OT: New AVCHD cameras from Canon

Hulk wrote on 3/4/2009, 6:06 PM

I really think Canon is hitting the mark with the HF S100 and S10 video cameras. I have the HF100 and it's a pretty amazing little camera. Especially considering the $600 I paid for it.

If I could have three wishes for an improved version of this camera they would be as follows.
1. Larger sensor
2. Larger lens
3. Higher bitrate

You know what? The new cams have a larger 1/2.6" sensor, larger lens, and 24Mbps recording bitrate. Of course there are some other nice feature improvements but I think most people interested primarily with video quality will be looking for these important hardware changes.

- Mark

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Brad C. wrote on 3/9/2009, 5:34 AM

J,

My understanding is that it will be 24p in a 60i wrapper "for easier editing" like all the other consumer HD camcorders out there currently that offer "24p". Isn't the HV40 the first true 24p cam offered now?
Yeah, I agree.....nobody has a clue how smooth any of the zoom and focus features will actually "work" when in operation. Even though it will utilize auto focus while recording video, it could be extremely slow and almost useless. It worries me a little that the reps are saying that one specific lens right now is the best for HD recording and helps the autofocus work better. What, so the others are useless?
Anyway, that's why I went back and stressed "on paper" I think it's better.

Recording formats that I know of:
-1920x1080/24p (60i wrapper) 17Mbps AVCHD
-1280x720/60p 9, 13, or 17Mbps AVCHD
-320x240/30p MJPEG
-640x480/30p MJPEG
-1280x720/30p MJPEG

I don't know the bitrates of the MJPEG. I'm assuming anywhere between 20-25Mbps.

I wish this thing wasn't coming out in JUNE......I would gladly be a test dummy for it. I'm in between cams right now, and since I'm doing wedding videography for my friends photography business, this thing would fit the bill nicely for how and what I shoot. 1280x720/60p is invaluable to me. I just wish it also offered 720/24p as well.

Someone can correct me on my facts and figures. I won't be offended. This is just what I know as of now.

Skuzzy wrote on 3/9/2009, 1:19 PM

I am on hold waiting for more reviews of these new Canon's as well. I can hardly wait to get away from camera tapes and hard drives for my personal use.

Sol M. wrote on 3/9/2009, 10:45 PM

Slashgear posted some hands on video of the GH-1 which demos the auto focus, zoom, on-the-fly manual adjustments (shutter speed/aperture), etc.

Looking pretty good so far:

http://www.slashgear.tv/panasonic-dmc-gh1-zooming-af-and-manual-mode-test-232/

UlfLaursen wrote on 3/9/2009, 11:15 PM

can hardly wait to get away from camera tapes and hard drives for my personal use.

Exactly. I have 2 Canon AVCHD's now and love the workflow with just memorycards. I need to convert the files when copied, but I rather do that than capturing tapes. :-)

/Ulf

24Peter wrote on 3/11/2009, 11:14 AM

"Slashgear posted some hands on video of the GH-1 which demos the auto focus, zoom, on-the-fly manual adjustments (shutter speed/aperture), etc."

Indeed - seems very impressive in terms of AF speed and overall IQ