camcorder choice and specs

[stiksdad]

I need some advice on what to look for when selecting a camcorder to record for analyzing, what specs should I be looking for, also something that is user friendly I don't have time to be a techie.

 

[quincy]

If you search for camera you see a lot of different opinions. Here are 2 recent threads:

http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/9149-handy-p-s-camera-slo-mo-feature.html
http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-discussions/8828-camcorders-software.html

You have to decide what you are going to do with it. I like Playsport one but I download the images to a computer before messing with them, there are better options if you want to record and show the Player the video on the field.

Lot of good options out there for <$200.

 

[Ken B]

We just picked up a Canon ELPH 100 HS compact point and shoot (see link above.) Very small and kinda slow to navigate through the functions, but for just over a $100 on sale, it has an impressive slo-mo feature. For a little more $, the next models up might offer easier access to controls.

I also really like the under $10 app for smart phones by RVP. If you happen to have a smart phone, try it out before you fork out bigger cash on either a P/S with slo-mo or a camcorder. RightView Pro Baseball & Softball Training - Swing Analysis Software - Hitting or Pitching

 

[softballphreak]

Coach's Eye: The ultimate coaching app for iPhone and iPod touch

 

[ArmWhip]

The FPS frames per second is one specification to look at, 60 is adequate, you can find cameras with much more. However a high FPS is no guarantee of good clear pictures when you freeze the frame, this is where shutter speed comes in, you need at least 1/1000 or higher. I have a Sanyo Exacti which is several years old, it can record as high as 600 fps but not at high shutter speed. The slo-mo is very slow but the freeze frame is blurred. I usually record in HD at 60 FPS but use 1/1000 second shutter speed. It also allows immediate playback along with slo-mo and freeze frame. I use it a lot to shoot and show the results during the lessons. I take it to games and do the same thing, LL, high school or college. At 2-3 yrs old it is old technology, there are probably cheaper cameras that will do the same things.

 

[dbias]

I bought a refurb Canon zr960 for $149 about a year ago and it is awesome. It has 1/2000 shutter speed and is very clear in slomo and freeze frame modes. With the firewire port it is a breeze to put its content into my laptop via a firewire card.