Digital Video's New Hardware and Software
Just as video is finally being accepted as a data type on the Internet, the hardware and software tools used to capture and edit video are becoming more sophisticated. The development of digital video camcorders is beginning to mirror that of color scanners. The level of quality is improving and prices are dropping. New models are differentiated by the number of chips and the ability to add popular accessories. DV camcorders can accommodate add-ons used on larger, more expensive video cameras such as a high-end microphones or camera stabilizers.

SONY VX1000 digital video camera.

Although many Web developers will look to videographers as a source of professional quality video, the prices of digital camcorders and advancements will become so attractive many will be tempted to experiment. Bennet Miller, the documentarian who shot and produced The Cruise is an example of a professional who pioneered the use of DV when he shot the entire movie solo on a SONY VX1000. The film had a theatrical release, it's available to rent in video stores nationally (except for Blockbuster stores) and it will also air on Cinemax. Bennett says The Cruise may be the only film shot solo that also achieved national distribution. Because of the camera's small size, Bennett was able to shoot more than 80 hours of footage, keeping the entire project digital until he was ready to show it to investors. Prior to working on The Cruise, Bennett worked in film and made documentary shorts when DV first became available. Bennett emphasizes that he was not attracted to DV for technology's sake. As he says, "I'm not a 'techno-head,' I just bought the camera and read the manual."

Bennett Miller shot The Cruise solo using a SONY VX1000. The documentary tracks a motormouthed tour guide around New York City .

Because Bennett worked in film, he appreciates the difference between film and video. Bennett said, "Video cannot sustain a large amount of color contrast or a wide range of grays. However, if the project's aesthetic is suited for the medium, it's definitely worth exploring." Because sound is so important to DV cinema, Bennett bought a Beachtek 160 attachment for the camera so he could use a better microphone. Larger microphones such as the Sennheiser ME66 cannot use the mini-plug that's built into the VX1000.

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