Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Hello....I'm looking at upgrading my Video Cam for some youtube stuff BUT...I noticed a "Digital" Camcorder at Office Depot.

This unit doesn't use a Tape...so I'm thinking it will be easier to make DVD's and upload to the web.

Any folks out here using a "Digital" Camcorder?

Thanks,
Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Don,

I think you'll find that before too long, you won't be able to find such a thing as a "tape" version of a camcorder.

Suggest you go Digital. Both of my kids have 'em, record for hours at a time, and it's simply a matter of plugging them into the computer and dubbing the contents onto a disc, or into a folder. (At least that's what my teenaged grand daughter tells me. :)

Pete

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Thanks Pete...I just found a Digital Camcorder at Office Depot for $349.

Salesclerk says it's REAL SIMPLE to shoot video and upload to youtube.

A great way to promote your products...and the video is hosted on YouTube.

Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Which camera did you buy?

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Don,

Here's a 10-minute clip - How to Film a Video - from Askthebuilder.com:

http://www.copywriting1.com/2007/12/...ilm-video.html

Also, if you're just shooting short clips at your desk and that sort of quality, you might want to consider something like the RCA Small Wonder EZ205 that I just picked up last week at Circuit City for $89 that records up to 2 hours, or 30 minutes for the higher DVD quality setting. You can also find last years EZ105 (60 minutes) around for $50-$60, or even the EZ101 (30 minutes) for around $30.

It's pretty amazing what you can get for the price and the way that Youtube breaks your files way down in size, the quality is gonna suffer no matter what type of camera you use.

I also register free accounts at Box.net to upload and store the files directly from my camera to their server. Then download the clips back into Windows Movie Maker as I need them.

Good luck,

Rod

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

That's one heck of a tutorial!
Thanks for sharing.
Robert J.

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Hey Rod....AWESOME!

Thanks for the input.

Now...I'll "give something back".

I've been a "Go" guy for over 30 yrs. I get an idea to start a biz....I research as much as I can about it and....I STEP OUT AND DO IT! Knowing that I have a 50-50 chance of making it or not making it.

Well...fortunately, Ive had more make it than didn't.

My very first "Biz-Op" had to do with offering a "PRE-View Video" for my Biz-Op, for which I charged a "Refundable, $20 Deposit".

This was a TAPE Video where I found a company that would make 100 (60 min) Tapes for $200. This was way back in 1985 when Video was just coming alive.

My "FREE Preview Video" (for which those interested had to send me $20) showed little ol' ME holding and demonstrating the product I was selling.

Now...the BIG DIFFERENCE in using Video to show prospects your product or program is; They can SEE IT and NOT COPY IT!

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

There's NO QUESTION the product exists. This is compared to showing your product in an email or ebook or fax or Printed sheets or even on a website...WHERE YOUR PRODUCT CAN BE EASILY COPIED!

So...I started getting requests for my "FREE Preview Video" for which they had to pay a "Refundable Deposit of $20".

They watched the Video and either bought my "Back-End" program or they didn't. About 20% BOUGHT my Back-Ender that I was showing on the FREE Preview Video. Only about 1 out of 100 asked for a refund of my "FREE Preview Video" for which they had paid a Refundable Deposit of $20.

Now....fast forward to 2008. We have YouTube and 5 or 6 other sites we can place our "PREVIEW VIDEOS"...where people can watch the video and see us giving a sales pitch for our "Back-End" product or program AND...IT'S ALL FREE!

Plus...you don't even have to take up space on your hard drive or server, let the FREE VIDEO sites host your Videos. No making up Physical Videos. No Mailing fees. No Nothing. Just upload and pick a good Title GRABBER and you'll get viewers. Awesome.

Only ONE problemo;
When people sent me $20 for my FREE Preview Videos...they were VERY QUALIFIED as to being INTERESTED in MY PROGRAM or PRODUCT!

Placing a Video on You Tube doesn't qulify people....the 3 good things about it is:
1) It's FAST to get a Video on YouTube
2) It's FREE
3) It could attract THOUSANDS of prospects

So...ya put yer money down and ya take yer chances. And...Video is the way to go.

So...that's where I'm headed. Thanks for the input.

Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Adman,
You can convert vhs tape to digital with an analog to digital converter. I think think they cost around $80 to $100. Also you might check for an external mic jack.

Scott S.

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Scott...with a "Digital" there's no need to "convert". You can go directly to YouTube or a DVD Burner.

However....is there a major advantage to having a "Tape" init? Like, Image Quality? etc...

Thanks,
Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Don, thank you for your excellent idea and points!

And let me add one more potentially BIG plus for online video ...

The VIRAL factor!

More specifically, the opportunity to establish and film the BIG PROMISE of your product to attract a large, pass-along viewing audience.

For example, on a corporate scale I think it was Timex that PROMISED the indestructible nature of one of its sport watches by filming the results of straping one to the front of a speed boat.

But what's really cool about web video is the little guy can potentially accomplish the same results.

For example, if you offer a product that you claim is so easy even a child can use it. Why not create a cute video actually showing a child using it? Which is one very simple idea with the potential to catch on. Or, if you sell a Biz-Opp that offers a great way for stay-at-home mom's to make an extra $1000 a month part-time, with no previous business experience. Then put together an interview with a successful stay-at-home mom which supports this claim.

Point being to IDENTIFY the BIG PROMISE of your product or service, film it, and promote it BOTH offline and online with some PR and media support. Which can start by simply showing it to your local community newspaper.

Also, one point of my previous comment was that serving and streaming high-quality online video is a different breed of cat then Youtube and the others who heavily encode or reduce the size of your files, so the cheaper digital camcorders can work fine for webcam quality shots. And for some pretty amazing prices. Kmart ran a recent clearance sale on the 07' EZ105 for $48. Walgreen still carries the same item and it would be interesting to see what you might get it for if you refer to Kmarts sale. Though if you check eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist, there's a lot of them available.

If you do pick one up at Circuit City, be sure to check their online prices, because it cost more in the store.

And, here's a link to everything you would need to know about Windows Movie Maker:

http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net/Tutorials/

Cheers,

Rod

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Don,
I am pretty new to creating videos but I just purchased a high-end vhs camcorder off ebay for $60.00 + shipping. I will purchase a converter next week for around $80.00. I will then have the video on my pc in digital form. From there I can do what I want with the video (but it will take a few extra steps).
I think that getting a higher quality vhs camcorder was better than purchasing a lower quality digital. But I will also keep an eye open on craigslist for a digital to throw in the car just in case the need comes up. I don't know if this is the best route but it is an option if, like me, someone has a limited budget.

Scott S.

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Thanks Scott....some months ago I bough an el cheapo BUT....for doing DVD's it's el-stinko. Plus, the one I bought did NOT have a way to be anchored to a tripod...so I wound up taping it to the tripod.

My old Panasonic does not provide the quality so, I'm looking for a replacement.

Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

The RCA camera Rod suggested is great for video. I got it's cousin, a Flip cam for about $90 last year at Costco and have been happy with it - and one of the best features is you don't have to worry about losing or damaging it as much as you would worry with a $600 cam. :)

If you need more features or better quality, a $300 - $600 cam from Sony, Canon or just about any major company should work.

Depending on the editing you plan to do, Sony's entry level Vegas software is great for under $100.

Steve

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Thanks Steve. You're right, I'm not talking el cheapo, but good quality for webcam type video to post on Youtube. I've been amazed at what you can get for under $100, even under $50. And it's really easy to get carried away and blow a lot of money on video equipment that you don't need for the audience you are intending to reach. Plus, a STRONG OFFER will always overcome any perceived lack of quality in terms of how you choose to deliver a STRONG OFFER.

Cheers,

Rod

Hey...Steve & Rod
 

On those video cams;

You are RIGHT! It's really NOT the "quality" of the presentation....it's the CONTENT!

Example: My first venture into "Selling stuff via Video" was the following;

1) Old Time Panasonic Video TAPE camera with an external Mic connection
2) Lighting - a ClampOn Flood Light I got at the local hardware store

I found a Video Dupe company in Caleefornya that would dupe my vids for $2 in quanties of 100 and I proceeded to "sell" over 7,500 of these...for which I received $20 each (my Preview Videos)....and these Vids helped me sell 500 of my Biz Ops at $1,500 a whack.

It's called....If ya got a GOOD topic...ya can sell it on "Toilet Paper"!

In fact, I called my Vids...not "Guerilla Videos"....I called mine "Jungle Videos".

They were so bad they were laughable.....BUT....they SOLD!

WHY! Because they were "Hokey"! In fact, many people who bought my program/s told me that my Vids were so bad...they bought my stuff BECAUSE they were "Hokey" and NOT professional.

Don Alm




1) do they have a way to attach to a tripod
2) have an External Mic connection

Thanks,
Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

I use Pinnacle Studio 11. Vegas is quite nice too.

I enjoy doing chroma-key (green screen) videos. You'll have to get into that next. It's quite addictive!! :)

Question about Youtube Vs DVD
 

Rod,

Thanks for sharing the info you have.

Quick question...

With these small Cams - the RCA one you mentioned and the Flip also mentioned. Even though you say they are good for Youtube, can a DVD be made of reasonable quality, which is played through a normal DVD player and viewed on a TV?

Michael Ross

Re: Question about Youtube Vs DVD
 

Michael,

I'm not Rod, but I say "yes".

My daughter-in-law has a digital cam she bought at Wal-Mart. Think she said it ran around $350 +/-.

My Grand-daughter uses it and makes DVD's constantly, and they look just fine, even on my wife's new HD Flat Screen.

Pete

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Pete....what about "editing"?

I was told that either you can't edit (insert or remove scenes or insert Title Breaks)....or it's very dificult.

Whereas with "tape" units it's very easy to edit using "Movie Studio" in XP or Sony Vegas. But...you then must "convert" the tape to digital which is an extra step. And, digital goes right onto your hard drive or onto YouTube.

Don Alm

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Michael & Don,

I have not created any DVD's with the RCA. But, you can record in a DVD Quality or Regular setting. And, it does comes with a plugin to watch them on your TV (the quality is surprising good). So, I don't see any reason why you cannot create a DVD with that same file, do you? But when I can get around to it - it's a short summer here;) - I've got a bunch of clips that I want to put to DVD, and will report back.

I haven't used the Flip video. But I first heard about it, and watched a very positive testimonial about it from Mike Stewart (Aka the Internet Audio & Video Guy). And you might want to check with his site.

I would also recommend to anybody who's interested to sit down and spend a good 3-4 hours with Windows Movie Maker. Because it is also pretty amazing what you can do with these little clips in terms of editing and effect. Like pausing your video clip frame by frame and saving an individual frame to make a separate photo (jpeg). Which you can also edit with another free program (GIMP) to add most any expensive Photoshop type effect.

Cheers,

Rod

The Daily Flip...
 

As mentioned in other threads...

If anyone needs a little Education...

On the Flip in action...

Jim's excellent Video business model and resource to all kinds of Money making ideas...

Re-workable into Unlimited niche ideas, services in those Hot marketplaces & trends... ;)

http://www.jimkukral.com/
http://www.thedailyflip.com/
http://www.onlinevideotoolkit.com/

Both babies can Definitely work...

Although, the RCA Small Wonder EZ201 Camcorder might be a better option regarding price and features...
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camc...-32445372.html

Ton's of interesting ideas all over the place...
http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=21428
http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=21753

Phil

Re: Hey...Steve & Rod
 

I tripod is no problem, but no mic connections as far as I know. The also make all kinds of cool accessories now like mounts for your mountain bike or waterproof housings for waterskiers or sufers in the crowd - and I made a quick windshield mount with a spare GPS suction bracket. :)

Michael - I have viewed videos played from the camera directly on the TV and they look very good and would imagine you'd get the same quality if burned onto a cd or dvd.

Editing with the basic software they give you is somewhat limited, but using a 3rd party program shouldn't be a problem.

Mill Myers has some great videos including this one about the flip on youtube.

Steve

Another question...
 

Rod & Steve,

Thanks for your valuable input.

I've got another question...

I notice the RCA has removable memory and the Flip has internal memory (which limits it, as far as I can figure, because you cannot upgrade the memory).

From what you know, what pros/cons do you see with either method - removable v internal memory on those little camcorders?

Michael Ross

Re: Another question...
 

Happy to help Michael!

I think the memory issue really all depends on how much video you plan to shoot. If you're shooting short videos or will have access to a computer to download the videos you shoot thoughout the day then you don't really need the extra storage. If you're taking the family out for the whole day and want to capture it all - then it'd be nice to be able to swap in more memory if needed.

Also - a feature many of the RCA models have is the ability to flip the viewing screen around so it can be seen from the front - useful if you want to get yourself in the shot without needing a dedicated cameraman.

HTH,

Steve

Re: Another Question
 

Michael,

I think having the available memory is a big plus for the RCA.

It is surprising how fast you can shoot 60 minutes worth of clips. And the size of those one minute clips adds up at about 100 MG per minute.

For short clips taken within access to your PC and/or that are going straight to Youtube, the extra memory doesn't really matter. Because those larger .AVI files will be condensed to much smaller Flash files. And you can readily upload and store those clips at Box.net.

However, if you are shooting away from your PC and/or you want to get the highest resolution you can to maybe put to DVD, having the option to drop another 2GB or 4GB SD card is the way to go (with prices at roughly US$15 & US$25).

Running out of memory never seems to happen at a good time. And between my partner and I we're starting to rack up quite a few free Box.net and Orbitfiles accounts (shhh...quiet please:))

Incidently, I prefer Box to Orbifiles and others because you can batch upload files versus selecting one at a time.

One other interesting feature that I don't have a VCR to experiment with and can't confirm but wanted to mention. I don't see any reason why you couldn't record your digital camcorder files to VCR. Which could be useful at times. Maybe Phil could put on his magic hat and find a link to that info?

Also, here's two very informative product reviews from the pros:

http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-camc...-32445372.html

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/e...orders_rca.htm

Cheers,

Rod

Rod, No Magic on this one, Except the going public Tips...
 

Rod,

It's in here somewhere...

Mixing up the Keywords Finds all sorts of interesting stuff...

digital camcorder files to VCR...
http://www.google.com/search?q=digit...ient=firefox-a

VCR digital camcorder files...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c...G=Search&meta=

A few other Camcorder reviews etc. to checkout...

YouTube Camcorders...
http://www.google.com/search?q=YouTu...ient=firefox-a

And...

Now, its manufacturer, Pure Digital Technology, has introduced the Flip Mino, an even smaller $180, 3-ounce camcorder that can capture 60 minutes of 640x480 ...
http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0080/t.14631.html
http://news.google.com/news?oe=utf-8...nG=Search+News

http://www.puredigitalinc.com/products/index.html
http://www.puredigitalinc.com/press.html

By the way...

A little Tip...

Watch out and consider Getting in on Pure Digital Technology...

Just like my Comments on Visa in the following thread...
http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthre...highlight=visa
http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...d-you-buy.aspx

Definitely a couple Winners in my opinion and a few others with a little Googling homework & research... ;)

Can't buy it all up by myself... So why not share a little... :)

Kaplan said Pure Digital is planning to go public in 2008. And while he would not disclose specific financial information about the company, he said Pure Digital's goal is to be profitable by the time it files for its initial public offering.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/30/tech...ideo/index.htm
http://www.topix.com/com/pure-digital-technologies

Shhh...
http://investing.businessweek.com/re...vcapId=9088015

Phil

Re: Tape vs Digital Camcorders
 

Phil,

That's a boat load of good info. And likely a Hot tip as this technology evolves.

To complete Michael's question, I was told yesterday that the RCA 201 & 205 will NOT recognize any SD card larger then 2GB. Up to 2GB works, the 4GB will NOT.

One other site worth mentioning is Jumpcut - http://www.jumpcut.com/ - one of Yahoo's online video sites.

Jumpcut offers what is basically a lighter ONLINE version of Windows DESKTOP Movie Maker software. They also host clips like Youtube. But what promises to separate Jumpcut from others is the ability to remix clips with your OWN audio files online.

Other sites like Photobucket - http://photobucket.com/ - work great, but with most of them you cannot remix clips ONLINE with your own audio files - only the files they choose to offer.

So, for example, you could not create a slideshow presentation and record your own separate sales presentation to drop in and describe it.

With a site like Jumpcut you will not have to download a bunch of large files to your computer. You won't need Movie Maker to remix them. And you can create clips away from your office with just a digital camcorder and online connection for Free.

Cheers,

Rod