[forestfan]

I have already posted regarding the HG10 and it is clear that I would need to spend approx £180 -£300 upgrading my computer for AVCHD.

As for HDV although in some eyes will be dead as a dodo soon, I feel it still has some benefits regarding archiving and editing, this brings me on to the question would basic editing software be suitable for the below computer.
I am trying to not spend £400.00 on a cammcorder and then some serious cash on upgrading.

To be honest this will be my first camcorder and it will be used for family occasions etc so i do not need pro editing just a good picture quality.

I understand that if I went with budled Canon software it does not work on the 64 bit processor any reccomendations would be realy welcome.

I appreciate any help at the moment and I hate asking lots of questions at the moment, but I might be able to return something once I get a hang of this.


[

• B]Processor [/B] AMD Athlon 64 2.2 GHz
• Chipset ATI RADEON Xpress 200
• Installed Memory 1 GB (DDR2 SDRAM)
• Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• Installed Cache Memory 512 KB
• Hard Drive Capacity 320 GB
• Optical Drive Type DVD±RW Dual Layer
• Vid Card NVIDIA GeForce 6200 TurboCache
• Sound Card Realtek AC'97 Audio

[senu]

Its fine for HDV ( not dead as a dodo BTW)
I would go for more RAM though

Any of the current software will edit HDV. It is thier minimum PC specs you need to look out for

How have you found Vegas MS?

[forestfan]

Thanks again Sensu

I just checked out the requirements for Vegas MS and they recommend 2.8ghz for HD contents

If I was to record in HDV at the highest setting I could play the tape via the camcorder via a mini HDMI lead throught the TV.

Could I then edit the HD content down to SD on the PC without the need to upgrade? so I could play on an upscaling DVD player.

I can then keep the tapes and at a later date edit them in HD for when I upgrade my PC and get a Blue Ray player?

[senu]

Originally Posted by forestfan

Thanks again Sensu

I just checked out the requirements for Vegas MS and they recommend 2.8ghz for HD contents

If I was to record in HDV at the highest setting I could play the tape via the camcorder via a mini HDMI lead throught the TV.

Yes

Could I then edit the HD content down to SD on the PC without the need to upgrade? so I could play on an upscaling DVD player.

Yes or better still simply capture via firewire as SD allowing the camcorder to do the downconvertion " on the fly".
This leaves the HDV content intact on tape and your PC free from needing to downconvert

I can then keep the tapes and at a later date edit them in HD for when I upgrade my PC and get a Blue Ray player?

Correct

[forestfan]

Great Thanks Sensu

I think it has to be HDV to start with for me and upgrade PC and DVD player later.

I also found the U.S Canon website very helpful for anyone who needs extra info above what is provided by the U.K site.

[electro]

Why do you say HDV will dead soon? Sorry I am new to this but isn't this the latest thing? i.e. Recording HD with vid cams.

[senu]

Originally Posted by electro

Why do you say HDV will dead soon? Sorry I am new to this but isn't this the latest thing? i.e. Recording HD with vid cams.

HDV refers to hi definition recording to tapes rather than SD card or HDD
It is still very much alive in the SemiPRo Budget Pro level but in consumer camcorders it is being promoted far less in favour of SD card and HDD models
Although quality is not an issue ( it isnt gennerally worse ,) its superior quality has been challenged
It is however easier to edit and play
It als uses mpeg2 1080 i fixed at 1440 X 1080 although displayed as 1920 X 1080 ( which it can be recored in but will get to tape as 14440 X 1080)
mpeg2 is felt to be older and inferior ( certainly less efficint) than AVC
This is the case for say, Blu ray but not quite for camcorders