BigWooo
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Video Camera for filming in Baja
We're halfway through a trip using our new video camera-panasonic HDR-S200 HDD. So far I'm very dissappointed with it. Auto focus constantly wanders
and it lacks depth when compared to our old sony digital tape camcorder. I've tried just about all the manual and automatic settings. Still has
poor image quality.
I'm definitely going to be in the market for another video camera. Any recommendations?
[Edited on 2-8-2008 by BigWooo]
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Hook
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Is the image stabilization off? Are you operating with a shutter setting accidentally? Can you do a reset to return all settings to their default
settings?
Auto focus sucks on many cameras. What do you mean when you say it lacks "depth"......depth of field?
Some lenses can actually be slightly into a macro setting and still allow zooming. Make sure your macro (extreme close up) setting is off.
Was your Sony a 3-CCD cam and is this one? Was your Sony recording on tape? Some of the compression schemes used to fit on a HDD are inferior to tape
compression schemes.
Panasonic cams are typically only 720p or i max. Most Sony HD cams can produce 1080. If you are looking at the output on a 1080 monitor and it is on a
setting that is automatically expanding the 720 signal to be displayed at 1080, that will result in a loss of image quality. See if your monitor will
display the 720 image without expanding it. You will get a dark border around the top, bottom and sides, assuming that the monitor is a 1080 monitor.
Many variables to consider.................
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djh
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I have the new Cannon HV20... Amazing little piece of equipment.... more capable than many cameras used to shoot movies just a couple of years back...
MSRP about 1900, but you can source them on-line for about half that. GREAT technical support via the user web sites. Probably worth a look if you
decide to opt out of the panasonic HDR-S200 HDD.
Good luck.
Its all just stuff and some numbers.
A day spent sailing isn\'t deducted from one\'s life.
Peace, Love, and Music
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Ken Cooke
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:::Here's my finished product:::
I use the Sony DCR-VX2100. Above is a Tijuana to Rosarito short video I produced 2 yrs. ago. Although I don't own an expensive STEADY CAM videocam
mount, I still got very good results. You will probably need to invest in a STEADYCAM unit to stabilize your camera while shooting. A monopod would
otherwise be a worthwhile investment. But, a STEADYCAM is still your better bet. Talk to the folks at your local camera shop about your difficulties
you are experiencing and perhaps they can help.
Sony DCR-VX2100
...the first 7 seconds have this annoying bleep tone, but the rest of the video is good Baja viewing.
[img]http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app=vss&contentid=e9a23863fd38f748&offsetms=60000&itag=w160&lang=en&sigh=ecDEH5d7nAI
L8VM4HklQSJ6HS58[/img]
[Edited on 2-9-2008 by Ken Cooke]
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Gadget
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Sony PC120. That is a 5 year old version or so. Sure they have a new version. All I can say is it's perfect, small, digi video tape and memory
stick stills with above average resolution. IMO nuf said
"Mankind will not be judged by their faults, but by the direction of their lives." Leo Giovinetti
See you in Baja
http://www.LocosMocos.com
Gadget |
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BigWooo
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Thanks Hook, the tele-macro setting was on. Hopefully tomorrow will bring better videos. This is a 3-CCD camera but you're right, the resolution is
less than the sony (something I neglected to notice when I bought it), but even so, the shots should be much clearer than what I've been getting.
When I was talking about depth of field I was referring to clarity of the field. Everything in the middle of the field was clear but up close and
distance were a bit blurred and panning threw everything out of focus (even with the anti shake on).
I'll give it a try again tomorrow with the tele-macro OFF, thanks.
Djh, Ken and Gadget...if this camera doesn't work out I'll definitely be back in the market for a new one, again. Gracias for the suggestions.
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BigWooo
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After returning home and reviewing the video I shot, I found the video quality of hard drive cameras doesn't compare to video taken from cameras that
use digital tape. The color is phenominal, but the detail just isn't there.
For good quality video I think you either need to get a hi def hard drive camera, or stick with digital tape. I'll stick with digital tape because
the hi def format isn't very user friendly when trying to edit in a computer.
If anyone wants a new Panasonic HDR-S200 HDD mine will be for sale on Ebay.
After further review I'll follow DJH's recommendations. That seems to be the best camera going for what we want to use it for.
[Edited on 2-20-2008 by BigWooo]
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djh
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http://www.hv20.com/
In case you have not yet found this great user site !
http://www.hv20.com/
EVERYTHING you'll want to know and more ! !
Great resource to have.
Best Luck, Big Woo.
djh
Its all just stuff and some numbers.
A day spent sailing isn\'t deducted from one\'s life.
Peace, Love, and Music
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