Consumer DV Cam with Progressive Scan

DavidPJ wrote on 5/16/2004, 4:43 PM

I use a Canon Elura and always record with Progressive Scan. I'm trying to determine the replacement cost of this DV Cam. I looked at Canon's offering, but I don't see any consumer models with progressive scan.

Does anyone of know of any small consumer DV Cams with progressive scan?

Thanks.

Comments

john-beale wrote on 5/16/2004, 4:59 PM

I believe the Canon "frame movie mode" is similar to but not exactly the same as "progressive scan". Here is a quote regarding the GL1, which also applies to other cameras iwth "Frame Movie" modes:

The GL-1 does not have a progressive scan CCD chip, instead it features an Interlaced Scan CCD. The Normal Movie Mode captures two fields (odd and even), then interlaces them together for playback. The time delay in scans creates a loss in vertical resolution and decreased sharpness of the still images. In contrast, the Frame Movie Mode captures 3/4 of a frame and interpolates the other 1/4 at the same point. Since both scans are effectively taking place at the same time, vertical resolution is 1.5 times higher. This produces high quality still images, but not quite the level of a camera with a Progressive Scan CCD.

Thank you for your inquiry,
Canon USA

There is a good description of interlaced video, "frame-mode" video (Canon cameras) and true progressive-scan mode (Panasonic DVX100) here:
http://videosystems.com/ar/video_progressive_need_know/index.htm

farss wrote on 5/16/2004, 5:29 PM

The only 'prosummer' camera that'll truly record in progressive scan in the DVX100. Be warned though it isn't a camera for the faint hearted.

stepfour wrote on 5/16/2004, 8:30 PM

"Does anyone of know of any small consumer DV Cams with progressive scan?"

You might want to try finding a pre-owned (refurb'ed) camera. A couple of years ago, I got a Canon Optura PI from onecall.com and it shoots great video and has a progressive scan mode. I haven't seen many of them in recent months, but, a while back, B&H had some. Plus, if you stick with the "older" designs you will retain other great features like OIS.

Stonefield wrote on 5/16/2004, 11:22 PM

I also have a Canon Elura and I really regret the day when this fine camera will no longer function. The progressive scan mode on this camcorder is really beautiful. I wonder why it's a feature that's been left out of more recent cameras in that price range?

DavidPJ wrote on 5/17/2004, 6:44 AM

Thanks all for the information.

Maybe as consumers become more sophisticated with this technology progressive scan will find a way back into higher end consumer DV Cams. I also really like my Canon Elura and hope it continues to work reliably.

stepfour wrote on 5/17/2004, 10:08 PM

Stonefield, I guess manufacturers don't think Mom & Dad should have any reason to want smooth slo-mo's of Jr's soccer match. Seriously, I suspect the real reason for stripping those features was to acheive a pricepoint, but also those little camera's may have hurt pro sales in the past. A lot of the original Optura and Optura PI were sold to pro's, and some pro's still seek them out today.

One mini-dv that shoots progressive, although it's not real small but still might fit the higher-end consumer category is the Sony VX2000. One of the best mini dv ever made.

donp wrote on 5/18/2004, 6:42 AM

The Panasinic AG DVX100 miniDV with the anamorphic adapter will do true 24p as far as I understand.

epirb wrote on 5/18/2004, 7:56 AM

the Jvc Hd cams are a single chip but progressive scan.

Orcatek wrote on 5/18/2004, 8:28 AM

I have notification searches set up on Ebay to find the cameras I need that are no longer produced. They all eventually show up at some time. I've had some pretty good luck finding them.