on a pro model camcorder. Consumer camcorders will come with built in microphone and a 3.5 mil jack for external mic.
Audio is a huge piece of the overall effect of a top class video production. Professional quality cameras are up to the job.
To get a steady, non jerky shot you need a tripod or shoulder mounted camera.
The larger pro models are made to go on the shoulder, resulting in a steadier shot.
The shaky hand held look is fine for some scenes but you must be able to shoot smoothly as well for top quality results.
Most older Professional camcorders store video on miniDV tape or an external hard drive although most of the newer models will have on board internal flash storage and use multiple sd drives for sequential storage of video.
Variable frame rates, multiple lens and filter options and remote control are some additional features found on pro level gear.
Cost is probably the most notable difference. Full HD consumer models are available for under $200 while a good pro model can range from between $1000 and $2000 to well… under $100,000 lets say.
In the end it’s not so much the camera as the person behind it that makes the shot.
About the Author
To see the top professional camcorders available today visit Professional Camcorders.
Best Hd Camcorders under 200
|
|
Summit Lighting Supply 320 Photo Cell $21.96 Adjusta-Postâs exclusive Ezee-Change photo relay switch (No. 320) allows users to install three-wire pull-apart connectors without any rewiring. A screwdriver is all that is needed.120-volt AC, 300-watt tungsten…. |
|
|
Steren 251-117 Component Video Coupler $0.01 Component Video Coupler… |
|
|
KJB Security DVR260 Camcorder Sunglasses $32.00 For hands free recording use the Camcorder Sunglasses! These stylish sunglasses have a built in camera and DVR with micro switch controls right at your finger tips. This unique camcorder system will view and record what the user sees. Use in any application to record video i.e. sporting events, concerts, school programs or kids ball games. Play back is easy using your PC and almost any video softw… |
|
|
Shoot Great Video with your Canon DSLR Camera (DVD) $29.99 Blue Crane Digitals training DVD, Shoot Great Video with your Canon DSLR. The 77 minute long presentation addresses the challenges still photographers face when using their new Canon DSLR to capture and produce video. In the right hands, Canon DSLR cameras can capture some the best video in the world, said Bryan Poffenberger, President of Blue Crane Digital. Straight out of the box, however,… |
|
|
Inside the Sony HVR-Z7 | HVR-Z7 Camcorder Training DVD $79.00 The Sony HVR-Z7 camcorder is one of the deepest and most powerful HDV Camcorders ever made. Do you want to get the most out of yours? Join award-winning videographer and renowned producer/editor/trainer, Douglas Spotted Eagle and journey inside the Sony HVR-Z7 Camcorder. Douglas Spotted Eagle, your guide to this camera, is a master of high definition formats and has logged serious hours behind j… |
|
|
The HVX BootCamp DVD $59.95 The HVX BootCamp DVD is the ultimate training DVD set for the revolutionary Panasonic HVX200/HVX202 camera. Brought to you by the same people who put on the HD BootCamp training seminars (and from the author of The HVX Book and The DVX Book) the HVX BootCamp DVD is over three hours of intensive camera instruction. Hosted by Barry Green, the world’s leading authority on the HVX, you’ll learn ever… |
|
|
Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Rebel XT/XTi Digital SLR Cameras and VIXIA HV Series and ZR Series Camcorders (Retail Package) $52.99 CANON NB-2LH LITHIUM ION BATTERY… |
|
|
Hawk Eye Nature Cam, from Manufacturer Birdhouse Spy Cam $60.99 The Hawk Eye is a color video cam, with infrared night vision, built in microphone, and a sun shield so it can be used inside and out. Comes fully wired with 100′ RCA (audio-, video-in) and power (12-V) cable. Extensions are available. Simply plug the Hawk Eye’s cable into any television or AV enabled computer for live, real time audio and video action. Small enough for inside a birdhouse, but can… |
|
|
SecuriX Motion Detection Pen Camcorder (8GB) Camcorders This Motion Activated Smart Spy Pen Camcorder is the first and the only pen type camcorder that is equipped with both motion detection auto recording and adjustable video resolutions from 352 to 1280 pixels and 2.0 megapixels of pictures. It is a color video recorder, a digital camera, a voice recorder, a web cam, a USB flash memory drive, and the most importance, it is motion activated. No need t… |
|
|
Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC10E $16.98 Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card (TS16GSDHC10E) – Frustration Free Package Certified Frustration-Free Packaging has certified this product’s packaging is Frustration-Free. A Frustration-Free Package is easy-to-open and comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic ‘clamshell’ casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It is exactly the same as a traditionally packaged … |