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.

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

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

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.

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

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!!