Compact, HD camcorder with manual control options?
December 14, 2009 11:11 AM Subscribe
I’m looking to buy a compact, flash-based, HD-capable camcorder with the ability to shut off automatic controls such as white balance and auto-focus.
In addition to the usual stuff one does with a camcorder I’d also like to use it for stop-motion, time-lapse, and some other projects where I’ll need to shut off white balance and possibly auto-focus.
Something like the Flip or the Kodak Zi8 would be ideal but I don’t see that they have the ability to shut off these automatic features. If I have to go for a more traditional shaped camera, that’s fine. I’d like it to be somewhat small and inexpensive. Preferably under $500.00.
It needs to be able to do at least 720p HD widescreen. Good quality, good frame-rate, etc.
I’d prefer flash based but if a hard-drive based camera is my only option I’ll go with it. Tape is right out.
In a pinch, a regular point-and-shoot camera will do as long as the video quality is decent and I can shut the automatic stuff off.
If what I want does not exist, please let me know that too.
In addition to the usual stuff one does with a camcorder I’d also like to use it for stop-motion, time-lapse, and some other projects where I’ll need to shut off white balance and possibly auto-focus.
Something like the Flip or the Kodak Zi8 would be ideal but I don’t see that they have the ability to shut off these automatic features. If I have to go for a more traditional shaped camera, that’s fine. I’d like it to be somewhat small and inexpensive. Preferably under $500.00.
It needs to be able to do at least 720p HD widescreen. Good quality, good frame-rate, etc.
I’d prefer flash based but if a hard-drive based camera is my only option I’ll go with it. Tape is right out.
In a pinch, a regular point-and-shoot camera will do as long as the video quality is decent and I can shut the automatic stuff off.
If what I want does not exist, please let me know that too.
This thread is closed to new comments.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=161
http://dvinfo.net/
http://www.videouniversity.com/
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/index.cfm
http://reviews.cnet.com/Camcorders
I've also heard that the hd video on some of the major DSLRs these days is surprisingly good. They'd be sure to give you full manual control but may bust your budget for now.
posted by Askr at 12:20 PM on December 14, 2009