American camcorder

simon k · 12-10-2007, 6:23 PM

I am looking at buying a camcorder not sure which one yet probably one with a hard drive (recommendations grateful)

I am traveling to the Us in a few weeks is it possible to buy one over there and use it in the Uk.

thanks.

rhubarbe · 12-10-2007, 8:04 PM

Do you have an HDTV?

simon k · 12-10-2007, 8:36 PM

yes

rhubarbe · 12-10-2007, 8:44 PM

OK, well, if you have an HDTV and a source like an HTPC then using a US NTSC camcorder won't really make any difference.

I use a Panasonic HDC-SD7 NTSC cam, and I have no issues with it.

GaryB · 12-10-2007, 9:17 PM

You may see some flicker when filming under fluorescent lighting due to the 50/60Hz difference.

rhubarbe · 12-10-2007, 9:20 PM

Interestingly, I thought that might happen but I can tell you that it doesn't.

The one thing I did notice is that if you happen to film a CRT TV or PC monitor they flicker faster than if you're using a PAL cam, but as for street lighting and office lighting - no problem.

GaryB · 12-10-2007, 9:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhubarbe

Interestingly, I thought that might happen but I can tell you that it doesn't.

The one thing I did notice is that if you happen to film a CRT TV or PC monitor they flicker faster than if you're using a PAL cam, but as for street lighting and office lighting - no problem.

It depends on the individual model. Some do it and some don't. It's dependent on the type of CCD used, the type of CCD drive and a few other things. The only problem is of course that if you find that the model purchased does it, it's a rather long trip back to the shop to swap it.

rhubarbe · 12-10-2007, 9:35 PM

Fair enough. The Panasonic HDC-SD7 NTSC exhibits no flickering under 50Hz sodium or fluourescent lighting.

glesgaguyav · 12-10-2007, 10:52 PM

I keep saying it, but a cam bought in the US has no warranty in the UK, if the buyer justs wants to watch HD and takes the risk that the cam develops no faults, then it may be worth the money saved, but if it's down converted to SD then it will be in NTSC format, even if converted to PAL the quality will not be as good as origional PAL.

rhubarbe · 13-10-2007, 9:46 PM

Well, I got a year's warranty with my NTSC cam, from the seller.

vib ribbon · 18-10-2007, 3:04 PM

My family brought me a Sony HDR-SR5 while we were in Florida. Great little camera and not too expensive to boot!

18-10-2007, 3:04 PM	#11
vib ribbon Ex Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutton Coldfield Thanks: Gave 49, Got 123 Posts: 1,048	Re: American camcorder My family brought me a Sony HDR-SR5 while we were in Florida. Great little camera and not too expensive to boot!
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