sensor size

Noah Yuan-Vogel · February 23rd, 2007, 01:24 AM

oh yeah and keep in mind hv10/20 lens is f1.8-3, so sensitivity as you zoom in would appear to be worse and worse.

Jim Harmon · February 24th, 2007, 01:47 PM

I hope the HV20 is at least as good as the HV10. :) However, I fell into the "trap" of comparing specs with the Optura Xi (which I was considering buying) vs. the Optura Pi (which I already had). Here are the specs I compared:

Optura Pi:
Image sensor: 1/4” Progressive Scan CCD 380,000 pixels (360,000 effective pixels)
Lens: F/1.6–2.5, 12x power zoom, 4.1–49.2 mm
Minimum illumination: 2.5 lx (using the low light program)
Recommended illumination: More than 100 lx
Filter diameter: 30.5 mm

Optura Xi:
Image sensor: 1/3.4” CCD approx. 2,200,000 pixels (effective pixels: tape: approx. 1,230,000; card: approx. 2,000,000 pixelx)
Lens: F/1.6-1.9, 11x power zoom, f=4.2-47 mm
Minimum illumination: 1.3 lx (using the Night mode)
Recommended illumination: More than 100 lx
Filter diameter: 46 mm

Based on the Xi's having a larger sensor and lens, more pixels, and a lower minimum illumination, I just *knew* it had to be better than the Pi, so I went ahead and bought the Xi. However, when I received it, I set both camcorders to the same settings and taped an indoor shot lit by a typical lamp. The Pi was noticibly better in low light conditions. I even held both and took turns viewing my shoes in the lamp's light. The LCD view with the Pi was brighter, and viewing the tape from both confirmed it.

I hope the HV20 doesn't turn out to be worse than the HV10, despite appearing at least as good on paper.

BTW, is there any significance in the HV20's lens opening being more octagon-shaped vs. the HV10's rectangle shape?

February 23rd, 2007, 01:24 AM	#16
Noah Yuan-Vogel Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 613	oh yeah and keep in mind hv10/20 lens is f1.8-3, so sensitivity as you zoom in would appear to be worse and worse.

February 24th, 2007, 01:47 PM	#17
Jim Harmon New Boot Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: White Hall, AR Posts: 15	I hope the HV20 is at least as good as the HV10. :) However, I fell into the "trap" of comparing specs with the Optura Xi (which I was considering buying) vs. the Optura Pi (which I already had). Here are the specs I compared: Optura Pi: Image sensor: 1/4” Progressive Scan CCD 380,000 pixels (360,000 effective pixels) Lens: F/1.6–2.5, 12x power zoom, 4.1–49.2 mm Minimum illumination: 2.5 lx (using the low light program) Recommended illumination: More than 100 lx Filter diameter: 30.5 mm Optura Xi: Image sensor: 1/3.4” CCD approx. 2,200,000 pixels (effective pixels: tape: approx. 1,230,000; card: approx. 2,000,000 pixelx) Lens: F/1.6-1.9, 11x power zoom, f=4.2-47 mm Minimum illumination: 1.3 lx (using the Night mode) Recommended illumination: More than 100 lx Filter diameter: 46 mm Based on the Xi's having a larger sensor and lens, more pixels, and a lower minimum illumination, I just knew it had to be better than the Pi, so I went ahead and bought the Xi. However, when I received it, I set both camcorders to the same settings and taped an indoor shot lit by a typical lamp. The Pi was noticibly better in low light conditions. I even held both and took turns viewing my shoes in the lamp's light. The LCD view with the Pi was brighter, and viewing the tape from both confirmed it. I hope the HV20 doesn't turn out to be worse than the HV10, despite appearing at least as good on paper. BTW, is there any significance in the HV20's lens opening being more octagon-shaped vs. the HV10's rectangle shape?