Some time ago I opened a discussion about equipment for doing video of church services and had few comments sone of which almost scared me off.
But yesterday om the way home from our Upstate NYS Board of Missions meeting I stopped at the nearby Target store and purchased a Sony HD CX240 camcorder. I have been doing a lot of online research and I wanted to keep the cost under $500.00. If I had gotten all the bells and whistles I think I would like to have I would have spent $1,400 but by staying with what I think I need, I am setting at $298.49 with the camera, 16 Gig MiniHD card, extra two year warranty, and NY sales Tax. I already had a good tripod.
The supplied instruction book leaves a lot to be desired but with the manufactures on line info in plus U-Tube Demos, I am working through the learning curve. But I did see a remote controlled on today on line for $129.00 no sales tax or shipping cost. However right now that is a luxury I can live W/O.
I took it with me to church this morning and am happy to report I am quite satisfied with it's use under our normal lighting and most of all the sound reproduction, as is, with our rather outdated small set and play sound system. On the camera play back it looks and sounds good. I anticipate some improvement when I put it on a CD
and play it through external speakers. The sound pick up on the CX240 is great. even w/o the built in "shotgun Mic.
If anyone has any tips for doing this sort of project, I would be grateful. What sort of processing suite might you suggest?
Please pray with me as I attempt to create a self styled instruction book/ users guide and work toward getting our services on DVD's.