HDV or AVCHD - which is best?

[adybaines]

Hi,

I wrongly thought newer would mean better but im now reading that HDV camcorders with tape give a better image compared to AVCHD... due to compression mpeg4 etc

My question is, is it really noticable and would it put someone off newer AVCHD camcorders as im trying to decide which HD camcorder to buy for my trip in 2 weeks time....

Many Thanks

[senu]

This query has been the subject of very many recent threads here .. especially regarding Tape vs flash card vs HDD Hi def models
Do a simple search and then see if you have any specific query if you cant get an answer to

[glesgaguyav]

AVCHD is not any "worse or better" tha HDV, if you're a Purist and look for deficiencies you may notice the difference in some aspects.

The only problem with AVCHD at the moment is the ability to watch any edited material, you cannot send it back to the camera.

Hardware will eventually catch up with DVD/HDD recorders giving the ability to record and play AVCHD, just like they nearly all offer the ability to play DIVX now,
AVCHD offers quick transport to the computer (no capture worries) and smaller cam sizes, but your computer may well not have the specs to handle it properly, go to Pinnacles Web site to see the recommended specs.

If you are prepared to wait for new hardware to catch up then there is nothing to worry about in buying a AVCHD camera, but if you like to edit and watch your footage then HDV has the advantage.

I've just ordered the HV20

[adybaines]

Thanks for your messages....

sounds like they are both similar formats with plus and minus to each........ What made you decide on the HV20 i just looked at that one........ does it record at 25p

As the sony HDV i was looking at had this in the review..

"One disappointment is that the Sony HDR-HC7 doesn’t offer the ability to shoot Progressive Scan at 25P in high definition. This is widely regarded as being essential when showing on larger LCD displays simply because the 50 interlaced fields (PAL 50i) frame display often produces unacceptable jitter when showing on anything other than good old-fashioned CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. LCD and Plasma screens really need progressive scan frame sequences that produce 25 single frames per second (in PAL, at least)."

so sounds like its important that they can do that?

thanks

Bryan

[senu]

To the Op , asking you to do a search was to prevent a clone of existing threads and as such to make make your thread specifically helpful to your particular query, especially as you also have the need ( from another thread) for underwater housing

As such i did not close this one as it might allow folk share information most helpful to you

AVCHD and HDV quality are similar. HDV marginally better but not by much..

However All hidef Cameras (tape and HDD/Flash card) seem to suffer "hunting" AF compared to SD in lower light but not in good lighting conditions...( How does underwater rate?)

HDD/Flash card camcorders are not as good as tape for capturing fast motion as they have to do rapid compression "on the fly" and very fast motion is challenging to them

So if you give an HDD (AVCHD) camcorder poorer lighting and fast motion and it might struggle compared to an HDV or SD tape mode

AVCHD demands better hardware to play and edit and software to edit is emerging ...only in the last few months
Dual core PCs with good amounts of RAM are desirable
None of the PC based Software can output back to AVCHD
Imovie08 on the mac can

Originally Posted by glesgaguyav

.....The only problem with AVCHD at the moment is the ability to watch any edited material, you cannot send it back to the camera.

.. not quite the only problem
but as stated above
Once edited AVCHD will no longer be "returnable" to camcorder for playback , even with imovie08 on the mac which is the only editor currently outputting AVCHD

PS: Just read your post on Progressive scan . It is a nice advancement and a feature which was exclusive to higher end models but not a must have. But if you can get it , why not?
Most competent displays will use an interlace footage and do a fine job with it

[redsox_mark]

I don't agree with that review (where was that from?)

Yes, LCDs and Plasmas are progressive devices. Any good LCD or Plasma will be able to deinterlace a 50i input and do it well. If you watch TV on your LCD/Plasma you are watching an interlaced signal which your display has deinterlaced. I'm not saying that there aren't some advantages to the progressive mode of the HV20, but to say that any 50i camcorder will produce "unacceptable jitter" I do not agree with.

[redsox_mark]

Hey Senu, you're getting faster

[senu]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

Hey Senu, you're getting faster

...Ive not had a or 2 yet!

[adybaines]

thanks for the info,

im glad the 25p is not as important as it sounds and that normal plasmas are fine with 50i without causing "unacceptable jitter"

My HD camcorder shortlist is now:

Sony HDR-SR8E
HV20
Panny HDC-SD5

[glesgaguyav]

Originally Posted by adybaines

sounds like they are both similar formats with plus and minus to each........ What made you decide on the HV20 i just looked at that one........

Many hours of reading forums and reviews

Almost all reviewers give the HV20 it top marks.
Except Cnet. who prefer the Sony.
If you need more info to help make up your mind try here http://www.hv20.com
You will also find out the bad points.
The only things I don't like about the HV20 are design (It dosen't appeal to me) and build (others seem to think it's too plastic).
However it seems to take the best all round video in normal and low light compared to it's peers and that's what I want