camcorders for fieldwork

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message: Daniel Minchew: "For Minorities/Persons of Color"
• Previous message: Rob Prince: "New Book on Bell Curve."

Sorry to bring up an old issue about fieldgear, but many of you have used
camcorders in the field. Does anyone have any suggestions for camcorders?

I have been using a Minolta VHS-C, but it's relatively old (1988). I've
found that the footage has been shaky, and sound is questionable. Some
things that I'm interested in hearing about:


1. 8 mm vs. VHS-C; which is more convenient for later editing?
I know 8 mm holds more, and I've had VHS problems overseas (NTSC vs. PAL
stuff -- why is the US different from most of the world?).

2. Stability of full-size vs. convenience of handheld. How has
digitial stabilizing worked for people?

3. Radio microphones? Has anyone used them?

4. Any recommended brand names? I'm looking at Panasonic, JVC,
and Sony.

Thanks for any responses; they can also be sent directly to me.



Eriberto P. Lozada Jr.
Department of Anthropology
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138

• Next message: Daniel Minchew: "For Minorities/Persons of Color"
• Previous message: Rob Prince: "New Book on Bell Curve."