The Camcorder thread : Tech, deals and specs

vivekiny2k · 6th April 2010, 19:21

yes, flash memory based cams will be lighter and safer. I was looking at a canon model before I decided to buy Fuji HS10 which also shoots video in full HD. It will be my all rounder camcorder+camera.

Technocrat · 6th April 2010, 19:29

I compared the two models, one with HDD & other with Flash drive. The difference in weight is 90 gms

SPARKled · 6th April 2010, 19:34

I have a question for all those who have these new HD camcorders. Considering that uncompressed mindv grab from my old Canon ZR200 takes a huge amout of space on my hard disk how much space do you need to store say about a 20 minute grab from the internal camcorder HDD to your computer HDD? Also whats the mode of data transfer? Is it Firewire or HDMI or what? Also what kind of a PC configuration are you looking at to do some basic editing of these video files?

vivekiny2k · 6th April 2010, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

I compared the two models, one with HDD & other with Flash drive. The difference in weight is 90 gms

I would be more concerned about HDD failure.

Technocrat · 6th April 2010, 20:04

Well even flash drives can get corrupted but anyways I just mentioned the weight in response to your post.

vivekiny2k · 6th April 2010, 20:13

I know, It was surprising. I guess HDD technology has improved too. The other thing is I can just pop out the flash memory card and use laptop's card reader, and not have to carry a cable for data transfer.

@sparkled, I don't have first hand experience, but today's USB connections are fast enough to download data within minutes. Also, when you capture video, the size depends on the format you like to save it in. I use 1.5 or 2 Mbps which retains all details and the final size is around 10MB per minute. mostly use microsoft movie maker but planning to try a linux based system just for experimenting. EDIT: I meant from mini DV. HD will use a lot more space.

bblost · 9th April 2010, 11:03

I picked up a Tripod from Cromo. (Rs 799.) One year warranty.

It sure helps steady those shots.
Its not the thickest or most stable of tripods, but does its job well for indoor use.

Technocrat · 9th April 2010, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

My Dad is planning to buy a Camcorder.

The budget is within 20k

I saw this one & it looks nice

DCR-SR68E : Hard Disk Drive (HDD) : Handycam Video Camera : Sony India

Any other options?

Thanks

My father picked up this camera yesterday, he got it for Rs 19,700 & got a free bag with it.

tsk13 · 12th April 2010, 01:27

Hey Guys

I recorded the Videos in a Sony Handycam (DVD) borrowed from a friend. On using the DVD's in DVD player and PC there is no feed shown. Even on using Explore in PC the content is blank. Please provide the solution as I have burn DVD's and distribute it.

Warm Regards
Tanveer Singh

surd_biker · 12th April 2010, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by aks_karthik

Hi,

I just bought Sony HDR-CX150E/B for Rs.30000 from Sony World,Anna Nagar.
for spec :
HDR-CX150E : Flash / Memory Stick : Handycam Video Camera : Sony India

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponmayilal

Congrats on your new Full High Definition Camcorder.

Guys, That camcorder is NOT Full HD. Full HD is 1080p while this cam is 1080i. Many MNCs including Sony have been using this tactic of misleading the consumers by using these kind of numbers. Many will say 1920x1080 on the label. What they fail(or conveniently miss out is) to write is that it is 1920x1080i and not 1920x1080p (which is the actual full hd resolution). The lable Full HD is misleading.

Another tactic used by them is to quote the bitrate e.g. 17mbps 12mbps etc instead of the resolution. Please check the detailed specs on the website before you buy anything that is advertised as Full HD.
Best is to go to the product support site and download the user manual for the camcorder. It should have the detailed specs you require.

Spitfire · 13th April 2010, 11:22

Anyone know who deals with the CISCO Flip HD Video Cameras in India. Or more specifically in Bangalore?

Ponmayilal · 16th April 2010, 22:31

^ Why not consider Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera with HD Video? See it here .

I have an eye on it. I have read some good reviews also on it.

dar3dev|l · 5th May 2010, 15:35

hey guys, have been looking forward for a camcorder since quite sometime now. Have finalized the following three. Need your views and opinions about the same, so that i can finalize one

1) Sony CX150e
2) Canon Legria HF R16/17
3) Panasonic HDC SD9

Awaiting your response guys

surd_biker · 13th May 2010, 11:39

I have also been looking out for a camcorder for myself for quite some time. Problem is HD prices havent dropped to the affordable level so I am kinda of waiting it out.
Check this site it good has lots of information
Camcorders - Independent Camcorder Reviews, Ratings & Comparisons

Here are some of the reviews which I found.

1) Sony CX150e
Sony Handycam HDR-CX150 (black) Digital Camcorder reviews - CNET Reviews

2) Canon Legria HF R16/17
Coudnt find any reviews for R series but you do have one for M series
Canon Vixia HF M31 Camcorder Review - Canon Flash Memory

3) Panasonic HDC SD9
Panasonic HDC-SD9 Camcorder Review - Panasonic Flash Memory Camcorders

surd_biker · 13th May 2010, 12:17

One small request for tbhpians having camcorders. To help guys like us to decide which camcorder to buy, can each of you post a small clip (maybe one or 2 mins) of sample footage from your camcorder at the highest possible setting/resolution? Also please dont forget to mention your camcorder model. This will immensly help guys like us in taking a decision as to which one gives good video quality.
My problem is I am still undecided between SD (480/576i) , 1080i (or 540p as some call it) and 1080p. I have a 768p HDTV and tragedy is that there are very few 720p consumer camcorders out there. This will help me decide which camcorder gives good results on my TV.

6th April 2010, 19:21	#61
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,264 Thanked: 209 Times View My Garage	yes, flash memory based cams will be lighter and safer. I was looking at a canon model before I decided to buy Fuji HS10 which also shoots video in full HD. It will be my all rounder camcorder+camera.
	() Thanks

6th April 2010, 19:29	#62
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,813 Thanked: 2,700 Times	I compared the two models, one with HDD & other with Flash drive. The difference in weight is 90 gms
	() Thanks

6th April 2010, 19:34	#63
SPARKled Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Navi Mumbai Posts: 1,110 Thanked: 656 Times	I have a question for all those who have these new HD camcorders. Considering that uncompressed mindv grab from my old Canon ZR200 takes a huge amout of space on my hard disk how much space do you need to store say about a 20 minute grab from the internal camcorder HDD to your computer HDD? Also whats the mode of data transfer? Is it Firewire or HDMI or what? Also what kind of a PC configuration are you looking at to do some basic editing of these video files?
	() Thanks

6th April 2010, 20:04	#65
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,813 Thanked: 2,700 Times	Well even flash drives can get corrupted but anyways I just mentioned the weight in response to your post.
	() Thanks

6th April 2010, 20:13	#66
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,264 Thanked: 209 Times View My Garage	I know, It was surprising. I guess HDD technology has improved too. The other thing is I can just pop out the flash memory card and use laptop's card reader, and not have to carry a cable for data transfer. @sparkled, I don't have first hand experience, but today's USB connections are fast enough to download data within minutes. Also, when you capture video, the size depends on the format you like to save it in. I use 1.5 or 2 Mbps which retains all details and the final size is around 10MB per minute. mostly use microsoft movie maker but planning to try a linux based system just for experimenting. EDIT: I meant from mini DV. HD will use a lot more space. Last edited by vivekiny2k : 6th April 2010 at 20:15.
	() Thanks

9th April 2010, 11:03	#67
bblost Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 11,008 Thanked: 15,351 Times View My Garage	I picked up a Tripod from Cromo. (Rs 799.) One year warranty. It sure helps steady those shots. Its not the thickest or most stable of tripods, but does its job well for indoor use.
	() Thanks

12th April 2010, 01:27	#69
tsk13 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,256 Thanked: 361 Times	Hey Guys I recorded the Videos in a Sony Handycam (DVD) borrowed from a friend. On using the DVD's in DVD player and PC there is no feed shown. Even on using Explore in PC the content is blank. Please provide the solution as I have burn DVD's and distribute it. Warm Regards Tanveer Singh
	() Thanks

13th April 2010, 11:22	#71
Spitfire BANNED Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Panaji - Goa/Bangalore - Karnataka Posts: 3,312 Thanked: 774 Times	Anyone know who deals with the CISCO Flip HD Video Cameras in India. Or more specifically in Bangalore?
	() Thanks

16th April 2010, 22:31	#72
Ponmayilal BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 46 Thanked: 5 Times	^ Why not consider Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera with HD Video? See it here . I have an eye on it. I have read some good reviews also on it.
	() Thanks

5th May 2010, 15:35	#73
dar3dev\|l BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Munich, DE Posts: 290 Thanked: 98 Times	hey guys, have been looking forward for a camcorder since quite sometime now. Have finalized the following three. Need your views and opinions about the same, so that i can finalize one 1) Sony CX150e 2) Canon Legria HF R16/17 3) Panasonic HDC SD9 Awaiting your response guys
	() Thanks

13th May 2010, 11:39	#74
surd_biker BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 117 Thanked: 31 Times	I have also been looking out for a camcorder for myself for quite some time. Problem is HD prices havent dropped to the affordable level so I am kinda of waiting it out. Check this site it good has lots of information Camcorders - Independent Camcorder Reviews, Ratings & Comparisons Here are some of the reviews which I found. 1) Sony CX150e Sony Handycam HDR-CX150 (black) Digital Camcorder reviews - CNET Reviews 2) Canon Legria HF R16/17 Coudnt find any reviews for R series but you do have one for M series Canon Vixia HF M31 Camcorder Review - Canon Flash Memory 3) Panasonic HDC SD9 Panasonic HDC-SD9 Camcorder Review - Panasonic Flash Memory Camcorders
	() Thanks

13th May 2010, 12:17	#75
surd_biker BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 117 Thanked: 31 Times	One small request for tbhpians having camcorders. To help guys like us to decide which camcorder to buy, can each of you post a small clip (maybe one or 2 mins) of sample footage from your camcorder at the highest possible setting/resolution? Also please dont forget to mention your camcorder model. This will immensly help guys like us in taking a decision as to which one gives good video quality. My problem is I am still undecided between SD (480/576i) , 1080i (or 540p as some call it) and 1080p. I have a 768p HDTV and tragedy is that there are very few 720p consumer camcorders out there. This will help me decide which camcorder gives good results on my TV. Last edited by surd_biker : 13th May 2010 at 12:20.
	() Thanks