Sony HDR-SR10 or Panasonic HDC-HS9

[zuczek]

Hello all,

I wonder which of the above 2 camcorders would have overall better picture quality?

I like that Sony has a CMOS sensor (1/5) and easily accesable HDMI plug as well as the docking station. This one only does 60i

Not too many reviews of the SR10 camcorder out there.

I like that Panasonic has a 60GB hdd vs 40gb and 24p mode. I'm not so sure about CCD's vs CMOS as I heard CCD's perform poorly in low light.

I read many reviews that the HDC-HS9 lack behind other camcorders in picture quality especially low light.

The Panasonic would be $100 cheaper than the Sony.

Thanks for all of your help.

[A n d r e w]

From what I've heard, they're about similar in terms of picture quality and low light shooting, though I've not tried them out side by side.

The 24p mode on the Panasonic is of limited application, in my opinion.

Andrew.

[Tricky-Ricky]

I had the same decision to make a few weeks ago, and went for the Sony quite simply because of build quality, far more robust and much better laid out, the HS9 is very toy like in feel, but i presumed that the performance would be very similar going by reviews and specs.

[zuczek]

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

The 24p mode on the Panasonic is of limited application, in my opinion.

Andrew.

Could you elaborate on this please?

[A n d r e w]

Firstly, 24p (or 25p on Euro / UK models) can only be used with the SD9's Digital Cinema Colour mode, designed to work in conjunction with HDTVs that support it, but usually looking highly oversaturated on those that do not. This can be adjusted in editing software, but the fact that the progressive mode cannot be used without DCC is a limitation in my view.

Secondly, 24p / 25p on the SD9 handles movement very poorly. Anything moving through the frame, or any panning movement of the camera, will result in an apparent flicker. AVCHD doesn't handle movement especially well in 50i / 60i; it's worse in progressive.

Having said that, I own an SD9 and love it. Just a matter of working within the limitations.

Andrew.