Camcorders for Hair and Make-Up Tutorials

I really like how there are so many types of tutorial and resource videos. The hair and make-up resource tutorials have specific needs for recording video.

Many of the hair and make-up videos are recorded in cramped spaces such as bathrooms and bedroom tables. There is a lot going on but it can be managed. You can get a better quality video with the right equipment and preparation.

Hair and Make-up Tutorials Camcorder Requirements

• Camcorder with a fast lens meaning f/2.8 or faster. The wider the lens opening the more light can come to the sensor.
• Able to record in incandescent (regular light bulb) or florescent light. Most camcorders now days can change the type of light source.This can help you from appearing orange or green.
• A tripod that is appropriate for the space. You can buy small tripods that will fit on the sink or counter top. Please consider getting one

This really is just an idea generator of what the extremes of hair and make up vloggers would need to create a video. If I had to pick two camcorders that I think would be helpful to this population I'd suggest the following.

Frugalistas Who Will Spend $50 on Shampoo But Cringe Paying $200 for a Camcorder
 
Kodak ZX5 Digital Camcorder
Retail price between $140 to $180 depending on where you shop.
It is a high definition camcorder that records in the .mp4 QuickTime format.
This will be an issue for Windows Movie Maker and Windows Live Movie Maker users, you will need to convert the video.

 

Mac users will have no problems bring the video into later versions of iMovie. 

Advantage of this camcorder is that it is small, waterproof and shockproof.
The disadvantage of this camcorder is that records in monaural which is not that big of a deal if you can find it  around $150. (And I did at a reputable store.)

Stylistas That Know You Get Quality When You Pay for Quality

Panasonic's HDC-TM90
Retail price between $450 to $699 depending on where you shop and if it is new or refurbished. 

Advantage of this camcorder is that it has a f1.8 lens, This would allow a heck of a lot more light for recording.

Another bonus is that it has 16GB internal storage in addition to having an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot. This bad boy has got an external mic jack but no headphone jack. It can record in full high definition but it seems to have an iPad compatible recording mode as well. Interesting.

This HD camcorder has a wide angle lens that will expand the viewing area of the shot. 21x optical zoom in this size of camcorder is just dandy with me.

I think I’m in love.

The disadvantage? Well, the on-camera microphone is located under the lens barrel. You might pick up sounds from the camcorder if you use the zoom function. You shouldn't uses the optical zoom if you are talking. Never use the digital zoom.

It is a small camcorder so folks with large hands might have an issue with it.

Mac User Issues

The software that comes with the camcorder is PC/Windows only. Video format is .mp4 AVCHD so early iMovie users with the prior versions of the program will have to convert or find a work around. Current users of  iMovie or Final Cut Pro X should be fine.

Summary

The folks who make these kind of tutorials spend good money on hair care products and make-up but can be a little too frugal when it comes to getting the right camcorder for the job. It doesn't have to be expensive. You really can get quality camcorder for a good price now days.