What Cam do you use to film a Show

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Cjlcooter
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by Cjlcooter »

frantik2k3 wrote: Hello experienced tapers,

I am thinking about buying a camcorder to use when I see the band this fall indoors in the USA/Canada shows and I was wondering if you guys could tell me if the following camera specs are good enough to produce a good quality Metallica concert bootleg.

Flip Video Mino Camcorder
Digital Video Format: MPEG-4, AVI
Digital Zoom: 2 x
Camcorder Effective Still Resolution: 0.31 Mpix
Camcorder Sensor Resolution: 0.31 Mpix
Exposure Modes: Automatic
Optical Sensor Size: 1/4"
Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
Video Capture: MPEG-4 - 640 x 480 - 30 fps - 3600 sec
White Balance: Automatic
Media Type: Flash card
Min Focus Range: 3.3 ft
Supported Battery Details: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery


I know these specs are not the best, but I really can't afford to go out and buy a great camera at this time ;) But do you guys think this will be good enough or just a waste of money?
you mean this one?.. i do not think that one is really worth it, how much do you have to spend you could try ebay to get a nicer one for less or maybe you can find a GREAT used JVC Everio here http://www.craigslist.org

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... ku=8847019

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sjmike
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by sjmike »

Unless you plan on being close to the stage, a 2x zoom isn't going to do you very good. My digital camera has a 6x digital zoom on it.

You can always check for good deals on eBay and Craigslist like Chris suggested.
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frantik2k3
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by frantik2k3 »

The thing is I want something cheap, something that is small enough to be able to sneak past security and something that will do good filming.

I don't have a lot of cash to drop on a camera, especially if I plan to attend 4-6 shows like I want to. It will most likely come down to these two options... 1) spend money on a good camera and have enough left over to be able to go to one or two shows or 2) spend my money on as many shows (tickets, hotels, food, etc) that I can drive to.

I want to try to tape some shows, but funds may be an issue.
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sjmike
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by sjmike »

What is the max you're willing to spend? With Labor Day coming up soon, I bet there will be a lot of good deals on camcorders.
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by sjmike »

Panasonic Palmcorder VDR-D210 MiniDVD Camcorder - $195.99 + Free Shipping.

If you can it in the store, plus get $5 in filler items so you can use this coupon for $40 off, expires 8/31
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hellawaits77
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by hellawaits77 »

frantik2k3 wrote: I am really interested in taping some shows this fall when the band plays in the USA again, but I can imagine that most of the USA shows (indoor ones) will have some kind of metal detectors ;)

Any USA tapers in here that can provide some tips?

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never seen a security guard using a metal detector at any of the venues I've been to. Typically, I get frisked. They can't touch your ball area, so I usually wrap my mic and cammie in a plastic bag, and tape under my balls to my leg w/ electrical tape (hurts a little less). I will put a tape in each of my shoes, just under the laces.

I would say if you drive to the show, bring the cammie. If no, it's risky. I taped Slipknot in Mansfield, MA on August 8, and we took a cab from the hotel, so if I got caught I had nowhere to put the cammie. This junk is just my opinion.
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hellawaits77
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by hellawaits77 »

Yes, check eBay. I got my Panasonic PV-GS180 which was around $500 when it was new, for under $300. It was in fantastic shape and works great. Just browse around various websites, and you'll find what you need.

May I also suggest an external microphone. Many cammies internal mics suck. The sound they will pick up at a concert may be distorted, uneven, or very quiet. I'd be sure to make sure the cammie you buy has an external microphone jack. Let us know what you choose :P
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frantik2k3
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by frantik2k3 »

I'm browsing right now for a cam that has an internal harddrive... no tapes to have to worry about, which I like the idea of. Plus the size of the cam might be smaller (well hopefully it would be).

If I can get a cam before Sept 3rd, I will practice my sneaking-a-cam-in skills and filming skills at a Journey concert here in Manchester, NH.
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by Ansem »

I use a Sony DCR-DVD105. My parents bought that few years ago, but never taped a concert with it. (Never been to concert so far. >.>)
But is it recommended to film a concert with that cam? Will the quality be good enough or would it be waste of time to tape it 'cuz the quality will suck? :]
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frantik2k3
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Re: What Cam do you use to film a Show

Post by frantik2k3 »

I'm highly considering a JVC Everio GZ-MG330. They are on eBay now for a lot cheaper than most online retailers.

Anyone have any good or bad opinions about a JVC Everio GZ-MG330?
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