HDV camcorders YOU use?

[DereX888]

What brand/model do you use and what shortcomings have you found out so far?

Asking because my ******* bro have just killed my old Panasonic DVX-100 and I have to get something new but I have no clue whats out there and from google I get mostly outdated links to older models like there wasn't much new in HDV (I guess it is dying format).
I just don't want any bulky cameras like DVX100 anymore, after all it is for home videos only

[edDV]

What's your budget?
Is 24P your prime focus?

Canon HV20/30 is the winner in the under $1000 class.

Other's I've used:
Sony HDR-FX1 + HVR-Z1U - Rental stars since 2005
Canon XH-A1 <-- I'm someday going to own one. Waiting for the right project.
Canon XL-H1 <-- Ideal for film style shoot but not portable enough for my needs.

[SCDVD]

Sony has a new model the HDR-FX1000 that is getting some good reviews.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&stor...52921665529584

[Soopafresh]

HV30

On sale at BHphoto for $539 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/539289-REG/Canon_2680B001_VIXIA_HV30_HDV_Camcorder.html

[DereX888]

Thx guys, I've just been checking Canon HV- series on the web and seems like its a winner for home videos.

What's your budget?
Is 24P your prime focus?

Canon HV20/30 is the winner in the under $1000 class.

I'd prefer 24p, but its not "a must have", and my budget is not a problem
Although 3CCD would be my preferred choice...


@SCDVD - thx, but I won't support S*ny with my own $$$ ever again, and I urge you to do the same (would you still buy from a salesman who spits in your face and breaks-in to your house to spy on you and check what you were doing? I'm sure you wouldn't - yet thats exactly what S*ny is doing for past decade )

[edDV]

And I was just about to suggest you look at the native 24p XDCAM-EX or Cinealta.
http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/show-prohdna/?XID=O:Leader08
http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-hdv/

[Soopafresh]

HV30 is a great little camera. Shoots 24p, 30p, and 60i


If price isn't an issue, buy a Steadicam Merlin as well. It'll make the camera much more functional.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6HDUDbeEJw&fmt=18


Or if you want to go the "next size up" on an HDV cam, look at the Canon XH A1

[MJA]

I bough a refurb HV20 from onecall.com it is selling now for $444+ free shipping+ 5 year warranty for $95.90

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=92302

[DereX888]

I was hoping for hands-on owner's experience.
What brand/model do you use and what shortcomings have you found out so far?

[edDV]

I was hoping for hands-on owner's experience.
What brand/model do you use and what shortcomings have you found out so far?

HV20 -- Dislike position and feel of zoom control. Dislike those rubberish connector covers.
Remote doesn't work well from camera rear. 24p transfer is a bear, needs software support.
No focus ring, the little roller thingie is awkward.

The rest I can live with.

PS: Oh that damn battery release button that needs a screw driver when tripod mounted.

[Atanasov]

HVR-HD1000p very good

[Soopafresh]

1) I found the Field of View/Angle of View a bit narrow on the HV30 so I almost always keep a Raynox 6600 Wide Angle lens on the camera.

2) True of all HD cameras, shaky footage looks absolutely horrible. If you want to shoot great looking video, get a steadicam type device.

3) Vigorous shaking creates "Jello Video", thanks to the rolling shutter issue (ccd vs cmos). Again, this is true of most HD camcorders, even some of the higher end ones.

4) I think the built in mic is so-so, although it can be made to sound much better by turning off the automatic audio gain control.


All issues which can be resolved.

[dun4cheap]

The HV20 and HV30 hands down.

The remote from behind is an easy fix with an optical cable. I haav not noticed the battery problem on the tripod.

Shaky hand with any camera is going to cause problems. I have learned to actually hold the camera in my palms flat and to my stomach. This usually gives great results. I usually shoot sporting events, water polo, softball, cheer events.

I have also made a custom backstop mount for multi cam shoots.

[stanislawski]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518555-REG/Sony_HVRHD1000U_HVR_HD1000U_Digital_H...efinition.html

I bought this thing about a week ago and LOVE IT!

[edDV]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518555-REG/Sony_HVRHD1000U_HVR_HD1000U_Digital_High_Definitio n.html

I bought this thing about a week ago and LOVE IT!

While in the Sony Pro site, did you see this amazing new PDW-HD1500 Gigabit networked Blu-Ray recorder?
Watch the demo.
http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/app-postproduction/resource.demos.bbsccms-assets-micro-xd...home:avitflash

I'm envisioning a cost reduced prosumer model. This one is in the $18K range but all the issues affect the small guy too.

[DereX888]

Thank you everyone!
Your insights were wonderful and very helpful.
I just bought Canon Vixia HV30, it is OK for home videos and it was cheap ($495), but... I already don't like it for one reason: it doesn't play many of my old miniDVs

So, I also need now something to play the old suckers (although Im not sure when I will need it, if ever )
Anyone knows of miniDV decks with the dimensions of standard "stereo tower"? (because I assume all decks probably have wide range of heads adjustment to read my old LP-recorded tapes).
I have already eliminated Panasonic AG-DV2000, but I can't find exact dimensions for many other models.
I.e. JVC HR-DVS1 or SR-VS10 (from pics it seems like it may be the size of standard full-size tower components).

I have also found cool computer-mounted deck, but its a pity it was made by S*ny:

[edDV]

Thank you everyone!
Your insights were wonderful and very helpful.
I just bought Canon Vixia HV30, it is OK for home videos and it was cheap ($495), but... I already don't like it for one reason: it doesn't play many of my old miniDVs

So, I also need now something to play the old suckers (although Im not sure when I will need it, if ever )
Anyone knows of miniDV decks with the dimensions of standard "stereo tower"? (because I assume all decks probably have wide range of heads adjustment to read my old LP-recorded tapes).
I have already eliminated Panasonic AG-DV2000, but I can't find exact dimensions for many other models.
I.e. JVC HR-DVS1 or SR-VS10 (from pics it seems like it may be the size of standard full-size tower components).

I have also found cool computer-mounted deck, but its a pity it was made by S*ny:

You need a quest to find that old DV camcorder to play those tapes. LP mode was only for playback on that same transport. Tracks were very narrow.

There is another way, pay a good camcorder specialist to optimize a deck specifically for playback of those tapes. He will mod the RF envelope while turning screws and tapping in the right places with a small hammer.

SP mode has done well for tape interchange between transports. DVCAM widens the tracks even further for worst case but has proven to be overkill. Same for DVCPro.

DV track widths

LP 6.7 microns
SP 10 microns
DVCAM 15 microns
DVCPro 18 microns

Digital8 used 16.3 microns with physically larger tape.

Ref http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-tech.html

[DereX888]

You need a quest to find that old DV camcorder to play those tapes. LP mode was only for playback on that same transport. Tracks were very narrow.

There is another way, pay a good camcorder specialist to optimize a deck specifically for playback of those tapes. He will mod the RF envelope while turning screws and tapping in the right places with a small hammer.

SP mode has done well for tape interchange between transports. DVCAM widens the tracks even further for worst case but has proven to be overkill. Same for DVCPro.

DV track widths

LP 6.7 microns
SP 10 microns
DVCAM 15 microns
DVCPro 18 microns

Digital8 used 16.3 microns with physically larger tape.

Ref http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-tech.html

Yes, I have actually forgot that I used to shoot in LP mode in the past, and it seems like 3/4 of my old tapes were recorded in LP. Thats a real problem.
I know LP mode (for DV) records narrower tracks and this mode was meant for playback on the same device, but I didn't think it will be that bad because before Panasonic DVX 100 I had S*ny camcorder and Panny did play S*ny-recorded tapes no sweat, only after FF/REW there were usual glitches for short time until picture was stabilized/cleared.
Now this Canon doesn't want to play them at all...

Also as Soopafresh or someone else said earlier, field of depth is really small compared to Panny DVX-100 (and IIRC it is worse than my previous S*ny cam too). I can tell it with my naked eyes without taking any frames comparisons. It certainly needs better lens or an adapter for wider angle probably for any at-home recording. IMHo that in itself is somewhat against this model's design (as a typical low-end home users camcorder). It should have come bundled with wide angle adapter, it didn't have to be Carl Zeiss or Leica optics - even cheap China-made one would be better than nothing for Joe Average, me thinks...

PS
While at it, I have bought Merlin steadicam (I broke my rule of not buying online anything above $500). Now I just have to wait until it arrives I always wanted to have my own steadicam, I didn't knew those "consumer" models are so cheap! (edit - I mean price compared to "pro" models)
Believe it or not, but it was out of stock in 2 different stores in my area that supposed to carry them, thats why I've been online until now searching for what may be reliable store... specially that there aren't many out there, and none looked like any solid store after I've checked them against forums and ppl's complaints...

[edDV]

The DVX 100 is a much more expensive camcorder with a physically larger lens. Compare to the Canon XH-A1 not HV30.

[2Bdecided]

my budget is not a problem

http://www.red.com/cameras/

[edDV]

my budget is not a problem

http://www.red.com/cameras/

Then also consider the Canon XL-H1 (8bit, 4:2:0) and the new Panasonic AJ-HPX2700 (10bit, 4:2:2).

[Soopafresh]

Since we're on the subject of semi and pro cameras, my vote goes to the Sony EX1 with the Letus Extreme 35mm adapter (aka the Philip Bloom rig).

[DereX888]

my budget is not a problem

http://www.red.com/cameras/

Then also consider the Canon XL-H1 (8bit, 4:2:0) and the new Panasonic AJ-HPX2700 (10bit, 4:2:2).

I had bulky camcorder. and I didn't want anything big again:

I just don't want any bulky cameras like DVX100 anymore, after all it is for home videos only smile.gif

HV30 will suffice for next year or two

Thank you all.