NTSC/PAL Considerations when buying new camcorder?

[ArthurDaley]

I saw the Sony HC7 at this site and the camcorder has me excited. I see Amazon.com are taking pre-orders here http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-HC7-Definition-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B000M3HVLQ

Now I am in Europe most of the time and the TV only shows PAL (yes I know it is crap but I am waiting on 1080p screens falling in price).

Do I need to consider the NTSC/PAL issue with a HD camcorder? Or is that issue only for SD?

Thanks in advance to those who may know.

[ArthurDaley]

BTTT

[ArthurDaley]

It will appear from here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television that PAL/NTSC belong to the world of SD only.

[JohnnyMalaria]

It will appear from here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television that PAL/NTSC belong to the world of SD only.

Well, yes and no (plus that article has some technical errors).

The frame resolutions may be the same, but the frame rates are different.

Also, the EBU's prefered HD format is 720p50 ( http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a15752/high-definition-television-guide.html )

According to Sony ( http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProduc...me=specs&var2= ), the camcorder you mention records 1080i - but what frame rates?

I'd make sure that the TV you plan to get supports the frames rates from this camcorder.

And, what about import duty?

[ArthurDaley]

I'd make sure that the TV you plan to get supports the frames rates from this camcorder.

Crap. I thought this regional nonsense was over in a globalised world? So you reckon frame rates may differ between UK and US versions?

And, what about import duty?

Never paid it and I travel to and back from the US often with gear. If I am paranoid I throw the box away before leaving the US. [/quote]