[CasDon]

Hi I currently have

3Ghz single core HT Intel CPU
1GB RAM
80GB System HDD (40GB partition)
160GB Video Footage HDD
Both SATA 7200rpm discs

Assuming I upgrade the graphics card to an appropriate spec add another couple of GB of RAM and convert the AVCHD footage to MPEG2 will I be able to edit HD footage?

Cheers

[mmace]

yes, should be OK, why don't you buy an HDV camcorder, then no conversion will be needed as it will already be MPEG2 and I could edit fine on my old similar spec PC (lower Ghz than you though)

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by CasDon

Hi I currently have

3Ghz single core HT Intel CPU
1GB RAM
80GB System HDD (40GB partition)
160GB Video Footage HDD
Both SATA 7200rpm discs

Assuming I upgrade the graphics card to an appropriate spec add another couple of GB of RAM and convert the AVCHD footage to MPEG2 will I be able to edit HD footage?

Cheers

HD material uses mpeg4 not mpeg2. mpeg2 encoders normally do a maximum of 720 x 576 pixels (same as dtt and dvd).

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

HD material uses mpeg4 not mpeg2. mpeg2 encoders normally do a maximum of 720 x 576 pixels (same as dtt and dvd).

Not all mpeg-2 is standard definition: HDV is a variant of mpeg-2. The codec is the crucial matter.

To add to Maff's post, an HDV camcorder might be a better idea, unless you're planning on replacing your PC in the near-ish future, as converting from AVCHD to HDV will be pretty time-consuming.

[senu]

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

HD material uses mpeg4 not mpeg2.
mpeg2 encoders normally do a maximum of 720 x 576 pixels (same as dtt and dvd).

HDV is mpeg2 and it is hi def, and easier to edit than AVCHD
FWIW, the now defunct HD -DVD and noe BD standars support mpeg2, VC1 and AVC for source material. if you play a BD disc you might find they use any variety of these especially for trailers, bonus material ect
The mpeg2 from HDV is typically 1440x 1080 (pixel resolution )and 25 mps ( encoding bitrate)and codec different from SD mpeg2

PS : Ive just seen Andrews post
But if you do already have an AVCHD camcorder it is possible to convert the AVCHD to Hi def mpeg2 and edit on your system. If not best get a tape based HDV camcorder and avoid converting

[CasDon]

Thanks guys, just by co-incidence after posting this I stumbled across some HDV camcorder and I'm starting to lean that way as it seems to be the best compromise at this time.

Its more than I was going to pay for the HD Camcorder but I save a bundle on upgrading the PC which quite frankly would be a waste of money as at the moment I've got two events to film and edit video's for.

So far I'm looking at
Sony HDR-HC7
Sony HDR-HC9
Canon HV30

The Canon seems to just edge the sony on PQ but most say the Sony is better built

Any thoughts on these?

[senu]

Id take the Canon HV 30.. unless the Sony HC9 was cheaper..
The Build quality seems better on the Sony but I doubt youll get any rattles off the Canon unless you really abuse it. The HV20 was a little less well built and even it wasnt " delicate"

[chrishull3]

Get the HV30 its stronger than it looks and takes great video either interlaced which i personaly like best or it has progressive as well with cine mode, many like this look i know, if you decide to put films on the internet vimeo etc progressive can look good on a pc playback.

[CasDon]

The only item that concerns me with the HV30 is the number of reports of tape mech noise making through onto the sound track, now while this isn't insurmountable by the use of an external mic, given the cost of the unit I'm not too keen on having to lash out on an external mic too.

What do you think?

[senu]

Im not sure the noise isssue is not overstated, it may be specific to the indiviual camcorder and all tape camcorders with on board mic will pick some motor noise especially if the ambient audio is very low
You should not notice it during any normal audio levels. In the past, editors would use low levels of suitable background audio to "mask " it
be that as it may, a modest ext mic is hardly a huge expense and can help you get better audio anyhow, even if the mic noise turns out to be a trivial issue

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by CasDon

The only item that concerns me with the HV30 is the number of reports of tape mech noise making through onto the sound track, now while this isn't insurmountable by the use of an external mic, given the cost of the unit I'm not too keen on having to lash out on an external mic too.

What do you think?

yes i always give camcorders short comings and the hv30s tape noise is the worst of any i have owned recently using the onboard mic, i always use my rode stereo with any cam but as you say it is more expense