Any comparisons of the HV20 to Sony's HVR-A1U? I need to pick up a light footprint HDV camera for a shoot in late March - before the HD20's release date. The HV20's specs and reviews make it seem comparable to Sony's lightweight professional HVR-A1U HDV camera - down to their 24f Cinema features. Has anyone read reviews comparing the two - or had experience with the HVR-A1U and a Canon that's close to the HV20 (like the HV10)? Any comparisons of the HV20 to Sony's HVR-A1U? I need to pick up a light footprint HDV camera for a shoot in late March - before the HD20's release date. The HV20's specs and reviews... » Read More Any comparisons of the HV20 to Sony's HVR-A1U? I need to pick up a light footprint HDV camera for a shoot in late March - before the HD20's release date. The HV20's specs and reviews make it seem comparable to Sony's lightweight professional HVR-A1U HDV camera - down to their 24f Cinema features. Has anyone read reviews comparing the two - or had experience with the HVR-A1U and a Canon that's close to the HV20 (like the HV10)? « Show Less
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They are somewhat different in features. With the Sony HVR-A1U you going to get the module with XLR microphone inputs and few additional things like black stretch, timecode options, etc. (It's the Sony Pro version of the now discontinued HC-1) I'll let others answer as to the video quality as I haven't yet done a side by side comparison.
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Beware the Sony "cineframe" options -- they look terrible. I have a Sony HC3 and while it's a fine little camera in 1080i 60i mode, the pseudo-24p stuff looks awful.The HV20 promises TRUE 24fps recording, plus a cinematic gamma curve, plus OIS, plus manual audio level controls, plus better lowlight performance. I wasn't even planning on buying a new camera, but I'm buying an HV20. At $1099, it's a great deal!
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If you are anxious to get the HV20, check out B&H; Photo (bhphoto.com). I was surprised to see it, but they claim to have them in stock NOW.
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Beware the Sony "cineframe" options -- they look terrible. I have a Sony HC3 and while it's a fine little camera in 1080i 60i mode, the pseudo-24p stuff looks awful. The HV20 promises TRUE 24fps recording, plus a cinematic gamma curve, plus OIS, plus manual audio level controls, plus better lowlight performance. I wasn't even planning on buying a new camera, but I'm buying an HV20. At $1099, it's a great deal!
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HG21 is the only cam on the market with 24Mbps AVCHD and the colors are much better too. there's a comparison on vimeo.com i'd definitely go with canon.
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I've ordered the HF100. 549$.I couldn't see any difference between the HG20's 24Mbps recording and the HF100's 17Mbps recording on 40" fullHD Toshiba lcd.It's cheaper about 90$, about 2 16GB SDHC Cards and a 8GB SDHC card...I will use my PS3 to watch videos, no need 60Gb capacity on camcorder.
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I am not sure if the Canon XH-A1S is still available but i really like mine and it does have two XLR inputs and can record audio via the XLR inputs and the attached mic if you would like, it is really a dandy camera!!!! There are other Canon video cameras with XLR inputs but i am just familiar with this one, good luck and go with Canon!!!
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Hi Dennis,Low-light scenarios is a general issue with personal video cameras.Simply put, you can not expect the same video quality for low light conditions as for sunshine day recordings.I have Canons HF11 and am actually quite impressed how good the quality of the low light sensitivity became nowadays (I am recording fireworks). Under which conditions are you taking a video, whats the object ?
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It might be delayed due to the tsunami and the earthquake in Japan I think. I do hope it comes out on 5-1-11 because I would like to purchase for a trip to Tennessee on 5-14-11. It looks to me like the best camera out now that Sony allows you to use SDHC cards in their cameras. I didn't buy the hx-1 for that reason that the hx-1 only used memory sticks.
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Hi Allington, Sony HVRA1U Camcorder is a professional product and your question can be answered accurately if you send your inquiry to bis.product.support@am.sony.com, provide them with your contact details and your concern. Thanks. -Vincent
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BTW...yesterday I was in BB and Sony has just released a 32" XBR9 1080p with 120hz Motionflow technology... and it is up on the Sony Style website.. so much for what the salesman tell you that Sony is not going to produce..But compared to the Sony 32" 1080p 60 hz.. I thought the higher priced model with 120hz looked grainy to me. I really didn't see the $200 difference in the (retail price). Perhaps on Blu Ray disc viewing there is a difference.. GLTA
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hey Lisa. I just pre-ordered this camera, as the specs are too awesome to resist, and Amazon's return policy is stellar, so no worries. Then I found an actual user review of the camera, believe it or not, which says to me that it should be out soon. Here's the link, and drool to your heart's content: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/showcase/review/finepix-hs20exr/hands-on-a-fuji-hs20Notice no purple fringing anywhere to be found, at least as far as I could tell, which is a VERY impressive feat for a camera with this kind of zoom. Also, the High Dynamic Range option seems stellar, as well as the Pro Focus Mode. Check out the review. It made me feel very good about my early purchase. Now I can't wait to get the camera! hey Lisa. I just pre-ordered this camera, as the specs are too awesome to resist, and Amazon's return policy is stellar, so no worries. Then I found an actual user review of the camera, believe it or not, which says to me that it should be out soon. Here's the link, and drool to your heart's content: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/showcase/review/finepix-hs20exr/hands-on-a-fuji-hs20Notice no purple fringing anywhere to be found, at least as far as I could tell, which is a VERY impressive feat for a camera with this kind of zoom. Also, the High Dynamic Range option seems... » Read More hey Lisa. I just pre-ordered this camera, as the specs are too awesome to resist, and Amazon's return policy is stellar, so no worries. Then I found an actual user review of the camera, believe it or not, which says to me that it should be out soon. Here's the link, and drool to your heart's content: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/showcase/review/finepix-hs20exr/hands-on-a-fuji-hs20Notice no purple fringing anywhere to be found, at least as far as I could tell, which is a VERY impressive feat for a camera with this kind of zoom. Also, the High Dynamic Range option seems stellar, as well as the Pro Focus Mode. Check out the review. It made me feel very good about my early purchase. Now I can't wait to get the camera! « Show Less
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M. Olson says:> the ability to shoot video that doesn't look like garbage on my 46" HDTV is the killer ap here.Yep, and also there is the possibility of AE lock, AF lock and more in video mode. You can download the "Advanced Camera User Guide" here:http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/powershottx1_support.aspxAt the end there is a table of all possibilities in all modes.Important:Take care and don't buy the wrong 8GB SDHC card! It should be a Class 6 card, but not every card works. I had to send back my "Integral SDHC 8GB". Kingston should work, I read. Does anyone know if SanDisk works too? M. Olson says:> the ability to shoot video that doesn't look like garbage on my 46" HDTV is the killer ap here.Yep, and also there is the possibility of AE lock, AF lock and more in video mode. You can download the "Advanced Camera User Guide" here:http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/powershottx1_support.aspxAt the end there is a table of all possibilities in all modes.Important:Take care and don't buy the wrong 8GB SDHC card! It should be a Class 6 card, but not every... » Read More M. Olson says:> the ability to shoot video that doesn't look like garbage on my 46" HDTV is the killer ap here.Yep, and also there is the possibility of AE lock, AF lock and more in video mode. You can download the "Advanced Camera User Guide" here:http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/powershottx1_support.aspxAt the end there is a table of all possibilities in all modes.Important:Take care and don't buy the wrong 8GB SDHC card! It should be a Class 6 card, but not every card works. I had to send back my "Integral SDHC 8GB". Kingston should work, I read. Does anyone know if SanDisk works too? « Show Less
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I am torn between these exact same two camcorders also. Looking forward to your follow-up post!
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Hey everyone, I just found a review of a pre-production model of the HS10. It is on Photgraphy Bab web-site. Here's a link to the review!http://www.photographybay.com/2010/02/25/fuji-hs10-hands-on-review/?awt_l=GAUdB&aw;t_m=1eZxHEDHEf62xuIt does give more insight into the camera and a few negatives but the reviewer sure sounded excited by this camera.
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Thanks Technology Guy...I have one more question since you guys know what you are talking about. I was just reading a lot of great reviews about the Canon PowerShot S90, it sells for the same price of the new Sony so price wouldn't be an issue. I'm just wondering from the Sony HX5V or the Canon PowerShot which one will be a better buy.
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Thank you for your comment. I found it very helpful. I naturally prefer Canon but really want the wide-angle offered in this Sony camcorder. Canon missed the boat on wide angle in my view.
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I'm already signed up for the pre-order, and the only thing that worries me is the low ISO/daylight performance. From the sample shots floating around the net, the high ISO/low-light images seem fantastic. The daylight captures, on the other hand, seem good, but not great. That said, I have not seen tests done in a controlled environment, by a reviewer I trust. The other thing to consider that this is the first mass manufactured, consumer level back-lit still camera sensor. Will there be QC issues? I betting 'no', but who really knows. Sony does have experience with their similar Exmor R sensors for camcorders, which is comforting. All in all, given it's small size and fantastic feature set, it looks like winner. May not have the absolute best picture quality, but that what dSLRs are for...
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I had a similar dilemma. I just had a baby in December and wanted a camcorder for home videos. After hours of research I decided the Sony DCR-SR300 was the best HDD camcorder out there and bought it... so far so good! It also takes great pictures, although with each video you're limited in the number of pictures you can take (don't know if it's the same issue with the JVC Everio).