I have a large railroad around 800 Sq ft. Would like to start making some videos.
Other than using an iPhone, can anybody suggest a decent camcorder ?
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You can use your phone, but if you do, please hold it horizontally!
Do not purchase a GoPro camera. They are not well suited for shooting in close, as you will often do with model trains. I made that mistake and the results were terrible.
Unless you have other intentions for the camera I would just use an iPhone. There are techniques to keep the trains in focus and most phones today shoot very hi quality video.
As Rich said though shoot horizontally to make the best videos.
Thanks so much for your input. Didn’t want to spend 1000 for a camcorder. Will have to experiment with iPhone and use a tripod.
FWIW; I use an iPad for all photo/video work. Bought a mini tripod(4” legs) that wouldn’t support the iPad weight, so I tore it apart to use the thumb screw connection on an iPad holder I had. Placed it on a 12” square piece of masonite which works great. I turn the iPad upside down to put the lens as close to the bottom as possible and shoot “up” at the trains, etc. I prefer this angle if possible. Of course it works on a tripod also. YMMV.
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I’m glad someone mentioned a tripod. A good set of sticks is absolutely necessary for good, steady video.
You might consider a Gimbal Stabilizer available at BestBuy or other sources. I plan to purchase one when I get time from building and move on to operating and will use it with my Android smart phone.
