Edward:

Following your advice, the TRV 110 is still on! For anyone on the same path, the reminders are:

a) No tape
b) Powered from wall juice
c) Demo mode set to OFF in menus

Many thanks!

Mariano L. Honrado, Jr.

Just wondering if anyone knows if JVC or another manufacturer is planning to release a shoulder mount camcorder at a price point similar to the EX.

The EX seems like it will be a really good piece of gear but I really want a shoulder mount camera as well as organic tapeless recording.

An HD110 that records onto flash media would be ideal.

Any thoughts?

An HD110 that records onto flash media would be ideal.

Any thoughts?
Or ideally one that records onto flash media (cheap - CF or SD, not SxS or P2) *AND/OR* tape. DV or HDV tape for times when solid state workflows just aren't appropiate, flash media for times when they are, and then higher than 25Mbs rates can be used.

The ability to record DV/HDV to tape, and the same bitstream to card may also be useful. The former for the archive, the latter for immediate use.

Hello,

i'm planning to buy a new camera any day soon but I'm a bit of a newbie in the digital camera world. I currently own a Samsung VP-D303 (http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/camcorders/samsung-vpd303.asp#revlink). The image and sound quality are far from good enough and I feel like moving to my next camera.
I will use this camera mainly as a filmstudent (for shortfilms and short documentaries) but also for other small projects such as commercial spots or video clips.
My budget is around €2500 (~ $3500).

The camera's I have in mind are:

- Canon xm2 (http://www.pixmania.be/be/nl/26913/art/canon/minidv-xm2-camcorder.html)
- Sony HDR-SR8 (http://www.pixmania.be/be/nl/582731/art/sony/camcorder-high-definition.html)
- VC GZ-HD7 (http://www.pixmania.be/be/nl/549494/art/jvc/camcorder-everio-full-hd.html)

I also have a friend who sells his Canon XL1 for a small price. (~€1200)

Which camera would you suggest me to buy and why? Should I spend a little more and get another camera? Should I wait for new releases? HD or SD? Is the quality of built-in microphones good? Or should I get an extern one?

Who can help?

Regards,

Kenneth

here are my thoughts:

just purchased a sony dcr hc7. everywhere between $ 1200 -1300, at amazon
$ 1050
i also have a xl1-s and was is needed for studio/ theater recordings. my long therm plan is to go to a 1/2 or even 2/3 ship, but as you know there is the big change to high definition and the prices are prohibitive for me...lol. also i wanted to cut down on equipment weight, but make experience within the new hd system at the same time. (have two contracts for the football and basketball season)
i suggest a "small" sony, (they have a lanc out) and spend some money on the right tripod, lcd monitor, a good remote control, hard case, items you could use with a "bigger" camcorder when you're ready.
the step into hd is not just the camcorder, editing software, cable and so on.

on the other hand there are plenty of dv camcorders on the market, used.
have my set in the classified, but nobody is interested.
the canon is a great camera to learn everything about video/ settings etc.

good luck

Kenneth,

I won't address the issue of SD vs HD right now. See this thread for that: http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=105583. There are many other threads to - just do a search.

BUT, if you do decide to go SD, I would look at two cameras: the Panasonic DVX100a/b and the Canon XL2. Either one can be had used for under $3500, at least here in the US (forgive me if this is not so in Belgium). Both cameras overcome (to one degree or another) one of the biggest problems with SD cams - 16x9. Expecially the XL2, which produces native 16x9. And both cams will do progressive, as well as 24pA, which will be a great boon to you in working on short films. I have an XL2 and, pared with the 16x manual lens, it is a phenomenal camera. I got the cam and lens for about $2600, BTW, both used from members of this forum.

However, if you choose to go HD, that's a whole different animal. I don't have any personal recommendations, but I suspect that you will get a ton of proponents for the Canon XH A1.

The quality of built in microphones is not only marginal, but their placement is as well. In other words, you need your mic up by the talent, not back at the camera! Invest in a small, sturdy mixer (such as the Sound Devices MixPre or 302), a decent shotgun mic (sorry, I don't have any recommendations there - Ty?), and a boom pole. Your sound will thank you.

Oh, and do you have a good tripod? Definitely a must.

Now, going with any of the three cams I mentioned plus audio equipment will probably put you over your stated budget (unless you can find one heck of a deal on the cam), but hopefully not too far over. Say you spend ~ $2700 for the cam, $665 for the MixPre, $500 for the tripod, and $400 for the mic and other misc audio equipment, that puts your total at ~ $4265. And that's with not spending anything on lighting (although with $80-$175 you could probably outfit yourself nicely with some DIY/worklight solutions).

If that's just to much money, you'll want to scale back a little on the cam, in which case I would recommend the Sony VX2100 or the more professional Sony PD170 over the XM2. However, none of those have good widescreen or progressive, so if your looking to make movies, I would try to stretch my budget a bit and get a DVX, XL2, or a prosumer HDV cam

Accidental double post. Sorry.

Hi all, I'm just about to get into the world of HDV and I have a big decision to make, I've read loads of threads so far about each camera and just can't decide.

The HV20 is £602 and the HC7 is £764 so straight away by going with the HV20 I'll of saved £162. The HV20 seems to have the better image quality from all the reviews that I've read, but that's not much of a decider for me. Both camera's have mic in and headphone jacks which is really important to me.

The HC7 also has a LANC socket, whereas the HV20 doesn't, what the heck were canon thinking??? The biggest decider though is the fact that sooner or later I'm going to be getting a Sony V1 and I have a feeling that the HC7 will match up better in the edit then the HV20, what are people's thoughts on this?

Also. I already have a genuine sony extended battery for the HC7 so that's another £70 that I won't need to spend if I get the HC7.

So a few second opinions would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Danny

Sounds like you've sussed it Danny - the Canon's the better camera but the Sony seems to be aimed at you rather better (LANC and batteries and possible V1 matching).

Thing is you'll be delighted with either camera, I'm pretty sure of that. And you already know this ~ YOU have far more of an influence over the final 'quality' of the film than either camera has. Both cameras are just inanimate lumps of glass and plastic and metal, full of potential energy, waiting for your creative input.

I think the Canon's looks are naff, and that zoom rocker stinks, but boy, are the test results amazing. Some great shots from it in this thread:

http://forums.dvdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=42775

The HC7 is a pain. You want to lock the exposure? Of course you do, but what a palarva of menu digging it requires. And don't leave it on auto outdoors - it selects f/4.5 and simply varies the shutter speed up and down to silly levels. Talk about stuttering footage.

Why not go for the V1 right now and cut your losses?

tom.

since i work only of a tripod, a lanc connection is one most important feature to me.
and @ tom your right, the menu on the hc7 is something. i need a training class on that one....lol
unfortunately the accessories shoe does not take standard stuff, but i have videotaped 2 football games and the results are great. what i am really fighting with, is the smaller and flimsy tripod, have to get used to it, but i like the weight.
the lens is barley enough in regards of zooming in, but my idea for the hc7 was the upcoming basketball season.

Why not go for the V1 right now and cut your losses?

Because I want both. And the HC7 is all I can afford to go with at the moment. When I do finally get the V1 the HC7 would become my spare, and also for personal shoots where the V1 would just be too big. It would also be used as a deck to save wear and tear on the V1.

I think, I have decided on the HC7, but there's still a little part of me saying, well what about the HV20.

Thanks for your response.
Danny

Is there a photo of the V1...any url for it?
Thanks

Tony B

http://www.sonybiz.net/biz/view/ShowProduct.action?product=HVR-V1E&site=biz_en_GB&pageType=Overview&imageType=Main&category=HDVCamcorders

Yes.
Danny

Thanks Danny...is this PAL only...it sure looks good on paper...20x lens now that is good! and xlrs..nice features...

Hello, thanks for the support so far. I tried to find a used semi-professional camera (xl2 for example) for a while now but I haven't found any serious sellers so far.

I think I'll have to go with a consumer camera if I can't find a good second hand cam. From what I heard the HV20 is pretty good but what about other camera's?

Aren't there many better consumer camera's compared to the hv20?

I was thinking of the sony HDR-SR8, HDR-SR1, HDR-HC7

The JVC GZ-HD7, JVC GZ-HD3

Or even the Canon HG10.

Which one would be the best buy in this range of cameras? Budget is still around $3500, which I would invest in one of these camera + accesories.

Cheers,
Kenneth

I found a used Sony HDR-FX1 with some extras:
+ a sony tripod (VCT-1170RM)
+ Sony bag (LCS-VBC)
+ extra Lithium battery 6.600 mAh (NP-F970)
+ i.LINK kabel (Firewire)
+ 3 unused Mini DV-tapes for HD Video (Sony 63 min DVM63HDV)

price: $2,849.60

Would this be a good deal?
Or should I go for a new HV-20, from which I've read some excellent reviews.

Kenneth

You can get a completely new package from B&H for about $150 more:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/465374-REG/Sony__Sony_HDRFX7_3CMOS_HDV.html

Thanks, I was too late for the fx1 anyway. It was sold minutes ago. I'm a bit sceptical towards buying online... I don't really know which websites to trust and which not.

How is the hv20 compared to more professional camera's? And which consumer models would better then a hv20?

K

The HV20 is a little consumer camera designed for point-and-shoot. Great for home movies, probably the best in its class. People have shot documentaries and other things with amateur cameras, but you will find it more difficult than having a more professional setup. While some manual control is possible with the little single chippers, the ones I've been involved with seem to work much better on auto. Auto will get you there much of the time, but it will also kick you in the butt much of the time. So it all depends on what you want to do. If it's for strictly amateur stuff, home movies, etc., then I'd say the HV20 would be better for you than the FX1 or any other of the 3 chip "prosumer" cameras. But if you have plans to shoot a documentary or things like that, you'd probably want something more suitable.

I also would be very careful of buying from unknown online places. A used FX1 in good condition probably would sell from somewhere between $1500 and $2200, I'm guessing, from an individual. Anything less than that or more than that, be very wary. My feeling is that if you're going to spend close to $3K for a camera, you'd be better off going for the Canon XH A1, which is about $3500 at the reputable dealers, has a $250 rebate, and at Tapeworks Texas comes with a free Camrade bag (or it did in the recent past). While the FX1 is a good camera, in my opinion, it is the "de-tuned" amateur version of the Z1, and for just a little more money you can get a better deal with the Canon, ie., XLR inputs, more controllability, better lens, etc. But if you're just learning and don't want to spend a lot of money, the HV20 is a great deal. Sony also has the A1U, which sells for around $2300 last time I looked. It might be a good compromise between the amateur and the more professional. It's small but has more professional control, XLR inputs, etc. On the downside I think a lot of the controls are touch screen on the LCD.

Thanks for the input Bill,

do you know any good, trustable websites where i could purchase an xha1 for $3500 or less?

Greetings!

All the dealers who are on here are good and reliable. I would go with Tapeworks Texas or B&H or Zotz. All three have excellent reputations with people who have purchased from them, including me. You go with one of those cheapestpriceintheworld.com places, you're gonna get screwed one way or another.

Thanks, I was too late for the fx1 anyway. It was sold minutes ago. I'm a bit sceptical towards buying online... I don't really know which websites to trust and which not.

How is the hv20 compared to more professional camera's? And which consumer models would better then a hv20?

K
Though the HV20 is a great camera, it pales in comparison to the FX1. Go with a three-1/3" CCD camera with a great lens, that's my advice. You can get a V1u for a great price these days; it's still my pick for a great, affordable HD/HDV camera that has a lot of film-like qualities, plus is excellent for TV and video, too.

heath

By all means, stay with our sponsors if you go for a new one; they are the best, most reliable in the business - there is a good reason why Chris selected them. Worth watching the classifieds on this website as well for a used one.

Kenneth, you need to define your needs and your budget first. If size is an issue (for example you need a small camera for your vacation), then go for the Canon HV20 or the Sony HC7. But if you're serious about this hobby, or aspire for something even more, then you need a fully manual prosumer camcorder. Also consider your sound needs: do you need XLR inputs?

Keep reading these pages, gather info, then make your OWN decision based on info and your needs. Good luck!

I need some unbiased advice/info.

Here's my question.... I'm leaving on Wednesday morning 10/31 to start an outdoor adventure documentary project and had originally planned to shoot on my GL2 but have recently been swayed towards the DVX100A. I love the 24 frame rate and the audio on the DVX. It's now Monday and I can get a 100A overnighted to me but I've heard there's a huge learning curve. Getting it Tuesday with shooting starting Wednesday afternoon doesn't really allow much time to dig into the instructions. But I really want this project to sing... And I'll probably be shooting off & on for a few months so shooting the first part with the GL2 and the later stuff on a DVX probably won't work as I'm sure the footage won't match up. So I guess my questions are...... Do you guys think the DVX is more difficult to learn to use than the GL2 and would the quality of footage from the DVX be superior to the GL2. The thing I really like about the DVX is the ability to make the footage look more like film than video.

I had been thinking about going HD but just don't think I'm ready for that just yet so the DVX would probably do everything I need for the next two years. Then when HD is more widely in use and when I'm asked to do it, I can make the switch.

Any advise or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Gotta get this decision made quick..

Thanks,

Steve Rawls
Green Dog Productions
830-992-0209 Cell

No need to reply... Got it all figured out !

Steve

Hello,

i'm about to buy a canon xha1 from [ ebay link removed by Admin ]

Do you think I have a good and trustable deal?

Greetings,

Kenneth

I'm always wary of buying through eBay--mostly because of gray market cameras, not so much scams. Scams are easy to spot.

heath

For Kenneth Michiels: No Ebay links here please. We refer *all* where-to-buy questions exclusively to our trusted site sponsors: http://www.dvinfo.net/sponsors

Well in my opinion on a camera is this. Watching the media and camera formats for 18 years in the industry. There is so much change and to fast of change. Mini DV is still the way to go for this year. It has 10 years under it's belt and works... Yes I work in Video....The hdv format is really trash.... sorry... I have 2 xl2's and a xhg1 HDV camera... and the compression is very sad.. I couldn't believe how bad the compression is on the HDV format..for 8 grand maybe I was thinking of "Better then Beta cam Look was to much" So if you don't want to spend a fortune on a camera... then buy a SD mini dv 3 chip camera, which has a better compression ratio, easer on computers and looks great... if you need to uprez to HD then use a 200.00 dollar software plug in and call it the film look....When will you need to show Hi def video any way?... Anyway just my 2 cents worth... and yes I happen to have a PDX-10 camera for sale.... not a sales pitch... but buy the camera which will fit your needs and not take your wallet... thanks

Out of curiosity, what did you decide to use?

Hello. I'm currently using an HV 20 and am anticipating purchasing a 3 chip rig in the near future. I'd like a better lens with more control, additional audio inputs, HD and the ability to do 24p to name a few things (in the new camera). Right now I'm looking at the Sony Z1 and the Canon XGxx rigs. Interchangeable lenses are Not important.

Here are my preliminary questions and I greatly appreciate input from those who use these cameras:

1) CMOS or CCD and why?
2) Does one brand have better low light performance than the other?
3) Is the glass better on one than the other? Yes, the Sony is Zeiss but is there a performance improvement over the Canon lens?
4) Should I concern myself with compatability issues between my HV20 and a Sony, if I choose Sony? Will it cause issues in FC?
5) Any known defects/or problems with either one?
6) I want those XLR inputs, right? Every now and then someone says "XLR not critical" over in the audio forum...makes me wonder.
7) Any ergonomic issues? I will, of course, try them both out but is there anything I should keep my eyes open for in terms of handling?

I'm really struggling with direct to disk and the Panny P-2 card issue. The cards are expensive and I can't see myself affording a bunch of spares in case I fill one up in the field. I don't carry a laptop in the field. I'd like to hear arguments in favor of the Panny, that it's not as expensive as it looks to maintain the P2 card system compared to tape.

Thank you one and all..
Bob

I assume you mean the V1 and not the Z1, since the V1 offers the 24P option?


I'll take a stab at some of these with my limited experience.

1) CMOS or CCD and why?

Bright lights (like cars driving at night toward your camera):
CMOS = No smear. CCD = smear. Note that the Canons do a pretty good job at this, certainly better than some CCD cameras.
CMOS = Rolling shutter effect. Look it up if you're not familiar. Not usually a big deal and you're actually already dealing with it with your HV20.


2) Does one brand have better low light performance than the other?

I think the concensus is that the XHA1/G1 has better low light than the V1, probably due to the larger sensors. Don't know if the diff is huge though. I used my XHA1 at a wedding recently and shot in some Extremely dark situations. Its doable.


3) Is the glass better on one than the other? Yes, the Sony is Zeiss but is there a performance improvement over the Canon lens?

All the lenses in this price range have some chromatic aberation.


4) Should I concern myself with compatability issues between my HV20 and a Sony, if I choose Sony? Will it cause issues in FC?

Someone should be able to answer that definitively, but from what I've read it appears the HV20 and the V1 use pretty much the same method to put 24P to tape. 60i HDV is fully compatible between all the cams.


5) Any known defects/or problems with either one?

Er.. you'll just have to research that yourself. I can vouch for my XHA1, its stellar.


6) I want those XLR inputs, right? Every now and then someone says "XLR not critical" over in the audio forum...makes me wonder.

Well it sure is nice to buy a professional micrphone and plug it right into a nice heavy duty XLR connector. Yes, you can get an adapter and mount it to your cam and run it through the 1/8" plug.. but why spend an extra couple hundred bucks and add bulk to your camera if you don't have to?


7) Any ergonomic issues? I will, of course, try them both out but is there anything I should keep my eyes open for in terms of handling?

The XH cams are pretty heavy, so they do get tedious if you do mostly handheld work. Obviously a tripod or shoulder brace will fix that right up. This is one area where the V1 is most definitely superior, its quite compact and light in comparison.


I'm really struggling with direct to disk and the Panny P-2 card issue. The cards are expensive and I can't see myself affording a bunch of spares in case I fill one up in the field. I don't carry a laptop in the field. I'd like to hear arguments in favor of the Panny, that it's not as expensive as it looks to maintain the P2 card system compared to tape.

The HVX is technically my favorite cam, but its forte is really narrative type work doing documentaries and films. For event videography and such... I don't think that was their target audience. It is an awesome cam though if it fits into your workflow and budget.

Bob,

I'd start hunting around DVi, because we answer a lot of those questions you're asking. For instance, CMOS run on less power than CCD, plus a lot of the architecture is onboard the chip vs. CCD. Lastly, there is less light smear, ie, when you shoot something like a light or a bright spot, etc., you won't see a "star" effect.

Philip did a great job explaining, too.

heath

Thank you, Philip, for excellent answers. Yes, I think weight will factor in somewhere. I do mostly documentary-type work filming material for educational purposes in and around hospitals. I'm 70% handheld so I don't want to lug around a monster.

A little more, after re-reading Philip's answer...The native chip resolution of the XH series is 1440x1080, Sony is 960x1080 and the HVX is 960x540.

The resolution on the XH (And XLH1) series is higher, but all cameras output nicely. However, if I'm shooting in anything higher than 720p on the HVX, I notice noise around the edges, likely due to its lower resolution.

I'm used all three cameras (A1, V1u, HVX), and feel anyone of them is excellent. I am getting used to P2, and like that I can shoot in native 24p without a pulldown (no 60i stream); I like the look of the V1u best; I like that I can capture A1 24f footage in Final Cut Pro as 24p, and the pulldown is removed.

Unlike the Canon pro HDV cameras, the HV20 does 24p vs. 24f, though it supports 24f playback (hello, "deck!"). No problems shooting between the HV20 and the A1/G1, H1, V1u or HVX.

Heath

Thank you, Philip, for excellent answers. Yes, I think weight will factor in somewhere. I do mostly documentary-type work filming material for educational purposes in and around hospitals. I'm 70% handheld so I don't want to lug around a monster.
V1u may be your answer; it's such a small camera. I used it a week ago, all handheld, for almost 4 hours without a problem.

heath

Re XLR or not:

If your mics require phantom power from the camera, XLR equipped cameras will usually provide it. And the comment re having to lug a separate adapter with you to attach to better mics with their XLR connectors if your camera doesn't have XLR is another good reason.

On the downside, XLR connectors do add bulk to a camera all by themselves.

From a pure audio point of view (which is where I think many of the XLR/non-XLR discussions arise on the audio forum) it would all depend on what you're recording, what mics you're using, whether the compressed audio recorded in the camera is good enough, how well the cameras mic amps stack up, etc etc etc. For dialogue, the in camera recording should be fine. For recording a string quartet, I'd forget about recording to the camera except as a backup or to help sync the video to the audio you record separately

Does anyone know of tapeless, battery powered, video cameras that are compact, capable of higher frame rates and sensitive. Need not be DV quality. We hope to use something like this for recording in a rugged, non manned environment.

Jim

I would welcome advice as well. I need a light, rugged tapeless camera and do not want to commit without some community feedback. Advice?

Ok I am replying to my own posts here but this is what I have found. A useful source of unusual camcorders and camera/recorder combinations may be your local "Spy Shop". For example in Australia:

http://www.eyespyworld.com.au/index.php?id=1

Here is an device that looks to be a good candidate:

http://www.elmo.co.jp/suv-cam/en/index.html

Apart from this there are a range of digicams that have video recordeing capabilities. The Panasonic Lumix range will record in "widescreen" with 28mm equivalent FOV. The Canon Ixus 850IS (in Australia) will do 640 X 480 at 30pps with 28mm equivalent FOV and 320 by 240 at 60 pps (presumably 56mm equivalent FOV).

Jim

I own a Sony PD170 and I am about to up grade.
I live in Australia.
What I want is the something like the Sony PD170 with true 16.9 HDV..
Which camera do I get
Z1
V1
FX1

I keep going back an forth between these cams and have read all I can here on this site.
V1 and FX1 is about a $1000 cheaper,
Does the rolling shutter of the VI cause any concern?
How much differance between 3lux Z1 and 4lux V1? could someone explain this for me.
Regards
Simon

as you know the 170 can see in the dark....

The V1 was to be the replacement for the 170 but the low light capability
is not there due to the 1/4 sensor... but it has great daylight capabilities...

The Z1 is being replaced with the Z7, and the Z7 will have good low light
capability...

The cameras are changing so quickly that I'd just get an intermediate camera until things start to settle in...

So, I'd suggest a Canon HV20 and just use it and set back and wait for the dust to settle...

Sony is bringing out the guns... we haven't heard from the othe players yet..

I have the FX1 and the HV20. I know enough about the rolling shutter issue from it to say it isn't a big deal. As with any camera, you need to work with the issues to shoot your best. And if sports or nature is whant you are into, you will want the 20x lens on the V1 that can go 30x extended.

We are building a small news desk studio in a school environment. Flourescent studio lights, teleprompter, a couple of wireless mics, tripod on heavy duty bogen wheels, etc.

We will feed into an analog switcher.

Is there a good camera choice (maybe SD) for this kind of setup that might cost no more than around $2000.

The cameras I can think of myself are Sony PD170, Sony DSR250 and Canon XH-A1.

However, is there something (maybe SD that would give a good analog signal (maybe even used) and a little cheaper that would be good for this. It is a real production studio but also a teaching environment.

It was also a thought that a bigger, older camera might not only be fairly inexpensive, but would be less likely to be stolen.

As a side note, are there locking tripod mounts that make it impossible to steal a camera unless the whole tripod is dragged along with it?

Thanks!

A friend of mine is a performer of Middle Eastern music, and I have gotten her interested in making short movies of their performances, with a Mac I gave her (using iLife '06).

She lives in the UK and has decided she wants to invest in a good consumer camcorder for this, and has mentioned the JVC GZ-MG575EK but having used Macs/iMovie a lot I am really wedded to the reliability of Mini-DV+Firewire on a Mac (+robust transport control, inherrent back-up with the DV tape and so on).

Would anyone like to make some reccomendations for PAL cameras that fit the following criteria:

1. Budget circa UKP500

2. Mini-DV+Firewire (or a great iMovie compatibility experience for a HDD or DVD-based camera)

3. Line-in + headphones (maybe even two line-ins for monural mics or a true stereo mic set-up (unlikely to be a camera with two without getting into XLR territory I expect).

4. 3CCD / good low light performance, she does a lot of gigs in smaller and poorly lit venues.

I'd be really grateful for some ideas, as she has an Arts Council grant deadline looming for this purchase.

TIA

Best,

Paul.

The budget's a bit tight and I'm not convinced you'll get all the features wanted at 500 quid (especially good low light performance!)

I don't know it... but what about the Panasonic NVGS320 as it has 3CCD's and seems to be around the price point wanted according to a recent issue of the now defunct Practical Digital Video magazine. Check it's feature list carefully and see if it might be suitable.

I have a Panny GS75 which is actually well below the budget you mentioned and to be fair it's great in low light conditions and has 3CCD but not many manual controls.

I think the GS series is probably for you. What about the Canon HV20? Then she will get HD, might be a bit over your budget though.

Hi :)

I am about to either buy a HX-A1 or HVX200 cam for docs. I am new though I have done some practice shooting and editing. After reading endless posts it would seem that the Cannon is going to be fine for my needs with a lower pricetag. I bought my computer and editor with Panasonic in mind and just want to know if there will be any problems.

I edit with FCP on a MacBook Pro 2.2 (x2).

I am aware that FCP is well integrated with Panasonic codecs.

Will I have any trouble with the Cannon?

I have only used JVC in the past and would prefer to avoid a lot of fooling about with pre-edit transcription if possible. I am hoping this is not an issue but am still new and am not 100% sure about such things. I would rather know in advance as it could influence my decision.

Thank you,

Russ

Both are excellent choices and you can't go wrong with either. But I notice shooting in 1080i on the Panasonic tends to have noise around the edges, likely from the native 960 x 540 imager.

Another alternative is the Sony HVR-V1u, which does 30p, 24p and 60i.

Heath

You should have no problem with the XH A1. FCP handles HDV well, and if you want to shoot 24fps progressive with the 24F mode, there is an HDV1080P24 setting you use to capture, drop your footage in a 23.98 timeline and everything stays nice and progressive all the way. Quite a few people are using the Macbook Pro now. If you check the LAFCPUG (Los Angeles FCP User's Group) you'll see some threads about that.