[senu]

Guys these long ( popular) threads slow the forums down and mean we are best having a Part 2

The Panasonic SD9 and HS9 thread

[Captain-K]

Well I've just walked out of Comet in Bedford without a camcorder.

Went to the cash desk to pick up my reserved SD9EB-S, but asked that the box be opened to make sure the cashback form was there before I handed over my credit card. The assistant talking to the cashier seemed to know all about the cashback offer and confirmed that the leaflet is in the box. I wanted to be sure though.

When the box arrived, the cashier said it couldn't be opened before I'd paid for it (security seal and all that). Then another assistant said that there were no leaflets in any boxes they had opened to take the camcorders out for display purposes, so I spoke to the manager. The manager then tried to convince me that Panasonic would give the cashback and warranty when the camcorder was registered on their website. Fortunately, I had already printed a copy of the terms and conditions of the offer from the Panasonic website, which clearly showed that the only way to claim the cashback is with the leaflet that comes in the box. On reading this he shrugged, and said he couldn't help me!

I then walked next door into Currys. The black version was on display at £420, and had the cashback offer displayed next to it. So I now have a dilemma! Clearly Comet are not going to be helpful, and I'm not going to give them my business. So do I go to Currys and pick up the black one for £370 (after cashback) and get a 3 year warranty, or do I get one from Amazon for £359 (only a tenner cheaper after all) and get an 8Gb card with it. I have to say the black one is a lot sexier, but on the other hand I've never had an electronic device pack up outside its 1 year manufacturers warranty before, and I never buy warranties as a rule. That said, I can pick up a Kingston 8Gb SDHC card for £18, so with the Currys Package this would equate to having the black SD9, 3 year warranty and an 8Gb SDHC card for £388. I think I've just talked myself into it.

[A n d r e w]

You'll get a 4GB card with the SD9 anyway. I've nothing against Amaz*n (in fact I think they're great as far as online vendors go), but if there's only a tenner in it, I'm thinking that - extended warranty notwithstanding - knowing you can walk back in to Currys should anything go wrong has a lot to be said for it.

Andrew.

[GSi-AL]

Comet would give me a cash back voucher because I reserved my SD9 on line (£359.00), and didn't go through the in store demo palava.

I then popped into my local store@Panasonic and asked to view the SD9, and when the assistant open the display case, my other half helped herself to SD9 leaflet, and 2 cash back vouchers

If you drop me a PM Captain-K, I'm sure I could share my luck with you ?

[gunneredw]

Went to catford comet and they do not have any leaflets for cashback and did not know anything about it or whether they were involved. Manager also confirmed this.
So Do you need the cashback leaflet to get the cashback from comet or is a receipt good enough if they ARE involved n the cashback? And how do i claim if i buy from Comet? Has anyone else had success?
Picked up a cashback leaflet from currys but it says currys in the leaflet.

[Captain-K]

PM duly sent GSi

[GSi-AL]

No problem !

Will post 1st thing in the morning !

[avid fan]

I was all set to get one from Amazon this morning (with the free memory card) and couldn't track down the offer

The only SD9's on the site were sold by other suppliers rather than Amazon.co.uk, which makes me cautious in terms of posssible returns/ warranties.

Can someone else check I'm not losing my marbles??

[A n d r e w]

I believe this is the one you're after: Panasonic HDC-SD9EB-S HD Camcorder: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

[daKlone]

Originally Posted by gunneredw

Went to catford comet and they do not have any leaflets for cashback and did not know anything about it or whether they were involved. Manager also confirmed this.
So Do you need the cashback leaflet to get the cashback from comet or is a receipt good enough if they ARE involved n the cashback? And how do i claim if i buy from Comet? Has anyone else had success?
Picked up a cashback leaflet from currys but it says currys in the leaflet.

Is this the form you are talking about?

If so, it certainly has a checkbox for Comet, so I would assume that they are included in the deal.

My local camera shop (Park Cameras) has dozens of these forms on display by the Panasonic counter.

[sheffieldeagle]

Hi Everyone

Can anyone tell me what software they are using to edit footage taken on the Panasonic SD9?
I don't want to spend £400 on professional sofware just now and after reading a review on this camcorder on the internet I found a link to some software, allowing you to convert your highly compressed AVCHD files into either WMV or AVI format, which Windows® Media Player and Microsoft® Movie Maker can handle (there words not mine). The software is called VoltaicHD.
Does anyone use this or similar software?

Many Thanks

[senu]

Originally Posted by sheffieldeagle

Hi Everyone

Can anyone tell me what software they are using to edit footage taken on the Panasonic SD9?
I don't want to spend £400 on professional sofware just now and after reading a review on this camcorder on the internet I found a link to some software, allowing you to convert your highly compressed AVCHD files into either WMV or AVI format, which Windows® Media Player and Microsoft® Movie Maker can handle (there words not mine). The software is called VoltaicHD.
Does anyone use this or similar software?

Converting AVCHD footage to wmv is not a good idea, just so WMM can edit it. You will lose

• The Hi def
• The intrinsic quality

Also degrading your Hi def files to a poorer quality SD so that WMP can play them is completely missing the point of Buying a Hi def camcorder
Im not sure what AVI means as it consists of different codecs but I cannot imagine quality will not be lost either

If WMM cannot edit Hi def or WMP cannot play it
WMP
You need better software. period
None of the current range of consumer Software costs £80 let alone £400 pounds
Sony Vegas Movie Studio ( platinum)
Ulead VS 11.5/Corel X2
Pinnacle Studio 12
Magix Movie Edit Pro
Cyberlink Power producer
Adobe Premier Elements 7
Nero 8/9 ..9 Nero Vison) not fully featured but not incapable. nero Showtime will also play back without any fidddly converting
Roxio Suite
are examples
What is not in doubt is the need for a decent spec PC to play or edit the files
At least a beefy C2D with 2Gb RAM

[sheffieldeagle]

Many thanks for all your help!
I'm a little confused why these AVCHD camcorders are being sold currently when it seems the current crop of sofware and PCs are not upto the job of editing them. Editing is atleast 1/2 the fun of owning a camcorder for me and the example rendering times I've seen don't make for fun editing.

Thanks again Senu

[A n d r e w]

Perhaps I'll be flamed for typing this (indeed I held off originally because your post indicated that you're using Windows) but any Intel Mac with the latest version of iMovie is brilliant for editing AVCHD. Admittedly, this is because iMovie (and Final Cut for the matter) converts AVCHD on import into a format that even a modest processor (say, 2GHz with 2GB RAM) can handle.

Ironically, if you head over to Mac Forums, you'll see plenty of people moaning about the lack of native AVCHD editing support from Apple. If only they knew how much fun you Windows users are having . . .

Andrew.

[rickyd]

I started this thread a LONG time ago. Do you believe I still haven't bought one

[senu]

Originally Posted by kinza

I started this thread a LONG time ago. Do you believe I still haven't bought one

Who knows...??
There is something called "Purchase inertia" brought upon by reading too many reviews and then waiting for that perfect and best VFM Kit
Quite a few folk get afflicted
Nonetheless the thread keeps going on for others who may be in a similar position now to what you were when you started the thread "a LONG time" ago

[rickyd]

Thanks Senu, at least I know I've got something with a name.......

I had decided on the SD9, it is now a lot cheaper than when I first looked. Then I keep reading about the low light issues and worrying.
Then the newer models come out and they could be better??

Also the small issue of 3 kids Christmas presents to pay for

I will announce in big letters when I get one, but meanwhile I am quite proud of my mega thread.

Merry Christmas

Lynn x x

[muscleflex]

i've just purchased a sony TG3 (i know it's not an SD9 but i did consider this at first...) and low light that people have been complaining about, i don't see a problem with me. indoor shots are fine. i'm sure the SD9 is the same - these people complaining are just really paranoid! or expect everything!

[Frank@UK]

This is funny seeing people still unsure. Senu... putting a name to our affliction is fantastic!

There is something called "Purchase inertia" brought upon by reading too many reviews and then waiting for that perfect and best VFM Kit

I have had the SD9 for awhile now. Used it for summer holidays etc and have it for Christmas.
So... Kinza, you said about

3 kids Xmas presents to pay for

. Well, remember to capture it all in HD!
Honestly, my whole take on these new HD cams and TVs is that as of now most are not really up to the job. The TVs show fantastic and vibrant colours but they do have a smudged look when objects move quickly (and I have a very good Philips HDTV). Also with these cams you have to pan really slowly or else on playback it looks a bit grim. Low light makes matters worse. As far as editing, I haven't done any yet because my PC would take forever (upgrade soon just need to sort out best rig/setup).
In saying that the SD9 is very handy. On holiday for example it was just this small cam we used for videos and great still Photos. Have to say pictures and videos we took during sunny days in France were Stunning quality.
I could be still umming and erring ("Purchase inertia" ) instead I have HD pictures of my kids in France enjoying life to the full which I'll be able to watch in HD for ever! (When PCs software and TVs really allow for perfect playback)
One more thing... 8Gb SDHC cards are so cheap that I buy a few and just keep recorded stuff on them for now while editing/playing back via the cam.
Ohh long post.
Once you make that purchase just don't keep checking prices and you'll be fine. Some places like Amazon will refund the difference if your product drops in prices within 30 days of you buying it.
Cheers Frank.

[senu]

Originally Posted by Frank@UK

Honestly, my whole take on these new HD cams and TVs is that as of now most are not really up to the job. The TVs show fantastic and vibrant colours but they do have a smudged look when objects move quickly (and I have a very good Philips HDTV). Also with these cams you have to pan really slowly or else on playback it looks a bit grim. Low light makes matters worse. As far as editing, I haven't done any yet because my PC would take forever (upgrade soon just need to sort out best rig/setup).

Very astute Frank

However I also have a Phillips ( one of the Ambilight Cineos jobbies) and find that you can adjust them to avoid the motion "ghosting" depending on source and your chosen settings . ( Digital processing)
SD DVD has none by and large , Sky HD or SKY .. depends , Bluray: very rare but dependent on BD player and disc but all in all I think they have matured

I watched Hancock on BD and Star Wars Attack of the clones DVD ( upsacled to 1080i) on my set last night.. very visually satisfying

What is true is that AVCHD camcorders are ATM "a work in progress" especially for low light and fast motion and any fast panning will result in an annoying video far worse than with MiniDV (SD)
In decent light the video is very nice indeed. Just make sure your PC isnt more than 12 months old

Once you make that purchase just don't keep checking prices and you'll be fine. Some places like Amazon will refund the difference if your product drops in prices within 30 days of you buying it

Didn't know that, but yes "Buy and dont look back" is good advice.

[Frank@UK]

I have the Ambilight and absolutely love it. Thought it might be a gimmick at first but it really adds to the viewing experience.
Only time I'd say I really find ghosting a problem is on older SD broadcasts and its mainly on say a half shaded face where the camera or subject is moving slightly. Then you get ghosting or a bleeding effect.
Don't want to hijack this thread.
I do agree AVCHD is a 'work in progress'. Saw something about Intel core i7 CPUs being able to handle HD editing/playback really well, but they are new so expensive as of now.
The SD9 is going to have to do it all for now.... luckily it can.

[rickyd]

I did it I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got one, just 310 days later!

Yes Senu you're right, you can deliberate forever. I read all the reviews and opinions and for what I want to spend, and what I will use it for I hope I made the right choice.

So I got Comet in store to price match their online price from £420.83 to £359.99 and reserved one. Then I went next door and asked Currys to price match Comet at £359.99, which they did. Then I asked for the 10% price match reduction, which took it to £353.99, with the 4GB SDHC card in the box, and then I picked up the leaflet for the £50 cashback and 3 year warranty from Panasonic.

Job done, walked out the store with a smile on my face

[jeegnesh]

How did you reserve in tore at 359.99? I want to pickup one and would love to be able to get a similiar deal.

[rickyd]

Originally Posted by jeegnesh

How did you reserve in tore at 359.99? I want to pickup one and would love to be able to get a similiar deal.

Comet "on-line" have it for £359.99 their stores will match their own online prices,
Ring your nearest store and reserve one!! Then go to currys and say that comet have it in store at £359.99, they will match it and also you get an extra 10% off because someone else had it on sale for less!!! But dont forget to ask for the 10%!!! they didn't tell us, it was on a card at the checkouts, so look out for it. Also dont forget to pick up your £50 off and 3 year warranty claim form from the camcorder counter. I love a bargain!!

[jeegnesh]

I think I am out of luck, the closest comet in stock is pretty far away and thus would need to travel to a currys nearby. Tried my local currys and he won't do it unless there is stock in a 10 mile radius. I did however grab me a copy of the cashback and warranty form. But problem is that you have to make the purchase in store so no good ordering from comet or dixons as the cashback and warranty won't count. BUGGER.

Any more directions for attack?

I want the black, so seems might have to get it from currys anyway 370 after cashback but at least i get the 3 year warranty. FYI - the closing date for the offer is 31st Dec 08

[Captain-K]

Comet are a bit sly, bearing in mind they are one of the retailers named in the cashback/warranty leaflet. Obviously, missing out on the opportunity to flog an extended warranty is not going down well. In none of the Comet stores I went into was there the possibility of picking up a leaflet. One manager even tried to convince me you could register the cashback/warranty claim on the Panasonic website, just to try and get a sale.

Eventually I got hold of a form via a helpful poster on this forum, reserved online, strolled into the store and out with an SD9. Pretty good deal getting the unit plus a 3 year warranty for £309.99.

I did actually try Kinza's tactic, as Currys is next door to Comet in Bedford, but the bloke in Currys was cute and pointed out that the Comet unit was the HDC-SD9EB-S, whereas they stocked the HDC-SD9EB-K, which is the black one, and they would only price-match on an identical model. Looks like you did good Kinza!

[rickyd]

Thank you
Yes, i did feel "A result" as i walked out! and yes it is the "K" the more sexy black version
kinza.

[Frank@UK]

Ahh feel the love.
Capture Christmas in HD heaven. All those bloated bellys and arguements.
Bah Humbug!

Seriously though, nice effort and reward proved it. Knowledge really is power!

Oh but have you seen they have the SD9 A class out in January with fantastic low light .....nah only joking.

[jeegnesh]

ok given up on currys the just won't match it for me, the colour issue being one the things they point out.

So will get the silver version from comet. I took the cashback form from currys, however it only lists currys on this form, so means I will need to get one from comet or elsewhere, but from other postings seems comet don't give out the form. Can I print the one in this thread and use that?

How are others doing the same?

[rickyd]

Be very careful!!! comet knew nothing about the cash back deal!! and didn't have any forms...