EPISODE 5: The Rolling Shutter

The rolling shutter is an artifact you get from lower end throw away cameras that do not have a large CMOS chip.
This is due to the chip not scanning the image fast enough and part of the scan lag is carried over to the next frame. The effect It is very noticeable in fast action camera movement and tends to look like a jello effect on the image as it wobbles on the screen.
The only way to compensate for this is to limit fast action shots.
Better quality chips are starting to show up in cameras just under a $1000.00.
Most of these cameras are just shy of a thousand dollars. $700.00 on to around $2000.00. The equivalent of this ten years ago would cost you 30 grand.
These newer and better chips capture images clean and fast and tend to minimize rolling shutter problems, plus they have better light sensitivity and color depth. I'll place a link to my favorite low end camera, the
Canon EOS Rebel T3i which cost around $700.00 plus. The link below is very thorough showing comparisons and video samples.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T3I/T3IA.HTM

This camera will get you stunning HD video at 1080p with superb night time shooting with very little noise. There is a bit of manual handling to do such as using manual focus while filming since the auto focus tends to be a little slow to catch up and will be annoying.

This or any of the Canons EOS Rebel T3i's bigger bros are worth investing in.

There are other competitive cameras in the same price range and they all do a great job, but they all have features that you may or may not need for your type of production work. So you will need to research the features to find what works for you.

EPISODE 4: Disposable Cameras

I talked earlier about using HD 720p and 1080p cameras that cost just around $100.00 to $200.00 you can use to shoot a low budget production. This episode is dedicated to that subject.
I call them disposable because you will not be afraid to put them in extreme situations with the fear of destroying them. This means you can abuse them to your liking to get the job done.
The interesting thing about this subject is that you will spend more on accessories for mounting and recording than you will on a pair of cameras to shoot your production.
You can purchase two or three cameras for less than $400.00 and own them. Shooting a low budget film with two cameras is a lot easier and faster for scene setup and saves time capturing dialogue between two actors. The time saved in editing is valuable and the the use of one continuous soundtrack for both actors is nice too.

Below is a list of cameras that work well if used properly with some good forethought to how you are approaching your shooting. With good shot setup and post processing you can create a look that will be hard to discern from a pro camera.
Kodak playspot, Kodak Z18, JVC Picsio, Sony Bloggie, Panasonic HMTA1H and most aiptek digital camcorders.
Prices range from $70.00 to $195.00. Do a Google search on these to see video samples and reviews if you are interested to know more.

NOTE:
None of these cameras allow for additional lenses and may use different formats for video compression.

I embedded a youtube video from Youtuber Hairybearz who takes these fantastic environment shots with this $150.00 aiptek camera. It just shows you the possibility with this low coast technology.

And here is another for WarmWeatherGuy talking about $100.00 HDcamcorders.

Here is a link to a short film made with the iPhone4...
Apple of My Eye

Enjoy!

EPISODE 3: The new iPad

I have been a proud user of an Apple iPad since the iPad 2 came out. I now own the third generation iPad with the retna screen and 1080p video recording capability.
For the cost of just over $600.00 dollars you have a decent quality camera with built in editing software and Internet cloud connection and storage. With a little extra cost you can get accessories that allow you to mount the iPad on a tripod and add wide angle and telephoto lenses to the device. I'll link a YouTube video below.

In my opinion if you look at the iPad as a content creation device as well as a multi media machine the $600.00 plus dollars is worth the investment.