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Sony HVR HD1000U vs. Panasonic AGHMC70U
We are looking at purchasing 2 of either the Sony HVR HD1000U or Panasonic AGHMC70U cameras for lower-end HD acquisition. B&H now has the Panasonic in stock for $2,100 vs. the Sony for $1,500, although the Pan. has (2)XLR’s, better audio controls and can charge the battery on the power supply. It has no tape drive and instead records to SD cards in AVC HD Mpeg4, although not the higher-end version of this codec that is, so far, reserved the Broadcast segment. The camera tech at B&H chose the Panasonic over the Sony, even though it is more expensive, for it’s picture quality- (3)1/4″ CCDs vs. a single CMOS for the Sony. His choice was made on viewing the HDMI ouput direct to LCD. I realize that both of these cameras are enlarged versions of Palmcorders already in exsistence. Have not been able to find an actual test/review of the Panasonic and was not at NAB to see it firsthand. How well will this version of AVCHD, recorded at the best setting, hold up in sports/action use? How about lowlight? We use Sony Vegas and would consider an Intermediate, such as Cineform, if necessasry. And no, we are not considering any of the other more expensive HDV cameras. Anyone out there with any comments?
John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore
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4 Replies
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The Panasonic is a very nice camera. I’d recommend it over the Sony HD1000 as well. But for very different reasons.
The concept of 3 .25 chips vs a single CMOS is absurd, IMO.
HDV will hold up better than AVCHD in high motion sports, but you have to know exactly how to manage HDV in high motion as well.
We do this sort of thing quite regularly, and if you’re not careful, shoot too wide, shoot too slow…expect problems. Fast shutter speeds are your friend. The tighter the shot, the more your friend it will be. Avoid low lighting.Coincidentally, I’m shooting a high action sports event this weekend in Lake Elsinore, if this damn rain would stop!
Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASSTCertified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor -
Douglas – thanks for the reply. Why exactly would you choose the Panasonic over the Sony? Low light is important as well.
By the way, I only live just down the road from the Perris Airport and my So.Cal studio is in downtown Lake Elsinore. I am guessing that you are shooting skydivers?
John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore
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I’m shooting at Lake Elsinore, and yes…skydiving. Wingsuit world record qualifier camp, actually…
Both of these cams suck for low light. I have the HD1000U, and while it’s a GREAT camera for the price…low light isn’t it’s strong point. The Panny is even worse.
AVCHD doesn’t do well in low light. It’s more greatly compressed, so if you feed it less information…it falls short of any reasonable expectation, IMO.
If you can…budget up and look at either the EX1, which is TERRIFIC in low light, or look at a Z1…it’s quite good in low light.FWIW, i’m shooting the palm version of the 1000U on the ground, and AVCHD in the air for this event. Lotsa light though, and high shutter speeds make for great vid.
Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASSTCertified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor -
In that price range you also have the Sony HVR-A1U to choose from ($1849.95 after $300 mail-in rebate at B&H). This shoots HDV MPEG-2 to tape just like the bigger HVR-Z1U. It has XLR’s and does a very nice job. I have this and a Z1 and while the A1 doesn’t do nearly as good in low light as the Z1, it holds up rather good in well lit scenes. If your sports are during the day it should work as well as the more expensive HDV cameras.
Maybe Douglas can comment on whether the A1 is better than the AVCHD cameras in low light (I don’t have any AVCHD cammys to compare to)
~jr
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