Camera Recommendations for TriCaster

[powwows]

I have a TriCaster Pro on the way. I've been webcasting using firewire and consumer camcorders.

Now I need to upgrade the cameras.

What cameras are people using? I have no experience with the next level of cameras so I really need some advice. And some that aren't budget busters would be great!

[brians0105]

If you're looking for a prosumer grade, I have been using my JVC GZHD7 lately with our VT... but I'm sure would work just as well with the TriCaster Pro.

It isn't by far a camera that is made for studio configurations, but it is a nice little camera. You could take it out in the field and shoot with it.

It is an HD camera, but it works well in Standard Defintion with NewTek products because it is a 3CCD camera and outputs a component signal. This combination is perfect for chromakeying. This camera works almost as well as our studio cameras that cost $10,000 each.

I got this camera for $900 in January, so I bet the price has come down if you purchase from an online retailer. I got mine on sale from BH Photo.

The only downfall is that this camera can only shoot in 16x9. There is not an option to switch it to 4x3. Otherwise, I think its a great cheap camera for a TriCaster/VT.

Brian

[ted]

We use two Panasonic HVX 200's and our Beta Camera when we can use 3 SD cameras.
We have several HVX's in our market that we can pool from when needed.

The HVX is the Swiss Army knife for video acquisition. 3X4, 16X9 SD and any flavor of HD. Plus we've paid for the HVX on mini-DV shoots we never would have gotten with our BetaCam.
All this for 5K and change. By the way, we just added the HVX 200-A which is even better than my first beloved 200.

There are honestly a slew of sub 10K cameras that would fit the bill. Just make sure that same camera can make money on any type gig you might want to go after. That should be a big factor in any of our decisions.
These new cameras are doing more than the 80K Iki's we used to lust over. Amazing how good many of them are.

[powwows]

Thanks guys!

[powwows]

Any recommendations for under $1,000?

Right now I'm shooting with consumer Sony camcorders. I'd like to have something with better clarity and color.

Thanks!

[bacongritz]

It all depends on if your making the jump to HD. If your staying sd then you can buy the old reliable panasonic dvx(a great great camera). you can usually find a semi cheap canon xl1 also (not good in low light and has the worst focus ring ever). Jvc used to make this 3ccd camera called the "streamer" and they work great for their price (usually under 1,000) and i still use them some today on shoots. Now If your going HD there is no miniDV camera better then the Sony v1u. Hope that helps. What type of conditions are you shooting in?

[powwows]

As for shooting conditions, they vary.

You can see the archive of past webcasts here:

http://www.powwows.com/webcasts/

[bacongritz]

Wow that is unique footage man. If you can get your hands on it i really think the dvx is your best bet. If your streaming you mite as well stay SD plus the dvx has built in color support so you could warm up your footage and dial down the greens a bit (not knocking the footage by the way). did that help?

[powwows]

Wow that is unique footage man. If you can get your hands on it i really think the dvx is your best bet. If your streaming you mite as well stay SD plus the dvx has built in color support so you could warm up your footage and dial down the greens a bit (not knocking the footage by the way). did that help?

Thanks! That is one of the things I'm looking to do is have better control on color. The cameras I'm using now don't have much adjustments to them.

[powwows]

It all depends on if your making the jump to HD. If your staying sd then you can buy the old reliable panasonic dvx(a great great camera). you can usually find a semi cheap canon xl1 also (not good in low light and has the worst focus ring ever). Jvc used to make this 3ccd camera called the "streamer" and they work great for their price (usually under 1,000) and i still use them some today on shoots. Now If your going HD there is no miniDV camera better then the Sony v1u. Hope that helps. What type of conditions are you shooting in?

Which DVX?

[bacongritz]

there is such a minor difference between dvx100a and 100b that it doesnt really matter. I have some test footage of just onboard color sorrections(no color correction through post at all) and it just cool. I will put it on youtube on my lunch break. Check back here later and i will put up a link

[bacongritz]

ok i didnt have alot of time so i compressed the heck out of it so the colors are going to flood over but you will get the sense of how it can be used. All this was done under the same white balance. enjoy the lame music too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obsEwvjAdu4