Camcorder Upgrade Question

Dave wrote on 1/5/2010, 6:33 PM
Hi,

I've been using my old reliable Panasonic PV-GS320 for several years, but am now interested in upgrading to a new camcorder.

I'm running VMSP9.0b on a Quad Core, 2.4ghz, 4GB RAM PC under WIN XP.

First question I have is will my PC comfortably handle editing HD video with VMSP9?

Next, the cameras I'm looking at are:

Canon Vixia HF200
Canon Vixia HV40

As you know, the HF200 records to SDHC cards and the HV40 uses Mini-DV tape.

As for my system specs and VMS9... would one of these cameras work better for me than the other?

I'm really torn between the two cameras, but leaning towards the HV40 because I'm more familiar working with tape.

But the bottomline is if neither one will work well on my PC, maybe I should look at SD camcorders instead or buy a new PC instead.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

Comments

BudWzr wrote on 1/5/2010, 7:22 PM
Go for the one that records the best quality. HD is no problem.

Check out the Lumix FZ-35. I have one and it's fantastic. Shoots 720p on three modes and that's the friendliest HD type. Get into 1080 and you will bog down.

720p and 1080p has no visual difference to me.

A camcorder takes lousy stills, but a still camera takes great AVCHD coming right off the sensor just like a camcorder.
Dave wrote on 1/5/2010, 8:22 PM
Thanks for the info, but I need a camcorder which allows me to use an external microphone. Thanks.
BudWzr wrote on 1/5/2010, 9:05 PM
Oh, I see. Didn't think of that. I use a Zoom H2 so sound is not an issue for me. Good luck then.
Tim L wrote on 1/6/2010, 9:48 AM
I'm really torn between the two cameras, but leaning towards the HV40 because I'm more familiar working with tape.

You should have no problem editing HDV (from the HV40) with your PC. The HF200 is AVCHD and some people are satisfied editing that on a quad core while others still have issues. (I have no experience at all with AVCHD.)

About the only negative comments I see about the Canon HV20, 30, and 40 are about the "cheap" build quality -- that it just feels cheap. Now that doesn't mean it actually has any reliability or durability issues -- just that it feels that way.

You might also consider the Sony HC9 camera, although I believe it has just gone out of production. I expect it is still available new in many places though. The HC9 is a very solid camera, but has the touchscreen interface (which some people hate but which I don't mind).

HV40 and HC9 both have mic inputs and headphone outputs. One benefit of the HF200 though would be no tape transport noise. Many of these small camcorders have problems with the internal mic picking up the whine of the drive motors and rotating record head in quiet recording situations. But if you plan on an external mic that shouldn't be an issue.

Both the HV40 and the HC9 HDV cameras will play back and record in Std Definition mode. So if your 320 eventually dies you should still be able to play those tapes in the HV40 or HC9 (or any other HDV camera).

Tim L
richard-amirault wrote on 1/6/2010, 5:01 PM
Thanks for the info, but I need a camcorder which allows me to use an external microphone. Thanks.

Is there anything else you didn't mention? (so we can better answer you)
Dave wrote on 1/6/2010, 5:02 PM
Tim - Thanks for the info.

I've pretty much decided on getting the HV40. It seems like it will be the best "fit" for my situation.

It's selling all over now for $699. I saw in another thread on here that Canon sometimes drops prices around the time of AES (which is happening right now).

Should I buy the HV40 now for $699? Or do you think the price will soon drop some more?

Thanks.
OhMyGosh wrote on 1/6/2010, 10:16 PM
If you have decided on the HV40, your best bet is to go to hv20.com. All your answers and more can be found there. Cin
Eugenia wrote on 1/6/2010, 10:26 PM
The HV40 has true 24p (no pulldown removal necessary), more I/O ports, and zebra support (that can help you not over-expose).

If none of these features interest you, then the HF200 is the better buy.
Dave wrote on 1/7/2010, 4:08 PM
For me, the bigger difference is recording media: Tape vs. Flash Memory.

I'm probably "old school" but I think working with tape will better serve my needs. I'm planning some longer-term projects in which it will be convenient to be able to just grab the tape of video I shot 6 months earlier and capture what I need. Also, I know that firewire works well with my system (which the HV40 offers and the HF200 does not).

Seems I can't go too far wrong with either one.

Thanks.
M_Matt wrote on 1/7/2010, 11:32 PM
"A camcorder takes lousy stills"

My HV20 takes surprisingly good stills.