Video Blogging..and a little help from your friends...

I may be doing a little project that would entail some Video Blogging. I am beginning to do some research as to the best digital video camcorder that I can find for say reasonable price. I probably am defining reasonable as something under say $1,500.

Also, I may be in the market for both video editing software and someone to do some finished editing, so would love some more ideas. My goal would be to do the first cut or booking marking of the video myself, and then let someone who knows what they are doing, do it right.

I would prefer not to consider anything in the Mac world yet, although maybe down the road if this turns into something, I would consider making a separate investment in Mac equipment/sofware. 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I keep telling my friends that those who read my blog, and whose blogs I read are really my intelligent agents!

Comments

[Bryan Zug]

You at Mind Camp this weekend Buzz? If so, let's chat. I will be shooting video of sessions there.

[Gerald Buckley]

Oddly enough Hugh MacLeod's asking nearly the same question. If you're intent on going on the low cost side... Get a Digital Hi 8 (Sony makes some swell ones with remote controls), a decent tripod, and video editing software (sorry, I'm a Mac guy). Adobe's got some good stuff going on the video editing side of life I understand...

If you were going Mac... I'm sure Mr. Scoble would have some good do's and don'ts. Heck, he might even have some good PC do's and don'ts... But, you may have already swabbed HIM down...

[Eric Mack]

Buzz, you can do everything for well within your camera budget.

For in-studio vlogging:
Buy a good Sony Digital Camera ($400-$500)
Visual Communicator Studio ($300-$500)
(Includes teleprompter & green screen backdrop)
Some lights (Many on the VC forums use halogen shoplights & dimmers) ($100)

I can show you my setup

[James Clarke]

Buzz: MovieMaker in Vista has come a long way for simple rough-cut editing (the new pipeline can handle HD as well). Sony's Vegas Video is pretty awesome at the higher end. I'm sure my friends at Avid might be able to help out in this area also.. I'll make some enquiries for you.

[Doug Danks]

Hello Buzz: I will be keeping an eye on your blog as I am looking for the same kind of camcorder. My idea is when we open phase 2 of our development I might do some kind of video blog of the opening, the progress, what's available etc. We are going to the MacWorld in January in hopes of getting some inspiration and possibly equipment to get the job done.

[Rich Padink]

What the hell? Didn't we just have an election? How about a little political commentary, albeit warmed over.

I'm going back to the warming house.

Rich Padink
International Falls,
Minnesota