Recommendation for a consumer-quality HD Camcorder at DVinfo.net

Steve Siegel · August 11th, 2007, 03:41 PM

The Canon ZR 40 that I have used for years as an SD play deck has just died. Time to replace it, and I figure an HD-capable unit is the way to go. I need a camcorder that:
1. is inexpensive.
2. can play miniDV tapes in both HD and SD.
3. accomodates filters.
4. allows DV output to a computer.

Canon's HV 20 ($1,000) seems like a good choice, but can anyone recommend an alternative?

Thanks,

Steve Siegel,
Miami

Chris Soucy · August 11th, 2007, 04:47 PM

The Canon HV20 it is then. Bang for buck, can't beat it.

CS

James Harring · August 11th, 2007, 07:06 PM

The Canon is a nice unit, but I am pretty pleased with the Sony.
However, if you can reuse batteries, etc, that would swing it to Canon camp, for sure.

K.C. Luke · August 11th, 2007, 07:12 PM

High Definition Handycam Camcorder HDR-CX7

Very New. take a look

http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/HDR-CX7

Ian G. Thompson · August 11th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Definately the HV20....Hands Down.

John Bosco Jr. · August 11th, 2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K.C. Luke

High Definition Handycam Camcorder HDR-CX7

Very New. take a look

http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/HDR-CX7

Maybe you need to pay attention to what Steve is asking for like "needs to play mini dv tapes." The HDR-CX7 records to tapeless media; there is no deck on the unit to play back SD or HDV mini dv tapes. Plus, the HDR-CX7 does not have ILINK.

If you don't need a LANC remote interface (remote control of zoom, focus and record with an external controlling device) which is nice for jib and tripod use, then I would get the HV20. However, if you need LANC remote interface, then the Sony HC7 is the camera you want to get. I ended up with the HC7 after being totally disappointed that the HV20 didn't have LANC. Unfortunately, that was the deal breaker for me.

Jon McGuffin · August 11th, 2007, 10:39 PM

Steve,

This is pretty much a no brainer. HV20 all the way...

August 11th, 2007, 03:41 PM	#1
Steve Siegel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Posts: 840	Recommendation for a consumer-quality HD Camcorder The Canon ZR 40 that I have used for years as an SD play deck has just died. Time to replace it, and I figure an HD-capable unit is the way to go. I need a camcorder that: 1. is inexpensive. 2. can play miniDV tapes in both HD and SD. 3. accomodates filters. 4. allows DV output to a computer. Canon's HV 20 ($1,000) seems like a good choice, but can anyone recommend an alternative? Thanks, Steve Siegel, Miami

August 11th, 2007, 04:47 PM	#2
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Hi Steve...... The Canon HV20 it is then. Bang for buck, can't beat it. CS

August 11th, 2007, 07:06 PM	#3
James Harring Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 210	I like the sony's but... The Canon is a nice unit, but I am pretty pleased with the Sony. However, if you can reuse batteries, etc, that would swing it to Canon camp, for sure.

August 11th, 2007, 07:12 PM	#4
K.C. Luke Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Singapore Posts: 173	High Definition Handycam Camcorder HDR-CX7 Very New. take a look http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/HDR-CX7 __________________ Edit on Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium CS5 Mac 64BIT

August 11th, 2007, 08:25 PM	#5
Ian G. Thompson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rockledge, Florida Posts: 351	Definately the HV20....Hands Down.

August 11th, 2007, 10:39 PM	#7
Jon McGuffin Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 634	Steve, This is pretty much a no brainer. HV20 all the way...