Low Light Camcorders

[711]

Hi all, I've been researching for a camcorder and am now even more confused than when I started! I've searched some forums, and found some comments about low light, but most of them are focussed on quality. My requirement is a little different.

Basically, I do lots of Muay Thai (Kickboxing) and play the drums. I'm trying to find a model that will allow me to film my technique and maybe the odd gig.

As I know I wont bother setting up any special lighting (and won't be able to at gigs anyway) I'm after a model that does good capture at low light. I don't really care about colour balance, but I do need to see what's going on.

I don't need a big zoom or widescreen or anything, just a simple, solid unit. Would be helpful if it was small and rugged as well, 'cause it might get kicked

Thanks in advance folks

[GetCarter]

I was going to comment on drummers knowing musicians, but as you also do kickboxing, I think I'll give it a miss.

You'll be surprised at how good most modern camcorders are at working in low light. As you say, colour balance will be off and it certainly won't be broadcast quality. You MUST know somebody with a camcorder... borrow it for a night.

I guess the important thing is how much light do you get at the back of the stage? If you are doing big gigs then you'll have plenty of light on the kit and on you, but if you are in dingy London pubs (been there), then you'll only be seen by the bass player and the janitor.

If It's the latter, I still think you'd be surprised by how visible you are... as long as you don't put the camera on the bass players stack!

I suggest borrow one... see how it looks.

Steve

[711]

GetCarter said:

I was going to comment on drummers knowing musicians, but as you also do kickboxing, I think I'll give it a miss.

How does one know when the stage is level? When the drummer drools out of both sides of his mouth!

GetGarter said:

I guess the important thing is how much light do you get at the back of the stage? If you are doing big gigs then you'll have plenty of light on the kit and on you, but if you are in dingy London pubs (been there), then you'll only be seen by the bass player and the janitor.

Dingy pubs sadly, although if we get more than the janitor and the bass player it's a sellout

Thanks Steve!

[ErnestM]

For really good "low light" capability (15 lux or so) you will need to go "prosumer" (Panasonic DVC-30 or even Sony HDR-FX1). If you are willing to live with some graininess and even some browning of the image, what form factor are you looking for? (Handheld, matchbox style) and what's your budget?

ErnestM

[711]

Ideally the budget would be around £500, but I guess that might be a bit cheap. I'd be prepared to hunt around for a secondhand model if needs be.

Form factor, I don't really mind to be honest...providing it will sit on a tripod I'm happy

[711]

Just had a quick look at that Sony - errr... I think I might have to expand my budget a bit!

Perhaps I'd better get over my aversion to getting some extra light on the subject. One of the ones I was originally looking at was something like a Sony DCR-PC350, but sadly it seems to have been replaced by a model that has worse low light performance.

Time for a total rethink perhaps?

[ErnestM]

If you are considering the Sony 350, then take a second look at the DCR PC1000. It's a matchbox style camcorder but it has a 3 cmos chip configuration. Low light performance is on par with some cams at twice the price. The added benefit will be that with the 3 cmos (same thing as 3 ccd, really) configuration, you will have much better colour capture. About $1300US IIRC which would be close to your budget...

ErnestM

[711]

Thanks all - I'll have a play with as many as I can get my hands on and let you know my thoughts

[711]

I know this threads a bit old now, but I got a Sony 350 really cheap from a colleague who was upgrading. I've been using it and getting some half decent results.

A bit after the fact, but thanks for the help chaps