Webcam

[aiScribbler]

OK,

Tech question to all you videophiles out there.

I'm looking for a good webcam that I can use to record some how to videos into my laptop, then post on my website. I use a network security cam at my office to see people coming into the building, since my office is removed from the entryway. It works as intended, but not the quality I want for my personal video stuff. My budget is $100 or less.

I'd like decent resolution, the best I can get for the money. The microphone isn't necessary because I will add the voice trax later with Adobe Premiere. (I figure that would be better than hearing the constant drone of my compressor in the background.) I have a tripod that I'll clamp the cam onto, then run a USB into my laptop & directly record.

Here's what I'm looking at:
Logitech WebCam Pro9000

Anyone have any suggestions, since some of you are already doing this? What other features should I look for in a webcam for this purpose?

Thanks!
Scrib

[don johnson]

Chip
Video files are generally real big I'm not sure you want to use a web camera and record those directly to your main hard drive. Maybe get an external media hard drive and record them to that drive if you can.

Its very hard to shoot a video that doesn't need to be edited when complete so you'll need video editing software which you have.

I don't use a web cam so someone else that does will have to help with that question.

[aiScribbler]

Don, thanks...

I have an old VHS camcorder, but transferring from VHS to digital, then doing the editing is just too big of a hassle. Currently I use a digital camcorder written to DVD, then import into Adobe Premiere for any editing... the problem is that the camera isn't mine, so I'm trying to come up with a suitable option.

My thinking was that a quality webcam would do the job, without overkill, and still have a reasonable resolution to it. The external is not an issue as I've got several floating around for just such use, but I'd still have to employ my laptop as a go between.

Do you use a digital camcorder for yours?

I've been working on a format for consistency in the presentation, music, transitions, etc.

Thanks again.
Scrib

[Airbrush Dreams]

Scrib, I would not suggest using a web cam. The frame rate is much too slow and the lighting has to be so bright to get the best resolution. Even with a high quality web-cam you will end up with freezing and digitalization issues. I think a digital camcorder is the best way and then transfer them to the PC. One with a light is best. I own a mini DVD recorder and it has no light on it and when you turn on the low light switch it alters the color plus the mini DVDs on best quality only record a 1/2 hours worth of time. I was thinking of producing my own how to videos, but I need editing software and a new recorder because the last I used mine the camera would only shoot a couple of minutes and then it shut down. So much for a Sony Handy Cam, it has only been used 5 times over the past three years.

[aiScribbler]

Ouch...

Man, I hate it when equipment goes south.

I appreciate the insight. As I said, this is new ground for me. I've been doing podcasts for years & have the audio side down, and have only been fooling with video over the past year or so.

I'll look around for some deals on a good camcorder. It's not a super high priority for me & I don't have much coin to throw at it, so price may be a deterrent.

Thanks again!
Scrib