Digital Video Camera

and format? (tapes/mini-dv/dvd/hdd)
i heard the quality on the dvd models is not all that high, and it takes quite a while to compile/finish a dvd.
the minidv tape models seem to be still the best bet.
 
PearlJam said:
I think i'll go for the tape one then. The Sony HC-26 or bigger models look to be the ones i'll go for. Any other ones to consider? I have to go buy and learn how it works before the weekend
Click to expand...

I've got the HC-46E. With the exception of 1 downside, I'm very happy with it . Got it about R1K less than the MSRP at HiFi Corp. Package includes all the cables you'll need ... you just need to buy tapes and a bag.

The downside to it (IMO) is that in order to connect the cam to either a TV (for realtime output / streaming) or the mains power, you need to attach the base. The base doesn't have a hole to screw in a tripod attachment. So if you want to use a tripod, you have to run off battery and you cannot stream the video to a display.
 
OK, i got myself the 46E. Now i just need to "master" this thing.
Thanks
 
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masticore said:
The downside to it (IMO) is that in order to connect the cam to either a TV (for realtime output / streaming) or the mains power, you need to attach the base. The base doesn't have a hole to screw in a tripod attachment. So if you want to use a tripod, you have to run off battery and you cannot stream the video to a display.
Click to expand...

I've also got the 46E..and it does indeed have an AV out and DC in on the camera itself :)
So you dont need to have it on the docking base unless you want use USB or Firewire at the time.

The AV is a bit hidden away under a flap. If you look at the camera from the front then it's on the left side...it's hardly noticable actually..but just flip it open and there's the port. DC's in the back next to the battery.
 
Azrael said:
I've also got the 46E..and it does indeed have an AV out and DC in on the camera itself :)
So you dont need to have it on the docking base unless you want use USB or Firewire at the time.

The AV is a bit hidden away under a flap. If you look at the camera from the front then it's on the left side...it's hardly noticable actually..but just flip it open and there's the port. DC's in the back next to the battery.
Click to expand...

lol, even with your instructions i had to look a while to realise where it was. thanks
 
Azrael said:
I've also got the 46E..and it does indeed have an AV out and DC in on the camera itself :)
So you dont need to have it on the docking base unless you want use USB or Firewire at the time.

The AV is a bit hidden away under a flap. If you look at the camera from the front then it's on the left side...it's hardly noticable actually..but just flip it open and there's the port. DC's in the back next to the battery.
Click to expand...

Eh ? What ? I've never noticed them ! Thanks for the info Azrael :D
 
spiderz said:
and format? (tapes/mini-dv/dvd/hdd)
i heard the quality on the dvd models is not all that high, and it takes quite a while to compile/finish a dvd.
the minidv tape models seem to be still the best bet.
Click to expand...

DVDs are recorded in MPEG-2 (think DSTV blocks or JPEG compression) which is a lossy format. The video captured on MiniDV tape is lossless, it's in the RAW format. It may mean nothing initially but if you want to edit your footage to make something worth keeping, you want lossless video
to work with.
 
PeterCH said:
DVDs are recorded in MPEG-2 (think DSTV blocks or JPEG compression) which is a lossy format. The video captured on MiniDV tape is lossless, it's in the RAW format. It may mean nothing initially but if you want to edit your footage to make something worth keeping, you want lossless video
to work with.
Click to expand...

No, not true. DV uses intra-frame compression at a 5:1 compression factor, this is good for editing and requires a lower level of encoding power. MPEG-2 is more efficient, but creates GOPs (Groups of Pictures), so is not ideal for editing. It also needs a higher level of encoding power. DV is NOT lossless, but is better for editing. DVD is much more convenient, but not ideal for editing.
 
The HDD cams are great for convenience. They recrd in MPEG2, so quality is similar to the DVD cameras. If you're not going to be doing a lot of editing, they are small, easy to use and give acceptable quality for home use. They also have a HDD protection system in case you drop it.

Try it out at Makro, if you like it, then buy it.

...happy now?
 
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