Req. for Research Tips: Canon - Legria (eu) vs. Vixia (us) HF S10-Compatibility,etc.

[max4077]

Hello.

I'm an American living here in the UK. I spend the majority of my time here, but would like the ability to use a new Canon HF S10 in both the UK and US. I've a multitude of questions I need answered before I make a purchasing decision. And before I pose a number of questions here that may have already been answered; I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction so that I can get the info that's already out there myself.

Some key questions I have.

1. As long as I'm using HDMI, are NTSC/PAL compatibility issues a moot point? Or must I get PAL to use the camera with a UK HDTV? NTSC must be purchased for a US HDTV? Hopefully, HDMI is a common denominator?

2. The Vixia (US, NTSC) is considerably cheaper in the US than the Legria in the UK. Getting it sent over from the US would seem to be very very cost effective, unless VAT and import tax will eat the savings margin?

3. Obviously voltage will be an issue and power adapters will be required, but can I use batteries purchased in the US here; and vice versa?

4. I have a fairly low-spec pc: dual-core, 2.0GHz, 2GB RAM, Motherboard integrated graphics. Am I definitely going to have to upgrade in order to get any editing done?


Thank you so much in advance,
Max

[A n d r e w]

1. As long as I'm using HDMI, are NTSC/PAL compatibility issues a moot point? Or must I get PAL to use the camera with a UK HDTV? NTSC must be purchased for a US HDTV? Hopefully, HDMI is a common denominator?

It's the frame rate that's the issue: 30 frames per second (Vixia) versus 25fps (Legria). Most HDTVs will happily play either.

2. The Vixia (US, NTSC) is considerably cheaper in the US than the Legria in the UK. Getting it sent over from the US would seem to be very very cost effective, unless VAT and import tax will eat the savings margin?

It's a risk. If you're hit for import duties, there'll no longer be much in it.

3. Obviously voltage will be an issue and power adapters will be required, but can I use batteries purchased in the US here; and vice versa?

Yes. Voltage won't be the problem (the supplied charger should work on either a 110V or a 240V supply), just the plug shape.

4. I have a fairly low-spec pc: dual-core, 2.0GHz, 2GB RAM, Motherboard integrated graphics. Am I definitely going to have to upgrade in order to get any editing done?

If you wish to edit the AVCHD video without converting it, then yes.

[max4077]

Thanks Andrew. Very much appreciated.

You seem to suggest that getting hit with import tax is not a foregone conclusion. If, somehow, I ended up not being made to pay tax; would I um.. well, I suppose that would be a "lucky accident", but that I wouldn't be operating within the letter of the law? Keeping it legal is important to me, as I'm a guest in your country.

What are my conversion options for the AVCHD and how much quality do you reckon I'll have to sacrifice?

Thanks again,
Max