How good is the video quality on modern HD camcorders?

Will AVCHD camcorders degrade my video quality?

• While looking at the 2009 releases from Sony/Canon/Panasonic, I've noticed that a lot of the camcorders being released will be formating to AVCHD. This causes me to continue to remain apprehensive about purchasing an newer HD model. QUESTION #1) Is it true that AVCHD recording onto hard disk drives (HDD) will not produce as good a picture as camcorders formating to HDV on MiniDV tapes? And I want to stay eco-friendly with my film making.... QUESTION #2) Is there any Hard Disk Drive (HDD) camcorders available out now that don't format to AVCHD? (That is, if it DOES degrade the video quality.) QUESTION #3) Is HDD a good investment for me considering I'm a film student? Can I stay eco-friendly and switch to HDD or is it a smart decision to stick to MiniDV? ** A FEW MORE FOR THE CAMCORDER SAVVY** QUESTION #4) Which has better video performance/quality: Sony's HDV HC-1 camcorder (despite its' age) or the Canon Vixia HV30? QUESTION #5) Is there any cameras coming out this year, in consideration to what I'm looking for in a camcorder/your answer to QUESTION #1, that you know is worth waiting for? QUESTION #6) Given what you know, do you think that the new video features on the Canon Vixia HV40 (March 2009) without a doubt are worth waiting for, despite it being similar to the HV30?

• Answer:

  Q1) Yes. Q2) Yes. But not consumer-grade internal hard disc drive. External hard disc drives connected to miniDV tape based camcorders (like the FireStore from Focus Enhancements or the external hard disc drives Sony sells in their HVR pro-series line up) are available and they write DV and HDV. Q3) It depends - If you know all your video capture will not include high altitude (over 9,800 feet) or high vibration (really loud crouds, music - amplified or not, loud engines, etc.) that can cause the hard disc drive heads to park resulting in no video recorded, then maybe. What is your plan for video archiving? Remember - with miniDV tape, that original tape IS the archive - just lock it and don't re-use it - and store it in a cool, dry, place. Otherwise, eliminate the potential for the problems by not investing in the the camcorder with the known problems. MiniDV tape and flash memory do not have the vibration and altitude problems HDD camcorders have. Q4) If you stay in 1080i (HDV) or standard definition DV or DV widescreen, under good lighting conditions, the HC1 and HV30 will provide similar experience. Their lenses and imaging chips are similarly sized. The HV30 has a better 24p capability which provides for a more "film-like" appearance. The HC1 has a built-in infrared emitter for low light monochrome video capture in zero light. The HC1 is a bottom tape loader which can be a problem when changing tapes if mounted to a tripod or quick release - the tape door is blocked, but there are "spacers" available that remedy this. I have a HC1 and have happily used it for years - augmented - not replaced - with a HDR-FX1. Q5) There is always something "new and improved" coming out. As long as DV/HDV stays in miniDV tape in this range, I'll stick with miniDV tape. HDD and flash memory have to many extra steps for archiving that I don't like dealing with. Q6. The HV40 adds 30p (in addition to "real" 24p). I don't know how current video editors will deal with that. I *think* that is the only real, "material", difference - though others can probably come up with more detail - the differences between the HV30 and HV40 are actually pretty minimal (you already know this). Tip: As a film student, you will want to be using good mics, too. All of the camcorder mention in this reply have a 1/8" (3.5mm) audio-jack. Good mics use XLR connectors. You will want to investigate XLR adapters like those from juicedLink (preferred) or BeachTek. As well, flexible mics like those from NRG Research (I like my SA-568 switchable shotgun mic a lot) and a universal shockmount like the Sabra SMM-1 need to be in your kit. Have you discussed your thought process and short list with a trusted instructor? What is their opinion?