Do I really need an HD camera?

[Will__S]

My son is a month old and we're going to get a video camera.

I prefer DV for my camera - I know HDD and DVD cams are well thought of but I'll be editing it quite a lot and to be honest the idea of having it all recorded in MPEG2 by camera hardware isn't one I like.

And while I know it has friends and enemies, I rather like the Pinnacle Studios 10 & 11 which can't edit MPEG2.

So, I'm looking at the Panasonic GS 320 which has an attractive price.
But I have a Pioneer Plasma 436XDE tv (last year's model) which I love. And it's HD ready.

Should I be looking at a Sony HD camera? Will I really see the difference? I mean I know I will, but is it worth it? Personal preference, yeah, I know, but any thoughts or opinions will be gratefully received.

Many TIA.

/will

[redsox_mark]

You will clearly see the difference. My opinion is it is worth it, if you can swing it.

Are you sure you can't edit HDV in Pinnacle?

[senu]

Pinnacle Studio 10 and 11 can certainly edit Mpeg2 : SD and HD

As for sticking with seeing the difference: you will see it : no question of missing it: it is that much better

By getting an HDV camcorder You can shoot in HDV but still edit as DV AVI by downconverting in-Camera

You can Use it as a DV camcorder from scratch ( Why though? unless tape belongs to someone else who cannot playback HDV)

In short you will be getting a very good DV camcorder but even better you can record in HDV and When you feel inclined to edit in HDV in the future, you've got your footage: if you can afford it. It is most definitely worth the cost