HDV was (is) a great stepping-stone high-def format but this is the way of the future.

Wait, isn't the EX also HDV? I was under the impression it's HDV but with a data rate of 35 instead of the usual 25.

35mbps is still highly compressed, so that mini dv tape demonstration could get you into trouble with a client if he has any technical knowledge. I'd be careful on that one.

Wait, isn't the EX also HDV?Nooooooo. XDCAM is not HDV. Between these two formats, the only similarity they share is that both formats are Mpeg-based, but the encoding processes are different (as we've explained before in our XDCAM HD forum). Besides, as defined by the HDV consortium, for a camcorder to be HDV it must have a tape transport mechanism.

Nooooooo. XDCAM is not HDV. Between these two formats, the only similarity they share is that both formats are Mpeg-based, but the encoding processes are different (as we've explained before in our XDCAM HD forum). Besides, as defined by the HDV consortium, for a camcorder to be HDV it must have a tape transport mechanism.

Okay that's good to know. But the XDcam still uses a gop and is compressed at ratios comparable to HDV right? If so, that still would make Andrew's explanation to clients dubious wouldn't it?

Dubious? Maybe slightly. There aren't any lies in that explanation and not having tape also allows me the flexibility of shooting in other formats as well as over/under-cranking. JVC doesn't have 1080... Canon only shoots in 1080i, Panasonic P2 allows this flexibility but with 1/3" small raster chips.

So I really think the Ex1 hits a sweet spot... If only it was a shoulder mount. (But I'm not going to hold my breath for the EX2) You know what SONY stands for, right? Soon, Only Not Yet.

Anyway, you're right that someone who really knows MPEG GOP compression could carry on a worthy argument with me on set but Chris is right, it's not HDV and XDCam is readily accepted as a hi-def format.

35Mbps is 40% more than 25Mbs. 40% is a lot of marginal difference when it comes to a GOP codec.

Also, I believe (correct me if I'm wrong here) 25Mbps of HDV includes audio, whereas the 35 of XDCAM does not.

And, the EX1 codec supposedly can peak momentarily higher than 35Mbps for difficult compression situations whereas HDV has a ceiling of 25Mbps.

These things might not be easy to explain to clients, but they definitely contribute to the visibly superior picture of the EX1.

Aside from the eventual bulk of storing so many discs, what is the downside of archiving to regular DVD-R's at 20 cents each? This would be in addition to hard drive. I know they aren't as durable as some of the other formats mentioned, but for someone on a tight budget, might this be viable? I don't shoot a lot of events BTW.

I'm thinking DL-DVD. With 8GB per disc being about 25 minutes, it's not much different than the days of storing 30 minute betacams . . . although DL-DVD is smaller and cheaper than 30 minute beta tapes.

Actually when you consider the cost of Blu-ray now under $600 (heck that cheaper than my DSR-11 DVCAM Deck) Blu-ray disc might be an option. Given that a 50GB disc will store about 2.5 hours at around $35 it might be reasonable. More expensive than miniDV tapes but . . . Sony 63 minute HDV tapes can cost about $9 each. Panasonic DVCProHD 64 minute tape $29. Blu-ray discs holding 2.5 hours are competitive.

DVD-R might be viable given that FAT32 of the SxS cards split clips at 4GB though. Keep in mind the cheapest discs might not be the best choice if you're thinking long term archival.