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Best Tapeless Camcorder?

What is the best Mac compatible camcorder?

  • I have a Mac OS X Version 10.6.4 with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor. I need a camcorder for school purposes because I'm a Media Studies major. It needs to have quite a good quality, tapeless, HD, the works as much as possible. My budget is 600 to 1100 dollars, but around 900 or so would be more convenient. My iMovie version is 8.0.6. and Would it be easier to just buy Final Cut or does that no have anything to do with compatibility? NEED THIS URGENTLY!!! Its for university you know. :D THANKS

  • Answer:

    Ok let me dispel a myth first... With the addition of iMove 09' to the iLife Suite we gained compatibility for all camcorders that are flash and hard drive based. I have yet to find a camcorder that iMove will not import the video from. Because these cameras use USB, Universal Serial Bus, for the computer connection all camcorders will upload the video in the same way because it is a standard. As such you should have no issue with ANY camera now with importing to iMove. Now that is aside I WOULD recommend for you to get FinalCut for your studies because it gives you a larger tool set with far more options for both video & audio editing. As far as the camcorders it really depends on what you want and what you needs are I can sugest some camcorders that are very nice: 1) JVC GZ-HM320: Retail Price: $449.99 Video Quality: 1080p@60fps Focusing Type: Auto Only Low Lux: Yes Mic Input: No Storage: 8GB Flash 2) Canon HF-M31: Retail Price: $699.99 Video Quality: 1080i@60/24fps Focusing Type: Auto Only Low Lux: No Mic Input: Yes Storage: 32GB Flash 3) Canon HF-S20: Retail Price: $1099.99 Video Quality: 1080i@60/24fps Focusing Type: Auto/Manual Low Lux: No Mic Input: Yes Storage: 32GB Flash 4) Sony HDR-CX350V: Retail Price: $899.99 Video Quality: 1080i@60fps Focusing Type: Auto Only Low Lux: Yes Low Lux: Yes Mic Input: No Storage: 32GB Flash 5) Sony HDR-CX550V: Retail Price: $1199.99 Video Quality: 1080i@60fps Focusing Type: Auto/Manual Low Lux: Yes Mic Input: No Storage: 64GB Flash All of these camcorders product a very nice image quality though sometimes I find Sony's to pick up and sometimes over saturate things within the Green color spectrum they are about the best in low light. That being said I think you'll be much better off with the Canon because you will be able to use an external Mic so you are not limited to the on camera Mic. I do hope this helps.

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Most, if not all modern Cameras are compatible with Macs

Yutsud

As a Media Studies major, you will learn the drawbacks of the current consumer tapeless formats when compared to tape formats. This is why I like cameras like the Canon HV40, and it's why I'm easily loading a tape from my HV30 into Avid Media Composer on my Mac right now. Where tapeless formats really start to shine are in the P2 and XDCam formats, which are well out of your budget. Before that, you get heavily-compressed, processor-intensive video that is still on the way as far as compatibility is concerned. They might suit your purposes just fine, but just know what you're getting into. I am not sure 100% about iMovie reading many of the tapeless formats, but I know that it can capture DV and HDV with no problem. As for the other formats, it can be hit-and-miss. If you go tapeless, a program like ClipWrap might help you for AVCHD video that you'd ordinarily capture using Final Cut's Log and Transfer tool. In that sense, FCP or Avid might help with compatibility, but there will almost certainly be workarounds that you can use to get iMovie to work if they don't support your camera directly. All I can say is do plenty of research, and check to make sure that the camera you choose will play nicely with your computer through the entire editing process. Also be on the lookout for student discount prices on Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer, both great programs that are widely used everywhere in the production business.

NYC fan

Edit Video on Mac easily with MAC Video Editor http://www.bestblurayconverter.com/video_editor_for_mac.htm Good luck.

Omay

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