CamCorder Manufacturers *** Here is what the VideoSwampies Really Really want...
* Remote Control (not so important if YOU add the 'NJ' No Jijjles option)
Be the first to add this feature and receive the 'Manufacturing Heroes of Digital Video' award at the showdown...
I'll give you this one. Remote Controls for video camcorders would be nice.
* Mpeg format no other format can match the video player (Swamp Video) If that changes; then the importance of the video format would be reduced. The video formats that are most popular are usually a good choice. They can be more easily shared with friends and family. Any of the top 3 or 4 established formats (avi mov wmv mpg vob) should be OK but Mpeg is best right now...
I'd rather have a near-lossless or 'raw' video format. Compression is the Devil for raw footage -- leads to compression artifacts that can be mis-identified.
* Each video clip MUST be a separate file. Otherwise you'd need to EDIT the video before sending it off to the WEB. Editing should be avoided at all cost.
I tend to agree. If I stop recording, the file should be closed. When I start recording again it should be a new file.
* File naming format should be YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.mpg (all CC's should have this format) making it easy to sync video from 2 or more camcorders. Previously I had to rename all my video files. What a waste of effort.
MMM. Ok. I'll take that. Any standardized and easily parseable time date stamp. Could be in file meta-data for all I care.
* Ability to record with view screen closed (saves batteries) you can wrap your hands around it in cold conditions.
Yes.
* Zoom anything 10 and better is fine. The most important zoom is manual zoom. Move in close and circle like a weasel.
And no digital zoom at all. Optical Zoom or nothing. Digital zoom introduces artifacts.
* PC on screen format (wide screen or full screen). My new camcorder has a 1/2 inch black space at the top of my PC monitor. The old Hitachi didn't. Boo to that feature.
Well, different people have different screen sizes. Should probably include a menu option for screen ratios and resolutions.
* Camcorder screen size means next to nothing to me. I NEVER review videos on the Camcorder. When in minutes I can be seeing them on My big computer monitor.
Meh.
* Storage type on the Camcorder is of no major importance. I always download ASAP as long as there is room for 1 hr video and an extra Mini-dvd to switch out.
Meh. In order to store raw footage give us as much flash memory on the thing as possible.
* USB device compatible. That is the only cord other than power I use with my camcorder.
Probably should advance to USB 3.0 as soon as possible. If we start using lossless, high resolution video formats we're gonna need the extra transfer speed.
* Smile detect and capture option. My camcorder has it and automatically stores them when videoing. Don't forget to take pictures..
Meh.
* High speed video (another useless option) when you have the Slow-Motion capabilities in Swamp Video.
High Speed Video is essential for slow motion. Just slowing down a 60 FPS video to 30 FPS does not give you the ability to truly capture very fast movements. You can miss a lot this way.
* Design. Camcorders are ALL designed poorly for shooting video. So this can't be weighted to heavily until Manufacturers wise up in this area.
-Start with a Flashlight or Squirt-Gun as a model; the current camcorders are examples of designing done STUPID..
Dont Care
-add a spotting tube that is attached to the top of the camcorder for sighting up objects quickly. About 4" long and 1/3" diameter
Dont Care
-Maybe that mount could be used to attach lighting...
Dont Care
-move the RC sensor to the bottom back of the camcorder. 100% of it's use comes from behind...
Wrong. TWO RC Sensors, one in front, one in back. Allows videographer to film himself easily in case needed to show scale/proportion, or to self film a documentary.nature show.
-A lock out on the zoom so it doesn't accidentally get hit.
Maybe, but must be simple and quick to unlock
-Get rid of Digital Zoom altogether (useless feature)
Agreed
-Replace the hand-strap with a wrist-strap. (another useless feature) And it's location encourages videoing STUPID. What an awkward position.. To eliminate dropping the CC add the wrist strap yourself (I did).
Should be an option. Different people film differently.
-Ability to attach to a Spotting scope for digiscoping...
Meh
-With GPS everywhere. How about the option of placing a water-mark on the pic or end of the video showing the Lat-Long. For video this info is in a separate file and readable. For pics it's lost in the pic file somewhere and another (useless feature)
The GPS information should be stored in the video file, frame by frame. Not as a watermark. Maybe in an overscan area?