Video Cameras (Previously Voice activated cameras....)

[Andy in Germany]

My old Samsung smart phone had two features I used a lot; a voice activation on the camera, and a setting that the camera would wait five seconds, then take three pictures with about three seconds between them. This is very handy when making training manuals, for example, as I can be holding or turning something, I can see how it looks on screen, take a picture without letting go of what I'm doing, and then try three slightly different images.

Unfortunately the camera had poor resolution so when it died terminally I bought a Google Pixel 3a. Camera is better but now I've found that neither the voice activation or the 3 image feature works. ( "Hey Google" doesn't work half as well, and doesn't do the three images, and half the time doesn't recognise that I've said anything).

What options exist on the market? I'm happy to get either a camera or a phone to achieve what I need.

 

[MontyVeda]

My take on phones, tablets, etc. is stick with what you know, so another Samsung phone maybe... if they still have that feature?

 

[Cycleops]

The Pixel 7a has a voice activated camera for selfies but not sure about the main camera. Should be available with assistant.
Takes great pics

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

15 yrs ago I was in Tokyo and went into the Sony building in the Akihabara area. On the top floor they had a display with their latest equipment. At the front was a row on cameras and a card underneath saying ‘smile’. As soon as I did smile all the cameras went off taking my photo.

Its a feature still available on some of their range.

 

[Andy in Germany]

15 yrs ago I was in Tokyo and went into the Sony building in the Akihabara area. On the top floor they had a display with their latest equipment. At the front was a row on cameras and a card underneath saying ‘smile’. As soon as I did smile all the cameras went off taking my photo.

Its a feature still available on some of their range.

I've come across that but it only works if I'm looking at the camera; often it isn't even focussed on my face.

 

[Alex321]

My take on phones, tablets, etc. is stick with what you know, so another Samsung phone maybe... if they still have that feature?

My Galaxy S22 does. I think most Samsung phones do.

 

[icowden]

My old Samsung smart phone had two features I used a lot; a voice activation on the camera, and a setting that the camera would wait five seconds, then take three pictures with about three seconds between them. This is very handy when making training manuals, for example, as I can be holding or turning something, I can see how it looks on screen, take a picture without letting go of what I'm doing, and then try three slightly different images.

Would burst mode work for you? That's where you hold down the photo button on the phone and it takes rapid images over the period of time that you are holding the button down - you can then select the frame that you want to keep.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Would burst mode work for you? That's where you hold down the photo button on the phone and it takes rapid images over the period of time that you are holding the button down - you can then select the frame that you want to keep.

Unfortunately not, I need both hands on what I'm doing (or I can't reach the camera)

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I've just acquired a Samsung ultra I think 21 but world need to check ("refurbished", about 30% of new price).

Excellent camera, and activated by saying "Cheese" which is a real boon wearing thick cycling gloves!

 

[icowden]

Unfortunately not, I need both hands on what I'm doing (or I can't reach the camera)

It might be worth looking at an app such as ProShot which can do things like timelapse intervals. You may be able to program a voice control to activate as well.

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

I recently bought a compact phone tripod for my iPhone and it includes a trigger button that can be removed from the tripod. Its small, easily concealed and connects to the phone using Bluetooth.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Change of plan:

It's unlikely that we'll be able to get a voice operated camera with sufficient quality, so we're looking for a general video camera.

As far as I can tell we need a camera which makes material up to 1080p and Mpeg2 format for YouTube. I'd also like to have some kind of zoom, and the ability for stills pictures if possible.

Possibilities I've found seem to be like the Canon Vixia, or the Sony HDR-CX320E which seems to be what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I'm out of my depth with this sort of thing and there may be a serious problem I'm unaware of, like incompatible connections or lack of storage space. Is there something I should be aware of when looking for a camera, and does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[icowden]

Possibilities I've found seem to be like the Canon Vixia, or the Sony HDR-CX320E which seems to be what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I'm out of my depth with this sort of thing and there may be a serious problem I'm unaware of, like incompatible connections or lack of storage space. Is there something I should be aware of when looking for a camera, and does anyone have any recommendations?

Why not just use a good smartphone? The video on my pixel is up to 4k at 30/60fps - plenty good enough for 1080p.