High quality video capture device for Youtube?

February 24, 2009 5:24 PM

What webcam or camcorder should I buy for my videocast?

I may run it as a youtube channel or as a vlog, but I want it to look and sound as good as possible. I intend to edit each episode with some yet to be determined video editing software and I am 90% sure I will be buying the Samson C01U microphone (possibly the whole podcasting pak).

Now I need a video recorder to match!

There seems to be consensus that the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is one of the best webcams. However, I am wondering if I would get better image quality if I left the high-end webcam world and entered into the low-end camcorder world. A webcam would obviously be the most convenient since it plugs directly into the computer, doesn't need batteries, doesn't need media, etc...

What should I get to go with my microphone that will give a good balance of quality in the $100 range?

posted by brenton to technology (8 comments total)

I think $100 range is too low if you are considering quality. An HD or SD camcorder (with audio inputs) that records to flash would boost the quality significantly for around $500. Also, you should consider a microphone.
posted by sswiller at 5:52 PM on February 24

Forget the microphone part, I didn't see that you had the mic.
posted by sswiller at 5:53 PM on February 24

What is the difference in quality between a HD camcorder and a HD webcam? The QuickCam Pro I mentioned is HD, but for the additional $400, is the increase in quality going to be huge or barely noticeable? What kind of quality difference is there? I am thinking that unless you can convince me that the best I can buy for $100 will be complete crap compared to spending a few hundred more, I'll probably stay with the cheaper camera. But I do know how to scrounge garage sales for good stuff, and am willing to put the time into looking.
posted by brenton at 6:25 PM on February 24

If all you need is a capture device to sit in front of while talking, the webcam will do that job. However, if you want to go out and record people, places, etc., the $100 camcorders aren't up to it yet. The Flip Video Camcorder is a step closer, but it doesn't give you the image control, color, motion or the depth of field that delivers professional-looking results.
posted by sswiller at 7:18 PM on February 24

I've been using a Canon Zi6 for several months for my video reviews (I work for a tech blog), and its successor (the Zx1) is now coming out. It's compact, shoots 720p or 640x480 at 30 or 60fps decently as long as you're not whipping the camera around like crazy, and the sound isn't bad either. Records to easy-to-use formats that have worked for me in Premiere, Vegas, and iMovie. Costs around $150, I think - be sure to get yourself a little tiny tripod for $10.

Don't publish anything shot on a webcam, their video taking abilities are not as good in my experience and their connectivity options are not needed for what you're doing since you'll also be editing. If for some reason you don't want the Canon, Flip (mentioned above) just put out the Mino HD which is also ok, but the Canon is weather-resistant as well :).
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 8:11 PM on February 24 [1 favorite]

Minor point: I intend to use this as a talking-head camera only--no moving it around or taking it outside to shoot other people. Thanks so much for the advice so far. Researching...
posted by brenton at 8:27 PM on February 24

@BlackLeotardFront: did you mean Kodak Zi6? I can't find that model from Canon anywhere...
posted by brenton at 8:30 PM on February 24

Looks like people are done answering here and I can't wait 'till next week to re-ask in a better way, so I'm hitting up internet forums for answers. I've elaborated extensively on what the essence of my question is on a youtube forum, so feel free to read my post there if you want to give me a really quality answer. :)
posted by brenton at 5:57 PM on February 25