Camcorder for Recording Swings

[BigandUgly]

I want to pick up a camcorder that will be suitable for recording swings and pitching for analysis. Unfortunately I know nothing about cameras and I'm quite possibly the world's worst photographer. I'm still trying to figure out how to keep my thumb out of my families vacation photos.

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive camcorder that has the functions I need? For that matter, what functions do I need? I imagine Slow-motion replay would help, but what do I need as far as memory, zoom strength, etc?

Thanks,
Dave

[DukeK]

I alway recommend something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-VPC-E2-Digital-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B001DQRBSY

I have an older model, VPC-CA6 that only does 30fps.

Does it take great pictures and video - no.

So why buy it? It's tiny, fits comfortably in a pants/shorts/jacket pocket. It's waterproof and durable. It works great for stuff like baseball and vacations where you don't want to lug around a bunch of electronic gear. I carried the CA6 in my shorts pocket all through Disneyland, California Adventure, Sea World, etc.... and it did an admirable job. As I read on a photography forum, the best camera is "the one you've got". Meaning - you'll use a camera more and have it on your person more if it's convenient to carry. You can also toggle through the video frame by frame in the LCD screen (assuming it's like the CA6) right after you take the video - handy for instant feedback.

I use a DSLR if I want really nice stills and an HD Camcorder if I want really nice video. Pain to lug around though.

[gameth]

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17630


Takes great photos at 10 megpix and shoots solid video. 20X optical zoom is awesome to say the least. Zoom is going to be your best friend for sports shots and optical is what matters. The digital zoom is useless.

I own this camera and love it. Takes the sd card as far as memory so you can use whatever you can afford. I use 8gig card and its fine even on fine settings.

[mudvnine]

I alway recommend something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-VPC-E2-Digital-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B001DQRBSY

I have an older model, VPC-CA6 that only does 30fps.

Does it take great pictures and video - no.

So why buy it? It's tiny, fits comfortably in a pants/shorts/jacket pocket. It's waterproof and durable. It works great for stuff like baseball and vacations where you don't want to lug around a bunch of electronic gear. I carried the CA6 in my shorts pocket all through Disneyland, California Adventure, Sea World, etc.... and it did an admirable job. As I read on a photography forum, the best camera is "the one you've got". Meaning - you'll use a camera more and have it on your person more if it's convenient to carry. You can also toggle through the video frame by frame in the LCD screen (assuming it's like the CA6) right after you take the video - handy for instant feedback.

I use a DSLR if I want really nice stills and an HD Camcorder if I want really nice video. Pain to lug around though.

I use the Sanyo-VPC-E2 for hitter videos set at 60 fps and the extra frames in the video are great to "see" more of the swing. But I second the "quality" (or lack thereof) part of the post.

Most of the time the quality is very good to excellent in normal light, but in any lower light conditions (including indoors - re: some indoor cages) . . . quality goes to zip, zilch, nada, terrible!!!

It is nice to have it tuck into a pocket to pop out on a whim . . . haven't tried the filming underwater feature yet. They say it's capable of shooting in up to 5' deep water, but the thought of taking a camera underwater is a hurdle I just can't make it over yet. :ooo: :D

Oh, and they can be found for under $200 so the price is definitely right!