I've been shooting a long time so I bought a HC1 but am having second thoughts on it. I shoot almost exclusively acrobats, jugglers, tumblers, and other high-action in the wonderful sunshine on my trusty tripod. I pan and zoom somewhat but usually just let the subject matter perform within the frame.

I want to use this cam or another to get some decent footage on a prosumer level. However, I seem to be stuck when it comes to 1980i vs 720p at a necessary 30fps.

My video ends up a crushed .wmv on the internet (320x240) so others may enjoy. However, one day I may want to put together a HD-DVD so I bought the HC1.

Maybe this isn't the cam for the job.
What do you think?
Thx

It would be easier to provide an opinion for you if you explained what aspect of the camera's performance is making you doubtful.

Are you wishing you could shoot in 720p60?

Outdoors and full daylight, shooting at 60i should provide great video. It will not be first generation 720p, but as far as capturing action, you should be fine. If you want to pay 3x more, get the Canon A-1, or Sony V1, but for what your goals seem to be, seems like overkill... just my two cents,.

I'm definitely needing efficiency not overkill. Just wondering if there wasn't actually something out there...even used...that would better suit my needs at the HD prosumer level.

The Canon HV20 is due out in April...I really like it's new profile and specs so far...

Thx

HV20 will be single CMOS just like the Sony. Only one benefit there is 24p, in my mind, if thats what you want. But for your purposes, 24p doesn't help, I don't think. In fact, for slow motion and such, I think you will want to stick with 60i. I don't think the HV20 has a 30p. But if you are looking for that filmic 24p, then you might be right.

The problem with fast action and slowmotion is the infamous rolling shutter. You can work around it, but my next camera will definitely not be a cmos-camera with a rolling shutter as I do lots of slowmotions and action.

Though if you don't even move the camera and just keep it on a tripod then you most likely won't see any problems. Unless an acrobat falls very fast then they'll look quite thin :)

The hc1 is a great piece of hardware and you'd be hard pressed to find anything better in it's price category.

The only camcorder that is better in many aspects is the JVC HD7 that is about to be out in April but it retails for 1700 dollars. The Sony HC7 and the Canon HV20 is nothing compared to the Sony HC1 or the JVC HD7 as far as features is concerned.

My shoot doesn't really start until late spring so there's no rush.

The only other cam I'm looking at is the JVC GR-HD1U @ 720/30p
Comments?

Thx

I have both the HD1U and the Sony HC1.

Although I love the progressive image, 30p is not what you want for fast-moving footage. The JVC also has limited manual exposure control, poor viewfinder and LCD resolution, and overdone edge sharpening that can't be turned off.

So you think the HC1 is appropriate for my shoots?
Anything else that may fill the bill on a prosumer level?
Btw, my HC1 deal just fell through and I'm again free to buy another cam.
Thx

Guess I'll havta settle for a second hand HC1 unless there's something better for my shoots in the prosumer range...

I'm not quite sure what features the HC1 has over the HC7, besides the fact that it has a zoom/focus ring, which I find extremely handy. If that's the only thing though, I might suggest that Art take a look at the HC7 or HV20, which seem to fit his needs. Also, take a look at footage from all these cameras, and take that into consideration as well.

The HC7 seems in all ways an improved HC1 to me, although I am quite possibly missing something here in regards to the HC1.

HC1 looks sexier, bigger and has a focus ring which I like.

I noticed they've moved the release of the Canon HV20 up from April to March.
Between the new Canon HV20 and a used Sony HC1 I guess.
I've a shoot in May and this is cutting it too close for comfort.
Have to get the extended warranty, too.

I’m not all to familiar with the manual features of the HC7 but the reason I said the HC1 is better as far as features is concerned is because of the focusing ring. That’s why I recommend the HD7 although if you do want a strictly consumer camcorder than the HV20 and the HC7 would be fine.

Anyone know if you can get any kind of warranty on a used HC1?
May havta buy the HC5 new from an authorized dealer...

You will need to look for a used one with a MACK extended warranty on it I think at this point.

I was able to hack it down to my limit and ended up with a new cam.
Wasn't able to get a new HC1 with warranty. Saw used HC1's on ebay for around $1100...HC3's going for $800...Then I found this.

Found an authorized Sony wheeler dealer
HC5 = $900 (standard package including remote, cables, etc)
4 Year extended warranty = $120
Just over $1000
The Sony warranty assures me I can use my cam about 3-5 times a week transfering, shooting, viewing to my hearts content without some huge $500 repair bill looming at me should it break over the years.
If I can get $250 out of the cam in five years when several other options exist, this overall cost boils down to around 50 cents a day for this type of HD.

Sounds good. If you like the HC5 and satisifies your needs for HD, it is a good deal.
Remember, Sony only covers the first 90 days, and then it is $250.00 for repair after that -- BUT, the mack warranty cover everything for free after the first year.

The Sony dealer just informed me no 4 year warranty on this cam...just 3. I never read anything about Sony's $250 service charge...

Yours is the first response to warranties after posting wanting info on warranties in several forums...all without replies. Simply put, amateurs don't get warranties if the cam's just going to sit on the shelf most of it's life...only the pros who are actually going to use it.

This letter writing is totally inferior to simple phone calls...

Thx...take it Mack is the better of the two...

Here is the sketch from two manufacturers - both Pana and Sony.
After 90 days, they don't cover Labour on items. Parts and Labour for 90 days. After that, Sony told me it would cost $260.00 to look at it and that cost would be included in the repair. Panasonic was a little bit cheaper - its been a while, but I think it was $130.00 to look at it and that would also be included. The great thing about Mack Camera Warranty and I mean GREAT, is that after the Manufacturers warranty runs out, the Mack warranty kicks in and it covers everything except shipping. There are no labour charges. As long as it is not a 'user' problem, and it is a 'camera' problem (ie; they won't fix it if you drop it), then you are good. If the camera click out after 3 months, if you can wait for the Mack Year to kick in I would, if not - you are out the labour cost.

Mack Camera rules. I would recommend them to anybody and the price for extended warranty can't be beat and is well worth the piece of mind.

Very interesting...

Well, that's weird. I just ordered the HC5 from an authorized dealer and the owner said if I bought the 3 year extended warranty (4 isn't available for some reason) for $100, there won't be any charge at all except shipping. I send the cam to him in PA and he sends it in from there...and has been in biz over 50 years.

I've got 2 weeks to decide...Has anyone actually used Mack? This store owner said he had a lot of difficulty with them...just how, I don't know. He mentioned it's more of a clearing house kind of arrangement without specialists of any one cam. Regardless, he didn't seem to think much of Mack.

The SonyStyle guy also mentioned that if bought on eBay new, Sony will not honour the warranty. This is where Mack or Squaretrade probably comes into play for those not buying from an authorized dealer.

Thanks for responding...lots of shades of gray I see.

Well, I have never heard of the $100.00 before and I just got off the phone with Sony less then 3 weeks ago. If it sounds good and it is a reputable dealer, then you are in a good position. They shouldn't charge anything in reality if the camera is defective, that is why I like the Mack warranty - but I guess it is a matter of taking the plunge.
As far as Mack service, I haven't had any problems and sent it to them twice now with my Panasonic. If he is putting Mack down, it might be just old fashion competition.
Maybe someone else can pipe in with their experience with Mack or others?

The $100 3-year warranty is probably this large dealers own flavor. I called SonyStyle and they offer a 4-year. I'll have to call around again to get more info. Writing letters is the worst way to get info because people don't read. I suppose I could even get both Mack and Sony warranties but it breaks my budget. There's even a Squaretrade warranty for cams. Just when they kick in is another question.
Thx

Art,

I don't know what the EXTENDED warranty is like with Sony - I hope there was no confusion. I was talking about the 1 year warranty that comes with the camera right out of the box. Anything else about Sony - extended warranty - is new territory for me.

ic...well, anything over a year is extended...
these options are best discussed over the phone
btw, the $100 deal from this dealer covers it all except shipping...all 3 years from the start

thx