[DHbiker]

Hey guys,
I am in need of a new video camera. It will be used for recording pretty much anything but it will also be used for some helmet camera shots. That being said, it MUST have VTR (video tape recording) capability because that is the only way I can record onto it via a helmet camera ( www.helmetcamera.com is the one I am using). I also want a spot for the lanc connection to go to... having a lanc remote makes things all the more easier. It needs to be able to connect to a computer either by a USB cable or via firewire cable. The better the video quality the more interested I would be in buying it. Can you guys point me in the right direction? Links even maybe? I have about $500 to spend.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Wherewolf]

Sony or Canon

It will be used for recording pretty much anything but it will also be used for some helmet camera shots. That being said, it MUST have VTR (video tape recording) capability because that is the only way I can record onto it via a helmet camera ( www.helmetcamera.com is the one I am using). I also want a spot for the lanc connection to go to... having a lanc remote makes things all the more easier. It needs to be able to connect to a computer either by a USB cable or via firewire cable.

Any camcorder in that price range will have all the capabilities you seek. So buy the best Sony or Canon that fits in your budget.

 

[pacman]

Hey guys,
I am in need of a new video camera. It will be used for recording pretty much anything but it will also be used for some helmet camera shots. That being said, it MUST have VTR (video tape recording) capability because that is the only way I can record onto it via a helmet camera ( www.helmetcamera.com is the one I am using). I also want a spot for the lanc connection to go to... having a lanc remote makes things all the more easier. It needs to be able to connect to a computer either by a USB cable or via firewire cable. The better the video quality the more interested I would be in buying it. Can you guys point me in the right direction? Links even maybe? I have about $500 to spend.

Thanks for the help.

I do without the LANC, it's just another point of failure or inadvertant OFF switch. Tapes have so much capacity I just let it record continuously and do the editing later.

edit: In continuous mode I came upon a decent size cat fleeing as I approached around a curve, far enough to be at the limits of resolution, but close to being a cool shot. With a LANC I couldn't have turned it on fast enough, nor do recorders start instantly.

 

[DHbiker]

I do without the LANC, it's just another point of failure or inadvertant OFF switch. Tapes have so much capacity I just let it record continuously and do the editing later.

edit: In continuous mode I came upon a decent size cat fleeing as I approached around a curve, far enough to be at the limits of resolution, but close to being a cool shot. With a LANC I couldn't have turned it on fast enough, nor do recorders start instantly.

Well the main reason I wanted the LANC is I have the helmet camera wired up from the back-back and on the strap I have the button; then I can shut off the recording when riding the lift and turn it back on when I get up top. Save tape and I can keep it in there say all morning that way.

 

[ArmySlowRdr]

no

lanc is hardly ever included anymore it seems in that price range. I just let the tape run until its out and edit later.

Any camcorder in that price range will have all the capabilities you seek. So buy the best Sony or Canon that fits in your budget.

 

[Wherewolf]

No, yourself

lanc is hardly ever included anymore it seems in that price range.

It took me a few seconds to find the Sony DCR-HC32, which sells for under $400, has a LANC. I'm sure I could find dozens more under $500 that also do.

 

[ArmySlowRdr]

sorry Wherewolf--I was too hasty--I guess too hasty in my purchase also--I was just going by my experience earlier this year. None of the Canons in that price had LANC where in certain prior year models they did--so I assumed LANC was offered by all manufacturers on higher end cams only now..so I'm glad you found it's not so-- , but I'm fairly happy with my Elura 65 anyway which I picked up on close out at the PX for less than 400$.

 

[Wherewolf]

I don't recommend a LANC though

I don't recommend a LANC though. Tape is cheap and it's easier to just let it run and choose your footage later. With my new direct mount the back of the case is open and I can reach up and turn the camera on and off at will without removing my helmet. But unless you know a trail really well, best to just keep tape rolling to ensure you don't miss something.

 

[DHbiker]

Okay thanks guys. I think I will be going with a Canon Optura 50. Any idea how it is for action shots?