Okay, the new HDTV's prompted me to look into a new hi-def camera. And while many of the reviews have been very informative, I'm still having trouble finding what I can work with.

The first issue is AVCHD versus other formats, like MPEG2. I can't go with AVCHD because my editing computer wouldn't be able to handle it. (I'm running a six year old PC with Adobe Premiere 2.0.) So I'd like to know if there are camcorders that record hi-def using MPEG2 encoding. And do they offer the xvycc color gamut?

And if AVCHD's the only way to go with this... are there programs that convert AVCHD footage into something my system _can_ handle?

(I have other concerns, like manual white balance and manual focus, but the format and quality issue's the most important hurdle for me.)

AVCHD is obviously the best format at this moment... Why not upgrade to a new PC as well and still get a good camera?

AVCHD is obviously the best format at this moment... Why not upgrade to a new PC as well and still get a good camera?

Buying a good camera's do-able, but buying a new camera _and_ a new computer system _and_ an upgrade to Premiere Pro? Pretty much doubles the price.

How is AVCHD superior to HDV?

avchd vs. hdv has been covered in detail out here, do some digging with the search tool.

if you want mpeg2(hdv), then take a look at the .mod format that jvc and others record in... it uses a higher bitrate than hdv, and it doesn't use tape.

exactly what cpu is in your computer? it might be too slow for hdv as well... i'd suggest finding some raw hdv that has been captured to a hard drive, download it to your computer, and see how the editing goes.

How is AVCHD superior to HDV?You could possibly find a used Canon HV20/30 for "cheap" but in fact it won't be really cheap. For a few bucks more, you can get a good new AVCHD (1920 60i) camcorder. (BTW, the Canon HV20/30 are 1440.)

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Here's a Great Recession, low cost alternative. Get a good SD camera at 480 60p and then get a good upscaling DVD player. Your PC will handle the data, editing well. With a HD screen, you'll barely notice the difference and you'll save yourself a bundle.