HD Camcorder AV Input for Helmet Cameras?

[PapaDmitry]

I'd like to record to a camcorder from an external source such as a helmet camera via the AV Input terminal on the camcorder.

I have an older Panasonic PV-GS250, which does it pretty well. My video won't be in HD because the helmet cam isn't HD, but I'd just like to replace my PV-GS250 with an HD camcorder.

Nearly all HD camcorders I've looked at only offer the AV Out options to play videos on your TV's and whatnot. Canon Vixia HV40 says this: "AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal - 3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio input and output)" I'm not sure what that means though.

So the question is which prosumer HD camcorder out there has both AV In and Out feature?

[edDV]

I'd like to record to a camcorder from an external source such as a helmet camera via the AV Input terminal on the camcorder.

I have an older Panasonic PV-GS250, which does it pretty well. My video won't be in HD because the helmet cam isn't HD, but I'd just like to replace my PV-GS250 with an HD camcorder.

Nearly all HD camcorders I've looked at only offer the AV Out options to play videos on your TV's and whatnot. Canon Vixia HV40 says this: "AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal - 3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio input and output)" I'm not sure what that means though.

So the question is which prosumer HD camcorder out there has both AV In and Out feature?

The HV20/30/40 have SD inputs (analog to DV format only). Also analog SD and component HD outputs. There are no consumer camcorders with analog HD inputs. HDV camcorders will accept HDV format streams over IEEE-1394.

[PapaDmitry]

Yes, it's RCA analog cable that connects the helmet cam to the camcorder. Yes, it's all standard definition. As long as the Vixia HV40 does have this SD input I'm happy.

Okay, thanks for reply.

[PapaDmitry]

Alright. I have another question for you if you don't mind. Other than the Canon HV20/30/40 models are you aware of any other camcorder brands that have the SD input (priced for consumer)?

[edDV]

Alright. I have another question for you if you don't mind. Other than the Canon HV20/30/40 models are you aware of any other camcorder brands that have the SD input (priced for consumer)?

Most AVCHD models don't accept external video. Some Sony HDV models do, others don't. Most MiniDV models do.

[PapaDmitry]

My helmet cam is 550 horizontal lines of resolution. When encoding with avisynth (for youtube an an example) - what should be the best aspect ratio to take advantage of 550 horizontal lines? 640x480? 640x544?

[edDV]

My helmet cam is 550 horizontal lines of resolution. When encoding with avisynth (for youtube an an example) - what should be the best aspect ratio to take advantage of 550 horizontal lines? 640x480? 640x544?

550 horizontal lines is an analog spec. It means an alternating black to white wedge will merge to gray at the 550 lines mark (this is good). This spec has nothing to do with a digital raster. If the camera itself (and lens) is this good, horizontal sampling at 13.5 MHz will just about capture the full resolution. More likely they are using a loose definition of 550 lines and 720x480 will be more than enough.

The sensor and camera processing deterime whether this is a 4:3 or 16:9 camera. Refer to the spec sheet. 720x480 (DVD spec) can be either 4:3 or 16:9. The difference is pixel aspect ratio. A conversion to square pixels will require a recode. Do you want square pixels?

Point your camera at an EIA chart (picture edges on arrows) and read off where the vertical wedges go gray.


Download full resolution chart here and print at least 300 DPI for 8x10 (more is better). For larger chart size, use more DPI.
http://gamefreaks.net/defrag/personal/imaging.html

If your camera has a zoom, test several zoom settings (framed with arrows on the picture edges).

[PapaDmitry]

Regarding sensor and camera processing. Here's the specs for the helmet camera. Frankly, I'm not sure which it is 4:3 or 16:9.

[edDV]

Scan rates are normal NTSC. I'd assume 4:3 but an anamorphic lens could make it wide. This unlikely since it is not mentioned in the feature set. This camera lacks optical stabilization.

http://www.123securityproducts.com/kpcvf325nh.html