I have, as many othters, noticed the severe stair-stepping problem with HV30 (PAL) and SD. The footage is not usable at all. Too bad since the HDV footage i exellent for a camera at this pricelevel.

Would it be technically possible to upgrade the software in the camera to solve this? Then I think we as consumers should demand from Canon to do it at no cost, since they have cheated us on the SD on this camera.

Kind regards Erik

There is no software in the camera.

If you're having problems, post a sample along with the settings you use.

I have, as many othters, noticed the severe stair-stepping problem with HV30 (PAL) and SD.....

Kind regards Erik

What ' many others ' are you referring to ? Where has this problem been discussed before ?

I ask because, I just recently purchased the HV30 ..

Actually I don't plan to record SD, but it would be good to know of any pitfalls ..

Can't help with the HV30 issue, but could you click on "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page and update your location details.

It really is unnerving typeing to an ethereal ghost.


CS

There is no software in the camera.

If you're having problems, post a sample along with the settings you use.

Actually, there is a ton of embedded software in these cams and (most) electronic devices. The DigicII processor uses it and there is also firmware code in these cameras. I suspect the original poster was referring to a firmware update that might alleviate the problem. As for the problem, I have seen it discussed in other forums, as well. There does appear to be a legitimate problem with at least the PAL versions of the HV30.

Never quite sure what references to other sites are allowed here on DV info but here is one which is relevant to this thread:

http://dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=135131

I have been in touch with Canon in Sweden, they confirm a problem, but say Canon Europe is looking at it.

I thought we could use some consumer power and demand, say a firmware update if it would solve the problem. Since HV-20 doesn´t have the problem, it should be possible to fix the HV-30 right? Or does any of you experts know better?

Kind regards.

It really is unnerving typeing to an ethereal ghost.


CS

Sorry Chris, I didn´t know location was mandatory.

Here we go ...

http://nl.canon.be/Support/Consumer_Products/products/camcorders/Digital/HDV_series/HV30.aspx?faqtcmuri=tcm:43-538497&page=1&type=

For Mac users: copy the download-link and change the .exe at the end to .dmg – otherwise you will only get the windows version.

Thanks Martin for that link.

Perhaps someone who has one this successfully could let us know since updating firmware isn't reversible.

If the problem doesn't exist when shooting in HDV why not shoot everything in HD and let your NLE output SD resolution. It's been pretty well established that SD is better quality when you let your NLE do the conversion rather than the software in the camera. The only downside would be if your software or hardware restricts you from captureing HD and in that case, why would someone purchase an HD camcorder in the first place.

Yes, shooting in HD would have helped a lot. Unfortunately I had to finish a 4:3 SD project which I started with my HV20. I would have had to crop the picture on both sides, kind of impractical.

But with the new firmware everything is back normal. The PAL HV30 now performs without a flaw in SD.