Topic: What features in a digital video camera are most important for taping concerts?

[ChrisV]

Well, I have always been wanting a digital video camera so this past "Black Friday" I picked up a JVC GR-D33US camcorder for less than $250.00.   I had done a little research and reading reviews beforehand and based mostly on http://www.camcorderinfo.com rating this one of the best in low light settings compared to others in the price range.  I also looked in Consumer Reports magazine and they actually rated the Sony DCR-TRV260 as a "Best Buy" but it uses D8 tapes and is about twice as big.   But they did rate this JVC model as having being "Very Good" for Picture Quality and Ease of Use.  It only got a "Good" rating for image stabilizer, but so did the Sony one as well.

So what I am looking for are people's opinions on what features are most important for recording concerts and if the camera I bought has any of these features or is lacking any of the ones you would find important.  The one major drawback I can see right off the bat is there is no microphone input available so you are stuck using the crappy ass on board mic.  But I figure I'll always be doing my own audio as well and just have it dubbed it in post.  So if anyone has any opnions feel free to share to help me decide whether or not I should keep this or return it and go for a different brand/model.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1067391172839&skuId=6194548&productCategoryId=pcmcat31800050038&type=product
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/jvc-gr-d33-camcorder-review.htm
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027121&pathId=26&page=2
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027121&pathId=26&page=3

I did hold the display model at the store and played around with it for a bit.  But I am trying to avoid opening it if I do by chance want to return it since I don't want to get hit with a restocking fee until I decide for sure.

[ChrisV]

Renamed title ;p

[firmdragon]

all depends on application.

on the surface, the jvc looks like a better choice. 

(apparent) advantages:
- apparently has better low light than the sony.  (i say apparently because if it shows more in low light but is grainy, well, i wouldn't exactly say it's better)
- it has white balance
- smaller

disadvantages:
- only 10x zoom.  if you're a video pimp like myself and try and film from as close as possible, 10x is more than enough.
- harder "on the fly" adjustments.  setting manual adjustments can only be done via the lcd.  it's way easier to change exposure settings on the sony.

notes:  if i had to choose, on paper, i'd probably go w/ the jvc.   this isn't a high recommendation however.  i may be a little closed minded on the issue, but traditionally, in terms of low end cameras, the top 2 brands have always been sony and canon without question.  i'd actually recommend you try and find an older mini-dv model sony.  trv18 (like the one i'm using), trv22, trv25.  or save up for a 3ccd cam

in general:
things to look out for in a camera:

zoom: optical zoom.  most mini dv cams have 10-12x, digital8's up to 25x?

white balance:  important in terms of picture.  basically lets your camera know what "white looks like".  otherwise the camera might think white is a little blueish or redish or whatever.
low light:  how well it does in low light situations.  not so much of a problem if you're in larger venues w/ good lighting.  but still really important.
image stabilization:  important if you're doing hand-held filming as opposed to tripod.  helps dampen shakeness, when you're doing stuff like moving the cam from one hand to the other (you know when one hand gets tired :p). 
LCD vs. manual controls: as aforementioned, manual controls via outside dials, are much easier when doing on the fly adjustments.  e.g   when the venue suddenly turns on their cool-ass lighting, lighting up the room and as a result overexposing your current settings, do you want press one button and use a jog dial to correct this or do you wanna go through a buncha menus on your touch screen lcd (try keeping it steady while doing lcd stuff :p).

[bagtagsell]

i should really read the post before giving an answer

[ChrisV]

huh???


Anyhow, I ended up keeping the camera.   Thanks Steve for all the info and suggestions and tips, etc.

[Elvis Hitler]

Since most built-in camcorder mics can't handle the volume of a live show, I would only get a camcorder with an external mic input, so you can use a better mic that can handle the volume.

You definitelty want manual exposure control, since the exposure on most cams usually goes to the max in a dark club when set on automatic, which causes the picture to look overexposed and washed out when the stage lights come on.   In my opinion, getting the exposure adjusted correctly is probably the key element in a nice looking concert video.   When the show starts and the stage lights come on, adjust the exposure manually until the picture in the viewfinder has the best definition.   This is usually at least 3 'clicks' down from maximum on a Sony camcorder, and more if the lights on stage are exceptionally bright.  I think the exposure on the display JVC models reads something like "+2, +1, 0, -1, -2, -3", and you'll most likely want the exposure set below the "0" setting.

Another thing to look for, as you've mentioned, is low-light capability, or lux.    This can make or break a video shot in a dark club where the lighting is low.  Always have the image stabilization on unless you're using a tripod.

[radiohead_dpa]

+T Chris!! You going to be hitting Shoreline and Coachella this upcoming year? 

If you want me me to sneak in a tripod let me know I may be at Coachella at least.... 

[thierryhenry]

+T Chris!! You going to be hitting Shoreline and Coachella this upcoming year? 

If you want me me to sneak in a tripod let me know I may be at Coachella at least.... 

[bmanning]

hi,

total newbie here.  i'm looking for an all purpose camera but one that can specialize in taping shows.  Money is not too much of an issue.  i'd be willing to go up to a grand.  I would like an all purpose camera that the family can use for filming and taking digital pics and that i can also use for taping of shows.  so i would like a compact camera with an external mic and nice zoom i guess. any suggestions.  this will be my first camera.

thanks for any advice.

brian

[wilsondmb]

get a sony pc100 for around 400 on ebay and you will be very happy....its the cam for the price for taping concerts

worth every penny for the tapes I have shot