[Froot]

A little advice from the good folk at avforums, please.

I'm looking into purchasing a good high-def camcorder but can't seem to make my mind up.

I like the idea of having a non-tape option, and think that maybe solid state is the way to go - but i'm open to suggestions / arguments.

I'm keen on the Panasonic SD5EG-K, but also fancy the Sony HDR-CX6. To put a spanner into the works, I keep reading how good the Canon HV-20 is (which I realise uses tape!)

Decisions Decisions...

[senu]

There are also the Hard Drive options , In which case Canons HG10 jumps onto the shortlist , amongst others

Im an unapologetic fan of the tape (HDV) models but in the spirit of progress will say that all the formats and Brands can give stunning Hi def video in the right hands under ideal shooting conditions

[redsox_mark]

A good short list....

The SD5 and CX6 are pretty much equals. Each has their supporters. The SD5 probably gets the edge in most of the reviews, but to me they look about the same.

If you've been reading I assume you know a bit about AVCHD compression that these use; which is pretty good and very clever, but as yet results not quite as good as HDV, especially with fast movement.

I too like the idea of solid state, but you should also consider the Canon HG10 (HDD) cam.

And yes, the HV20 will outperform the lot, but not by a huge amount.

So it comes down to how much you want solid state, and if you are prepared to sacrifice a bit of quality to get it.

Edit: This time Senu beat me to it, and I wrote a longer reply... usually it is the other way around!

[Froot]

Originally Posted by senu

There are also the Hard Drive options , In which case Canons HG10 jumps onto the shortlist , amongst others

Im an unapologetic fan of the tape (HDV) models but in the spirit of progress will say that all the formats and Brands can give stunning Hi def video in the right hands under ideal shooting conditions

You are right, there is also the hard drive option to upset matters even more. I just wonder how prone they are to failure after being dropped / jarred etc.

[Froot]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

A good short list....

The SD5 and CX6 are pretty much equals. Each has their supporters. The SD5 probably gets the edge in most of the reviews, but to me they look about the same.

If you've been reading I assume you know a bit about AVCHD compression that these use; which is pretty good and very clever, but as yet results not quite as good as HDV, especially with fast movement.

I too like the idea of solid state, but you should also consider the Canon HG10 (HDD) cam.

And yes, the HV20 will outperform the lot, but not by a huge amount.

So it comes down to how much you want solid state, and if you are prepared to sacrifice a bit of quality to get it.

Edit: This time Senu beat me to it, and I wrote a longer reply... usually it is the other way around!

Thanks Redsox_mark, I hadn't come across the HG10 in my research as yet, I'll definitely take a look now.

I'll also have a nice long think about solid-state vs tape vs HDD vs etc etc.

[Froot]

a quick update, I've just placed an order for the Canon HG-10. I went through all the reviews and think it'll suit my needs perfectly.

Thanks again for the advice!

[redsox_mark]

Well done - let us know how you like it.