Mr Lazy
Established Member
Hi
My Samsung miniDV camcorder has just given up the ghost and need to find a replacement. I've been doing some web-based research and reading this excellent forum, but I need some help trying to decide whether to go HD or not. Regardless of HD/SD, I'm also torn between HDD and tape (I've discounted DVD and flash).
I have the following questions buzzing around my head:
- can all HDV camcorders play back miniDV tapes or is this camcorder specific? Ideally I'd like to still be able to play back my existing miniDV tapes (they are all copied onto DVD but I'd rather not rely on the DVDs as the only 'usable' copy)
- the only reason I am considering HDD over tape is the ease/speed of transfer to PC, combined with the ability to select and playback individual clips. However I am concerned with the backup strategy if I go down the HD route - how do people currently backup HDV/AVCHD given the file sizes/HD content - is it PC only or is there a way I could use my existing standalone SD DVD recorder (single layer)?
- I hear talk of the PQ being better with tape than HDD, but will I (and the wife etc.) really notice any difference? Given that I'm used to SD, if I go down the HD route surely anything will be an improvement regardless of media type?
- I've noticed some HD camcorders (ie. Sony HR5) do not have Firewire - what's that about? - my laptop does not have any form of AV in/out, so would I be stuck?
- if a camcorder has no HDMI output, it can still output HD via component AV, right?
- my Panasonic 32" LCD TV can display up to 720p but can accept a 1080i input and downscale - I have heard this can decrease the PQ, is that true? Is it worth getting a camcorder that can output in 720 (I believe these are rare)?
The camcorder will primarily be used for filming the kids and family events etc. I don't intend on doing any editing (certainly if HD I don't think my laptop is the appropriate tool despite being dual core and can't afford to upgrade right now), although you never know.
I'm prepared to pay 500GBP for HD (would push to 550 for something that's worth the extra). I appreciate this is entry-level for HD and will only give me a very narrow field of choices.
Many thanks
Steve
My Samsung miniDV camcorder has just given up the ghost and need to find a replacement. I've been doing some web-based research and reading this excellent forum, but I need some help trying to decide whether to go HD or not. Regardless of HD/SD, I'm also torn between HDD and tape (I've discounted DVD and flash).
I have the following questions buzzing around my head:
- can all HDV camcorders play back miniDV tapes or is this camcorder specific? Ideally I'd like to still be able to play back my existing miniDV tapes (they are all copied onto DVD but I'd rather not rely on the DVDs as the only 'usable' copy)
- the only reason I am considering HDD over tape is the ease/speed of transfer to PC, combined with the ability to select and playback individual clips. However I am concerned with the backup strategy if I go down the HD route - how do people currently backup HDV/AVCHD given the file sizes/HD content - is it PC only or is there a way I could use my existing standalone SD DVD recorder (single layer)?
- I hear talk of the PQ being better with tape than HDD, but will I (and the wife etc.) really notice any difference? Given that I'm used to SD, if I go down the HD route surely anything will be an improvement regardless of media type?
- I've noticed some HD camcorders (ie. Sony HR5) do not have Firewire - what's that about? - my laptop does not have any form of AV in/out, so would I be stuck?
- if a camcorder has no HDMI output, it can still output HD via component AV, right?
- my Panasonic 32" LCD TV can display up to 720p but can accept a 1080i input and downscale - I have heard this can decrease the PQ, is that true? Is it worth getting a camcorder that can output in 720 (I believe these are rare)?
The camcorder will primarily be used for filming the kids and family events etc. I don't intend on doing any editing (certainly if HD I don't think my laptop is the appropriate tool despite being dual core and can't afford to upgrade right now), although you never know.
I'm prepared to pay 500GBP for HD (would push to 550 for something that's worth the extra). I appreciate this is entry-level for HD and will only give me a very narrow field of choices.
Many thanks
Steve