Need a new camcorder to replace my HV10.

[Norris Combs]

Hi,

My HV10 just crapped out on me last week. Since AVCHD is all the rage now, I figure I should give it some consideration. I like the small form, and instant access. What I don't know, and hope that you guys can provide some input, is what will I need to do different for importing and editing the footage when recording with H.264. I've been using Sony Vegas Pro 8 with a PC. Is it easy to edit H.264 with Vegas? How's the quality of the video when comparing to HDV tape? Thanks for any input,

[Buba Kastorski]

I loved my HV10, but there is always a better camera:)
I've tried 2 Canon avchd camcorders HF10 and recently got HF S100, HF10 quality was not as good as HDV, my guess is due to 16 Mb/s as a highest for that camera compression rate, HF S10 is noticeably better than HDV, again my guess is because of the larger sensor and lens, Vegas 8 has no problems with avchd editing, you also might take a look at sony HDR-XR 520, but looking at the specs only new Canon is a winner, there is a review of both with the video samples, take a look, my decision to HF S100 was based on specs and video samples from that review, have absolutely no regrets,
good luck!

[Peter Gjevre]

Buba,

Would you say that the quality of the HF10/100 is noticeably worse than the HV10? I am in a similar position, wanting to upgrade, in part so that I can do longer duration recording.

Thanks

Peter

[Norris Combs]

Buba,

Did you consider any Panasonic? Like this one: Amazon.com: Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Electronics
It has 3 CCDs, and the price is not bad at all.

Thanks,

[Buba Kastorski]

Originally Posted by Peter Gjevre

Buba,

Would you say that the quality of the HF10/100 is noticeably worse than the HV10?

To my eye yes, I would pick HV10 over HF10 any day, larger sensor less compressed video,
I could really see the difference, but don't just take my word, go to the store try it and compare the results, I always do that.

[Buba Kastorski]

Originally Posted by Norris Combs

Buba,

Did you consider any Panasonic? Like this one: HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom:
It has 3 CCDs, and the price is not bad at all.
Thanks,

I've tried it, didn't like it, poor low light and PQ, I'm guessing because of the tiny sensor size,
it's three of them but they're really small, but again, I am not in any way digital camera specialist and all my limited knowledge is based on my personal experience and reading other people reviews, but hey, budget is a king:), when i wasn't able to afford anything fancy i was really happy with HV10, but I always go to the store with my tape, now with my SDHC, and try cameras that I want to buy, i put footage side by side and that really helps to make decision.

[Bruce Foreman]

Well,

I have a pair of HF100's, used to have an HV20. I don't render to AVCHD because I don't own a PS3, Blu-ray player or burner, I did render to Blu-ray compliant file on standard DVD once just to test the process. Played the resulting DVD on a Sony BD player hooked up to a 42" LCD at Best Buy. 2 segments on the disk; one from an HV20 project and one from an HF100 project shot in 1440x1080 12Mbps because my computer at the time could not handle 1920x1080 17Mbps.

Both segments looked identical (but remember the AVCHD file was shot at HDV resolution.

Now I render to HD WMV for play off a thumb drive plugged into a WD TV media player hooked up to my 42" LCD HD (1080p) TV. I can now edit 1920x1080 17Mbps AVCHD after having upgraded my graphics card.

I can see a difference between projects shot in HDV and projects shot in 1920x1080 AVCHD. The HF100 at highest resolution produces video that is a bit more crisp and detailed than HDV I still have from my HV20.

There is a lot of truth in David's analysis, but the situation is not as bleak as the picture he paints and there is a difference I can see. I have seen a sample video posted on vimeo from the HF S10 and the detail is absolutely stunning.

That would be my choice to replace the HV10 and I would just have to acquire enough computer to handle it.

Backup? I have 3 external 500GB USB drives (all Western Digital) for that purpose right now. The most expensive one ran $129, the last one ran me $79 (on sale). 2 stay disconnected until needed, the third is connected but not powered up until needed.

[Norris Combs]

Wow, so much info to digest.
If the Play head on the HV10 didn't quit on me, I wouldn't be in this dilemma. Maybe I should find out why the Play head died. Anyways, I see that AVCHD is the future, that's why I'm interested in this option, or at least research more into it to replace tape. My PC is not i7, it's only a Q6600 quad core with 4 gb of RAM. Hard drive space isn't a problem, as I have a bunch of 500-750 GBs. I'm very comfortable using tape/editing/rendering. Having the PC not able to do things smoothly may be a deterrent. However, some people have stated that they have no problems. My friend is getting an AVCHD camcorder next week, so I'll try to play with his footage and see how it goes.

Thanks!

[Dave Blackhurst]

You'll probably get by with the Q6600 and 4G depending on the NLE you use. It's adequate for me with Vegas 8 Pro... not great, but doable... though the i7 would sure be NICE!

[Robin Davies-Rollinson]

Norris,
I've got the same PC specs as you and I can edit AVCHD just fine with Premiere Elements 7, though I tend mostly to convert via Neo Scene and edit in Premiere CS3...

[Martyn Hull]

If one of the manafactuars would bring out a good updated hdv cam i would leave avchd for good,i have yet to render and make footage look as good as the my cams origional playback no matter which software i have tried.

[Norris Combs]

Originally Posted by Dave Blackhurst

You'll probably get by with the Q6600 and 4G depending on the NLE you use. It's adequate for me with Vegas 8 Pro... not great, but doable... though the i7 would sure be NICE!

I'm also using Vegas 8 Pro.
Thanks,