Have Canon X40, looking for better quality

fbx wrote on 12/21/2002, 3:44 AM
I was thinking about jumping to one of the $800 Sonys, but would like to know if there is any serious difference in quality short of the $1500 or $3000 cameras for DV video.

My video looks kind of mealy and amateurish, even when it's just locked off looking at something (ie, when it's not really obviously operator error). It looks always like what it is--home vid camera.

Any way to avoid this short of expensive rig?



Comments

Grazie wrote on 12/21/2002, 6:14 AM
Hiyah - I suppose the "real" jump for us pro/consumers, is up to the 3CCD chip technology. This gives much higher quality, allowing for the use of real optical zoom - ie no or little need for digital zoom, which at best is something of a novelty and at worst CAN provide unsatisfactory video - yes?

I've had my Canon XM2=UK ; GL2=US - for nearly a month now, and I'm very happy with it. It maybe beyond your budget, but I thought what the heck.... go ahead and get one. It still hasn't improved my camera-work OR now using Vegas, improved my editing - that's the fault of the owner!

However, LS, have a look at the various Video Camcorder magazines and get in touch with their user forums. There are plenty out there - yes?

LS you've now embark on that time old dance of "Do I OR don't I?" DO I invest in something that will get me to a point where I am satisfied OR get equipment that I know will stretch me even further. I've plump for the latter. And the lack of my camera and editing skills or all too obvious - now!

"Any way to avoid this short of expensive rig?" - As you're asking the question, you've started to tread this road already. I/we are surrounded by beautiful and alluring well crafted and distributed video/film and graphics, in all sorts of media - yes? Majoraly massive pieces of well made stuff, won from years of experience in the field. From reading between your lines, "It looks always like what it is--home vid camera." - it would appear you are already attempting to convince yourself it is otherwise - ah, sorry it aint so. IMHO - and I mean that - once having seen the "light", there aint no turning back - and the "monkey" of self criticism is always on our backs - yes? Go see Paul Holmes' video on Chieworks' site - fab!

Sorry for what seems to be an unhelpful response, but I guess you might have thought this anyway. On the other hand, there are some extraordinary great Sonys and Canons out there doing very fine work. After all, "any" camera in the hands of a competent
will produces remarkable work. As for me, I know I have a long way to go - But, at least I know I won't be dissatisfied with the equipment I've recently invested in.

Best regards, still having fun . . .

Grazie
soundguy63 wrote on 12/21/2002, 1:41 PM
Grazie is right, there's a substantial jump in quality from a single-chip to a 3-chip camera. I've seen a few "on their way out" 3-chip models for around $1000, but most of the new 3-chip mini-cams range from about $1800 up to $4000 before you hit the pro models with interchangeable lenses (not counting the Canon XL-1S at $3300).
If possible, go to where cameras from low to high can be demoed in the showroom. See what you think for yourself. Maybe a higher-end one-chip will give you what you want, or you can start planning on a 3-chip.
Grazie wrote on 12/21/2002, 2:48 PM
Soundguy63 - SOUND-advice! I did the very same. Bit the bullet and went for the XM2.

Grazie
fbx wrote on 12/21/2002, 6:49 PM
At the risk of revealing dufushood, where is chienworks? all i get is a religiously oriented page with some various anti-smut stuff on it. Can you give me a url?
BillyBoy wrote on 12/21/2002, 9:25 PM
I'll assume you want the video share portion.

http://www.vegasusers.com/vidshare/