Hi, I am seeking advice regarding camcorders
 

Hi everyone, I am a new member to the forum, and am hoping I can gain some useful advice regarding the filming of steam trains.
Recently whilst at the WSR Mixed traffic weekend I noticed that as well as still photographers, many people were using camcorders to record the event. I am unfamiliar with their usage and although I have done some research for myself, I remain somewhat uncertain as to what would be a reliable camcorder model to consider buying that would offer a good quality of picture and sound.

If anyone is able to offer some wise advise I will be very grateful as I would really like to begin recording steam in this way.

Many thanks

Hello TivvyC and welcome to the Railway Forum.
Hi TivvyC
I have a Sony Camcorder. It has a Memory Stick for still photos and records film onto a re-write DVD. With Dolby Stereo sound and a Carl Zeiss optical zoom of X 40 on both settings, I find it very useful. The battery lasts for 90 min’s on film and for weeks on stills. There is a digital zoom of X 2000. It is light in weight and has a view finder or you can use the screen to see what you are filming. I find it very useful and have used it a lot. Just my own thoughts, others may have other ideas.

Thanks for your response
 

Hi Syd, You represent my first contact with a fellow rail enthusiast via the railway forum. Thanks for your advice, I do appreciate it very much and will bear all you have said in mind. Looking at all the specs of the camcorders available is very confusing. Your recommendation will help narrow things down.

TivvyC

And I got it for under £150:00 at a sale in John Lewis, Bristol.

Hi TivvyC, welcome to the forum. I'm not familiar with the latest camcorders as I mainly take stills (I have a Sony camcorder from about 6-7 years ago - still uses Hi8 tapes!), but I believe a tripod is a must have.

Regards,
Tony

Thanks Tony
 

Hi Tony, thanks for your reply. I take stills also and have done so for more years than I care to remember. I'm in no rush with regards to getting a Camcorder, the idea does appeal however and I feel that The best advice I can possibly get is from those who already use one to film the subject I'm interested in, namely Steam!

Enjoy your hobby

Hi TivvyC and welcome.
Most still digital cameras these days have a video capability. Try it out before you part with your hard earned. I have posted a few videos on TV, some taken on my phone! Most with my Olympus FE310 compact, as the sound is amazing. The latest video I posted of the Fellsman I took with my Fuji s8100fd, just to try it out. By the way,when I use the compact I use a mini tripod that cost a quid at a pound shop. Good luck whichever way you decide to go. Will look forward to seeing some of your videos on Forum TV.
All the best Mike. ex Saltley fireman.

we have got a JVC with 35 digital zoom- it takes really good pictures- dont spend less than £200- you need one wich transfers onto computers- some of them connect only to the tv- you want one which you can upload to you tube and to your media player on the pc so you can store asll films and create an account on yout tube maybe, our JVC one really does take very good films

Thanks Jake
 

I appreciate your comments Jake. I continue with my pursuits as far as a camcorder is concerned. I will look at what JVC have to offer. Your advice is much appreciated

Go for a model which gives HD quality - suprising what a differance you get and also - and dont omit items such as tripods to hold the camera on - nothing worse than shakey videos - plus you also need the editing software for your lapout or computer.

John

I agree totally with Johns comments, a tripod is one of the most important items. I would also go for a camcorder with a viewfinder as well. mine only has the little fold out screen, and it is surprising how it limits what you can use it for.
Good luck with the filming.
Mickey

Hi John
 

Thanks John, I'm looking more for an SD camcorder rather than HD. This is because my computer is getting old and is low in spec and wouldn't cope with HD. I do appreciate your advice. By the way of encourage to you, I foolowed the link you supplied to your website. -really great images will greatly inspire.

Thanks TivvyC

Hi Tivvyc.
I mainly shoot video when out filming at preserved railways and mainline work.
Best advice i could give you is this; 1. set your budget, 2. list your equipment what you require, 3. research your equipmenton on the web, your local camera shop etc, 4. prepare to haggle, when you offer pound notes, its suprising the discount you can get.
Would also suggest you get a magazine called Camcorder Buyer HD Ready.
This is a new magazine, that roadtests camera's and equipment, explains jargon, offers tips and advice etc.
One tip i would personally give is this, on the railways, if it moves FILM IT...
Whats here today, maybe gone tomorrow!!!
You never know, you may just get that magic piece of footage.
Best of luck.
CAH46115.