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Taking The Next Step Camcorders Techniques

WOW your audience amd make you feel like a pro  by taking the next step and using advanced techniques

 

From citizen journalism to video blogging to funny YouTube clips, people are shooting video to serve any number of needs, and they're shooting it on DSLRs, iPhones and webcams, while exporting it to everything from Blu-ray discs to streaming servers.

high definition camcorders have imported the best features from your computer and DSLR

Optical Image Stabilisation
Sometimes an old fashioned mechanism can better results than the latest digital technology

We now get digital video, digital cameras, digital TV and everything else is now binary. its easy to assume that anything with digital in the name is inherently superior to it's analogue or mechanical predecessors, but optical Image stabilisation is a powerful exclusion to the rule,

 

One can perform all the right positioning , your hands will sometimes shake , while you're shooting, and the resulting twitches and tremors will show up in your footage, particularly if you we zoomed the shot even a little, The standard Digital Image stabilization found On most camcorders uses a small buffer zone of pixels around the edge the (CD to compensate for shake. 015 analyses your shots frame by frame, looking for unwanted motion and adjusting which pheels are ‘live' in each shot to make sure that the edge the frame remains undifferentiated throughout a clip. Its an effective system, but between the fact that it does all the work processing after the image has already passed through the it rends to be slow to react whilst occasionally kicking in when you don't want jt to, resulting in a stuttering effect on your panning shots. Fortunately, mid range and high end cams tend to feature good old fashioned Optical Image Stabilisation, which works actually moving the Imaging equipment it in the camera as film, either moving the cco in relation tome lens, or the elements in relation to each other Because Optical Image Stabilisation happens as you shoot and is a response to genuine movement as opposing to the camcorder's interpretation of movement the result is a smooth, nuisance free way of steadying shots.

Optical image stabilisation is a smooth, trouble free way of steadying your shots:'

Optical Zoom
Another example of a mechanical solution that is better than its digital counterpart optical zooms should be at the top of your shopping list

It is seen that optical stabilisation as an old method , is better than its modern counterpart , An optical zoom screams its superiority from the rooftops through a loudhailer. That's not to say that there aren't times when a digital zoom comes in very handy, but the difference between the workings of an optical and a digital zoom is often the difference between good and bad quality footage as well.

An optical zoom works in a similar fashion to a telescope, by altering the distance between lens elements or, in most cases, the lens and the COD in order to alter the focal length and angle of view in the shot, compressing the foreground to bring distant objects closer, A Digital Zoom, on the other hand simply magnifies the picture detail that has already been recorded, spreading the information contained on one pixel over several. This has the advantage of magnifying an image without the need for a huge lens barrel for the lens elements to move around in, but also has the disadvantage of spreading the same amount of picture information over a larger area, resulting in a loss of resolution that starts off almost unnoticeable, but will eventually torn your shots into something that re5embles soft focus footage of a Lego village. Digital zooms can be useful in moderation, and the big numbers (500x digital zoom etc.) sound impressive, but an optical zoom produces a far superior image.

 

Mic Attenuation
Improving the quality of camcorder microphones has created new challenges

In the past microphone seemed  come across to be an afterthought. Even the big names in camcorder manufacturers , the microphone were poor , constructed from tatty, unshielded components and prone to hissing and spitting as if every bit of footage you recorded came across as bad.

Manufactures slowly began to improve the quality of mics , due tech advances and videomakers where camcorders can record in pseudo-surround sound, or zoom the pick-up pattern of their shotgun mic to record better long distance audio, You can even forego the onboard mic entirely and plug in a high quality external Unfortunately, the upshot of all this is that while we can now record significantly better sound, it has also become much harder to do so.

Camcorder microphones have gone from being the weakest link in the chain to one of the strongest picking up a range and volume of noise far greater than the camcorder's circuitry can process without overloading; fortunately, there are all sorts of features that will help out, most notably in the form of Mic Attenuation. In the simplest terms, Mic Attenuation just seems to turn down the volume of your camcorder, but in actual fact switching your Nic Attenuation on is dropping the microphone's sensitivity by as much as 30Db. Where a volume pickup reduction would wipe out the quietest of noises, Mic Attenuation works by making sure that the loudest of noises recorded stay within the tolerance of the camcorder's circuitry, meaning that you avoid distortion or complete audio blackouts from massive audio peaks, Mic Attenuation is handy in situations where you want the effect of Audio Gain Control without the annoyance? of monitoring the audio, but it really comes into its own at concerts and stage shows where you'll be recording your audio from a particularly powerful source such as an external microphone or by cable from a mixing desk.

 

Advanced Features Mini Buyers' Guide

When it comes to optical zoom ratios, there are some camcorders that by going that extra millimeters.

lOx is the usual magnification on a camcorder, and the most common extent of an optical zoom by a landslide,.Until recently, it wasn't uncommon to find the occasional camcorder with a 22x or 25x zoom as its strongest selling point, and even in these days of ultra-compact camcorder chassis you can still find the odd model that goes a little bit further than lOx. Camera operators use their zoom as a composition device, an aid to concentrate, for dramatic effect or simply just to close the distance between them and their subject Whether you're filming play from the back row, doing a bit of long distance wildlife photography or simply trying to crash zoom for effect, here is our pick of the five camcorders that go that little bit further.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1

While the VPC-TH1 has the lowest genera score of all the models in this round up, it offers far and away the most power for your pound when it comes to choosing a camcorder  or it's zoom ratio. The TH1 will set you back £18O/ $260 quid, for which you'll get a market leading 30x optical zoom,

Canon Legria HF200

Next up is the HFZOO, a Canon cam that earned itself an awards for it's excellent design and image quality, but which also offers you a very impressive 15x optical zoom,

Sony HDR- XRS2O

One of Sony's flagship models, the XR25O is packed to hilt with high end features and it also has a 1 2x optical zoom.

Sony HDR-CX520

The CX520 complements it's excellent video and stills image quality with an array of useful features, not least of which is a 2x zoom.

Panasonic HOC H5300
A 12 x zoom is just one of the reasons why the HS300 earned top scores for features, handling and execution,

 

 

About the Author

A guide to affordable flip camcorders on the market , Including the new flip slide hd camera

Pro Shotgun Microphone $700 The second microphone ""cancels"" noises coming in from the sides, thereby creating the ""extended range"" effect. The Sound Pro II features a background noise filter switch and output jack for tape recorder. Unit comes complete with microphone handle, camera mount, 1 Watt RMS amplifier (+120Db Gain), Koss (KPH / 6) digital quality folding headset, 6' tape recorder connector cable, ""AA"" battery for microphone, 9-Volt Battery for amplifier, and slide lock hard carry case. 6 month warranty. Includes: Handle for Microphone Quality Digital Headphones Recorder Connector Cable 9V Battery (for the amplifier) 1 AA battery (for the microphone) 6 Month Limited Warranty

Shotgun $6 Shotgun - The McClymonts

Used Audio-Technica 815St Stereo Shotgun Condenser Microphone $727.09 The Audio-Technica 815ST is a stereo shotgun microphone designed for broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists. Its compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use. Independent line-cardioid and figure-eight condenser elements. Switchable low-frequency roll-off. Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and 2 internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes. Includes a 24" (0.61 m) cable (5-pin XLRF to 2 standard 3-pin XLRM connectors).Perfect for camera-mount use Line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements Switchable low-frequency roll-off Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and two internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes Includes a 24" (0.61 m) cable, stand clamp, foam windscreen, and protective case

Audio-Technica 815ST Stereo Shotgun Condenser Microphone $727.09 Designed for broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists. Its compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use. Independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements. Switchable low-frequency roll-off. Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and 2 internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes. Includes a 24" (0.61 m) cable (5-pin XLRF to 2 standard 3-pin XLRM connectors).Perfect for camera-mount use Line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements Switchable low-frequency roll-off Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and two internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes Includes a 24" (0.61 m) cable, stand clamp, foam windscreen, and protective case

Cable, Hiti P110s Usb Switch $8.99 CABLE, HITI P110S USB SWITCH

Shotgun Pillowcase $19.99 Track Listing: 1. Hearts, 2. Big Sigh, 3. Glitterati, 4. Cable Ballad Blues, 5. He's Still Drinking, 6. Level 20, 7. No Distance Left to Run, 8. Evergreen, 9. Work Song, 10. Oliva, 11. Streets of Stone

Azden SGM-1X Shotgun Microphone $167.99 -41 dB -41 dB V/Pascal @ 0.83" Height x 11.80" Depth 110 dB Max. 4.76 oz - w/o Battery 680 Ohm 80 Hz to 18 kHz Battery Type: AAA (1.5V) - use alkaline battery Battery Life: 1000 Hours w/Alkaline Battery Signal to Noise Ratio: 65dB Dynamic Range: 80dB Battery Current: 0.2mA SGM-1X Shotgun Microphone Shock mount mic holder 1 x Windscreen The SGM-1X Professional Shotgun Microphone is designed to provide quality audio for the video-grapher. It is ideal for today's smaller, digital video cameras where longer models would appear in the frame when camera mounted. The hyper-directional super-cardioid shotgun microphone has a wide frequency response, exhibits low noise and accepts up to 110dB SPL input levels. SGM-1X ships complete with a windscreen and Azden's proprietary shock-mount holder that isolates camera motor noise from the mic. The holder has provisions for both camera-shoe and mic-stand mounting. Azden Azden Corporation Cable Desktop Dynamic Microphone Mono On/Off SGM-1X Shotgun Microphone SGMX1 XLR www.azdencorp.com

Azden SGM-2X Shotgun Microphone $202.99 -39 dB -39 dB V/Pascal @ -45 dB -45 dB V/Pascal @ 110 dB Maximum Input Level 15.75" Height x 0.83" Width - Long + Short Barrel 3.90 oz - Weight Without Battery (Short Barrel) 40 Hz to 20 kHz 6.50 oz - Weight Without Battery (Long + Short Barrel) 680 Ohm 8.37" Height x 0.83" Width - Short Barrel SGM-2X Shotgun Microphone Shock mount microphone holder 2-Windscreens Signal to Noise Ratio: 70dB Dynamic Range: 85dB Battery Type: AAA (1.5V) - Alkaline battery Battery Current: 0.2mA Battery Life: 1000 Hours The SGM-2X Professional Shotgun Microphone System is designed for both the Pro-Sound and Broadcast markets. The microphone comes with two barrels making it either an omni or by adding the extension barrel a supercardioid. The SGM-2X comes complete with a unique, integrated shock-mount with both camera shoe-mount and mic stand-mount and two foam windscreens. Azden Azden Corporation Cable Detachable Japan Microphone Mono SGM-2X SGM-2X Shotgun Microphone XLR www.azdencorp.com

Azden Corporation Azden ECZ-990 Shotgun Microphone - Electret - Detachable - 150Hz to 18kHz - Cable ECZ990 $87.46 Azden Corporation Azden ECZ-990 Shotgun Microphone - Electret - Detachable - 150Hz to 18kHz - Cable ECZ990

Avocent KVM Switch Cable $193.99 12" 3.20 oz Avocent KVM Switch AMX 50xx FCC Class A EN55022 AMIQ-USB Avocent Avocent Corporation Copper KVM Cable KVM Switch Cable www.avocent.com

Azden SGM-X Shotgun Microphone $112.99 -33 dB -33 dB V/Pascal @ 1 x 1.5 Kilo Ohm 103 dB 80 Hz to 18 kHz 1 x SGM-X Shotgun Microphone 1 x Shoe-Mount Microphone Holder 1 x Windscreen 1 x Output Cable (3.5mm mini-plug - 3.5mm mini-plug) 1 x LR-44 Battery Signal to Noise Ratio: 65 dB Dynamic Range: 78 dB Battery Type: LR-44 (Alkaline Battery) Battery Current: 0.5 mA Battery Life: 150 HOURS (With Alkaline Battery) Designed specifically for use with mini DV cameras the SGM-X is a professional super-cardioid shotgun microphone with a wide frequency response and low noise levels. Azden Azden Corporation Cable Detachable Japan Microphone SGM-X SGM-X Shotgun Microphone www.azdencorp.com

Azden ECZ-990 Shotgun Microphone $61.99 1 x 100 dB 150 Hz to 18 kHz 5 Ohm 55 dB 55 dB 1 kHz V/µbar 660 Ohm 72 dB 72 dB 1 kHz V/gm bar ECZ-990 Shotgun Microphone Windscreen Shoe mount Hook-and-loop mounting tape Signal to Noise: Better than 40dB Power Source: 1.5V DC ("AAA" Battery) The pick-up pattern of the built-in microphone on camcorders is omni-directional, meaning that it picks up all sounds in every direction equally, no matter which direction you point the camcorder. The ECZ-990 is a 6" long directional, or "zoom" microphone with a super-cardioid pattern (ellipse shaped). It will pick up your subject's sound more clearly reducing side noises. With 2 positions, narrow and wider, the ECZ-990 has a range of 35 feet. Azden Azden Corporation Cable Detachable ECZ-990 Shotgun Microphone ECZ990 Electret Japan Microphone www.azdencorp.com

Audio-Technica ATR6550 Shotgun Microphone $61.99 -56 dB 1 Year Limited 4 oz 70 Hz to 18 kHz 3.5 mm connector plugs into your video camera Two range settings: "Normal" for close & medium-distance; "Tele" for long-distance ATR6550 Shotgun Microphone Camera Mount Stand Clamp Foam Windscreen Battery 1/4" Adapter Crisp & intelligible pickup far away or up close. In its "Tele" range setting, this cardioid condenser is engineered to pick up dialogue and sound effects at a distance, while bypassing ambient noise such as traffic, air-handling systems, room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations. Designed especially for use with video cameras. ATR-6550 ATR6550 ATR6550 Shotgun Microphone Audio-Technica Audio-Technica U.S., Inc Cable Cable 39.37" Microphone Mini-phone www.audio-technica.com

Shotgun Angel $16.49 Shotgun Angel

Hobo With A Shotgun $10.99 Hobo With A Shotgun

Shotgun Singer $13.79 Shotgun Singer

AudioVox / RCA COAXIAL CABLE SWITCH / VH71 $16.15 AudioVox - RCA COAXIAL CABLE SWITCH - VH71

Iogear / 4PORT USB KVM SWITCH CABLE / GCS24U $55.06 Iogear - 4PORT USB KVM SWITCH CABLE - GCS24U

Startech.com / 6' 4-in-1 KVM Switch Cable / DP4N1USB6 $36.6 Startech.com - 6' 4-in-1 KVM Switch Cable - DP4N1USB6

Tripplite / 10FT SECURE KVM SWITCH CABLE / P759-010 $47.29 Tripplite - 10FT SECURE KVM SWITCH CABLE - P759-010

Tripplite / 15FT SECURE KVM SWITCH CABLE / P759-015 $55.75 Tripplite - 15FT SECURE KVM SWITCH CABLE - P759-015

HP DV2000 LCD Switch w/ Cable 504F606001 $34.4 HP DV2000 LCD Switch w/ Cable 504F606001

HP Compaq Lid Switch Cable DD0AT9TH400 $34.4 HP Compaq Lid Switch Cable DD0AT9TH400

HP DV2000 Wireless Switch Board Cable HL5 $34.4 HP DV2000 Wireless Switch Board Cable HL5

Intel Cable Intrusion Switch For S7000FC4UR Ffcintru $39.25 Intel Cable Intrusion Switch For S7000FC4UR Ffcintru

HP SuperStack II Switch Matrix Cable JE845A $6.98 HP SuperStack II Switch Matrix Cable JE845A

4-Port PS/2 KVM Switch w/4 Cable Sets $29.14 4-Port PS/2 KVM Switch w/4 Cable Sets

Belkin Switch-to-Mac Cable $25.99 1 x USB 96" Eliminates the need to set up a complex network, or spend hours burning CDs to copy data Transfers data at USB 2.0 speeds Cool LED lighting indicates transfer status Switch-to-Mac Cable Quick Install Guide Installation CD Belkin Belkin International, Inc Copper Data Transfer Cable F4U001 Lifetime Switch-to-Mac Cable USB White www.belkin.com

Dynex Coaxial Cable A/B Switch $7.99 Easily switch between 2 coaxial sources using this coaxial cable A/B switch that works with most cable boxes, off-air antennas and other A/V sources with coaxial connectivity.

Audio-Technica Bp4029 Mid-Side Short Stereo Shotgun Microphone $699.99 Based on models originally developed for use in the broadcast of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the Audio Technica BP4029 (9.29" long) is engineered for high-end broadcast and production use. It features independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight elements configured in an MS (Mid-Side) arrangement with switch-selectable internal matrixing. This innovative microphone allows sound recordists the choice of selecting a left-right stereo output (wide or narrow) via the microphone's internal matrixing system or choosing discreet Mid-Side signals for later manipulation, a flexibility not available from any other manufacturer. A switchable low frequency roll-off filter helps minimize the pickup of unwanted low frequency noise. These phantom-powered models feature a rugged lightweight design and sleek black color scheme, perfect for on-camera use.Designed for broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists Compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use Independent Line-cardioid and Figure-of-eight condenser elements Switchable low-frequency roll-off Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and two internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes Includes a 0.61 m (24") cable (5-pin XLRF to two standard 3-pin XLRM connectors) RoHS compliantfree from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances

Audio-Technica Bp4027 Mid-Side Long Stereo Shotgun Microphone $749.99 Based on models originally developed for use in the broadcast of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the Audio Technica BP4027 (14.96" long) is engineered for high-end broadcast and production use. It features independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight elements configured in an MS (Mid-Side) arrangement with switch-selectable internal matrixing. This innovative microphone allows sound recordists the choice of selecting a left-right stereo output (wide or narrow) via the microphone's internal matrixing system or choosing discreet Mid-Side signals for later manipulation, a flexibility not available from any other manufacturer. A switchable low frequency roll-off filter helps minimize the pickup of unwanted low frequency noise. These phantom-powered models feature a rugged lightweight design and sleek black color scheme, perfect for on-camera use. Designed for broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists Compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use Independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements Switchable low-frequency roll-off Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and two internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes Includes a 0.61 m (24") cable (5-pin XLRF to two standard 3-pin XLRM connectors) RoHS compliantfree from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances

Tripp Lite KVM Switch Cable $13.99 72" KVM Switch Cable6-ft. PS2 Super-Flex 3-IN-1 Cable Kit for the B007-008 KVM Switch Tripp Lite Console Converter (Model # B010-000 and B011-000)Tripp Lite KVM Switch Model # B004-002-KT-R, B004-004-R, B005-002-R, B005-004-R and B007-008 Tripp Lite's 6-ft. PS/2 (3-in-1) KVM cable kit connects a PS/2 computer to a B007-008 KVM switch. It can also be used to connect a PS/2 computer or PS/2 KVM Switch to Tripp Lite's B013-000 Console Extender Kit. This premium 3-in-1 cable is made using innovative cabling that is low profile and super flexible, while maintaining the superior performance exhibited in our other KVM cables. The KVM Switch side of the cable kit consists of a HD15 Female cable, a PS/2 (MiniDIN6) Mouse cable and a PS/2 (MiniDIN6) Keyboard cable. The Computer side of the cable kit consists of a HD15 Male cable, a PS/2 (MiniDIN6) Male Mouse cable and a PS/2 (MiniDIN6) Keyboard cable. All cables are manufactured from superior molded cable with integral strain relief and foil shielding for maximum EMI/RFI protection. Tripp Lite warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for life. Copper KVM Cable KVM Switch Cable Lifetime Limited P753-006 Tripp Lite www.tripplite.com

Nady SGM-12 Shotgun Condenser Microphone $29.99 The Nady SGM-12 is a versatile, professional microphone designed to provide top performance in all live and recording applications. Its true, transparent sound also makes the SGM-12 Shotgun Condenser Mic a valuable recording tool.Perfect for video recording, lectures, angled overhead placement, boom applications and off-stage mikingDual electret condenser elements for maximum uni-directivity with excellent off-axis rejectionPower/Polar Pattern switch for selecting cardioid or super-cardioid sensitivitySmooth linear response with high sensitivity and exceptionally low self-noiseSleek, durable, lightweight metal constructionSingle AA alkaline or NiMH battery operation (not included)Extra thick foam windscreen includedOptional HM-9 mic clip and SHM-1 shoemount available for mounting on mic stands or camcorders (sold separately)

Nady Sgm-12 Shotgun Condenser Microphone $29.99 The Nady SGM-12 is a versatile, professional microphone designed to provide top performance in all live and recording applications. Its true, transparent sound also makes the SGM-12 Shotgun Condenser Mic a valuable recording tool.Perfect for video recording, lectures, angled overhead placement, boom applications and off-stage mikingDual electret condenser elements for maximum uni-directivity with excellent off-axis rejectionPower/Polar Pattern switch for selecting cardioid or super-cardioid sensitivitySmooth linear response with high sensitivity and exceptionally low self-noiseSleek, durable, lightweight metal constructionSingle AA alkaline or NiMH battery operation (not included)Extra thick foam windscreen includedOptional HM-9 mic clip and SHM-1 shoemount available for mounting on mic stands or camcorders (sold separately)