Video cams

These range from older VHS cassette machines to the more recent 8mm and digital cameras. The non-digital cameras tend to be less expensive, but the video will need to be digitized (usually a separate piece of hardware) to use in the editing programs listed below.

If the budget allows, digital videocams are preferable, and are coming down in price to reasonable levels. These can record directly onto tape, DVD or a hard drive. This video can then be downloaded into the computer (typically with a “firewire” connection) and edited.

Video-editing tends to be a bit more complex than for stills. But programs like IMovie for the Mac and many others (Moviemaker) for Windows can make it a fun, often intuitive process.

Super 8, 16mm film cameras (old school)

Some people prefer these for the distinctive look of film. However, they are not for the casual shooter. The film still needs to be developed, and editing is a more technical process. All in all, they do not have the immediateness of video.

IMovie tutorial