Hi Curt

With theese specs and pricerange, I think you will "only" get cameras that record the AVCHD format.

If you have not tried editing this format yet in your vegas, you could dowenload some sample clips from the internet and try before you decide. There are several threads on the forum discussing editing of AVCHD inside Vegas as well.

/Ulf

Peter:

The primary delivery format would be either DVD or Blu-Ray.

Just about any camera today would be good enough to make DVDs, so that drops out of the equation.

If you want the Blu-ray to be 1080p then that dictates 24 frames per second. 1080i would give you either 50 or 60 fields per second, depending on what power frequency your country uses.

There are a few cameras now available that do 1080p at either 50 or 60 frames per second, but there is no point getting one of them except as a hedge against future requirements.

Here's a good thing on CMOS vs CCD cameras, something else to consider based on what you think you'll be taping: here

So many factors, each with +/-'s. :) Personally, I chose to get a tape based HDV camera because I didn't like working with AVCHD.

> "If you have not tried editing this format yet in your vegas, you could dowenload some sample clips from the internet and try before you decide. There are several threads on the forum discussing editing of AVCHD inside Vegas as well"

Yea, this can't be stressed enough. You left out an *extremely* important criteria:

5. Records in a format that I can actually edit in Vegas on my PC

Do not overlook that one or you will be very, very, unhappy with your new $600 SDHC card writing 1080p camera. ;-)

~jr

In your price range, I suggest getting a camera that:

- will edit natively on the Vegas timeline (and your computer can handle)
- Sony or Canon
- is HD
- has the most features you will need

There are dozens of cameras you could buy, and you probably would like nearly all of them. Consider this... I buy electronics like I bought ice cream for my kids when they were young. I didn't ask them what flavor they wanted out of the 50 on display, but rather narrowed down the selection which made their choice more manageable. Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry? Canon, Sony, or Panasonic? Tape, HDD, memory stick? 480, 720, 1080? :-)

"So many factors, each with +/-'s. :) Personally, I chose to get a tape based HDV camera because I didn't like working with AVCHD."
Heh, heh...I'm still using my HDR-HC1, and I'm gonna keep it till it dies!

The upgrade path continues after upgrading to Vegas 10. Now you want to upgrade your cam next you'll have to upgrade your PC.

I have the Canon HF S20 which is an AVCHD format cam. My i7 PC handles AVCHD just fine. It captures to SDHC class 6 memory.

Super G.... How does the image look with that camera Sony HDR-HC1?

I have been incredibly happy with my Panasonic TM700 - 3 chips, great color and clarity, SD card storage expansion and shoots 1080p - 60 FPS!

I might be just above $700 but well worth it.

Mike

Get whichever Sony handcam you can afford, and if you have a decent enough PC with enough RAM, and Sony Vegas 9 or 10, you'll be fine.

I'd recommend a fast dual core at the minimum, but a quad or better would edit fine with 3 or 4 GB RAM.

So what does everybody do who already has a camera that only records in AVCHD? I take it the choices are:

1. Struggle with Vegas.
2. Convert it to some other format.

This thread may be helpful.

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=705216

So what does everybody do who already has a camera that only records in AVCHD?

I did a survey on this a couple of months ago:

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=747578

If anyone cares to add to that thread then please do! It's interesting info.

I use a TM700, record at the top 60p rate and convert for editing with Neoscene. A few early issues regarding workflow, but all is very good now. My quadcore is very happy, editing is smooth. I also have a Sony hC9 and can drop clips on direct for editing - even faster.

I have been incredibly happy with my Panasonic TM700 - 3 chips, great color and clarity, SD card storage expansion and shoots 1080p - 60 FPS!
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Where did you see that camera for $700. A quick Google Shopping Search shows the camera averaging closer to $1000.

Curt wanted recommendations between $300 and $600. For a little over $600 I would recommend the Panasonic HDC-HS60.

Here are some.
reviews.

John

"Where did you see that camera for $700."This makes absolutely no sense to me, but I recently purchased a TM700 from B&H for $750. As soon as the TM900 is released, the price of the TM700 goes up to $1000. ???

...Jerry

This makes absolutely no sense to me, but I recently purchased a TM700 from B&H for $750. As soon as the TM900 is released, the price of the TM700 goes up to $1000. ???
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Didn't know it used to be cheaper.

John