Suggestions for inexpensive video camera for college student

[tikkipoo]

Hey all! I just got done signing my DD up for her first semester of college. She has aspirations of doing something with film photography/editing/producing. So, I thought that it might be a cool gift to buy her an inexpensive camera and maybe a editing software for her to play around with.

I am completely clueless about all of these things. So, if anyone has any suggestions of a camera or software (has to be inexpensive - I know more expensive would be better, but I don't have the extra funds with paying for college) I would truly appreciate any help I could get.

Thanks!

 

[havoc315]

For cheap video cameras, nothing beats an iphone or similar quality smart phone. Their quality in video is extremely impression. You've got professional filmmakers experimenting with making films with iphones..
http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/28/7925023/sundance-film-festival-2015-tangerine-iphone-5s

Now if she wants to combine photography with film, then you're looking for a good still camera with good video capabilities. But then there are a whole lot of questions to answer before picking a camera. Because practically every camera on the market is decent, and capable of decent video. Does she need 4k? For photography, would she want to change lenses? Does she need AF for video, or is manual focus ok for video? Does she need microphone compatibility? Would she be doing low light videos? Does she have a size preference?

 

[xlxo]

I recommend discussing the situation with the instructor... some classes use very advanced equipment.

iPhones are great for consumer use in a pinch..... but is limited.... especially with optical zoom and audio.

 

[tikkipoo]

For cheap video cameras, nothing beats an iphone or similar quality smart phone. Their quality in video is extremely impression. You've got professional filmmakers experimenting with making films with iphones..
http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/28/7925023/sundance-film-festival-2015-tangerine-iphone-5s

Now if she wants to combine photography with film, then you're looking for a good still camera with good video capabilities. But then there are a whole lot of questions to answer before picking a camera. Because practically every camera on the market is decent, and capable of decent video. Does she need 4k? For photography, would she want to change lenses? Does she need AF for video, or is manual focus ok for video? Does she need microphone compatibility? Would she be doing low light videos? Does she have a size preference?

Oh heavens...all the questions. She has a new Samsung S7, so maybe that will work for her experimenting. Maybe a software would be a better purchase.

I recommend discussing the situation with the instructor... some classes use very advanced equipment.

iPhones are great for consumer use in a pinch..... but is limited.... especially with optical zoom and audio.

That's a good point. They can check out a camera for class assignments. So maybe it would be a waste if she has the opportunity to work with a much better quality of camera from school.

I was just hoping to get her something that she could have fun with this summer before class starts since she is so pumped.

 

[Quellman]

Many colleges provide access to student software discounts not generally available to the public. I went to an engineering school, so we were able to get free, or drastically reduced prices to many software suites. Some campus' also have computer labs that would allow her to use the schools software to create and edit. They may also also students to use school owned equipment on their free time.

I suspect that videography is quite similar to photography. The equipment wanted by the user can very greatly depending on what it is they want to capture and their style. Buying a gift for a craft/hobby may seem sweet, but it may not be compatible with what the user wants. For example, buying a 30-110mm lens when I really just want a 50mm prime. I would consider this alternative. Look and see what a good price would be, then tell your daughter that you will pay $xxx for equipment after 1-2 semesters of school and that she is welcome to add some of her own to get something better.

Kids can certainly change their mind and their major, so waiting a year might be a good idea if she decides that she'd rather become a history major or an astrophysicist. It also would allow her the option of picking out whatever it is that she thinks is best for her needs, and also to option to get a higher end model if she wants to add some of her own money on top of it.

Good luck.

 

[tikkipoo]

Many colleges provide access to student software discounts not generally available to the public. I went to an engineering school, so we were able to get free, or drastically reduced prices to many software suites. Some campus' also have computer labs that would allow her to use the schools software to create and edit. They may also also students to use school owned equipment on their free time.

I suspect that videography is quite similar to photography. The equipment wanted by the user can very greatly depending on what it is they want to capture and their style. Buying a gift for a craft/hobby may seem sweet, but it may not be compatible with what the user wants. For example, buying a 30-110mm lens when I really just want a 50mm prime. I would consider this alternative. Look and see what a good price would be, then tell your daughter that you will pay $xxx for equipment after 1-2 semesters of school and that she is welcome to add some of her own to get something better.

Kids can certainly change their mind and their major, so waiting a year might be a good idea if she decides that she'd rather become a history major or an astrophysicist. It also would allow her the option of picking out whatever it is that she thinks is best for her needs, and also to option to get a higher end model if she wants to add some of her own money on top of it.

Good luck.

Great points. I think I will do that. She will probably be so overwhelmed by all of the new information that she won't have time to play around with anything anyway. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[hakepb]

Waiting is probably best.

Otherwise my thoughts based on a little reading to improve Any video are
1) stability : tripod and/or portable "steadycam" mount for more smooth video
2) better audio, something like a Zoom H1 external recorder may capture much higher quality audio making videos seem and sound much better. (But seperate audio files require software to merge the video and audio ... And get a director's "clapper". The "clap" at the start of a scene helps you sync the audio with the video)

 

[tikkipoo]

And get a director's "clapper". The "clap" at the start of a scene helps you sync the audio with the video)

OMG I LOVE that idea!