Low or No Cost Camcorder Tips and Tricks

3 easy camcorder tips that you can set up and start using in about 10 minutes.

Professional camcorder equipment is expensive. If you want to rig up with a state of the art Dolly, Crane and Steadicam you are looking at thousands of dollars.

Thanks to YouTube you can find all kinds of low cost and free DIY type camcorder tips and projects that can improve your video tremendously.

Here’s just a sampling of some of the great camcorder tips and tricks that you can implement at very little or no financial outlay. I’ve included the YouTube user name for the corresponding video where I found  each of these nifty tricks in brackets .

camcorder tipsTip #1. The No Dolly Dolly Shot.(brusspup)

Want to get that smooth steady dolly or crane shot but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on the equipment? Here’s one of the simplest  camcorder tips you can use.

Nothing says professional video like a nice dolly or crane shot. The trouble is a dolly or crane can run into the mega bucks price range and it can be tricky to transport all of that equipment and a pain to set it all up for a quick shot.

There is an easy solution to getting that smooth dolly or crane like shot and if you own a tripod it won’t cost you a penny.

Simply retract the forward leg of your tripod. Tilt or pivot the tripod forward and backward on its two rear legs. Keep the tripod head loose so that you can adjust for the up and down motion as you tilt the tripod forward and backward.

With a little practice and a smooth motion you can get a very smooth although short dolly or crane like shot. Easy and quick to set up.

Tip #2. Low/No Cost Steadicam. (SundogPictures)

The Steadicam shot is essential to a professional looking video. Check out one of the best, easiest and inexpensive(free) camcorder tips on YouTube.

Take a look at your tripod. Check where the legs attaches to the center piece. There’s a  stabilizer bar that goes from the leg to the center tube. Remove the screw on one of these stabilizer bars from one of the legs. Put the screw back into it’s hole so you don’t loose it.

Now the loose leg should pivot up to ninety degrees or more in relation to the other two collapsed legs. This loose leg will now be the handle for your new steadicam.

Attach your camcorder as usual but pivot the tripod head ninety degrees.

Now lift the tripod camcorder assembly up by the loose leg. You may have to extend the other legs out to compensate for the weight of the camcorder.

You now have a free reasonably good steadicam for smooth motion shots.

You can use the unattached stabilizer bar as an up and down tilt handle.

Check out the video  here for cool camcorder tips.

Tip #3. The Rubber Band Pan.(brusspup)

Here is one of the simplest camcorder tips you will ever see. It’s so simple it’s kind of stupid.

It can be difficult to get a nice smooth pan shot by swiveling the pan head on your tripod with your hand. It’s nearly impossible to do this with out some amount of jerkiness.

A very easy solution is to loop a rubber band around the tripod’s handle. Now when you want to pan just pull on the rubber band instead of the pulling or pushing on the handle. The rubber band acts as a shock absorber between the tripod handle and your hand.

You can achieve a nice smooth pan motion using this technique and it won’t cost you anything.

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The Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

The Canon XA10

canon xa10

Canon’s compact professional camcorder line now includes the brand new, state of the art ultra compact Canon XA10.

The XA10 blurs the line between pro and consumer models. More of a pro-sumer.

Don’t be fooled by this cameras small size. This is a professional quality camcorder packing  professional quality video options in a small, compact body.

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The Sensor

This camcorder utilizes the 1/3″ sensor for full 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is the same sensor used in Canon’s professional camcorders.

The native 1/3″ sensor unlocks some unique features that elevate this camcorder above the crowd. The pro grade sensor allows for excellent image quality, superior low light capability and a wider dynamic range using canons digic dv3 processor.

Get Control

Just like the full size Canon professional camcorders the Canon XA10 offers full manual control over focus, shutter speed, aperture, gain and color temperature.

The Codec

With the now widely accepted AVCHD(Advanced Video Coding High Definition) codec, video shot with the XA10 can be edited easily on all major video editing platforms.

AVCHD is the codec for Blu-ray. The Canon XA10 is perfect for recording footage for Blu-ray format and conversion to web-based content easy.

For the Record

The Canon XA10 can record at different quality levels. Up to 24 mbps at full HD 1920 x 1080 in frame rates including 60i, 30 progressive, 24 progressive and native 24p. The native 24p is recorded at true 23.98 frames per second. The 30 progressive and 24 progressive will record at 60i frame rate with extra frames. This will allow anyone with entry level editing software to edit footage at 24p as well as allowing professional shooters the option to edit within a 23.98 time base. Closely matching a film frame rate.

Don’t Forget The Memory

Canon XA10

The Canon XA10 carries on board a full 64 gigabytes of internal memory. This will give you up to 6 hours of video at the highest quality settings and up to an astounding 24 hours on lower quality settings.  There are 2 SDXC card ports for additional memory storage. So, if you combine the internal 64 gigs with two an additional 64 gig SDXC cards you can record for up to 72 hours. Yes.

The XA10 also features relay recording which will automatically begin recording onto the next card when you have run out of space so you won’t loose any of your shots.

Get The Canon XA10 at Amazon Here

Double Slot Recording

The innovators at Canon have come out with a feature that is new to the camcorder world in double slot recording. You are able to record to both SDXC cards simultaneously so that you create an automatic back up of your footage.

Lens

The Canon XA10 comes with a 10x wide HD video lens. With an equivalent 35mm zoom range of 30.4mm to 304mm. The 8 blade iris gives you smooth flowing backgrounds

The Canon XA10 utilizes the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization system. There are four modes to choose from. Standard, Powered, Dynamic and Off.

Cinema Look

Choose between 9 filter modes to give you the look and feel you want.

Touch and Track

Point to an object on the 3.5″ touch screen and the camera will automatically prioritize that subjects focus and exposure settings no matter where it moves in the frame during the shot.

The View

The Canon XA10 has an electronic view finder that allows you to see your images clearly in any lighting conditions. Along with Canon’s Instant Auto focus System high quality crystal clear HD video is at your command indoors or out.

Get a Handle on it

The handle on the XA10 has two built in XLR inputs with phantom power and independent audio control. You can use a variety of hand held, shot gun or wireless microphones. The handle is removable to reduce the size of the camcorder making it less conspicuous, more mobile and easier to pack.

Remote Control

The remote control port is set up for use with lanc zoom controllers.

Infrared

One thing you don’t see on most professional camcorders is the Infrared mode. A switch on the side of the camera instantly puts you in infrared mode giving you clear, sharp images even in no light.

Conclusion

“The Canon XA10 is state of the art. It features the very latest in Canon’s imaging technology. Feature packed with professional level options this camcorder is the one that will set the standard for now and into the future”.

When shopping online for professional camcorders you need to be certain that the sellers website is safe and secure.  Amazon.com is the most trusted online seller, period.  Shop with confidence knowing that your information is secure and that all transactions are carried out efficiently and reliably.

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Panasonic AG HMC40 AVCHD Full-HD Camcorder

The Panasonic AG HMC40

panasonic ag hmc40The Panasonic ag hmc40 camcorder gives you crystal clear full HD AVCHD recording combined with full 10.6 mega pixel still photographs.

This is a totally tape less camcorder that makes shooting footage and transferring your video a snap. It’s two awesome cameras combined into one low cost package.

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At just over 2lbs the panasonic ag hmc40 is a great traveling companion. It’s light weight and small size packs very well.

This camcorder would work well for helmet mounted action videography. It’s inconspicuous size will get you in to events where a full size camcorder might exclude you. If you are shooting in concerts or at sporting events maybe filming a christening inside of a church this camcorder is the “go to” tool for the job.

The simple to use SD HC memory card recording makes this one of the easiest most versatile camcorders to use. Easily transfer your footage straight from the camera to your HD TV or PC in one step for publishing.

The easiest way to play your footage on your PC is to simply remove the SD HC card from the camera and plug it into the card reader on your PC. If your computer or laptop does not have an SD HC reader you can pick up a SD to USB converter for a few bucks.

If you go to the panasonic ag hmc40 website you can downlosd the AVCCAM viewer program for easy viewing on your computer.

High definition at pro bit rates. High capacity SD cards give you hours of recording. 1080 and 720 HD formats with PH, HA HG and HE modes. File based work flow gives you fast access for viewing and editing. SD HC class 6 or higher is recommended.

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The xlr adapter gives you high quality audio capability when combined with the audio module. This gives you a mission ready tool for broadcast quality production.

The full resolution 3mp 1/4″ 3mos imager captures exceptionally clear full HD 1920 x 1080 video in AVCHD far out shinning HDV(mpeg2) recordings. HDV is 15 year old technology. Mpeg4 or AVCHD is new extremely robust technology.

It’s digital still 10.6 mp images are captured directly onto the SD card in Jpeg format.

Connect the camcorder or SD card to any number of consumer devices for instant transfer, playback and selection of recorded video and still images.

High capacity SD cards can be used like tape. Switch them out as needed. Or leave the SD card in place and use the usb 2.0 port for camera connection or thumb drive download.

A microphone input on the side is great for on the spot interviews.

With the HDMI out you are able to connect to your monitor or HD TV for instant previewing.

The Panasonic AG HMC40 is adorned with a high quality 12x Leica Dicomar lens system with 13 elements in 10 groups.

Accepts 43mm filter. Extremely smooth optical zoom to 12x, 40.8mm wide angle and Panasonics OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) enables shooting in any situation.

Remote zoom, date/time stamp, bars, zebra, focus assist and white balance right on the side are just some of the professional features found on this small but capable camcorder.

The Panasonic AG HMC40 has an LCD touch screen that makes it easy to jump from scene to scene and access all the functions of the camera. You can even control where you want to focus from here.

Full editing software and an industry leading warranty are included.

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Sony HVR A1U C-MOS 1080i HDV Camcorder

sony hvr a1uThe Sony HVR A1U

From the Sony Professional division comes the sony hvr a1u C-MOS 1080i HDV Camcorder.

This is a serious entry level professional HD camcorder. Bigger than the small consumer cams but smaller than other pro HD cameras. The price point follows this same formula. More expensive than the consumer models but considerably less expensive than other professional camcorders with equivalent features.

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Known for it’s compact size and rugged construction this has become the “go to” camera for on the fly video capture for professional broadcast productions and documentaries as well as serious hobbyists and beginning videographers. When discretion and durability are concerns this camcorder has you covered.

Whether you are looking to shoot broadcast quality video or capture footage of family and friends to show on your HD television in full 1080 High definition the sony hvr a1u is on task. High quality HD video and excellent sound recording with fluid zoom and focus capability, this camcorder begs to be used. Good things do indeed come in small packages. In the case of the sony hvr a1u about a pound and a half.

Features

The fit in your hand Sony HVR A1U is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Don’t be fooled by it’s small size. This camera is jam packed full of professional grade features found on much more expensive camcorders.

Audio Module

“The first thing that you notice about the Sony HVR A1U other than it’s diminutive size is the large Audio Module perched on the top of the camera”.

The module has two audio inputs, a shotgun microphone that produces top quality sound recording can be connected to one input while the other audio input can be used for a corded microphone for a speaker to use. What’s nice about this arrangement is you can not only get audio from your speaker/reporter but you will be able to pick up ambient sound on the other microphone and audio input. The audio unit mounts on a Sony proprietary AIS or “Active Interface Shoe”. The shoe is located at the top, front of the camcorder.

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Lens

The Sony HVR A1U comes with a rectangular lens hood and mechanical cover protecting the Carl Zeiss lens. The soft rubber hood acts as a good proximity indicator when getting in close. If you bump the subject it will cushion the effect.

10x optical zoom plus digital 40x or 20x on top of that is accomplished either by a manual zoom ring or automatically with the zoom button above your right thumb. Manual focus is with the same ring assembly. Three buttons on the side of the lens are for Backlight, Expanded Focus and Telemacro come in very handy for instant preset adjustments.

The auto exposure setting does exactly what you’d expect, automatically adjust the exposure. The exposure lever allows preprogramming of exposure settings for instant access. On the opposite side of the lens there are two buttons. One is a programmable button which may be programmed to your specification. The other is a nightshot mode button. Left and right microphones are built into the lens for non audio module sound recording.

Display

The 2.7 inch 16:9 flip out LCD display also acts as your menu guide with touch screen technology. Sony got rid of the preponderance of buttons normally found on high end camcorders and shifted their functions to an easy to use, well thought out touch screen LCD display panel. You will find functions here that you would only find on much more expensive camcorders.

You will need to spend some time calibrating the LCD screen and viewfinder. The use of a touch screen pen is advised. If you are using your finger to navigate the menus you are going to smudge it. This can effect the way your video looks on the screen. By using a touch screen pen you will keep it cleaner longer. Always pack some handi wipes as well for screen cleaning.

Battery

The battery compartment is at the back of the Sony HVR A1U. Standard Sony M series batteries are the ones it uses. You’ll get around two hours of battery life from the included standard M series battery. Of course this depends on which functions are enabled.

The battery is charged on board. You can get a separate charger so that you can have additional batteries ready to go.

Still Shots

You can take stills with the Sony HVR A1U. During video shooting or not. You will need a memory card to store them. Access to stills can also be gained via the USB port on the side.

Video Out

You have four outputs, USB, RGB Component, iLink1394 and additional video and composite video.

Media

Switchable HDV/DVCAM/DV (SP) format recording.

Conclusion

This camcorder is light weight and travels well. Perfect for getting high quality footage on your vacation or as an inconspicuous camera for sporting events, concerts or church. It would make an excellent action cam mounted on your motorcycle or ski helmet.  If you are taking a professional camera into a dangerous situation you may prefer to loose this one over a more expensive model. Probably why it is in use on Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch” and “Ice Road Truckers”.

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