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Originally posted by Kilka

Hi everybody.

I'm planning on riding my bicycle around the world (hopefully) starting this coming summer. I would like to release an amateur podcast every couple weeks about the experiences of cycling in foreign countries. I'll have a laptop loaded with software with me, and I would like to find a camera that's durable and high quality to last something like this. My budget is under 1000, but the cheaper the better. It will hurt less if it gets stolen.

Anyone have any suggestions?

thanks,
-jeremie

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Ideally, since this is only for internet use, you won't worry so much about quality. Instead, you want a format that easily imports into your computer and can be edited quickly.

Having said that, if you're going to put that kind of effort into this project, you COULD think about higher quality in case you create a quality/entertaining project that could be screened or put on DVD for sale to a network, like Nat Geo or Discovery. What I'm getting at is why only aim to make a podcast when you could aim higher for a product that can earn you some income? If you decide that you can do that, then investigate the format requirements of those networks so that you acquire footage properly.

Also, you might want to post this question to http://www.cinematography.com .

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

Regardless of the target medium, not many choices are below $1k. The budget will only allow consumer devices. Among those, popular choices are Canon's VIXIA models, as well as Panasonic camcorders.

Canon's HF-S200 is the most recent in the line, and can capture at true 24p framerate. It should fit your budget. Panasonic's TM-700 won't do 24p, but will do 60p (at 1080). Both are capable of doing some excellent stills as well (about 8 Megapixel images).

You could go cheaper than that and choose bottom-of-the-line $500 models from the same makers. The question is only how low you're willing to go.

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/developexec#g/a

This guy has hiked several major trails and in 2008/09 walked across
the US. He did almost weekly updates to YouTube using the Canon GL2.
He has even made and released two full length documentaries. He is
working on his third.

Look at the cameras Vasic mentioned and the Canon HG21, the Panasonic HS300 and TM300 and the Sony XR520

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)