More recruiting: video camera to do-it-yourself

[kellieam1]

We have access to some game "film" to get copies of DVDs from the coaches, but if we want to do our own videotaping, what is a good, reasonable video camera that some of you have used to make your own recruiting videos? We're not looking to spend hundreds of dollars, but we want reasonable quality, especially when having to shoot at night. Suggestions?

[KattTx]

Can't help ya on this one... I am technologically challenged, to put it mildly. We depended on the video skills of one of our coaches. He was a wiz with that stuff. Thank goodness!!! Or else I would have had to send in DVD's that looked like it was edited by the Blair Witch people. :o:D

[odessapermian.com]

We have access to some game "film" to get copies of DVDs from the coaches, but if we want to do our own videotaping, what is a good, reasonable video camera that some of you have used to make your own recruiting videos? We're not looking to spend hundreds of dollars, but we want reasonable quality, especially when having to shoot at night. Suggestions?

Panasonic and Sony are two excellent cameras (I use a Panasonic PVGS320). Honestly though, the overhead footage the coaches can give you is far better and shows more for recruiting purposes than anything you can shoot from the sidelines.

[KattTx]

Um... you do pretty dang good yourself from the thick of things. :p

[kellieam1]

We're also going to need to do some video of some club soccer games too (no coaches in the press box videoing those games, unfortunately) which is why we're considering buying a camera. I'm sure my husband will be HAPPY to buy a new toy. :D

[eagle03]

Panasonic and Sony are two excellent cameras (I use a Panasonic PVGS320). Honestly though, the overhead footage the coaches can give you is far better and shows more for recruiting purposes than anything you can shoot from the sidelines.

I agree with that. I do lots of video stuff and I am very happy with my little Panasonic PVGS300. I have multiple cameras, but for what you are looking for, this one is around $500 and has the quality you are looking for, even at night under the lights.

[Spartan1]

I also use a Panasonic GS300. They are MiniDV tape, which I like because it allows for a "master" backup. They are 3CCD cameras which allow for great color reproduction, and setting them to Auto for everything creates great images at night games. Note, it is NOT high definition.
For recruiting vids, you should position yourself high and towards the middle of the field. Sidelines are no good for recruiting, but make great highlight video footage.
Get yourself a good, fluid head tripod. I've seen too many people without fluid heads losing the action, then jerking quickly to catch up, coaches included. Some of the coach's footage you can't even watch, it's so bad. Some of the websites (no names here) that "specialize" in video look sloppy and jerky.
The GS300 also has optical image stabilization, which makes hand-held shooting quite steady.

[kellieam1]

Thanks for all the suggestions; we'll start on some comparison shopping now.

[HUM398]

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