How would you like to buy a new video camera or some lights and then get some free consultation from me on how to use them?Announcing the Grand Opening of my Video Production Tips store!

I am excited to have partnered with B&H Photo, the large video equipment retailer on the planet.

I am the proverbial kid in a candy store at a place like B&H.  I gleefully spend all day oohing and awing over the humongous inventory.

B&H Photo in NYC is HUGE!

But for those of you who (understandably) do not want to spend a million hours comparing and contrasting the finer points of video cameras, I have done it for you.

I picked out a handful of totally awesome video cameras and three basic lighting solutions and compiled them into the Video Production Tips Equipment Store.

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

If you buy something, I will throw in a thirty-minute telephone conversation with me as a bonus!  We’ll keep in touch via email too, so I can make sure to help you and answer your ongoing questions about how to make your own videos.

Let's party! As you can see, I got a special hair-do for the occasion.

Help me celebrate the grand opening by checking out the video equipment in my new video store. Buy before June 1 to get the free phone consultation.

Even if all you want to do right now is ohhh-and-awww, and examine the leaps made in digital video camera technology, that sounds like fun to me! Help yourself.

I picked out a total of seven video cameras.  Each one is fantastic in its own way.   There is no one perfect video camera for everybody.  I selected a variety of formats, features, and price levels to make sure I had what you are looking for.  There is something on this list for everybody, no matter your requirements.

Here’s a rundown of what video cameras I selected for my store. I listed the features, uses, and benefits of each camera.

VIDEO CAMERAS FOR SALE

1. Aiptek A-HD 720P-Simple and basic.  High-def clarity for just $110.  All-in-one camera/microphone.  If you are looking for easy, this is it.  Meant for easy internet video production. Point, shoot, upload.
2. Cannon ZR-950- Hybrid of Mini DV format AND records on an SD memory card.   Comes with bag and extra battery.   Only $260. If you are looking for something easy but professional quality, this would be a good choice.   Gives you a GREAT picture for a low price. Bargain at $260.
3. Panasonic HDC-HS100-A neat little hybrid that records on both a hard drive and a memory card.  Huge 60 GB capacity.  Three image sensors for maximum picture quality.  Microphone input and headphone input.  Fantastic camera for under $600.
4. Cannon Vixla HFS100- Fantastic high def camera that records on a memory card.   Records in MPEG 4 format so video should slide right into most video editing programs.  (Unlike some high-def video) Under $1,100.
5. Panasonic AG-DVX100B- Phenomenal camera for video junkies like me and other discriminating camera buffs.    3 chips, two built-in neutral density filters, 2 XLR audio inputs, Adjustable shutter and gain control.   Gorgeous. Less than $2,600.
6. Cannon GL2-Another camera buff’s favorite.  One of the most popular cameras of all time.  Mini DV format, comes with tripod, light and extra battery. Variable shutter, stereo input for extra mic., 3 chips.  Optical image stabilization.  Less than $2,600.
7. Sony DSR PD170-Fantastic camera comes with a wireless lavaliere microphone system. DVcam format.  3 CCD chips, two XLR audio inputs, variable shutter, gain control, two internal neutral density filters.  Nearly $3,000.

PROFESSIONAL BUT SIMPLE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS

My store also includes a selection of professional photographic lights. Often, the biggest distinction between professional quality video and amateur is the lighting.

For my store, I chose simple stand alone fixtures and one larger kit. You will never need anything beyond what I carry unless you REALLY want to create high-dollar videos.

Lighting does not need to be hard. Even setting up one extra light, if it is done correctly, can greatly improve your video quality.

I have a one-light floodlight with an umbrella for the most basic of all lighting. This one light is designed to provide maximum but still diffused illumination.

If you want something a bit softer and more diffused, go with the light and a soft box. Umbrellas and soft boxes BOTH diffuse lights, but the umbrella not nearly so much. But remember, as you go MORE diffused, you get LESS intensity, so which do you need? Ultra-diffused for facial close-ups or a brighter diffused light for larger scale activities?

Want to get fancier and have triangle lighting? I carry a standard and complete 3-kit lighting kit from Lowell. Lowell lights are well known for their versatility and durability. Kit has 2,000 watts total. With 3 lights and all the accessories, barn doors, gel frames, scrims, 2 umbrellas, cables, stands and box.

Drop me a line at videoproductiontips@gmail.com and let me know what you think of our new store. Remember, if you buy something before June 15, 2009, I will throw in a bonus of a half hour phone consultation on how to make your own videos.

Thanks for reading Video Production Tips

Lorraine Grula

Internet Video Gal