The Cameras Behind LBV
Published by Matt Savarino on 11 Oct 2005 at 12:24 pm.
2 Comments.
Filed under Product Reviews.
Watch the video
Personally I’m biased and loyal to Canon cameras. Whenever anyone asks which camera they should buy, these two models are recommended before their needs are even explained. Of course, these two cams are not meant for professional quality production, but my needs are strictly Web-based (and the occasional DVD). The specific Canon models we use on Lean Back Vids are the Optura 400 and the PowerShot SD300. Matter of fact, I was so convinced after seeing Pete’s Optura 400 that I went out and bought my own.
The reason Canon is our brand of choice is because of their focus on optical technology and their case construction. Pickup either of these cameras and you can feel that they are made of higher quality materials than most Sony handhelds.
As for digital video, these two cameras are great. The Elph provides the ability to capture spontaneous moments since you can easily carry it in your pocket all the time, and the Optura can be fit into a cargo pants pocket. My favorite feature of the Optura 400 is the ability to shoot in 16:9 widescreen mode. To make things even more dramatic, I also use a wide-angle converter lens. This distorts the view around the edges, but there are no more problems getting up close and maintaining the setting.
Here is a quick statistical comparison:
| Specifications | Optura 400/500 |
PowerShot SD300 |
| CCD Type | 1/3.4 inch | 1/2.5 inch |
| Video Length | SP: 80 min. LP: 120 min. |
Variable |
| Photo Pixels | 2,000,000 | 4,000,000 |
| LCD Size | 2.5 inch | 2.0 inch |
| Physical Size | 2.1 x 4.2 x 4.0 in | 3.39 x 2.09 x 0.82 in |
| Weight | 1.2 lb. (530g) | 4.59 oz./130g |
| Approx. Price | $525 | $260 |
Note, the video captured from a mini-DV tape is interlaced and needs to be de-interlaced using software. The drawback is that the de-interlace feature is not available in iMovie or Movie Maker. Another thing to note is that it is harder to compress full, rich colors and maintain quality versus the washed out video from a point-and-shoot camera. Oh, and let this video be yet another lesson in videoblogging 101 - look into the lens and not the viewer.
Randolfe Wicker on 12 Oct 2005 at 10:39 am: 1
I have a Sony HC42 miniDV camera. A battery about the siae of a C batter (but square) gives me 400 plus minutes of standby.
I can shoot in wide angle (built in). I have no problem downloading and editing it in iMovie.
Only problem is that it doesn’t have an input for a wireless mike or a microphone. The $69 zoom mike sounds like you are in a barrel.
I spent weeks researching cameras. One of the best place to find really informed discussions is at http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/
Those little memory stick cameras are great because they can really be used on the sly.
I have a Canon Powershot A70 which I only used once to take video of Sidney Lumet and the wife of the “Dog Day Afternoon” bankrobber for three minutes. A bigger card would boost that to 9, 18 or 30 minutes in the 320 by 240 settings. Maybe, I’ll try that.
However, I’ve seen a tiny thin thing that looks like a cell phone Ryanne Hodson has that can take up to 60 minutes ans is virtually invisible.
Lean Back Vids on 1 Nov 2005 at 11:46 am: 2
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