My New HD Video Blogging Setup
My video blogging is about to take a leap into the AVCHD dimension thanks to the addition of the new Canon Vixia HF S100 HD camcorder to my blogging setup. The HF S100 is Canon’s new top of the line consumer/prosumer level HD camcorder. It’s identical to the Vixia HF S10 with the only difference being the S10 has 32GB of flash memory built in while the S100 has none. Since I have about 100GB of SCHD cards, there’s really no need to pay the extra $200 for the S10’s built in memory.
I rounded out the new blogging setup by adding a Canon WD H58 Wide Angle Lens (the thing is HUGE!) and a Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone (now shown). I also picked up a BP-819 Lithium Ion Battery Pack because the battery that comes with S100 doesn’t last very long. The entire setup sits on a Manfroto 785B Tripod, which was the gadget of the week on last Saturday’s Dot Com Pho.
At nearly $1,700, the setup isn’t cheap but it’s still way less expensive than going for a professional studio setup. It’s also a lot easier to haul around. I’ll be testing the new video blogging setup tonight during my presentation for Third Tuesday. Should be fun.
Tweet This Post!
- Posted in Blogging, Technology
- 64 comments what's your take?
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |||||||||||||
| By N2H | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trackbacks
- Taking Photos with The Canon Vixia HF S100 | John Chow dot Com - May 20, 2009 at 11:59 pm
- Meetup 202 At Gotham Steakhouse | John Chow dot Com - May 28, 2009 at 1:47 pm
- Internet Video, Then and Now | John Chow dot Com - June 2, 2009 at 11:49 pm
- Twitter contest Johnchow and Clickbooth | www.mutualpay.com - June 4, 2009 at 4:51 pm
- $5000 Clickbooth and John Chow Twitter Contest! | CPA Talking | CPA Networks Talking, Making Money Online! - June 5, 2009 at 9:26 pm
- Ideas on Tap at The Commodore Ballroom | John Chow dot Com - June 12, 2009 at 7:50 am
Loading ...
I am in love with this cam, but still in between that and the Sony HD HandyCam, will have to decide soon
Bests,
Alex (GuruOfSales)
This cam can be used 2in 1, seems the best choice, if you can afford it.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: How To Do A Niche Research In 4 Quick Steps
This is really damn cool!
Looking forward to the first movies.
Nice setup. I’m interested to hear the sound quality, particularly how much the mic can pick up.
Chris Jacobson’s last blog post: Google Opens Up Trademarked Keywords For Bid
Looks pretty beastly John. Definitely awaiting your first vLog with this baby.
I was thinking of getting just a pocket HD camcorder with a tripod so that I can take it on the move or use it for HD recording.
Looks nice, can’t wait to see some footage from it. What site will you be using to host the videos?
Shawn Knight’s last blog post: My Prediction Haiku
I think John hosts most of his videos on Vimeo and youtube. Its best to host everywhere. Helps to get viral traffic.
BTW John that is an amazing lens.
fas’s last blog post: How To Advertize Your Business Online
Yes, and if can upload it to even more platforms even better, more traffic and mybe even links.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: How To Do A Niche Research In 4 Quick Steps
John, that’s only the video capture side. What are you going to use to edit it and put together the final package?
Final Cut Pro.
That is a nice piece of kit. I am looking forward to the videos.
Garry – thisimprovedlife’s last blog post: Beating Exercise Apathy
I think one of the best investemens is the battery. I have one old digital cam that had a 40 min battery bet it lasts even less, its a real pain to recharge every minute.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: How To Do A Niche Research In 4 Quick Steps
Can’t wait for the video !
The cam look nice
Manol Trendafilov’s last blog post: Подкрепи Мария Ненова за Кандидат – Депутат
It looks awesome. I also can’t wait to see the video. Greg Ellison
Greg Ellison’s last blog post: Do you have an idea?
Love this set-up – I used to sell this stuff in my twenties. Back then it was Hi8 and 8mm haha
Gotta love Digital Memory!
dave online’s last blog post: Affiliate Marketing The Best way to earn Online
OMG! This is amazing, John. Cannon camcoders are really fantastic especially when it comes to HD Lenses and recording on Memory Cards.
Well, the price is not still desirable, but I guess it’s worth it. My suggestion to serious bloggers is to get their hands on this wonderful camera.
Particularly, those who are gloing to start a travel-based blog or have already got started, this one would be a killing.
Thanks John for providing info on this professional camcoder and I really look forward to hearing about your new video blogging setup.
Cheers,
Hooshmand
Hooshmand Moslemi’s last blog post: How To Make a Travel Guide Website
Why did you select Canon.
Any special reason ?
ZK @ Web Marketing Blog’s last blog post: SEO Marketing by Digital Third Coast
I went with Canon because they’re the best.
Any sites or reviews, etc that prove the claim?
I’ve been seriously looking into getting into HD Video lately and have been consuming reviews and whatnot like crazy. What made this particular camera the ultimate choice for you?
Cam Birch’s last blog post: Taking Time Off In A Small Business
try epinions.com for reviews
internetsalsa’s last blog post: Keep 100% of revenue
There’s also Nikon which is a famous camera compagny. I’m wondering if Nikon is as good as Canon.
Benjamin Cip’s last blog post: Does a Marketplace Better Than ClickBank and PayDotCom exist?
I knew that a post about the new camera is about to hit…and here it is! Canon is the best. I have a canon camera too but it’s not as fancy as yours…
i have a canon DSLR and its the best havent had any problems with it yet.
your new camera withe wide angle is freaking crazy – im jealous and i want one, you’re lucky – but i cant wait to see the video blogging
Pheak Tol’s last blog post: Who is PheakTol.Com?
I love that wide angle lens, that has got to be the most awesome part of the entire camera (visually). Serious gadget envy.
Cam Birch’s last blog post: Taking Time Off In A Small Business
Very nice is that the same stand on What the pho edition?
Danny Croft’s last blog post: John Chow VS Jeremy Schoemaker
Yes it’s the same tripod. I really like it. Nice and compact.
Hah very cool, gona be using it for thos low down shots?
Danny Croft’s last blog post: John Chow VS Jeremy Schoemaker
This one is the perfect example of perfect mechanism. I really like the down shots. Biy now you dont have to face back pain.
SW @ Quality Squidoo Lens Service’s last blog post: Social Bookmarking Service
So is this the end to the Flip that you normally used for videos??
great setup. Been looking for a similar setup (for non-blogging) recording. Think its time I splurge after seeing the vids you capture.
Aman@BullsBattleBears’s last blog post: Freebie Monday #24 – Free White Castle!
May be he will use flip for tour only and from his home or office broadacst he will use this one.
If I am not wrong
SW @ Quality Squidoo Lens Service’s last blog post: Social Bookmarking Service
I got that camera, and had all sorts of problems trying to edit the format that Canon used. I was on Windows, hopefully Final Cut Pro can read it!
Dave’s last blog post: PPI Razor GTR: An Audi R8 That Was Swallowed Up By Carbon Fiber
The Mac has no problem working with the Canon format. iMovie and Final Cut supports it naively. Seriously, if you’re going to do video editing, get a Mac.
I agree! I have a MacBook Pro! The Block, as they call it. And a 3K price tag, sheet…It better work!
I own a 24-inch Imac and I agree that mac is exellent for video editing, or anything relating to professional use. I have Final Cut Pro and I’m wondering if there is an alternative to this great software.
Benjamin Cip’s last blog post: Does a Marketplace Better Than ClickBank and PayDotCom exist?
John Chow has gone pro video looking forward to the new videos!
Nick Throlson’s last blog post: Google Allows Trademark Keyword Sales
Looking forward to your new video. Setup is killer.
needmoney.com’s last blog post: Websites – Designing the Homepage
so I guess flip will be used by Sally
internetsalsa’s last blog post: Keep 100% of revenue
Sweet nice camera
Lookin’ forward to some new videos!
Caden Grant’s last blog post: Add A Link To Digg, Delicious And More To Your Blog Posts
Awesome cam …..John
Ricky Peterson’s last blog post: 3 vital features of a Creative Entrepreneur
That’s not blogging gear, that’s expedition gear.. ;P
That cam looks great John! Wonder if you’d give this one on your next contest. lol
Liane’s last blog post: Proud to be Pinoy with Charise Pempengco’s First international Song – Note to God
wow , john you are really great….
Wow it looks awesome! Damn I want to have a camera like that!
Wii MotionPlus Games’s last blog post: The Conduit Won’t Support Wii MotionPlus
John is this camera the one Michael Kwan was holding in one af the last videos at the dot com Phos?
It looks awesome, the price seems out of my reach right now, but it would be my choice whenever I got the chance to buy one like that.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: New Theme Finally Fix It
No, that was an older Vixia HF100.
It thought it was since the look its quite the same.
But I bet the features are far more better in your new cam.
Marketing Business Review’s last blog post: How To Do A Niche Research In 4 Quick Steps
Canon is the best! I love their cameras, they’ve never disappointed me.
I hope you have fun with your new blogging video camera.
Bradley Nordstrom’s last blog post: VISTA PRINT SUCKS!!!:DON’T BUY FROM THEM!
Great piece of equipment but I have to say waaaay overkill for video blogging. I don’t expect to see any real benefit over using a flip HD with this set up.. Prove me wrong but honestly, $1700 compared to $250.. the thing better make lunch too, or you should at last have additional things that you plan on using it for
Jesse’s last blog post: Stop Twitter Spam, the easy way
It’s nice to get the new gear from time to time. I currently use a Sanyo HD1000. The camera does HD, has mount for ShotGun external microphone and easily will fit into your front pocket.
I’ve been capturing my video’s for well over 1 year with this camera using a 4gb SDHC card and it hasn’t missed beat yet.
When you have some footage from the camera, please share.
Chris Langston’s last blog post: Creating A Domain Name on GoDaddy.com
Nice camera. Looks better than the regular typical ones.
TYCP Entertainment Magazine’s last blog post: Courtney Van Dusen Interview
John…you and gadgets! Seems like you can spend the money just like that.
-Mike
Great looking setup. If this replaces your Flip, you’re going to have to make some more room in your travel bag!
Ha, yeah I remember the travel blog video.
Tim @ Blog Tips For Beginners’s last blog post: 5 Things You Should Know About Making The Digg Front Page
Thats a big lens! Love that your into the gadgets.
Tim @ Blog Tips For Beginners’s last blog post: 5 Things You Should Know About Making The Digg Front Page
So another Gem in your gadgets store. I am sure this one will be really close to you. Really looking great … just have a look at the lens. So broad
SW @ Quality Squidoo Lens Service’s last blog post: Social Bookmarking Service
This certainly have a professional look, with broad lens and all.
ZK @ Web Marketing Blog’s last blog post: Ultimate Blogging Theme Coupon Code – Save $20