A Cheap Camcorder for On-line Videos
I was visiting Bill Myers last week. He showed me an amazing product: a camcorder for under $200 that can be used for producing low-cost videos. It's the Canon ZR 500.
It's a discontinued model. The ZR 700 has replaced it. The ZR 700 sells for about $230. He bought the ZR 500 for $175. If you shop on-line, you may be able to locate one.
Here is what makes the ZR series different. It has an external audio microphone jack. This feature is mandatory for any camcorder used to make professional videos suitable for posting. No built-in mic works well for professional videos. A mic must be only 6 inches or so from the mouth of the person talking.
If you're narrating a scene, you need a lavalier mic. A good one is Radio Shack's electret. It sells for $25.
The difference in sound quality between a built-in mic and a $25 lavalier is huge. The difference between a $25 mic and a $500 mic is minimal for voice.
The ZR uses a small high-resolution MiniDVD digital tape. Tape is mandatory for good videos. The disks compress the file too much.
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