Cheap camera for fuzz demos?

[ifeellikeatourist]

I'm looking to purchase a video camera sometime in the near future and I would like something inexpensive since I won't really be using it for anything beyond an occasional pedal demo, stupid youtube video, or recording my dog scratching his ear with his foot. I've realized that 99% of people who own video cameras don't really use them for anything more worthwhile than this, and so in this day and age of relatively high quality yet inexpensive video recording devices, I've decided that there is probably no need for someone like me to spend more than $200 on said device. Video quality seems to be pretty high these days even on cheap cameras, so I am a little more concerned about sound quality, as it is usually what these cameras really lack, and it is also the most important thing when it comes to doing music/pedal related videos. Anyway, I was wondering if you all had any recommendations as to what to check out and/or steer clear of. I think I remember reading that NW used a Zoom Q3 or something like that. Anyone else like that one? Anything else out there that fits what I'm looking for?

Ok, I'm looking for a video camera in the >$200 range...Go!

[the raytownian]

Frankly, I don't care too much about image quality (having to work with the shit built-in webcam on my laptop).

What I hate is people making demos that consist of them fucking recording audio from the camera mic and readjusting the camera every 2 seconds making the most obnoxious handling noise that's louder than everything else while playing 10 yards from the amp (or directly in front of it) and going "okay..." every 5 seconds.

I suggest not using this method period. You should record your audio directly into the sound card from a mic/mixer and sync the audio up with the video later (I just use Movie Maker)... It's a little more work, but it's worth the effort if you're serious about making a demo that's not completely obnoxious without paying for some fancy-schmancy video camera with audio inputs and shit...

OH! and spare us (me?) the "SICK RIFF/GUITAR CABLE BUZZ" sound effect bumper at the beginning of every demo... I hate those things, and I always skip them! I seriously can't stand them.

Also, don't bother talking... SERIOUSLY, just say what you're doing in the description and in text without a million pauses in between the actual playing. Or. better yet, do a quick run-through, THEN babble and explain the less-obvious features.

I can't stand when people do nothing but talk when all I want is to hear what the shit sounds like. If speech is necessary, keep it to an absolute minimum. Only babble if you're funny or endearing, otherwise people will just skip it...

OR DON'T. I'm just making suggestions according to what I want out of gear demos...

[tuffteef]

its all about good mics over video for me

[Noise...]

Frankly, I don't care too much about image quality (having to work with the shit built-in webcam on my laptop).

What I hate is people making demos that consist of them fucking recording audio from the camera mic and readjusting the camera every 2 seconds making the most obnoxious handling noise that's louder than everything else while playing 10 yards from the amp (or directly in front of it) and going "okay..." every 5 seconds.

I suggest not using this method period. You should record your audio directly into the sound card from a mic/mixer and sync the audio up with the video later (I just use Movie Maker)... It's a little more work, but it's worth the effort if you're serious about making a demo that's not completely obnoxious without paying for some fancy-schmancy video camera with audio inputs and shit...

OH! and spare us (me?) the "SICK RIFF/GUITAR CABLE BUZZ" sound effect bumper at the beginning of every demo... I hate those things, and I always skip them! I seriously can't stand them.

Also, don't bother talking... SERIOUSLY, just say what you're doing in the description and in text without a million pauses in between the actual playing. Or. better yet, do a quick run-through, THEN babble and explain the less-obvious features.

I can't stand when people do nothing but talk when all I want is to hear what the shit sounds like. If speech is necessary, keep it to an absolute minimum. Only babble if you're funny or endearing, otherwise people will just skip it...

OR DON'T. I'm just making suggestions according to what I want out of gear demos...

This, ten thousand times over.

And yes - use your computer to record the audio. If you want to see why, go watch the two Bad Mother Fuzzer demos I have. One was recorded plainly with my MacBook's webcam and mic. The other was recorded with the same camera, but with line in. My adapter for the 1/4" cable is a POS though, so there's only audio on one side.

Still, there's a huge difference in quality.

I just use iMovie to add captions and shit later. No talking, just simple statements via semi-transparent overlays on the bottom.

[magiclawnchair]

i have an exilim ex-v7 i got 3 years ago for 250. all my youtube vids are done with this camera.

[devnulljp]

I hear good things about the Zoom H2...

[Gunner Recall]

Zoom q3.
Great audio, so-so video, and all the simplicity of point/shoot/upload.

[ifeellikeatourist]

Yeah, I've been checking out the Zoom. Sound quality is my main concern, for when I'm too lazy to record the sound separately. I'll probably end up getting a Zoom, just wanted to check to see how people felt about it and/or if there was anything else out there. And I think I misused the less than/greater than symbol...the Zoom can be had for <$200, which is what I want.

[Gunner Recall]

I know kayzer and bobbyd do their more recent demos with the q3, hopefully they'll see this thread and give their thoughts.

I'm thinking of getting one myself