When I press the "start" button a 10 second countdown (1...2...3...) displays on the screen, and I can't figure out why.

I made sure the self-timer is off, and just about every setting is in its default position.

Any ideas as to what this countdown is referring to?

Thanks!

The manual, top of page 16, says: "The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds when you start recording. This is helpful to avoid scenes that are too short.

What do they mean by that? Aesthetically too short (i.e., the countdown is just a guideline to help you avoid short, choppy cuts)? Or too short for the camcorder's technical capabilities (i.e., less than a full Group of Pictures or some other limitation)?

I think it is an aesthetics thing. A Group of Pictures is only 0.5 seconds long. You will find, however, that recording HD mpeg does have a bit of a lag in starting and stopping because of the GOP.

When I press the "start" button a 10 second countdown (1...2...3...) displays on the screen, and I can't figure out why.

I made sure the self-timer is off, and just about every setting is in its default position.

Any ideas as to what this countdown is referring to?

Thanks!

As was mentioned, it's just a 'suggestion' for keeping clips to a meaningful length. It has nothing to do with anything technical.

The manual, top of page 16, says: "The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds when you start recording. This is helpful to avoid scenes that are too short.

thanks a lot! it's funny i never noticed the countdown until today.

I think the 10 second timer is more for your NLE than the camera. Transitions and such are very flaky with out frames to the front and rear, and most will generate duplicate frames.

I think anyway! :)

Mike