updating camcorder, dv or not dv? that is the question.

nospielberg · Post by **nospielberg** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:49 pm

Hi, I am just about to update from my panasonic NV-GS1 to a new camcorder, mainly to film in true widescreen, but the choice of formats is now very confusing.
I still believe that mini-DV is the way to go, but the manufacturers seem to be gradually dropping this format for dvd and hdd, am i right to still go for DV?
Also if anyone has some favourite camcorder recommendations i'm all ears! I'm filming mainly holidays and family occasions.
Thanks , David

Clevo · Post by **Clevo** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:59 pm

I have a Panasonic NV-GS180. I like it very much.

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:37 am

I assume you mean mini-dv?

I think some are dropping the mini-dv format because they believe most consumers want simplicity.

But if you are doing any kind of real editing, not just cuts, I would stay with mini-dv.

Post by **Ken Berry** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:49 am

I agree that mini DV is still the way to go. In fact some of the major camera companies like Canon and Sony (and I believe Panasonic but I am not 100% sure of this one), are even bringing out high definition cameras which use mini DV cassettes. The Canon HV20, for instance, can shoot standard definition video in DV/AVI format but it can also film high definition video in HDV format, which is a version of mpeg-2 but which uses the DV cassette.

nospielberg · Post by **nospielberg** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 6:18 pm

Thanks for the responses, mini-dv it is then!

Ken that Canon HV20 looks very nice, I better start saving the pennies

Post by **Ken Berry** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:32 pm

Yes, I am planning to buy one in about two weeks when I am passing through Singapore on my way to Europe. I was really keen on the HV20 but am beginning to waver again.

The Sony HC7 also has its attractions. It is certainly better built, and has internal settings to allow conversion and download from the native HDV to SD DV -- as I say done in the camera itself. The HV20 does not do that. On the other hand, the HV20 has 24p, which the HC7 does not, and by all accounts the 24p in the Canon is very good. The HV20 is also a couple of hundred dollars cheaper -- at least here in Australia.

And VS11 can capture from both...

Decisions decisions!!