Camera Suggestions

[Danny Hays]

Take a look at the Panasonic HDC-TM700. It shoots 1080 60p and has the best picture I’ve ever seen. People are shelving their EX1’s 6 grand, for this $769.00 camera. Youtube it and see. Danny Hays

[Jeff Schroeder]

I’m with you Danny, that is one hot camera!

http://www.narrowroadmedia.com

[John Rofrano]

I would go with the Sony HDR-FX7. I have the HVR-A1U and it’s OK but I’d rather have an HDR-FX7.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[John Rofrano]

You guys didn’t see the context for the question in a previous thread. He is looking for an HDV camera specifically because he doesn’t want to deal with AVCHD.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Lee Brennan]

Thank you! I really appreciate and value your expertise.

[Danny Hays]

Lee, Is there a reason you don’t want to work with AVCHD? I have the Sony HVR-A1 as well as the Panasonic HDC-TM700, and I probably won’t use the Sony again unless I need a second camera, the TM700 is so far superior. The TM700 has 32 gig internal storage, enough for 2 hours and 40 min of 1080 60p where all tapes are just above one hour. No more “Remove cassette” warnings. My old Cannon GL1 was doing that, cleaned and sold it quick. Vegas Pro 10 handles the native .mts and the m2ts when using the supplied Panasonic HD Writer software with ease. i7 920 6 gig ram Win 7 64 bit. Danny Hays

[Scott Francis]

I have an FX7, three FX1’s and 2 HC1’s (these are the “prosumer” version of the A1 Danny has) all HDV. I prefer the FX1 over them all and have had issues with the FX7 in color matching the other 5 cams I have…since I only have one of the FX7’s I will be putting it on ebay for sale. OTHER than the color matching issue the FX7 it is a very nice camera and MUCH better video quality than the HC1/A1. I am a Sony guy and will remain so, there are a ton of easy to get to manual controls and you would be happy with any of them. The 1000 is more similar in quality to the A1, with one CMOS vs 3 on the FX7…..hope this helps!

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions

[John Rofrano]

[Danny Hays] “Lee, Is there a reason you don’t want to work with AVCHD?”

I can’t speak for Lee but I my main camera is a Sony HVR-Z1U which is HDV and I use the Sony DR-60 Hard Disk Recording unit which gives me 4 hrs of recording with no tapes, no capture, and no dealing with AVCHD and stuttery editing. I also have a Sony CX12 AVCHD camera which is my “vacation cam” and I absolutely HATE dealing with AVCHD. Once you add any kind of color correction your playback becomes a slide show. I can edit HDV smoothly without any playback problems. When my Z1U dies, I will buy another HDV camera or switch to XDCAM which also edits smoothly in Vegas Pro.

You can keep AVCHD. Maybe if I had a Core i7 I’d feel differently but on my old QuadCore, AVCHD is just not a pleasant editing experience. Vegas Pro 10 has made it better, but it doesn’t approach the smoothness of HDV editing.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Lee Brennan]

Hi,
An older, slower computer is why I’m going with HDV. I cannot afford a new computer at this point in time. The HVR-Z1U is a beautiful camera but I (sadly) am in the $1500-$2000 range. Thanks to all for your help.

[Scott Francis]

You can pick up some used FX1’s on ebay for $1500-$2000 easily, that is the “prosumer” version of the one John has…shoots great and has MOST of the stuff the Z1U has…I have 3 of them and have purchased two used off of ebay with good luck. Actually all but 2 of my cams are from ebay and I have had most of them for several years with no issue. Just with my experience with the FX7 I would suggest a used FX1 over it…just my opinion… Good luck!!

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions