Need camcorder advice

[shmendrapolk]

I want to buy a new camcorder. I currently have a Sony mini-DV standard Definition (one of the HC models). The quality is good, but I can't stand tape, to the point that I end up shooting more video with my point and shoot Canon Elph.

So I want to buy a camcorder that uses either an HDD or Flash memory or a combination of the two.
My main concern (aside from quality of course) is that the compression format is importable into most video editing software, esepcially Pinnacle Studio 12.
A lot of the standard definition camcorders use proprietary formats and the files need to be pieced together with special software (Canon, JVC, and Panasonic seem to have this issue).

The Sony Sony DCR-SR85 seems to fit the bill in this regard, producing mpeg-2 files. (app $350)

But many reviews state that its worth shelling out $200 for for a high-def camcorder, but I've read that the AVCHD format varies from camcorder to camcorder and will not necessarily work with all software.
I'm at a loss as to what to do. Every review I read get me more confused.
So again, my priorities are decent quality, a universal file format, and HDD or Flash storage. I don't care about manual controls or still images
I film home movies of my kids, but I do put together elaborate multimedia films that go way beyond the basic youtube type of video, largely using Pinnacle 12.
I'm running vista 64-bit so the camera must be compatible with it.

My budget is $400, but I'd be willing to shell out another $100 or so for high definition if it's truly worth it.

I'd love some advice!

[audyovydeo]

personally, i'm waiting to hop from MiniDV directly to Flash camcorder. I never thought DVD or HDD-based cams as a viable option, especially when you're travelling.

I've been eyeing the Canon FS100 but haven't gotten around to stealing the money needed, so I don't know about the editing.

re: AVCHD, don't forget that there were almost as many DV codecs as there were vendors, with the quality being far from equal.

cheers
audyovydeo

[shmendrapolk]

From camcorderinfo.com: about the Canon FS100:

The only trouble you may have is the initial import process: moving clips from the camcorder to the computer is a real hassle. Dozens and dozens of forums have been devoted to the headaches involved with importing the MPEG-2 files from Canon camcorders. The included software does not work particularly well with Macs, and many Windows users have cited it as operational but lackluster. Ultimately, we were forced to find an inexpensive (but not free!) plug-in for QuickTime in order to work with the files on a Mac. These simple point and shoot camcorders are designed to be a hassle-free experience and this process was anything but hassle-free. Frankly, we aren't mourning the slow death of standard definition MPEG-2—the video quality is higher and MPEG-2 files have frequently caused frustration. For as much as we complain about AVCHD high definition files, compatibility with those files is now better than ever. The MPEG-2 files from the Canon FS100, on the other hand, are the result of a relatively ancient technology... for camcorders, anyway.


I'm not sure if they mean that importing the files to a PC is also a pain, or just on the Macs. Some Camcorders store their mpeg-2 files in separate chunks (often by picture and sound). I can't figure out if it applies to this canon or not. The Sony DCR-SR85 keeps them as one file. The Sony is also Hybrid - you can transfer from the HDD to a memory stick and then just drop the stick into your PC.

Once thing I don't get - Flash Memory is formatted in FAT32. FAT32 can't have files sizes bigger than 2gb, roughly 15 minutes of mpeg video. How can you record longer clips on flash media with such file size limitations?

[shmendrapolk]

I was just reading up on it. It outputs .mod files which are mpeg-2. Some people have said in forums that they are a pain to work with. Others have said that getting them to open in Pinnacle and other such apps is not a problem. So I really don't know what to think.
It looks like a good little camera. But the new model - the FS200 is being released in a week, so I would probably wait.

Anybody have any insight?

[SpAwN_gUy]

i've got sony hdr-sr12 with 120gb hdd.. and it took some time to "master" it.. and i'm still learning..

i haven't used mpeg2 on it.. but .mts-files which are normal .ts with AVC and AC3 (and some timestamps-subs.. which i dont know how to extract.. and i wonder how to use them in future and for what..)..

what can i say about this cam - pretty good Q, some troubles on high motion high complexity scenes (i film night parties.. and i've started to get buffer owerflow on wide and dark scenes with lots of motion and lights) and some troubles with auto-focus on mid-lightend scenes(i've mastered "manual" ;) )..

and some dificulties for "non-Profi" or "standard" user who just wishes to "film and save" stuff.
i think AVCHD is not ready for average user.. who just figured out how to use DVDs (it's "normal" in my country)

so.. think twice before you buy. but i'm happy :) 'cause 120gb HDD is capable of storing 10to20hrs of fullHD footage, so a normal trip to europe for a week would fit on it :) with no trouble (tried'and'tested).

//WARNING the ad says it's 1080p, but actually it is 1080i, and there is no 720p (just 1440x1080i@60fps and 1920x1080i@60fps ... EU version has @50fps)

[2Bdecided]

Get HD. SD is history.

Be aware that some video forums have a lot of newbies. You'll still find pages of people finding it difficult to copy HDV over firewire!

AVCHD is challenging, but lots of people have it figured out. You just need to figure out the workflow for whatever format you choose.

Cheers,
David.