Which one is better? Sony SR5E, Canon HG10, or other?

A!M · 03-07-2008, 3:50 PM

Hey!
I'm new around here, but I have a got a real dilema with camcorders.
I wanted to buy an camcorder that records HD and doesn't use DV tapes...so I was more into the camcorders with HDD.
I have surfing the net and the forum and the SR5E and HG10 both seem to be an good alternative.
My use is basicly for family vacation movies, some tennis videos and some little projects, nothing fancy.
I would like to know which one do you guys think is best of those two, or recomend another (around the same budget)

Thanks :D

redsox_mark · 03-07-2008, 4:47 PM

HG10 is better. And looking at the prices lately on HG10s (reduced), there is probably no better High Def HDD cam for the money.

A!M · 03-07-2008, 5:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

HG10 is better. And looking at the prices lately on HG10s (reduced), there is probably no better High Def HDD cam for the money.

redsox_mark thank you for your opinion.

Here (Portugal) the HG10 is much more expensive (900€) while the SR5E is 800€...that's mainly my problem.
Also..does the HG10 has that option of slow-motion recording? Have you got any idea if it has?

Thanks :D

**senu** · 03-07-2008, 5:36 PM

The only issue I have with the HG10 is lack of SD recording, otherwise it is better than the SR5 and indeed most HD ( no tape) camcorders around its cost
I had the HG10 for 10 weeks but did not find a slow motion recording ( didnt look for it)
Im not sure it has one. It does have Auto slow shutter though but many of those options I consider to be gimmicks with no lasting value ( just my own opinion)
Depending on why you need it,
IMHO It is possible to create slow motion with more control in software and probably better .
Many of the Slow motion effects you see on TV were not recorded as such
If the slow motion recorded by the camcorder come out different to what you expected , you are stuck with the footage as it is
With software you can turn normal footage into slow mo experimenting till you get it just as you wish
Just my tuppence worth
As an aside, whichever you get make sure your PC is fairly recent..

A!M · 03-07-2008, 5:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by senu

The only issue I have with the HG10 is lack of SD recording, otherwise it is better than the SR5 and indeed most HD ( no tape) camcorders around its cost
I had the HG10 for 10 weeks but did not find a slow motion recording ( didnt look for it)
Im not sure it has one
Why would you need it? ( slow mo ie)
IMHO It is possible to create slow motion with more control in software and probably better .
If the slow motion recorded by the camcorder come out different to what you expected , you are stuck with the footage as it is
With software you can turn normal footage into slow mo experimenting till you get it just as you wish
Just my tuppence worth
As an aside, whichever you get make sure your PC is fairly recent..

Well, I'm a tennis entusiastic, so sometimes I would like to film me (or other players) playing is slow motion...but you have a good point of view, indeed. If I can do it with a edition program, I don't need it to come with the camcorder.
Well, then the only problem I have is the price.
The maximum budget I could spend is 800€ (which is the price of the SR5E).
But then again...if the HG-10 is much better...I think I could get more 100€...
Thank you for sharing your experience

redsox_mark · 04-07-2008, 6:35 AM

I agree with Senu; the Canon doesn't have the slow recording feature, but you can do it in post production.

rhubarbe · 04-07-2008, 9:40 AM

HG10 appears to be reaching end of life in stores. Hence the discounting. If that is true here it must be true also in Portugal. Expect prices to fall in Portugal soon. I should wait a little while.

redsox_mark · 04-07-2008, 9:45 AM

Yes, though SR5 is also end of life, so might continue to be cheaper.

rhubarbe · 04-07-2008, 9:48 AM

Fair comment.

mattr · 04-07-2008, 9:55 AM

I've nothing to add other than I'm kicking myself I didn't get the HG10 at £400 from empire direct when I saw it. Bah. It's £500 everywhere else. Double bah.

A!M · 04-07-2008, 4:30 PM

Wel mates, I ended buying the HG-10 :D
Canon has some sort of promotion, so I will end up paying only 800€.
I think it's worth! :D
Once again, thank you very much for your replys!
If anybody that has the camara has some tips or something, I would be more than pleased to know