Canon HV20 versus Sony HDR-HC7

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 9/9/2007, 2:34 AM

HD 1080 will be standard in the future. I was wondering how Canon HV20 and Sony HDR-HC7 owners experience editing with VMS. Both cameras got good reviews on cnet, scoring 8/10. They use minidv, but both brands also have HDD counterparts in the pipeline.

Comments

Eugenia wrote on 9/9/2007, 2:53 AM

This has an easy answer:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/The-Great-HD-Shoot-Out---Canon-HV20-Sony-HDR-HC7-Panasonic-HDC-SD1-JVC-GZ-HD7.htm

The HV20 is the most sold camcorder in 2007, and one of the most successful camcorders ever. HDV has better quality than AVCHD (although AVCHD will eventually "get there"). More over, you need a much more powerful PC to edit AVCHD because it's using h.264 instead of mpeg2 which requires more RAM/CPU. Lastly, the HV20 has advanced controls and it also has 24p support with CINEMODE. Cinemode is a special 24p-only mode that makes the video look like a movie rather than home video as it has a better dynamic range. The Sony cameras don't have 24p, and their "cineframe" mode halves the resolution and makes everything look bad.

The only better thing that the AVCHD camcorders have is that they don't rely on the arcane DV tapes that everyone seems to hate. I have blogged about AVCHD vs HDV a few weeks back, and it's true that AVCHD will eventually WIN the battle. But not just yet. It will take 2-3 years until all NLEs properly support AVCHD (and that includes Vegas which only supports few Sony camcorders), PCs get faster, and h.264 encoders get more mature and produce better quality:
http://eugenia.gnomefiles.org/2007/07/30/advice-on-camcorder-purchase/

Until then, the HV20 is the camcorder to go for (sells for $850). My next camcorder will be AVCHD, but not before 2-3 more years from now.

The HV20 works fine with VMS btw. You just capture as you normally would and work with it. You only need to use external tools if you want to use 24p and perform a pulldown removal. Of course, you will need a fast PC to edit HD. The Sony camcorder also works fine with VMS8.

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 9/9/2007, 3:20 AM

In Europe, the Canon HV20 is listed at a price of 1209 euros, which is dramatically high, especially if you take the exchange rate into account. :-((

Eugenia wrote on 9/9/2007, 3:24 AM

Please read my blog post linked above, I really explain everything.

You need to ask yourself before going for this big purchase: do you really need an HD camcorder NOW, or wait until the market has stabilize on the AVCHD format in 2-3 years?

My advice is: if you REALLY need an HD camcorder, go with the HV20. If you don't realy need it, wait 2-3 more years.

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 9/9/2007, 3:52 AM

Thanks, both links (blog and reviews) were very informative. I'll stick to my canon md101 for a couple of years. The footage is satisfactory, and editing is just fine on my low spec pc.

Radio Guy wrote on 9/9/2007, 6:50 AM

VMS and HV20 is a great combo for fun or corp-weddings etc.

The HV20 has a nice accessory, the WD H43 Wide angle full through lens that screws right on and a built in hot shoe for a mic or additional light which is a nice touch. Has nice audio features for external mics. The pictures are incredible and you can keep the HDV stored on the cheap minidv tapes and make DVs that look better than DV cams footage from the HDV footage.

In VMS you can edit with a lower res then use the hdv footage for mixing at a later date when you get a faster comp and prices for burning to BRay and HDDVD are more inline.

4eyes wrote on 9/10/2007, 3:32 PM

Thanks, both links (blog and reviews) were very informative. I'll stick to my canon md101 for a couple of years. The footage is satisfactory, and editing is just fine on my low spec pc.Yes, once you buy a hd_camcorder you will pulled into the same old dilema, faster computer, bigger harddisks, more software, hd-playback devices.

As for camcorders the Sony HC1/3/5/7 seem to be mechanically better built.
I keep hearing the HV20 for @ $856 us dollars. Haven't seen it in any stores I've been in for that price, they are all approx $1,050 with manufacturers warranty.
The cheaper versions on the net may not have a manufacturers warranty, it's warranted by the company so if their are problems you return it to them. In order to return it to them you have to have purchased their insurance at the time of purchase (catch 22).

Eugenia wrote on 9/10/2007, 3:42 PM

http://hv20.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6