TRF video area

[*Teach*]

I asked DB to set up a videos section up in the photo area for those of us who prefer video making to picture takin'.
So, that being said if you have any videos from TRF's past, post them here:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=5308.0
Mine are already up if you feel like a bit of reminiscing, take a stop by and step back a year or two
If anyone needs help getting videos uploaded to youtube, give me a shout and I will be glad to help

*No rum was spilled in the making of my videos*

[Sir Martin]

Teach - thanks for working with DB to get a video section set up.  I've seen some of your vids and you have captured some cool moments at TRF.  Some of us have cameras that have a video function that works OK for short, informal type stuff.  Can you maybe tell us a little about your video cam and what we would be looking at price-wise at getting into digital video?  I think you also said a while back that you were looking for a higher capacity battery.  Did you find one, and what kind of shooting time can you expect?  Thanks.

[*Teach*]

I use a canon 850 miniDV for my videos. It's really as good as your going to get unless you are ready to step up to the 3K dollar cameras. I intend to get one someday... but not for a long while I am sure.
The closest to mine that is available now is http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8689065&type=product&id=1198286347627. That is the 950 (mine is a year old and of course out of date lol). They run about $280 and are great compact video cameras. There are many different ones, but for me canon is leading the pack at the moment. Also, I prefer the miniDV as compared to the DVD camcorder mostly because of convenience. The miniDVDs aren't as easy to find without going to an electronics store. Minitapes are available at walgreens and any other store that might have supplies for cameras. Also, the miniDV uses a media card for photos and lower quality videos that is super easy to plug in anywhere I need to.
You can get a 7 hour battery, they run about $90 but work fine without adding a ton of weight. I got mine at best buy and they had others for other camera models as well. So far I haven't been able to run the battery down since it's initial charge lol. I have tried to... just aint happening.
I also suggest strongly getting some kind of minitripod for the camera. Takes the shakes away from the videos and that makes a huge difference on quality even though the camera has a built in stabilizer.
The next trick is... use a service like youtube for posting vids. I initially hosted them on my own site and the bandwidth usage was tremendous. Putting them on youtube and then embedding makes life much easier. (and you get addicted to trying to get your videos popularity up lol)
My video goal now is to get at least one or two shows a day and try to get shows that I don't normally go and watch. That gets me out doing stuff that I wouldn't normally do as well.
I am still very much the amature, but this has been a great learning experience for me. If anyone has questions though.. please ask away.

*and bring rum*