[spyd4r]

Hey all, what are my options for a camcorder with the following specs.

SD card / miniDV for storage
CCD sensor
Hi-Def video

the only camera I have found is the Panasonic HDC-SD5 and it has been discontinued..

any suggestions?

[A n d r e w]

Why does it have to be 3CCD? Most consumer high definition camcorders now use CMOS sensors. If it doesn't have to be 3CCD, then almost any consumer camcorder will fit the bill. Perhaps you could let us know how much money is in the kitty . . .

[spyd4r]

looking in the $500-1000 range..

CMOS suffers seriously from the "rolling shutter" effect.. and it is really very obvious on my Canon HV20 as the footage comes out completely useless.

the installation is on a Tower for a Wakeboard Boat and the engine vibrations completely destroy the footage on a CMOS sensor.

[A n d r e w]

That's a good reason. Unless you can find a second-hand SD5 or SD9, you're pretty much limited to the new single-CCD Panasonics like the SD20, SD10, TM10 etc.

[spyd4r]

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

That's a good reason. Unless you can find a second-hand SD5 or SD9, you're pretty much limited to the new single-CCD Panasonics like the SD20, SD10, TM10 etc.

how do the single-ccd sensors hold up compared to the 3CCD sensors?


are the single CCD sensors the ones listed as MOS sensors on the pansonic site? i can only find mention of MOS on their site, no new cameras have CCD..


i have located a SD5 about an hour away... but if i could find a camera from a current lineup it would be preferred so i can buy local.

[spyd4r]

Panasonic SD20
Image Sensor 1/6" MOS

Panasonic SD10
Image Sensor 1/6" MOS

Panasonic TM10
Image Sensor 1/6" MOS

Panasonic TM20
Image Sensor 1/6" MOS

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by spyd4r

how do the single-ccd sensors hold up compared to the 3CCD sensors?

Not quite as well, because there's only the one sensor for the entire colour gamut, rather than one sensor for each primary colour.

Originally Posted by spyd4r

are the single CCD sensors the ones listed as MOS sensors on the pansonic site? i can only find mention of MOS on their site, no new cameras have CCD.

Look again: Hi-Def Camcorders from Panasonic

MOS = CMOS.

The SD20, HS20, SD10, and TM10 use a single CCD, as far as I'm aware.
EDIT: Well, that's what I thought, anyway. Looks like I'm wrong again.

[rogs]

I think you have to go right up to the AVCCAM range to get CCD's from Panasonic now - all their consumer camcorders now have CMOS sensors.

I thought that JVC still did CCD, but it looks like only on their standard def range.

You might still find an SD9 -although I think they're now about as rare as hen's teeth new!

I have to agree though, if you need to use a camera in a mounted situation with any vibration, the rolling shutter effect can be disastrous.

(There's an extreme example here, to illustrate to those who may not realise what's being discussed. )

YouTube - Canon HV20 "jello effect"

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by rogs

(There's an extreme example here, to illustrate to those who may not realise what's being discussed. )

I've always liked that video. You could turn the tables here, and argue that since you can't achieve that precise effect so easily with CCD camcorders, it's CCD that's the lesser of the two.

Or not.

[spyd4r]

ya, my options are super limited and this really sucks...

[rogs]

If you can manage with Standard Def Mpeg2 images, rather than HD, then you still have some options.
This Panasonic Camcorders - SD Camcorders - SDR-S26 - Overview - UK & Ireland for example. CCD sensor, and a decent OIS (which may help with vibration distortion?)

With the vibration you mention causing problems with the HV20, I wonder if it's actully worth going for HD quality - SD footage from a CCD camera may produce results that are just as good in this situation anyway?

[spyd4r]

if you want to see the vibrations..
This is a password protected video on Vimeo

password: 123123