I’m thinking about getting a video camera to recorded some of my live performances in order post them on YouTube, my website and make demo DVDs for potential clients. I wanted some opinions of my fellow SZ members on a video camera that has good audio quality. Unfortunately I don’t have too much of a budget. I don’t want to go over $300.00. Are there in good options out there?

I just ordered a new Alesis Videotrack from B&H Photo. Marked down to $29 (no tax, free shipping)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67..._Audio_and.html



Youtube has some demos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3txB99RxBcQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDCA9i0a1-g&

It has 3 recording modes: video, audio only, or still flash camera. Holds up to a 16gb SD card.

For the price, you can't go wrong to try it.

Duane

That's an incredible find--order one a minute ago.

Gary

If you want to get close to broadcast quality, you're gonna need more than this.

Little Cannon Rebels (still cameras-the top end one) are pretty awesome, even though they're lots more money).

Don't think, with limitations on light adjustments and lack of depth of field, speed and manual focus, you're going to impress anyone with the images you'll get.

The good news is, for about $1500.00 in a camera and editing software, you can now get the quality that would have cost $50,000 plus just a few years ago. A unit like this is not really designed to use for any serious broadcast quality work, which is what you need to "cut thru the clutter" on YouTube.

Russ (fussy old dude) Lay

I use a KODAK ZX1 HD awesome video and best AUDIO I have ever heard off a cam.

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Zx1_Pocket_Video_Camera/productID.145117100

Most point and shot Cameras now a days have already full HD video with stereo sound recording.
You'll get one for way under $300.
I take mine (Canon) to all concerts and get great results.
Just as an alternative.
640X480 wouldn't cut it for me.
Eric

I suggest you look at the Zoom Q3HD. It has great audio quality stereo XY mics on top, 720 and 1080p HD video. It records to up to 32 GB SD cards. It fits in a shirt pocket and is extremely easy to use. It also features a built in USB cable, HDMI output, built in speaker, stereo line in and line outputs, runs a 2AA batteries and sells for $299.

Oh, and it also includes software for easy uploading to YouTube.

Don't need broadcast quality--this is just a neat little vid device to go on the boat with me and record those neat moments while heading south to the Florida Keys and Bahamas. I worked for several years with broadcast quality video recorders, mainly Ikegamis that weighed a ton. They were pretty expensive back then, about $150,000 each. I thought seriously about buying a Zoom Q4, which is their latest, but this will do just fine for my purposes, and if the salt air kills the camera, I'm only out $29--not $400.

Cheers,

Gary

what ever you buy today will be obsolete in a few months anyway.....go figure..

Hi Duane and Gary,
Curious...Have you tried it yet?

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Larry

Mine arrived DEAD! It appeared to have been used, scratched up display and lens, nothing worked. I called customer service, they apologized, emailed me a prepaid return label and I sent it back via UPS yesterday. They said they would send me another one as soon as it arrived at their return facility.

Gary

Alesis arrived today. Charged it up and recorded a few seconds to make sure that it works.

Definitely worth the $30. I also have a Panasonic PV-GS500 3-CCD Mini DV Camcorder (about 5 years old) but this little Alesis fits in my shirt pocket, and has the USB to load files into my laptop.

I'll do a video this weekend and post it.

Duane

Thanks Guys...Gary sorry to hear of your lemon, but I least Alexis responded in a positive way, and Duane, thanks for the update. This device seems to be a great audio recorder with the added bonus of video, albeit a 'not so great' video quality. But the price is certainly right at $30

now that everyone has these video cameras will we see some people playing?

I don't have a camera yet, Donny, but, perhaps the sale of my house, and moving into new digs will give me an opportunity to buy one and also have the spare time to upload some tunes.

How about you? You have a camera, do you not?

Let's see some "Donny on the Keys" videos, and perhaps you will encourage more SZ members to do their own videos.

Ian

I would certainly like to see some Donny videos, but I don't agree that it would encourage the likes of me to post a video of mine!!

Actually I am hoping that some of us outsiders would!

no excuses from me ...I just refuse to post anything anymore..

How come, Donny?

Not feeling well?

How are the peepers? I hope you are doing okay after the surgeries.

I can't remember seeing any videos of you on the keys posted here.

I'm just glad that Telmo and Joost and a few others will still post videos of their playing...always a real treat.

Ian

Don M posted some live footage of Donny jaming with a guitar player. It was really good. I'd love to hear/see more!

Yes, now I remember...that was at the "jam session"...I believe Donny was playing a Yamaha PSR arranger.

I liked it...he sounded good.

More please?

Ian

sorry ...but I just got over all this eye surgery stuff and really not in the mood to record music or especially videos at this time..

Just get better, Donny...that is the most important thing...all the music stuff can wait.

Ian

Donny's just bashful!

All the best old friend,

Gary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TY5rR-zpPI

Joe Lee Richards, DonM and DNJ at the Jam.

I'm going to New York City this week to play on the PA3x some more. I thought I'd stop at B&H to pick up one of these Alesis "Videotracks" at $29.

I'm not that familiar with these things, but I need something to record "events" that I might need to record and keep a record of in everyday living. Eric mentioned: "640X480 wouldn't cut it for me." I'm assuming that means the same lack of clarity I would see in a 640x480 jpg.

But I really only need a "knock-a-around" device that I don't have to worry if I lose it. I'm not going to post onto Youtube.

Having said all that, would this then be a good recorder to buy?

Mark

The replacement camera arrived yesterday--it's really neat! And, for $29 you can do more things than I would have imagined. Granted, it's not a high-resolution video camera, but I didn't expect that for the price. It does a pretty good job, though, has lots of neat features and it will be going with me on some music jobs, and of course, on some sailing trips on Chesapeake Bay. The software is bare bones, but you can do some editing as well as post directly on YouTube. The scary part is after recording a short segment of me playing the keyboard I came to the stark realization that I'm really old looking now and a lot fatter. When this last batch of Margaretta mix is gone it's back to the South Beach Diet so all those beautiful silk vests will once again button without taking a deep breath.

More to come,

Gary

Yes, for $29 how could I go wrong? I could always use it as a paperweight if nothing else.

I went to B&H and bought one. The salesman told me he used it himself to film his musical performances. He said they're blowing them out because no one buys these things anymore as they are incorporated in smart phones now. Made sense to me.

I only needed a basic recorder, and it looks like a quality unit. I'm happy with my purchase. Thanks to Duane for posting this.

Mark