New to camcorders - any problem buying in the States?

letdowncrush · 02-06-2008, 2:48 PM

Hi,

I'm new to all this and am looking at getting a cheap SD camcorder. Hoping that you guys could help me out in a few queries...

In a similar thread (just a couple down), I noticed someone recommending the Canon FS10 / 100. This retails for about £299 in the UK, however it looks as though I can get it for $404 off amazon.com (as my brother lives there and I'll be seeing him soon). Is there any reason, other than the usual issues of warranty, things going wrong etc., why I shouldn't buy from the US?

Secondly, can anyone validate the FS10 recommendation or possibly put forward an alternative? I am a little wary that cheap cameras always tend to be pretty poo in low lights - will this definitely be the case with this one too?

Cheers in advance guys.

redsox_mark · 02-06-2008, 2:54 PM

It was probably my recommendation so I can't validate it (for the FS10), but I can comment on your other question.

The main issue is the US models will be NTSC. You can create NTSC DVDs which play in most PAL players, but getting an NTSC has the following issues:

1. You generally won't be able to play straight from the camcorder to a PAL TV.
2. Many PAL "set top" DVD recorders only accept PAL input.
3. If you ever want to combine your footage with someone else in the UK (who has a PAL model).

And, PAL is higher resolution than NTSC..

letdowncrush · 02-06-2008, 3:01 PM

Yeah, that's what I was wondering about...

Do you know what format it records the vids in?

I was under the impression that most simply use MPEG and as such, PAL vs NTSC wouldn't be an issue.

redsox_mark · 02-06-2008, 3:07 PM

MPEG2 is the compression format. Yes it is MPEG2, but the PAL/NTSC differences still apply.

A UK PAL model will shoot 720x576, 25 frames/second (50i).
A NTSC model will shoot 720x480, 29.97 frames/second (60i).

It's less of an issue with high def; as the resolution is the same, only the frame rate is different.

redsox_mark · 02-06-2008, 3:08 PM

To clarify, the PAL/NTSC issues only apply when playing on a TV. Playing from a PC won't be an issue.

letdowncrush · 02-06-2008, 3:16 PM

Yeah, I'll most likely always transfer the video to the PC first and then potentially create DVD's from there.

If that's the case, I take it there are no quality or compatibility issues that justify spending an extra 100 quid?

redsox_mark · 02-06-2008, 3:38 PM

Sorry if I wasn't clear; playing the file on a PC won't be an issue. If you create DVDs, you have a choice. You can create a NTSC DVD, which will play on most PAL DVD players and TVs. Or, you can convert to PAL in software, and have a DVD which will play on all PAL DVD players, but you may lose some quality in the conversion.

I would get a PAL model. If the budget is tight you may be able to find it cheaper imported from China/Hong Kong (they use PAL).

glesgaguyav · 02-06-2008, 3:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letdowncrush

If that's the case, I take it there are no quality or compatibility issues that justify spending an extra 100 quid?

There are compatibility issues with regards to PAL equipment.
Quality wise you will always get better quality using PAL on a PAL system
Get a PAL cam and get all the benifits it offers usability/compatibility/futureproof and designed for use in the UK