Buying a Video Camera for Your Company Video

So your company boss taps you on the shoulder and asks you to take on a new project: videotape your company awards show and make some DVDs.   And since there is no budget to hire a professional video production company, you get to do it yourself. What do you do? My best answer is the same phrase that I end every email that I send: “use the right tool for the right job.” 

But what IS the right tool?  What is the right camera for your company awards show? First consideration should be to get a decent video camera that will suit your needs. 

Let’s face it - there is a plethora of books, magazines and online articles about the latest and greatest video cameras to purchase.   The information can be overwhelming.   So what do your do?  The event deadline approaches!  The job becomes manageable when you begin with a list of camera features that match your objective.   My experience has told me that if you get all the features you want at the cost you can afford, the brand name rarely matters.

The Features that Matter

• Camera Types - Mini DVD Camcorders, MiniDV Camcorders, HDV Camcorders, AVCHD Camcorders, Hard-Drive Camcorders, Flash Memory, Hybrid camcorders
• Video Format - 1080i or 720p (HD) high definition (16:9) or (SD) standard definition  (4:3)
  
• Camera Lens Type  - 10x or greater zoom controlled via switch or lens ring; electronic or optical image stabilization
  
• Sensor -  1/6-inch or larger CCD; minimum 680,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution for standard def; minimum 2-megapixel effective resolution for HD
  
• Minimum Illumination Rating - 7 lux or lower
  
• Ports and Connectors  - FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; USB 2.0; S-Video; accessory shoe for audio or lighting; external microphone input; headphone output
  
• Exposure Controls  - Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; backlight mode; low-light mode
  
• Focus Controls -  Automatic; manual option via dial on camcorder body
  
• Viewfinder and LCD - Color viewfinder and 3-inch or larger color LCD
  
• Photos - Medium resolution suitable for 4x6-inch prints
  
• Price - $100 to $8000
  
• Extra features to look for  - Bundled video-editing software; Webcam functionality; remote control; touch-screen LCD; interval recording; analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing 8mm or Hi8 video; external microphone inputs

Final comments - Editing system requirements and your final distribution medium may determine your recording format.  For instances, do you really need HD (huge files) if you are only putting your company video on the Web?   Does your editing software handle AVCHD or Quicktime or AVI?  Do you have DVD authoring software and what kind of video files does it require?  

One of the most IMPORTANT features that your camera should have is an EXTERNAL MICROPHONE INPUT.   Because audio is more important than video (in most cases) you will need to capture good clean event audio.   If you don’t believe me, try sitting through your neighbor’s wedding DVD with the camera and audio recorded in the back of the church.  Holy Moly! - Echo City!

Audio from your camera microphone will not be acceptable to your corporate audience.   Best case situations include taking an audio feed directly your event producer’s sound system or supply your own wireless mikes that can be placed close to the action.   Hence the need for an external microphone input.  One cheap trick:  Mike the PA speakers.  It won’t give you the best audio, but it’s much better than camera audio.

Wittman’s Law #3:  If you monitor your audio, you will always have it.   This means listening to the audio from your camera as you are recording it.  So another important camera feature is headset output.  Not all cameras (especially low-cost ones) have this!

And when you finally purchase your features-laden camera, take a little time to test it out before you shoot the main event.  And please, please, please bring along my favorite three-legged friend - a decent tripod!   
  
Best site to purchase video equipment: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Best site for video forums:  http://forums.creativecow.net/
Wittman’s Laws:  http://www.eaglevideo.com/wittman's_laws.htm
Flash video examples:  http://www.eaglevideo.com/demo9.htm

Bruce Wittman is a distinguished video producer, editor, writer, and cameraman with 35 years of experience in the television industry.  His clients run the gamut from Fortune 500 companies to small North Carolina startup companies.  Eagle Video Productions has been honored with many international, national and regional awards over the years.   Bruce loves to use the power of video to help companies save money or make money.   He is available for consulting, support with video editing and DVD authoring or full turn key video production.  www.eaglevideo.com

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