Ask HN: Which low-budget camera would you recommend for recording podcasts? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Which low-budget camera would you recommend for recording podcasts?

#41

Post by ansgri » Sun, Apr 07, 2024, 8:08 AM UTC

kristianp wrote: post #30

aczerepinski wrote: post #13

You may have better luck if you specify what low budget means to you. The latest iPhone Pro is better than some of the entry level cameras, especially if you weren't planning to splurge for a nice prime lens. I think the cheapest you should go is the Sony EV-10 plus Sigma 16mm 1.4 lens. If those are more than you want to spend, stick with your phone camera because you won't see enough improvement to make it worthwhil…

When I google the EV-10, I get results for the ZV-E10. I assume they are the same camera, why do people call it the EV-10? The ZV-E10 can live stream up to 720p over USB-C (1), is that sufficient? (1) https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-zv-e10-review

If you need full hd streaming, get a cheap hdmi-to-usb adapter and you could use even older cameras (sony started supporting webcam only around a6300), with simultaneous recording and streaming.

Re: Ask HN: Which low-budget camera would you recommend for recording podcasts?

#42

Post by ansgri » Sun, Apr 07, 2024, 8:13 AM UTC

_rs wrote: post #14

Retr0id wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On the HDMI-to-USB front, beware of dongles that oversell themselves. A blue USB connector just means a blue USB connector, it doesn't necessarily mean it's USB 3.0 (they might use weasel words like "USB 3.0 compatible"). Most have an integrated scaler, e.g. will accept 4K input even if they only capture at 1080p - the listing will likely emphasize the former rather than the later. The MS2109 chip will do 1080p at 30…

Some Sony cameras support acting as webcams natively over USB now too, so you can skip the HDMI step. Not sure about which specific models though

The list is here: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/webcam/en/download/ It weirdly includes a5100 and not a6000, which are internally almost identical.

Also at least for older cameras it’s 720p only, no fullhd, so you’re still better with hdmi adapter.

Re: Ask HN: Which low-budget camera would you recommend for recording podcasts?

#43

Post by suyash » Sun, Apr 07, 2024, 9:51 AM UTC

coffeebeqn wrote: post #26

suyash wrote: post #9

Your smartphone with external wireless mic

Why wireless? There are a lot of good wired USB mics that are generally better sounding since the tradeoffs aren’t so severe as in wireless and less hassle.

if you want to be tethered 1 feet away from your camera then go for wired lol

Re: Ask HN: Which low-budget camera would you recommend for recording podcasts?

#44

Post by SebFender » Sun, Apr 07, 2024, 10:56 AM UTC

hellcow wrote: post #37

skadamat wrote: post #28

I've spent a few years fiddling with setups during COVID / remote work. Honestly, in my experience, gear comes secondary to your ENVIRONMENT. Julie Schiro's videos are a great place to start: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieSchiro Here are my tiers! Tier 1: Audio > Video first! - Get very basic sound treatment done, even just a few panels in front and behind you. ~$100 or cheaper with DIY https://www.youtube.com/watch?…

I have the Shure MV7, and I've been extremely impressed with it over USB. Highly recommend it as an entry point to (semi-)professional audio equipment.

Just to give a bit perspective and with total respect - entry level. Most have little idea of the cost involved in semi-pro and pro products. But its a decent option and recommendation.

Re: Ask HN: Which low-budget camera would you recommend for recording podcasts?

#45

Post by martinbaun » Sun, Apr 07, 2024, 5:35 PM UTC

Any phone within the last few years is probably the best. Now, connecting it to your laptop is probably harder but possible.

The most important though is... LIGHTING. I can't stress that enough. Buy a cheap $15 circlear light thingys. That'll improve your image so much!