Help!!! I'm New!!!

Yes, I'm another "Newbie" asking ridiculous questions. So here it goes...

I've been reading all kinds of good stuff here, so I thought I'd join. This is my first experience on a message board, so patience is appreciated.
I was thinking about getting a DVX100b, but now I've decided on the DVC30. I plan on shooting mountain bike/free ride and skateboard comps, outdoor adventures (we camp like it's going out of style), some weddings and loads of indie work. I think this camcorder will do just fine. I've seen sample footage from Nature Flix, seen TurtleTone's footage and pimped out set up, watched some of 3CCD's footage and heard lots of good stuff on this camera here at Camcorder Info. I'm self taught and think that this unit will keep me busy and happy for a few years. Right? I'm planning on purchasing a Glidecam and a Letus 35 flip as well. So now on to the questions!

1) Sounds like this would be a good first camera and secondary camera for when I want a more professional set up, is this true?

2) If shooting outside and I want to pick up all of my surroundings (shooting nature) in stereo, is the Audio Technica AT822 the right choice? For more focused sound I'm looking at the Rode NTG-1 shotgun mic, yes?

3) Don't know much about 35mm adpts, but I see quit a few people using the Letus adpts. If anyone is using this with a DVC, how do you like it? Do I need a special tripod when using these adpts?

Greatly appreciate some help and the patience!

I have been using the DVC30 for less than a year. I make training videos but also shoot Afghan Hound agility and coursing activities.

1) I think the DVC30 will always qualify as a first camera as far as SD goes - unless broadcast quality is required. Even then, I see many newscasts from the field that are poor quality, using $50,000 cameras.

2) I think you may require physically separated microphones to get the stereo effect you want.
I mostly use a Rode NTG-1 shotgun but the onboard stereo mic has been overly criticized. If the sound levels are set correctly, it is perfectly adequate in most situations.

3) I don't see how a 35mm adapter will give much advantage to the kind of videos you talk about. I think the best accessory you will find is a Raynox .66 Pro wide angle adapter.

For most unrehearsed shooting, the simplest camera stabilization device seems to be best - even a simple homemade one. Just using the LCD viewfinder rather than the eyepiece eliminates most camera shake.
It is interesting that many TV shows and even some movies introduce unnecessary, artificial-looking camera shake for effect. It is annoying to me.

I think you will be pleased with the DVC30.

I think Kingsly has given you some good advice. If you are just getting started there is a learning curve. I would start with the DVC30 barebones and build from there. Regarding your questions....

1) YES.

2) This is a good mic. But you might want to record ambient background sound seperately. I use an AT PRO24 stereo mic for this and it works very well. It is under $100.

3) I think the 35mm adapters is something you grow into for a more specific applications. There are others here who might want to share a more informed opinion. For outdoor nature stuff I like to stay barebones for weight and ease of handling.

Hope this helps. Also, thanks for visiting my website. I am in the process of overhauling the site's look with higher quality video demos. Should be done in about 30 days.

Regards,
Mark
natureflixs (http://www.natureflixs.com)

I agree with Mark, start barebones and work up from there. it's a lot of work to start with a 35mm adapter and it's doesn't sound like it's something that would be very helpful with the sports shooting. a wide angle lens would be much more useful. you will also loose pretty much all portability with the letus flip. it's really hard to tell how long SD cameras will be "useful" for. for web stuff they will always be useful. For delivering on DVD, the dvc30 still looks great compared to cameras twice the price.

This is why I joined, the great help! Thanks a bunch, you guys ROCK!!!