Advice on buying a economy Camcorder (novice on specs etc.)

Amazon ^ | Thu, 03/08/18 | daniel1212

[daniel1212]

I am at the point where I am somewhat prayerfully looking a getting should have a camcorder (though I am still without a cell phone which some can be controlled by). But while I have narrowed down the candidates to 5 (plus a Action Camera in case that would be viable). I am looking for one with the best sharp resolution (color quality is not that important) which would be used outsides as well as in, but I have little idea what the specs mean.

I see specs such as 720p, or 1920 x 1080P, or 1920x1080 FHD @15fps, 1280x720 HD, as well as Resolution:6000x4500(24M),5120x3840(20M),4608x3472(16M) plus CMOS: 1.3Mega pixels, max 16.0Mega pixels, or 5.1Mega pixels CMOS sensor(16MP Interpolation), and then 3.0 TFT LCD screen.

I am leaning to the SUNLEA or the LINNSE, while I put the action camera in there since i wondered if that could be used.

I do not want to waste money, and this would be a substantial purchase for such a thing, and so I thought I would ask advice from some FReepers. So below is what i see on Amazon, and thanks for any advice.

KINGEAR PL004 Mini DV C8 16MP High Definition Digital Video Camcorder $56.99

DVR 2.7'' TFT LCD 16x Zoom Hd Video Recorder Camera 1280 x 720p Digital Video

High Definition Support: 720P (HD) Memory Capacity: 32GB Sensor Type: 3CMOS¡ê?high-class material and advanced technology, which can record high-quality image, voice and video clips, it's available with 1.3Mega pixels 2.7inch LCD screen(the max 16.0Mega pixels),supports 720p.

External Memory with Card Slot: SD/SDHC card (32GB Max) available for connecting TVs.LCD High Definition Video Camcorder is small, light and can fit right in your pocket.

Sensor CMOS: 1.3Mega pixels,The max 16.0Mega pixels

Monitor screen: 2.7 inch LCD,16:9,available with 270 degree rotation

TV output TVPAL/NTSC

Usb port: USB2.0

Lens: F/3.2,=7.6mm

Focus Normal: 1.2m~infinity

$56.99 & FREE Shipping

KINGEAR $59.99

GordVE KG0017 HD1080P 16MP Digital Video Camcorder 3.0inch Camera TFT LCD 16x Zoom

100% Brand New and High quality from GordVE. GordVE offers 12 months Warranty and 30 days free exchange.

High image 16.0 Megapixel Image Resolution,1920 x 1080P Video resolution,3.0 inch Color TFT LCD; 5.1Mega pixels CMOS sensor(16MP Interpolation). Support SD/DSHC card,Max up 32GB. Compatible with PAL . Package Dimensions 7.2 x 6 x 4.3 inches 12.8 ounces

Does this have a external microphone Jack?

Answer:

Sorry, it doesn't. it has build-in microphone

SUNLEA $53.99

Camcorder Video Camera Full HD 1080p Camcorders 24.0 MP Digital Camera Webcam Pause Function 16X Digital Zoom $53.99 60 to 90 minutes normally when it’s fully charged

Full HD 1080p 24.0 MP Camcorder：This camcorder supports 1080p video resolution and 24.0 MP picture resolutions. It also supports 37mm wide angle macro lens, fisheye lens, and teleconverter lens and so on, which are excluded in the package. You can enjoy different visual effect of pictures according to your needs. It is very nice 1080p camera which is easy to operate and you can take more pictures or videos at home or on trips.

Video Resolution: 1920x1080 FHD @15fps, 1280x720 HD, 640x480

Image Resolution:6000x4500(24M),5120x3840(20M),4608x3472(16M),4000x3000(12M),3264x2448(8M),2592x1944(5M),2048x1536(3M),1280x960(1M)

TV Out: NTSC/PAL

AV output: Support

Built-in microphone: Support

Rechargeable Lithium ion battery x1

Webcam Function: This video camera can be used as webcam. You can have a video call with your families or friends when connected with your computer. You just need to choose PCCAM mode for USB. The USB also can be used to transfer files to your other device by choosing MSDC mode. This camcorder can support the external SD card up to 32GB, and the SD card is excluded in the package one year warranty and customer service will be provided within 24 hours. It also supports anti-shake function,

Package Dimensions 6.9 x 5.6 x 3.7 inches 1.12 pounds

LINNSE $65.99

Camcorder Video Camera Full HD Camcorders 1080P 24.0MP Vlogging Camera Night Vision Pause Function with Remote Controller

This camera camcorder supports 1080p video resolution and 24.0 MP picture resolutions.

The camera supports Night Vision Function. There are two pieces of IR lights at the top of the camera lens and its working distance can reach up to ft 3m which allows you to take black-and-white photos and videos event in the dark night.

One year warranty will be provided by LINNSE and customer service will be available within 24 hours. A 1000 mAh Li-ion battery will come as standard with this package. This camcorder can support up to 32GB SD card,

Sensor: CMOS Image Resolution:File format: JPEG Max 24.0 MP

Movie Resolution： File format: AVIFHD 1080, HD720P，VGA（640×480）

Zoom：18X digital zoom

Face Capture：Yes

Beauty Face：yes

Remote Control：yes

DIS：Yes

White Balance：Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Tungsten/Fluorescent

Exposure：–3.0EV～+3.0EV

Self-time：close/2sec/10sec

USB Port：USB2.0

Auto power-off: Close/60sec/180sec/300sec/600sec

Monitor Screen：3.0 inch LCD, 16:9, available with 270 degree rotation

Built-in Microphone：Yes

Built-in Speaker：Yes

TV Output：Yes, PAL/NTSC

Night vision：Yes Support Infrared night vision,<3M/inches

External lens: 37mm standard: wide angle lens, teleconverter lens, fisheye lens (need to be purchased separately)

Battery：1000 mAh NP40 li-ion battery

Size：4.37（L）×2.67（H）×1.61（W）inch

Weight：about 260±5g / about 9 oz

Package Dimensions 7.1 x 5.3 x 3.9 inches

4K WIFI Action Camera, $43.99

KKCITE Ultra HD Waterproof Sports Cam DVR Camcorder 17MP Wide Angle Sports Video Camera With 2.4G Remote Control/ 100 Feet Underwater and Tons of Accessories. 4K resolution : 4K25fps/ 2.7K30fps/ 1080p60fps/ 720p120fps. Photo: 12MP max. Versatile Shooting Mode: video mode, photo mode, burst photo, time lapse, and loop recording mode

Does this camera have zoom capability?

Answer:

No, it does not.

You can use 32GB micro sd card.

Charging: 5V/1A (about 2 hours)

a remote control along with an easy to use Free Wifi APP for iOS and Android phones

[daniel1212]

I use my IPhone to take videos. It fits my needs. I think it kind of depends on how serious you are about videos. A smart phone may not work for you, but it works for me

Maybe some day... But thanks.

[Spktyr]

Your information is *way* out of date. In my local (Dallas) market, digital broadcast channels are 1080p30 at a minimum with 720p30 left as a deprecated resolution. Even my evening news from local affiliates is in 1080.

[daniel1212]

You realize a new iPhone 7+ will do 4K images? I got rid of my cameras years ago because the last several generation of iPhones took better pictures than even my very expensive cameras. Just upgrade your phone if you don’t already have one.

How long can such record for?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

That one doesn’t do video.

I actually bought one of these a few years ago for $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-A3100IS-Stabilized-2-7-Inch/dp/B0032JRRWU

I used it as a dashcam for a while. The video is only 640 x 480, but it’s quite viewable.

I also have a Canon SX130 is

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX130IS-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003ZSHNG8

It has 720P video, which displays on HDTV just fine.

I only paid $100 for it a few years ago. You can probably get them a lot cheaper now.

The Canon quality is excellent. It would be a good starter video camera. You might decide it’s all you need.

[gaijin]

You are in some type of time-warp, full reverse thrusters required.

Wow.

[Jonty30]

If you’re just wanting to catch memories, than even basic cameras can do a pretty good job these days. If you want pro-quality, expect to pay at least $1200, even if it’s pro-quality for personal use.

[NutsOnYew]

I think EPU is giving you good advise. Start cheap with all of the basic functions. See how you use it. Are you passionate? Is it a weekend hobby? Do you not use it as much as you thought after a while?

I do digital 35mm, but I think the principle of buying equipment is the same. I started cheap 15 years ago. I waited until I felt the camera didn't satisfy me and then upgraded. Probably did that 5 times and each camera was better than the last. I'm currently at the Pentax level.

Last thing: don't buy until you know the terminology.

[Inyo-Mono]

LOL! Sure you can record in 4K, try broadcasting that over the airwaves as they exist today.

[NutsOnYew]

advise = advice. yes, I’m an idiot.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The thing I like about Canons is the Canon Hacker’s Development Kit (CHDK).

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Downloads

You can boot into the CHDK firmware and have access to all kinds of advanced features like time-lapse photography and High Dynamic Resolution (HDR).

It doesn’t change the stock firmware. You boot into CHDK from the SDHC card. I’ve had a lot of fun with it.

[PAR35]

Scratch the Kingear off the list. Given the specs, it isn’t compatible with older US TVs and equipment.

1080 beats 720 on quality, but 4k may be more than you need.

I would want a zoom feature.

[daniel1212]

https://www.digitaltrends.com/dtdeals/gopro-alternative/

Thanks. Can anyone tell me how the specs on this HDCool HC8000 4K Action Camera :

Resolution of Video: 4K 30fps/ 2.7k 30fps/ 1080 60fps/ 1080 30fps / 720 90fps/720 60fps/720 30fps;
Time-lapse: Close/ 0.5S/ 1S/ 2S/ 5S/ 10S/ 30S/ 60S;
Loop Recording: Close/ 2 mins/ 3mins/ 5mins;
Slow Motion: 1080P 60FPS/ 720P 90FPS;
Resolution of photos: 16MP/ 12MP/ 8MP/ 5MP/ 2M;
Photo Timed: Close/ 3S/ 5S/ 10S/ 20S;
Photo Auto :Close/ 3S/ 10S/ 15S/ 20S/ 30S;
Drama Shot: Close; 3P/S; 5P/S; 10P/S;
Exposure: -3/ -2/ -1/ 0/ 1/ 2/ 3;

match up with this SUNLEA

Video Resolution: 1920x1080 FHD @15fps, 1280x720 HD, 640x480

Image Resolution:6000x4500(24M),5120x3840(20M),4608x3472(16M),4000x3000(12M),3264x2448(8M),2592x1944(5M),2048x1536(3M),1280x960(1M) 1080p video resolution and 24.0 MP picture resolutions.

[Inyo-Mono]

daniel1121,

What is your ultimate goal? To shoot video to watch, unedited, on your home TV or to make YouTube or presentation videos for groups?

[NutsOnYew]

Canon Hacker’s Development Kit (CHDK).

I looked. That's a great resource.

[Reno89519]

I haven't tested it for more than 3-5 minutes but according to one site, recording 4K at 30FPS for 30 minutes takes up 10.5GB (5.1GB). I have iPhone 7+ with 128GB and currently have 103.67GB free. That means I'd likely get about 9 hours of recording.

See https://www.imore.com/how-shoot-trim-edit-and-share-4k-video-iphone

[sit-rep]

shock proof and water proof... and can be mounted even on your head! true it a bit costly, but again, its worth it if you take a lot of vids like I do...

Boracay Philippines Jan 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xelWeDBqTT8

[Intolerant in NJ]

The first camcorder I bought forty years ago cost $900, shot 480x480 resolution and had to have it’s white balance adjusted every time you turned it on - then there was another $900 for the unit which actually held the VHS recorder, which you had to carry around with you on a strap thrown over your shoulder and had a 1 hour battery life - at an average of about $55 per each, your possibilities all sound good to me......

[ProtectOurFreedom]

A cop bodycam? Not sure about that. They seem to fail whenever you need them most.

[Spktyr]

Which is exactly why everyone is moving to cable, fiber or satellite. 4K TV’s adoption is a bit slow but it is emphatically coming.

[Elsie]

The old adage is STILL true:

Ya get what ya pay for.