HD videocam upgrade: What specs to look for

[mcouture]

Ok, I've been shooting general home videos and high school sporting events for awhile on my Sony TRV25 miniDV camera for awhile now.

I am using Linux as my PC of choice to do my video editing.

I am now looking to replace my TRV25 and make the move to High Definition. I am still a newbie when deciphering all the HD formats and whatnot.

What I want to get is a "consumer grade" HD camcorder that will give me enough to play with for awhile....

I started to look at the HDR-SR10/11/12 models. I am intrigued that it's a hybrid between memory card and hard drive technology. What concerns me is the lack of AVCHD support in software today. However, I personally don't really want to deal with tapes anymore.

So here's my questions(finally huh):

1.) The Sony HDR-SR10/11/12 models shoot in 1920x1080i, what other specs should I be worried about? Progressive vs. Interlaced - what to look for for general shooting and action shots?

2.) I use Kdenlive as my video editor of choice. I guess AVCHD support right now is buggy. Anyone use Kdenlive and edit AVCHD files? Or anyone using anything Linux based to edit AVCHD files?

3.) If AVCHD direct editing is not an option, what would one do? convert to MPG-2 then edit?

Thank you!

[edDV]

Any reason you need to do this now?
I'd advise waiting for editing software to catch up plus good user stories.

Your application (high school sports) requires a tried and true workflow.

Your choice to ditch tape is key here. Tape based HDV is well supported with software and provides a higher PQ workflow. Plus it gives an instant backup (the tape). Plus you can shoot HD but transfer as DV for SD release today but HD archive.

You won't find broadcasters using h.264 as an acquisition format. Ideally they shoot sports with intact frames (e.g. DVCPro) but news is going MPeg2 (HDV/XDCAM).

Even with your quad core, AVCHD native editing is processor intensive and lossy. Digital intermediate or MPeg2 conversion is often the path edit programs use. Linux is way behind on tools development.

[mcouture]

Only "reason" is to step into HD....and to replace my aging TRV25.

It's funny, I hear from one source that miniDV(HDV) is "dead" and not to go with that technology anymore, then I hear from another source that AVCHD is not the way to go and to go with miniDV(HDV)..... I just love "standards" haha

If not AVCHD cameras then how about a Canon HV20(HDV)?

[edDV]

Only "reason" is to step into HD....and to replace my aging TRV25.

It's funny, I hear from one source that miniDV(HDV) is "dead" and not to go with that technology anymore, then I hear from another source that AVCHD is not the way to go and to go with miniDV(HDV)..... I just love "standards" haha

If not AVCHD cameras then how about a Canon HV20(HDV)?

Excellent camcorder.

The HDV vs AVCHD choice comes down to envisioning workflow and practicality. HDV has an established workflow and tools that work today. The format isn't about to be abandoned. Most pro software is DV (DVCPro, DVCAM) centric with MPeg2 (HDV/XDCAM) central to routine HD broadcast. About everyone buys into interframe compressed MPeg4 for distribution but not for acquisition.

The trend is to flash media. As flash gets cheaper, lower compressed higher quality formats will become practical.

[mcouture]

Well after pricing out the Canon HV20, I found the HV30 to be about $300 cheaper. I can get it for about $585!

I guess given that AVCHD (solid state in general) is still emerging...and that it's a bit more expensive, I think I'll be going with a Canon HV30. This will give me time to learn HD and then if my need expands I can get the latest cam on the market then...

Thanks for the tips!

[zoobie]

and you can spit out edited HDV & DV productions right back to tape for efficient & safe storage

[edDV]

The HV30 replaces the HV20. HV20's can be in the mid $400's on closeout sales.

Use a good quality pro tape. Online they are cheaper than consumer grade retail.

http://protape.stores.yahoo.net/paprqu63mimi.html

[Soopafresh]

HV30 all the way

[2Bdecided]

They've just announced the HV40.

And some nice almost equivalent solid-state models.
EDIT: no, not equivalent - mostly much better!

See www.hv20.com for discussion threads.

Cheers,
David.

[filmboss80]

You made a fine choice with the HV30. The whole "HDV is dead" nonsense is a marketing scheme from folks like Panasonic -- who have always made some great cameras, but have now curiously thrown in their lot with AVCHD. In a few years, that format may work out, but it is an editing nightmare at present. Just look through these forums.

[mcouture]

I figured $535 for the HV30 was a great deal. I couldn't quite go for the AVCHD thing yet.

I have alot to learn about HD and shooting in general. The HV30 should serve me well.

[Soopafresh]

Wow, those new HV40 specs are underwhelming (IMHO). I guess it'll make the HV30 and HV20 even less expensive come April.

[zoobie]

I was expecting this to happen in March...Should be interesting to see what Sony does this year
Pretty soon, you'll be able to go HDV with a major mfg for 300 bucks

[CuriousDan]

How about the Samsung HMX20? It's 8th in the top 10 on camcorderinfo.com - and it records in mp4 h.264

Dan

[Soopafresh]

http://vimeo.com/videos/search:HMX20

Sample MP4 from HMX20

http://vod.kbench.com/kbench/review/2008_04/20c/1080_25p.MP4

More files on this page: http://www.kbench.com/digital/?cc=152&sc=3&no=54284&pg=4

[SCDVD]

I second the motion on the HV-20 / HV-30. It shoots amazingly good video for a camera in its price range - You can't go wrong with it.