HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

[Blzer]

So I got a digital camera for Christmas, but it was rather bare-bones (e.g. no video recording), so I'm looking to upgrade. I'm huge in the HD factor so I definitely want something with 1280 x 720 resolution, but now it's time to look at the framerates. As a sports buff, I'm thinking I want to find something that has 60 FPS, but I really have no idea if it's worth doubling the framerate for a much higher cost or not.

As an example, I want to record my little sister in softball (and me in baseball) from a side view for swing analysis. Would 30 FPS suffice for this kind of slowdown, or is 60 FPS the optimal framerate for such a technique?

I'll probably have more questions later regarding sound and digital camera suggestions and such, but I guess I want to get this first question out of the way, and I wanted to know what you guys thought.

Thanks.

[clivo1050]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

for fast action sports, you'd ideally want 60fps. However, if the cost is significantly higher, I wouldn't go for it. I'd recommend watching some sample videos on youtube to ultimately decide.

[BrianFifaFan]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

So I got a digital camera for Christmas, but it was rather bare-bones (e.g. no video recording), so I'm looking to upgrade. I'm huge in the HD factor so I definitely want something with 1280 x 720 resolution, but now it's time to look at the framerates. As a sports buff, I'm thinking I want to find something that has 60 FPS, but I really have no idea if it's worth doubling the framerate for a much higher cost or not.

As an example, I want to record my little sister in softball (and me in baseball) from a side view for swing analysis. Would 30 FPS suffice for this kind of slowdown, or is 60 FPS the optimal framerate for such a technique?

I'll probably have more questions later regarding sound and digital camera suggestions and such, but I guess I want to get this first question out of the way, and I wanted to know what you guys thought.

Thanks.

Go for 60 FPS. I think the new Kodak does 60, gonna check. But having used both, you can tell the difference. Just checked, the ZI-8 will do 720p at 60!

[Blzer]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

Thanks guys, it looks like all signs point to the ZI-8 when I'm doing some browsing, but I just need to be sure. I don't suppose anyone has anybody has any personal reviews on this camcorder?

[mgoblue]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

I forget the version, but I know there's a Canon Exlim camera out there that has the super high speed video, giving you the "slow mo" aspects....not sure if that's something you'd want. I forget as well if it was HD or not....

I have a Sony that does 30 fps and records stereo audio, it's pretty nice but if you want full sports detail I bet 60 would be better.

[clivo1050]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

I'm looking at the Panasonic zs3. It does 720p video at 60FPS and can zoom 12x in video mode. It can be found for around $240, which is not much more than the kodak. Plus, it takes great pictures and has gotten glowing reviews from around the web.

I don't think i'm allowed to link other sites, but the 240 price is found on a large retail site that begins with an A. I was very close to getting a 1st gen creative vado hd for $100, but I am in need of a new camera too so I might just splurge.

Also, those pocket cams seem very prone to shaky video due to their akward design.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

I'm also in the market to get a zi8. It's been the best pocket camcorder reviewed and did some pretty good research. I even looked at the videos on youtube using that camera and their pretty good. It has vibration reduction as well which is a big plus. You might want to check it out too blzer.

Too bad they are sold out almost everywhere online. I don't want to spend more than 180 so every place is sold out except places charging more for it like best buy.

[QUOTE]Go for 60 FPS. I think the new Kodak does 60, gonna check. But having used both, you can tell the difference. Just checked, the ZI-8 will do 720p at 60!/QUOTE]

I know the camcorder does 1080p as well, but does it do it only in 30 fps?

[clivo1050]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

The zi8 does have image stabilization, but it is not optical. From what I read, it is useless. Like I said above, the design of these cameras makes them hard to keep steady. You can tell from some of the youtube videos where people are walking around, it makes me dizzy and gives me a headache.

There are better alternatives. I'd recommend the canon sd780is due to it's better lens quality which will shoot clearer hd video for around $200. I also like the Panasonic zs3, which does 60fps 720p video with a 12x zoom, this can be found for $240 and is also an excellent still camera. Oh, it also captures audio in stereo for much better sound quality, check out some of the concert videos on youtube.

[Blzer]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

Okay, so I bought the Kodak ZI-8 with a Transcend 16GB SDHC class-6 card and the Sony ECM-DS70P external mic. Soon I'll get a mini-tripod along with it, and I'll run some tests when I get it.

Problem is that the camera is on backorder, so we'll see when I get it.

Thanks a lot for all of your help, guys!

EDIT: Does anyone know any retail stores where I can get windscreens for my external mic?

[TheTruth916]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

I just picked up the Zi8 for $169 at Target and I like it so far. I haven't gotten an external mic yet

[mgoblue]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

Okay, so I bought the Kodak ZI-8 with a Transcend 16GB SDHC class-6 card and the Sony ECM-DS70P external mic. Soon I'll get a mini-tripod along with it, and I'll run some tests when I get it.

Problem is that the camera is on backorder, so we'll see when I get it.

Thanks a lot for all of your help, guys!

EDIT: Does anyone know any retail stores where I can get windscreens for my external mic?

Can you post here when you do some tests with the baseball/softball stuff? I'd be interested to hear how well it works for you...cool way to use a camera, especially with how cheap they are nowadays.

[Blzer]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

Can you post here when you do some tests with the baseball/softball stuff? I'd be interested to hear how well it works for you...cool way to use a camera, especially with how cheap they are nowadays.

Yeah, probably. Chances are I'm just going to be putting it on the side behind a chain-link fence and keep it there as people swing, just so I can watch them after (mostly for my sister, but if for me as well I need to make sure the person operating the camera takes care of it).

But that probably won't be until the summer. Until then, I'm going to be doing some recording of my guinea pig, maybe me playing guitar, my friends, etc. I'll do some test videos either way and put them up for you guys, I'm sure. It's all about waiting for the thing now, though.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

I just picked it up zi8 at target too. Pretty nice and compact, and picture is great for this price. Definitely something I'll bring around at all times that I'm out since its pretty close to the size of my blackberry.

Zooming in and out is choppy and I rather just keep it at the default setting. I like to try it outside during the day while I'm at the park with my niece. First impressions have been pretty good, I'll do some more testing tomorrow with fast moving objects.

I'm glad I have it now since its a way easier alternative from my other camcorder. It's like having my point and shoot camera vs my DSLR.

[Blzer]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

To all that are saying they got this camera at Target, where is it on their site? I looked the other day and didn't see it, and I still can't find it. Is there a link online?

[RockinDaMike]

Re: HD digital camcorder - 30 FPS vs. 60 FPS

To all that are saying they got this camera at Target, where is it on their site? I looked the other day and didn't see it, and I still can't find it. Is there a link online?

I didn't find it online at all Blzer, I went straight to the store.

As for my complaints on the choppy zoom, the firmware from kodak's website made it a lot better.