ACTS Project Updates

Digital Camcorders

Most dedicated low end digital video cameras start in the $US400.00 range. and go up towards US$800.00

Focus is mainly on the clarity of the video and the DV (Digital Video) format. In this case HD models will be represented.

Most crucial, perhaps, is that DV compression generally offers better quality video than the other formats. Standard definition DVD, HDD, and flash memory camcorders all employ MPEG-2 compression, which has a much lower data rate than DV – almost 1/3 the speed (8.5Mbps versus 25Mbps). Data speed is only one component of video quality, but it is important.

While there is no doubt that MiniDV is being eclipsed by newer formats like DVD, hard disk drive (HDD), and flash memory cards, it does offer a number of advantages. MiniDV is cheap and widely accessible. It’s relatively durable, though many users have experienced the frustration of a faulty tape mechanism that spills out the lengths of tape. Cassettes make for easy archiving and the capture process for editing DV is more widely available than any other media.

MiniDV’s flaw, however, is its linear nature. In the same way that DVDs surpassed VHS, people want the ability to skip around a random access set of files rather than fast forwarding and rewinding to get to a specific section on a tape.

While the DV format may fade, HDV camcorders are just picking up steam and will continue to use MiniDV tape, ensuring a continued legacy of support well into the future.

Low End Digital Camcorders

JVC GZ-HM400 – $US749.00

Canon Vixia HF-R10 – $US450.00

Mid Range

Canon HF S11 – $US1099

written by Stafford \\ tags: projects

Digital SLR Cameras

There are not many low-end DSLR cameras that shoot video to an acceptable level. They will shoot to a lower quality of what we retained Elijah Productions to create for us.

Also in the DSLR industry, the $900 to $1200 price range is classified as mid range. The High end range starts at 1600 and goes upwards from there.

Below I will represent models from the mid-range level and below, as I assume we will not be looking at a high-end DSLR.

I will also present $US pricing as the exchange rate is almost at par and in Canada there is usually a $150 to $250 base price premium added to the cost over the US equivalent.

Low End DSLR Cameras

Samsung NX10 – $US520.00

Samsung NX10 Sample Photos

Olympus EP1 – $US490.00

Olympus EP1 Sample Photos

Sony Alpha NEX5 $US679.00

Sony Alpha NEX5 Sample Photos

Proposed Mid-Range Unit: Canon EOS Rebel T2i

Other cameras in this category are more expensive

Best Price: $US 1095.00. Equivalent Canadian price $1850 includes only camera body & 1 lens

US Priced Package includes:

PHOTO SAMPLES

VIDEO SAMPLES

written by Stafford \\ tags: projects