How many pixels/CCD are enough?

[g_shocker182]

I was looking at a few MiniDV video cameras that Crutchfield.com offered and I wanted to know if there was a big diffference (quality-wise) in the jump from an analog to a 680K pixels CCD DV Camera to a 1MP CCD DV to 1.3MP. Are the extra 400k or so pixels worth the extra hundred dollars?

[Greenspock]

As an additional consideration, also consider if the recorder you are looking at records an interlaced video or not. Most don't. And the ones that do are even more money. This is why I haven't bought a DV recorder yet. Also, I've found Crutchfield a great source for information on electronic equipment but not always the best place to buy from (price wise). Just my $.02. Cheers.

[hoyboy]

From what I have read, the only real difference with the extra pixels is in better quality still shots- but they will still be pretty ordinary. The next step up in quality would be to a 3 CCD camera- I would love one but can't quite justify $6000 australian. The D8 will have to do for a while

[racer-x]

I think you'll be happy with most 680k Mini-DV cams. Look for one with a good lens and high optical zoom. Disregard digital zoom, infact you should disable the digital zoom. When you get your camcorder, you should set the audio to 16 bit mode. If you camcorder has DIS (digital image stabilization), disable that also to get better video. If it has optical image stabilization, then your fine.

I just ordered a Panasonic dv-953. It's a 3 ccd - 3 Megapixel camera with a Lieca lens for $1127. It's a big upgrade from my old Sharp with 460k. Maybe I'll post side by side frame comparisons.

[Greenspock]

... a 3 CCD camera...

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[racer-x]

Greenspock wrote:

As an additional consideration, also consider if the recorder you are looking at records an interlaced video or not. Most don't. And the ones that do are even more money.

Just to clarify, Mini-dv records to DV-25. It is 720 x 480 (NTSC), it is interlaced with botum field first.

[vitualis]

I believe that an oversized CCD helps with digital image stabilisation without necessarily worsening the image quality.

Regards.

[The village idiot]

3 CCD's and interchangable lenses. OK, so it's plenty of money, but it would be nice. I have read that some manufacturers do use the extra pixels for image stabilization. Also the lens design lends itself to the correction for shake. Mostly those would be Canon, as they hold the patent for the type of asymetrical lens elements that are commonly used for image stabilization.

So in theory, the more pixels the better. Definately 3 CCD if you can afford it.

[i_am_dave]

I have a Canon ZR30 and have been very disappointed in their image stabilization. It just seems to reduce minor shakiness in my hands.
I am forced to carry a monopod to get any kind of quality.

I would love to have one of the 3-ccd camera's, unfortunately, my daughter would like a car.

[g_shocker182]

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-GkPtUgUHXdP/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=8&g=53700&I=133PVG...=0&cc=01&avf=N

- A 3CCD camera for under $999. What do you think of it?

Car link

- An afffordable car, i_am_dave, for the same price :P

[stiltman]

Man! talk about having to scroll....whats the deal?

[g_shocker182]

Fixed..sorry

[i_am_dave]

My wife and daughter have ganged up on me. New Volkswagen Beetle.
Supposed to have a great safety rating, and if we buy the TDI, it is supposed to last forever. (and get 50 mpg)

This will be the ONLY car we buy for her.

Personally, I wanted to do the following:

My wife gets a new Mercedes,
I get my wifes 10 year old Saturn,
My daughter gets my 5 year old neon,
I get a new camera since I was nice enough to give my wife a new car.

It almost worked.
Thing is, there is only about $10K difference between a New Beetle and a new C230 Kompressor.

[The village idiot]

My wife and daughter have ganged up on me. New Volkswagen Beetle.
Supposed to have a great safety rating, and if we buy the TDI, it is supposed to last forever. (and get 50 mpg)

This will be the ONLY car we buy for her.

Personally, I wanted to do the following:

My wife gets a new Mercedes,
I get my wifes 10 year old Saturn,
My daughter gets my 5 year old neon,
I get a new camera since I was nice enough to give my wife a new car.

It almost worked.
Thing is, there is only about $10K difference between a New Beetle and a new C230 Kompressor.

10K or less. My brothers are mechanics at a local MB dealer. Nice cars, too bad the dealership owners won't give employee discounts.

[The village idiot]

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-GkPtUgUHXdP/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=8&g=53700&I=133PVGS70&o=m&a=0&c c=01&avf=N

- A 3CCD camera for under $999. What do you think of it?

Car link

- An afffordable car, i_am_dave, for the same price :P

That camera looks pretty good, spec. wise. Even has a flash for taking stills.

The problem with all of these, is you need to use a tripod. They do not have enough mass to counter act slight movement. All of them have this problem. There is also no good way to stabilize the camera against your body, again they are too small. There is a reason that professional camers are all as big as they are. You need the size and mass to get a stable handheld shot. It also allows them to be built out of stronger materials. I suggest buying a good tripod to go with it. Nothing too flimsy. Again, your shot is only as good as the support the camera is attached to. A good tripod will be another $50 to $100 dollars. A decent place to look at some models is Ritz Photo, if you have a local one. If not http://www.bhphotovideo.com is a good place to read and buy. You may find cheaper prices elsewhere, but I trust B&H when it comes to purchases. Another place would be from KEH camera. I don't remember the url, so I'll not send you off to never-never land. I have purchased used equipement from KEH, and it always arrives in better shape than was described.

[racer-x]

The Panasonic PV-GS70 is esentually a little brother of the Panasonic pv-953 that I've orderd. It's also newer and I haven't read any reviews about it.

The Panasonic PV-GS70 has Digital Image Stabilizer, while the PV-953 has Optical Image Stabilizer. I'm getting the PV-953 for $1127.

If you get it, post what you think of it.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I_am_dave wrote:"I get my wifes 10 year old Saturn"

That sucks!
What next...you get your kids scooter?