camcorders

etech6355 · Post by **etech6355** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 6:50 pm

Thanks for the information, I'll have to find the spec's on these tapes.
Thought it would be nice to have some if I needed to go over an hour.

daniel · Post by **daniel** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:35 am

On my two Pana cameras GS50 (old now) and GS180 there is no discernable quality drop when using the LP setting, that gives 90+ minutes
on a standard tape.... I used it and can't tell without checking the settings.

The S/N ratio should be worse but as long as the ECC can manage it there is no reason it would show on digital media.

There is a catch regarding audio I seem to remember, but I can't be specific, should read the manual (post recording dubbing?)

neonbob · Post by **neonbob** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:05 pm

I just picked up the new Canon HV20...

See my review here:

http://www.avid.com/exchange/forums/thread/217516.aspx

etech6355 · Post by **etech6355** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 1:41 pm

neonbob,
Nice write up, The 24p mode should be film like video, a great mode to convert to HD-WMV video because it's frame based. The HD-WMV format doesn't support interlaced so converting 60i doesn't come out smooth unless you go through all the ruck-a-muck de-interlace blend process that doesn't always work. Also HD-Divx or another other high_compressed codecs would come out much better for motion video. I know I could use the 24p mode for sure.

I would like to compare them for good motion when panning. My HC3 records great motion when playing back on the correct playback device. Some playback devices don't playback the fine interlaced details. It's there though.
I found the best method to compare is connecting the cams directly to the TV and use their output circuitry first, then hardware/software.

Nice writeup.. Where was your HV20 cam made at, what country?
My HC3 says made in Japan. There is a difference. I wouldn't have bought the HC3 if it wasn't made in Japan.
The HC1/3/5/7's are also more expensive than this Canon unit.
So on the mechanical side you get what you pay for.

I was waiting for Panasonice to release a HD cam. They did, after I saw the mode it recorded (avchd) in I wouldn't buy it.

RussB · Post by **RussB** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:06 pm

Hugo wrote:
My only real **** with the camcorder itself is this ... it's a US$1200 camera, but if you want a shoulder strap, it comes as an extra for $9.95. How cheap is THAT Sony !!

cheers ... Paul

You got a shoulder strap?!

I have the HC3. It is a great camera - but a little small. It was hard to get used to that. This is an outstanding camera and I recommend it highly. The image quality is great - even in SD mode.

I use a Sony 320 in conjunction with the HC3 to do weddings and I have to avoid using clips from the 320 just because of the marked difference in SD quality - Having this camera changed my quality standards.

Things I ESPECIALLY like: touch screen menus (including spot focus and spot exposure) that are highly-taylorable to reach my favorites quickly, HDMI 1080i, excellent 4MP stills.

Things I don't like: size (I have big hands), activer-interface propriatary microphone (there's no mic jack on this model), no shoulder strap, I have observed problems re-using tapes recorded in HD, I had to play around with color balances a little because it was strongly red out of the box (it's good now), and finally: It is not good in low light.

I had to upgrade my computer to make the rendering of HD video reasonable. So watch that! (I had a 1.8 Ath)

I also had that sickening feeling as the price dropped on the camera. Then to add insult to injury they've introduced two new models since last October.

If you have any questions about the camera write to me. I might be able to help.

Russ

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:11 pm

I use a Sony 320 in conjunction with the HC3 to do weddings

Is your avatar a shot of you outside a church trying to drum up business?

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:12 pm

I use a Sony 320 in conjunction with the HC3 to do weddings

Is your avatar a shot of you outside a church trying to drum up business?

RussB · Post by **RussB** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:48 pm

Black Lab wrote:
I use a Sony 320 in conjunction with the HC3 to do weddings
Is your avatar a shot of you outside a church trying to drum up business?

No. That guy was replaced.

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:54 pm

etech6355 · Post by **etech6355** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:30 pm

I have observed problems re-using tapes recorded in HD

Can I ask what tapes make/type you were having problems with. I did try Fuji and had some problems with them.

Cleaned the heads for 10seconds then switched to using the Sony Premium. So far no problems. Haven't tried to re-record over them yet except where splicing scenes of course.

HC3 Unit.

RussB · Post by **RussB** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 3:03 pm

etech6355 wrote:
I have observed problems re-using tapes recorded in HD
Can I ask what tapes make/type you were having problems with. I did try Fuji and had some problems with them.

TDK "Superior Grade" DVC 60 (60-minute)

The cause of the "problems" is hard to pin down. I have no problems capturing RE-recorded clips in SD mode (even when recorded in HD), but when I capture in HD mode, I get dropped frames at inconsistent points in the capture. When I use fresh tape, I have no problems at all.

etech6355 · Post by **etech6355** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 3:39 pm

Thanks,
>>>The cause of the "problems" is hard to pin down.
Yes, very time consuming.

I have 2 of the Sony HD-HDV tapes HD Certified.
I'll be re-recording over them, if it's works then I'll know it's the other standard format tapes.