Jvc Hd Camcorders
Sep/100
Film type and resolution for this camcorder?
I don’t understand all the technical aspects of camcorders. I have a JVC camcorder (about 5 years old), model number GR-SXM250U. I know it uses a tape but is a tape considered “film”? If it is, then does the my camera’s tape either 35mm or 70mm? If it’s not considered film, is it 24 or 48 frames per second? Also, what’s the resolution? Is it at least 1280/720?
I’m making an independent film and with what I’m going for, I need those specifications. Does my film qualify or will I need to get an HD camera? I know it’ll be better quality and if I get the money soon, I’ll get one. But in case the money doesn’t turn up, I still want to be able to make this movie.
Dissecting your question piece by piece:
This camera records S-VHS or VHS signals onto VHS-C tape. This is an analog tape format (not digital). Whether analog or digital, tape and film are two very different things.
Tape is recorded by a magnetic, mechanical process. It is read by a similar mechanical process. By contrast, film is exposed by exposing it to light, and then developed in a series of chemicals. It is then projected by shining light through it. Many people incorrectly use the term “filming” to talk about video recording, videotaping, and similar actions.
Analog video tapes such as VHS-C do not record high-definition video. It records standard NTSC or PAL video. As a USA model, it should record NTSC – this is confirmed if you’ve ever successfully played back video from it on a TV in the USA, or other NTSC countries such as Canada. As NTSC, it’ll be 29.97 frames/second. Standard VHS has about 240 lines of resolution, while S-VHS has about 420 lines. Video in S-VHS format cannot be played back in standard VHS players, but VHS format video can.
To insert the tape in a VHS player, you’d need to purchase a VHS-C adapter. It’s a VHS-sized cassette, and you insert your VHS-C tape into it. You then put the whole thing into your VHS player.
As for your needs for independent film – if you really need true, chemical-process, photographic film, I admittedly know virtually nothing and have almost no help to offer. If you’re shooting independent film on video, that’s different. In the low end, a camera like Canon’s HV40 can shoot native 24p in high definition (HDV format on MiniDV tape). With good lighting and good audio, you can make some really nice stuff with that camera. Higher up, you can look at a camera like Panasonic’s AG-HVX200 (or 200A). It records HD in the DVCProHD format on solid-state P2 cards.
If you don’t really need HD, or you don’t really need 24p, your camera options open up a bit. For example, Panasonic’s AG-DVX100 (or 100A or 100B) become options. 24p on MiniDV tape, albeit standard definition. I have a DVX100B and love it, though I admit I haven’t used it for 24p material – I’ll probably love it even more when I do.
In any case, if any of those specifications are not set in stone, your options really increase. 24p and HD, combined, do come at a premium price.
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