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Yes, sad though it is, the old SimplyDV forums that have been a source of enlightenment and sanity for so many users for so long have now gone to the great server in the sky never to return.
However….. we’ll be introducing new ones right here very soon.
How exciting is that?
Meanwhile, please navigate your way around this newly-upgraded and updated site in order that you might find something else to interest you.
Sorry about the immense disappointment we’ve inevitably caused to you, but we promise to make it all come good in the very near future.
If you register with the site you’ll be among the first to know of the changes!
Thanks
SimplyDV Admins
about 1 week ago
OK – I’m here now and looking in.
John
about 1 week ago
Welcome, John.
about 1 month ago
Other ‘Old stager’ here, looking forward to the new forums!
about 1 month ago
So do I, Rog!!!
about 1 month ago
Thanks, I appreciate your time.
I’ve just noticed that the HDC-SD200 spec states 1080i.
Is this correct?
about 1 month ago
Yes, that’s correct. You’ll find a lot of models will still generate HD as “i” rather than “p” (even where progressive is an option) for some time yet due to the dominance of interlaced displays in use.
about 1 month ago
So do any of the others I mentioned record in progressive?
about 1 month ago
Yes, that’s still quite common at the moment.
about 1 month ago
Thanks.
I was actually looking at the HF20, but what difference does this have between the HDC-SD20?
Is it worth the extra cost?
I really want to buy something that is going to last me and not disappoint.
I also want something that films well in lowlight. A night vision option would be great too, but not compulsory.
about 1 month ago
What HF20 are you referring to? If you want anything that shoots well in low light you’re going to have to up the ante (and the cost) to 3 image sensors rather than one. Single-CMOS or CCD cameras won’t give good low light (actually, it depends on what “low light” means – even professional cams won’t shoot well in low-light). If you’re intent on budgeting at around £500 you’ll need to compromise on that one, as indeed I would. Remember that “low light” can often mean “flat and pixellated pictures”.
about 1 month ago
The Canon LEGRIA HF20.
I define low-light as dull. Inside with no natural light but a lamp for example. Or a very dull day outside. I obviously understand that you can’t film in the dark!
about 1 month ago
Hi guys. Where can I get some advice on buying an HD camcorder?
Thanks!
Mark.
about 1 month ago
Hi, and welcome. Until the new-improved forums are in place (which is going to be a while yet) why not ask away here?
Colin
about 1 month ago
Thanks. I’ve not really found anywhere else to askany questions.
I’m new to camcorders, so excuse my ignorance and potential constant nagging!
I’m buying one mainly to film our trip from LA to NYC later in the year. I want to get one quite quickly as I want to practice using it.
I don’t mind paying up to around £500.
What would you recommend?
I want it to be as good as possible, packed with features, good zoom, image stabilisation, full 1080p HD, good sound, manual settings, manual & auto focus….
about 1 month ago
Hi John. You managed to sort your password out then!
When I have a new forum in place I’ll email the regulars with the new location.
Colin
about 1 month ago
Looking forward to hearing from Flyfisher, Digestive, Viviners and all the other old-stagers. Are you still out there, fellas?
about 1 month ago
In your position, I’d consider something like the Panasonic HDC-SD20, which records to SDHC memory card and is fabulous. With luck, you’ll have enough money left over to buy one or two SDHC cards, too (Class 4 or Class 6, btw).
Last year, I shot a little demo/promo video as a test using the SD20. See the video in HD on YouTube.
Any Panasonic “HDC”, Sony “HDR” or Canon “Legria” series cam will do you OK.
Colin
about 1 month ago
Yes, the Legria HF20 is very good. Dull-day-exterior shooting would be OK but don’t hold out hopes of non-grainy images when shooting indoors under a single lamp when using a sub-£1000 camera.
about 1 month ago
Ok, I’ve decided the HF20 is overkill and over my budget.
I really appreciate the advice you’ve given me, but I’m still in a bit of a pickle!
I have narrowed it down to 4: Panasonic HDC-SD20, HDC-TM20, HDC-SD200EB-K and Canon Legria HF200.
In order of best all-round camera, what order would you put these in and why?
Thanks again.
about 1 month ago
I’d put the Panasonic Sd200 and HF200 roughly neck-and-neck because they’re both very good. However, supply of both is now short (I was told recently that the SD200s are now out of stock). In terms of the SD20 and TM20, they’re identical specs except that the TM20 has added built-in memory as well as the card slot. That’s handy. That means they’ll both turn out identical recordings to my Spain video on YouTube linked to previously.