Hey guys, I'm new to this forum, but have already found it to be very helpful! I just ordered an HD7 from Best Buy (for $900), and it'll be here in a week. This is my first step into HD, coming up from a $600 Sony standard def camcorder that I bought in 04. Here is a look at our current project which has all been shot on the Sony:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vE6Ippi2PQ

And another scene from the same movie:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iPYriqAGOGE

So, obviously just about anything HD on the market today will be a good step up from the Sony, but still I have a few concerns about the HD7 and I was hoping some of you may be able to put them to rest...

I realize that the camera shoots in 1080i, and not 1080p, which I've been told is more ideal for film making. But the camera just had so many great features and such a great price that I had to overlook the fact that its 1080i. But, I've since learned that Final Cut has a de-interlacing filter, so I was wondering if anyone has used that, and if so how effective it is?

Thanks guys, please feel free to leave feedback on the clips too!

Scott
www.savetheempirevideos.com

I realize that the camera shoots in 1080i, and not 1080p, which I've been told is more ideal for film making.

IF you were going to film, p24 would be nice.

Going to the web, depending on the service, you'll need 30p -- from deinterlaced 60i. Unless, it's vimeo -- which accepts 30p but droppes frames to 24fps.

See my samples at:

http://www.vimeo.com/user364340/videos

Hey Steve, thanks for the run down. My camera still hasn't come in yet, but I've found another that may be a better match for me. Best Buy gives the option for full refund for up to 14 days, so I'm not sure if we'll keep the GZHD7, or go with this Canon. Check out this one and tell me what you think:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=16206

That Canon can shoot in 60i, (30p) or 24p Cinema mode. It sounds like it has some pretty sweet options. Overall, we are just going for that "film" look, which, it looks like this one delivers. On the GZHD7, we really loved that it had the accessory shoe for an external mic, and a manual focus wheel, but it looks like the Canon has those too... The focus wheel is much smaller, and is located on the side, so that may be inconvenient...

One other thing, does anyone know if the GZHD7 has a headphone out? I know it has A/V out, does that serve as a headphone out? I know the Canon has a headphone out. Thats a plus for the Canon. If anyone has any thoughts on the two, based on what we are looking for, please offer some advice!

Scott