To: Harry.Bovik@K.GP.CS.CMU.EDU
Subject: Camcorders
Keywords: Camcorder
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 92 16:35:01 EST
Message-ID: <2091.699053701@VEGA.FAC.CS.CMU.EDU>
From: Sandra_Esch@VEGA.FAC.CS.CMU.EDU

Here are some of the replies I received from my recent bbpost for information 
on camcorders.

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Reply #1

Date:    Thu, 20 Feb 92 10:29:07 EST

I'm no expert, but here are some of my thoughts on camcorder
options.

Size: We enjoy the convenience of our compact.  It's easy to
grab on the way out the door to a soccer game, isn't heavy to
carry on the walk to the gym, and fits comfortably on the
bleachers when there's a break in the action.  And, as far as I
can tell, our compact has all the quality/features we'd find in
most full-size models.  

On the other hand, I've been told that it's much easier to keep
a full-size camera steady while you're shooting.

Stores: As I understand it, you can probably get the best deals 
through a catalog purchase.  I would guess someone around here
could point you to a good catalog for such things, or you could
check through a camera-oriented magazine.  

We went to Sun, Silo, Appliance Store, a couple of camera shops,
and finally found a floor model at Service Merchandise that had
all the features we wanted at a good discount.  I think
Appliance Store was the runner-up, although watch out for the
bait-and-switch there.

Features: One thing we learned is that the lux ratings mean
very little.  We tried out a seven lux (most are three or less)
overnight before our final purchase and were very pleased with
its low light capability.  

The feature we found most important was the focus mechanism. 
While essentially all camcorders have auto-focus, many of the
cheaper ones use so-called "contrast focus", which uses the
video image itself as input to the focus mechanism.  Several
models we looked at with contrast focus seemed to be noticeably
slow at changing focus when we swung from looking at something
close to something across the store.  Some also seemed to have
trouble holding focus on certain images, like something with
a lot of lines through it.  We ended up with a camera with
an IR focus: this actually uses an infrared beam to measure
distance to an object.  This isn't perfect either--it can be
confused if you're shooting through a window--but it seems to
have worked well for what we've wanted to do with it.

Many newer models have fairly powerful zoom lenses; personally,
I'm more than happy with our 6x and wouldn't pay extra for any
more.

Another important feature that I think almost all of them have
now is a flying erase head, which eliminates an annoying flash
that old camcorders used to produce between scenes.

As for other features, it depends on what you want to be able to
do with the camera.  A macro lens lets you take close-ups,
something most people probably aren't going to do with a
camcorder but something you'll need if you want to take pictures
within a foot or so of the lens.  We have an animation feature
which lets us do some cute video effects, like have a stuffed
animal appear to move by itself.  Fast shutter speed is supposed
to improve slow motion or stop action replay.  Time lapse
photography will let you film a flower opening or set up the
camera and then get in the picture before it starts filming.
We've actually used several of the special effects features on
our camera because the kids have been interested in producing
their own movies; I suspect most people never use them.

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Reply #2

Date:    Thu, 20 Feb 92 11:31:19 EST

Probably the most convenient and highest quality camcorder on the
market is the Sony TR-81 (Hi8).  Being an 8mm derivative, it will NOT
playback in your VHS deck, but it is fairly trivial to dub to VHS (I
do it all the time), and it encourages you to eliminate boring dreck
when making tapes for relatives.  It can be had in the mid-$800 range
mail order.  Camera World of Oregon seems to be a popular net favorite
(800-222-1557).  You can try haggling with local dealers, suggesting
that any sale is better than no sale, but I've had zero luck with this
approach.  An excellent local Sony video dealer (prices are a little
high) is Triangle TV, in the South Hills.  There is a Sony Repair
Center in Wexford, PA [I've had to use it for my Sony SLV-70HF
editting VHS deck, *sniff*, but the work was covered under warranty].

If you're serious about videography, look at the Sony CCD-V801, which
is an improved version of my camcorder, the V101.  It has 10x zoom
(101 has 8x), RC Timecode (for accurate editing with the RM-E700
editor), a sportsfinder viewfinder, and quick start.  The Canon A-1
Digital also gets high marks.  The creme-de-la-creme in ``prosumer''
camcorders are the Canon L-1 (with VL interchangable lens mount) and
the Sony CCD-V5000 (which is a shoulder rest Hi-8mm camcorder) with
both stereo Digital PCM audio and stereo AFM audio and lots of digital
effects including a TBC for rock solid playback and editting (we have
one at the ITC).  Both the L-1 and more so the 5000 are due for an
upgrade soon.


I understand that the Sony TR-51 is a good 8mm machine, if you're cost
conscious.

Full-size VHS camcorders tend to have more features for the money, but
the bulk can be prohibitive.  VHS-C (compact) tapes are short, and
leave the tape exposed, and are going the way of beta.

If you're into ``event'' photography, the best results are obtained
from a 3-CCD chip camera, probably docked to an S-VHS or Hi-8 recorder
(around $7-10K).

S-VHS editting equipment is easier to find and cheaper than Hi8, so a
lot of people dub from Hi-8 to S-VHS.

Don't forget to get a good video light (yes, camcorders will produce a
nice, grainy, splotchy-color picture in low light--and lux ratings are
not standardized), and a tripod.  If you're really into taking shots
while moving, the Steadicam JR ($600) is a nifty gizmo.  A camera bag
is nice for keeping things in one place, especially extra tapes.  You
should also get either a UV filter ($10) or a circular polarizing
filter ($20) for your lens to act mostly as a lens protector (much
cheaper to replace a filter than your lens!).  A good place to find
these gizmos is at Ritz Camera (Waterworks, Ross Park, etc.).

There are about a zillion features, almost none of which you'll use,
and I've already factored that information into my summaries above.

If you want point-and-shoot-type use, a good autofocus system is
mandatory.  The only camcorder to date with flawless autofocus is the
TR-81 (and maybe the TR-51).  If you want to be creative about your
videography, you need good control over focus, iris, shutter, and
gain.  For this type of use, go with the Sony 801 or Cannon A-1/L-1
(or a 101 if you can find one new).

I wouldn't trust used camcorders:  it's very expensive to repair a
camcorder. Do NOT ever open one!  You'll never get it back together
again.

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Reply #3

Date:    Thu, 20 Feb 92 17:54:15 EST

1) see March 1991 issue on Consumer report
2) Go to a SUN & Appliance store or an Appliance store for most variety
3) Palm usually equals 8mm which implies that you cannot use the
recorded tape directly to your video. 
4) Get your Credit Card *ready*...for a thousand bucks...

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Reply #4

Date:    Thu, 20 Feb 92 22:31:36 EST

The Magnavox is the best buy (not cheapest). It is a lot more
reliable than Pana and Sony.

The Fisher is cheapest ($550 or so).  I'm not sure how good it is.

RCA is also good but a little overpriced for its performance.

Don't get roped into S-VHS.  Not really worth it. Not until
HDTV comes out.

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Reply #5

Date:    Fri, 21 Feb 92 11:14:00 EST

VHS-C tapes are $5-$8.  I've never had trouble with the exposed tape (since I
keep the tapes in their plastic boxes when not in the camcorder).

We used the little tapes to film things, and then copy them onto large
format VHS tapes to save them (and re-use the little tapes).  We've
found that the little tapes can wear out after 10-20 uses, mainly
because the camera transport mechanism isn't quite as gentle as the
regular VCR decks.

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Reply #6

Date:    Fri, 21 Feb 92 13:14:00 EST

We recently purchased a Fuji X-8 Wide. It is an 8mm camera reasonably priced
at Sun Appliance Store  for $744.00. It has some extras that I find very 
useful.

1) A standard 6 to 1 zoom but it also has a special wide angle lense
that is permanently attached. But you can't use the zoom when your using the
wide angle.

2) A built in tripod. Which is able to tilt the camera, I believe, up
to a 45 degree angle.

3) A handle called the GRIP. Which not only acts as a carrying handle but
also extends down from the camera, up to an 90 degree angle. It has a 
record button on the GRIP so you can hold the camera with it and record
all with the same hand. Your other hand has to work the zoom lens.

and
4) It comes with a remote control.

It has alot of other features, but the ones I mentioned are the ones that
sold me on the camera. Oh it also comes with a full 1 year warranty from
the manufacturer. Most cameras don't have this long of a manufacturers
warranty.