Making a video
Mar 04, 2011
We're using a camcorder that is a few years old to make our videos. However, the image quality is blurred especially visible when we zoom in closer to the speaker. Can anyone recommend a camera/camcorder that would take good quality pictures for video presentation? Or, can you give me some tips on what technical specifications to look for when purchasing a camcorder/camera? Generally our videos have been about 30 minutes in length. We don't want to spend gobs of money. We're just looking for a reasonably priced system.
3 Replies
How much are you willing to spend is the key question. I have a panasonic HDD camera I purchased two years ago with a 72x zoom and it ran approx $300. There was just a thread on this. Let me see if I can dig it up.
Found it...
http://community.articulate.com/forums/p/816/2735.aspx#2735
That actually sounds like an auto-focus issue related to poor lighting. When there's not enough light and the depth of field changes as in zooming, the camera has a difficult time maintaining focus.
If this is actually what's happening (and it's just a guess on my part), you can try a couple of things. First, get the best light you can, whether it's natural sunlight, building lighting, or additional lights that you set up for the event. Light is your friend!
Second, try laying off using the zoom during recording. Get the camera set up for each shot and get the picture framed. Use the zoom to set it up if you need to, and then leave it alone. The rule of thumb is to capture motion with video, not create motion with the camera, if that makes sense. And use a tripod if you're not currently using one.
Try this, and I think you'll see improved results without a new camera (but don't let that prevent you from buying a new "toy"!)
Best Regards,
Dave
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