My First Sony Cybershot - Home Video Sample

Greetings!   This hub was created to record and showcase my experiences with digital video camcorders and cameras.  There were strict limitations on the amount of money (under $100) I could invest.  

First, I wanted a camcorder.  An older digital video (DV) using the small tapes.  Here was the first problem...  it was hard to find a newer camcorder under $100; most pawn shops wanted at least $155 US Dollars for a five year old unit.  Plus, the instructions and accessories were missing.  Not a good deal.  

Next problem,  my computer.  I currently have a Pentium III  with a 733 mhz CPU and a 10G hard drive.  A dinosaur. 

The older camcorders make videos in MPEG1 format - making the files too big for my hard drive.  Also, I had to buy a Firewire card and cable.

Jesus, I needed another option.  And I found it... Sony Cybershot DCS-H1 and Memory Cards (Flash).

To the right is another video shot. It's my first video... it shows a set of CDs I'll list on Ebay in the near future.

Note:  I used Windows MovieMaker to edit and add initial captions.  The video is multiple clips edited together to become one.

After seeing a few videos of the DSC-H1 on YouTube, I decided to research the prices, plus reviews on Amazon and Ebay.  Didn't see a bad comment, but on Amazon the amount exceeded $100.

Switched to Ebay and found excellent bargains for Cybershots in excellent condition with all accessories.   Ended up sniping one for $87 dollars. 

Unfortunately, most sellers do not provide these accessories: Rechargeable batteries (Two AA), and a memory card (2 G Duo). You'll need them. Four AA rechargeable batteries priced at twelve dollars at Best Buy. The Memory Duo was more expensive - $44. It featured a Sony card with extension... won't work without extension.

P.S. I liked the fact I could watch my home videos on my computer, and after converting them to MPEG4 format I can watch themon my PSP using the memory card from my Cybershot. 

Other stuff like wide angle and macro lenses you can purchase, later.

 One of my friends sent me an ebook on using video to operate an ebay consignment business.  I'll be able to deduct from my 2008 taxes the cost of the camera, and with some work make money in 2009.

1) Filming video is tougher than stills: On this camera you cannot adjust the lense once you start the video. Don't use the maximum optical zoom setting because you'll see your jittering magnified. Also, you need good lighting - this camera has a flash, but no constant light source. Why? It runs on two AA batteries... they would die very quickly.

2) Get a tripod. Just watch my video, it's impossible not to move. I've been told the new video cameras have excellent anti-jitter.