Luca,

Here are my thoughts. It sounds like you are really starting without much equipment. Sound like a laptop, webcam and a few dollars for a camcorder. If this were me, and it pretty was a couple of years ago, I would start with the FREE edition of vMix, the web cam, a camcorder and a USB SD capture card. This would be the cheapest way financially and would keep your quality at a consistent level. Well produced SD are not a problem. Yes we would like them to be in HD, but it takes a good bit of money to go HD.

Starting with what you have, my first purchases would be for a USB2 SD capture card. I have heard good things about EZCAP.tv products, (They are available for $37 at www.easternshorebroadcasting.com. I have seen a lot of knock-offs to EZCaps, this model is highly recommeded) I have also used USB capture devices from Kworld and ion2 without an issue.

If you are start in SD, you can begin with a camcorder. If you are in SD, then old tape based camcorders are even an option. I have been gifted more than one of these in the past. It's not what I really wanted in my dreams, but it was what I could afford and would still but out a decent SD picture.

Technically, I really think that after I had achieve a good SD picture, I would look to improve the quality of my audio. Camcorder mics normally leave a great deal to be desired in audio. This should not set you back too much and give you an even level of quality throughout your production.

Now's where the upgrade path begins and your decision on how to move forward.

My first purchase would be a desk top computer. They can also be upgraded in the future, but the key factor is the processor. It's easy to increase RAM, upgrade graphics cards, and install capture cards. The CPU and motherboard are the crucial components. The graphics card will need to support DirctX10, but I would look for 11.

At this point it's time to go HD. If you have the camcorder that is HD compatible, your almost home....you'll still need a capture card such as the Blackmagic Intensity Pro 4K ($200) and the HD Basic software. I prefer pci connections over USB connections as there is only so much bandwidth in a USB channel, and the fact that USB HD adapters generally begin about $300.

Others may have other insights for you....this is a great forum.....and good luck.

@ Luca

You have options, but any camera other than a webcam will most likely require a capture device of some sort to use with your laptop.
What are the specs of your laptop?
(if by chance it is older, you may have a firewire port which opens up additional options with some older cameras that you may be able to find at a discount).
The bottom line is, find the camera you want and then figure out what you'll need to use it with your laptop, if both items fit your budget, then go for it.


Ice

Luca,

I'm a little afraid that your Celeron powered laptop is going to push the limits. The webcam is USB, and a USB capture card may prove to max out or even go beyond the available USB bandwidth in your laptop. When this happens on a PC, the option of a pci expansion card is available, but you are going mobile...

Personally, if I were to purchase a USB capture device, I'd look at the Magewell line. They are not cheap and likely to set you back $300. You can purchase for either HDMI or SDI.

Hope that helps,