Small digital video

I need to buy a digital video camera. My #1 priority in getting this

tool is size, the camera needs to be small. I don't wanna carry a GL-1

around. I do not have the space for it. I've been looking at the Canon

Elura 2 camera and it's just about right. Small enough to throw in my

camera bag. I like to work light. I usually carry one rangefinder and

a 35mm SLR with 2 lenses.

The video could be used for my paper's website or to broadcast in my

paper's TV partner. I know the Canon Elura 2 retails for around

$1,300. Sony makes a similar model that sells for about $1,700. If I

start getting closer to 2 grand I'll get the GL1, but I wanna stay

close to 1 grand.

How's the quality of the smaller cameras ? I know they don't compare

to the XL1 or the GL1 but as always, if the content is of quality, the

smaller cameras will do.

I don't wanna walk around looking like multimedia clown.

 

Any s

I recently went through a similar decision process and ended up buying a Panasonic NV-DS150. This is not a very compact model, and this was a deliberate choice since more compact models (i) cost more, (ii) have a more limited optical zoom range, typically 10x, and (iii) often have somewhat inferior sound quality (especially the JVC's) because of proximity of the microphone to internal moving parts. YMMV.

Sony DCR PC-5 is the smallest right now. Its about 2/3 the size of the Elura (height) and because of this is more steady in the palm. The controls are a pain though (touchscreen).

i spent a semester in south africa and wanted to try ot move beyond only still photographs. so i brought a small video camera, the elura2, a cheap consumer mic, a sony ecm 908 (i think that is the designation), and a wireless cheapy mic.

 

the video, in good lighting is pretty good. the colors are nice. the audio, with the built in mic sucks. the audio with the sony mic attached is much better (none of the noise fromt he tape transport that is terribly obvious with the biuilt in mic). the wireless audio is crap because the setup is crap.

 

i got used to the controls of the elura and could do much without taking my eye from te finder. it is small though, and having big hands i don't think small is necesssarily better. i think there is something that can be too small. the bigger battery helped to give a little more heft and make it easier for me to hold the camera steady. the tripod i ended up picking up hlped hold it even steadier.

 

now to edit down all of the footage i shot. fun.

 

angel, if you have any questions still about the elura 23 i would be glad to give you more of my impressions.

 

-m