Thanks for the links. I wonder if its worth it at this time??? Also once you render down the video for use on a SD DVD does it look any better than what you get with a SD DV cam?

I agree with John Meyer that this has been discussed numerous times and reading those links will give you lots of valuable information to consider. But what would a forum be without getting a personal opinion for your direct questions. ;-)

> Do I make the jump to HD or just get a more advanced SP camera?

Ultimately only you can answer that but current wisdoms is why buy yesterday’s technology when you can have tomorrow’s for the same price. HDV is here and affordable and it is backward compatible with DV (i.e., DV is part of the HDV spec so all HDV cameras also shoot DV).

> If I get one of the Sony HDV cameras like the FX1 or the HVR-Z1U and I film in HD, will I be able to connect the camera to my editing machine via ieee and transfer video for immediate placement in Vegas or will I have to do some conversion first?

Yes, you can capture and edit the camera files (m2t) right from the timeline with a powerful enough PC or you can capture directly to a HDV Intermediary with CineForm Connect HD (extra purchase but well worth it IMHO). If your PC is not beefy enough for HDV you can edit with DV proxies using a product like GearShift (extra purchase).

> Once HD video players are available will we be able to burn DVD in HD format for play on Blue Ray or HD-DVD format devices? (I assume a new DVD burner will have to be purchased for the editing machine to make this happen.)

Yes, that is the hope. We’ll see when they finally arrive.

> With the two above mentioned Sony cameras I see you can record also in DV format so I assume no conversion will be needed for sure, right?

Yes and if you want better SD quality but not HDV you can shoot in HDV and downconvert to DV right in-camera. So if you are not ready to take the HD plunge, buy the FX1 or Z1U and shoot HDV but capture as DV. It will be the best looking DV you ever shot with a camera in that price range.

> Also once you render down the video for use on a SD DVD does it look any better than what you get with a SD DV cam?

In the same price range? (i.e., 5K DV cam?) MUCH BETTER! Even my wife noticed the first time I made a DVD from my Sony Z1U. She couldn’t believe the quality of the picture. This is because you are starting from higher quality source with a higher quality lens so the result is you retain more details in the picture than you get from SD acquisition.

~jr

..............................Also once you render down the video for use on a SD DVD does it look any better than what you get with a SD DV cam?
Depends on the cam, top of line 3chip dv cam and IMHO no, but thats just me and maybe my eyes are going, or I am just not testing correctly : )

thanx for the comments, it looks like another purchase upcoming.

Can you wait a little longer?

Many, for example, thought that Sony's PD150 was a great SD
camera. Then out came the PD170 with lower light improvement.
(which I use)

The HVR-Z1U is a great camera but I am waiting on the "HVR-Z2U"
or whatever the new model will be. We should also have a better
idea what to distribute HD on.

Also once you render down the video for use on a SD DVD does it look any better than what you get with a SD DV cam?

Spot (DSE) posted actual video showing the difference. Do a search on his user name. Also, there have been at least two rather long threads, just on this one part of your question, just in the past 45 days.

You can see that comparison by going to VASST HDV Portal and selecting "Downconverted to SD comparisons".

Mark