From the Canon website:
8 GB SDHC CardLP (5 Mbps) 3 hours
SP (7 Mbps) 2 hours 20 min
XP+ (12 Mbps) 1 hour 25 min
FXP (17 Mbps) 1 hour -Allows 1920x1080 Full HD Recording. Greater recording time is possible with a higher capacity SDHC memory card.


If the FXP is the only option that allows 1920x1080 Full HD Recording. What are the resolutions for the GB,SP,XP+ options? Also, if I playback video straight from the camcorder to a small 32inch LCD 1080i TV, will there be a noticeable difference if I use the GB, SP, XP+ instead of the FXP mode? If the difference on the smaller screen size is unnoticable, I think a smaller AVCHD video file would be easier to handle for my laptop if I decide to edit the video.
Thanks and sorry if these are beginner questions!
Saige

From the Canon website:
8 GB SDHC CardLP (5 Mbps) 3 hours
SP (7 Mbps) 2 hours 20 min
XP+ (12 Mbps) 1 hour 25 min
FXP (17 Mbps) 1 hour -Allows 1920x1080 Full HD Recording. Greater recording time is possible with a higher capacity SDHC memory card.


If the FXP is the only option that allows 1920x1080 Full HD Recording. What are the resolutions for the GB,SP,XP+ options? Also, if I playback video straight from the camcorder to a small 32inch LCD 1080i TV, will there be a noticeable difference if I use the GB, SP, XP+ instead of the FXP mode? If the difference on the smaller screen size is unnoticable, I think a smaller AVCHD video file would be easier to handle for my laptop if I decide to edit the video.
Thanks and sorry if these are beginner questions!
Saige

Only FXP is 1920x1080 (rest is 1440). See http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20080206/zooma344.htm for comparisons between these formats.

Only FXP is 1920x1080 (rest is 1440). See http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20080206/zooma344.htm for comparisons between these formats.

I can't read Japaneese, so I don't know what the comparison in the linked article says. However, the lower quality recording modes can be expected to have more digital artifacts, especially with on-screen motion, as well as lower resolution. If you are going to buy a HD camcorder capable of full 1080p resolution, then I would use it in the highest quality mode all of the time. The cost of SDHC memory cards (Class 6) is dropping fast with 16 GB cards now starting at $79 (LINK (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=40443981)) and 8 GB cards starting at $19 after rebate (LINK (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=41093573)).

Ron Jones

Ron -- please don't quote prices from merchants like eCost. eCost has an approval rating of 1.89 out of 10, on resellerRatings: http://www.resellerratings.com/store/eCost#reviews

You're right that 16GB SDHC cards can be had for under $80, but watch where you shop!

The cost of SDHC memory cards (Class 6) is dropping fast with 16 GB cards now starting at $79 (LINK (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=40443981)) and 8 GB cards starting at $19 after rebate (LINK (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=41093573)).

Ron Jones

I have never had a problem with ecost.com I have been buy camera, laptops, and toher stuff there for over 7 years ..they do have a dideen service fee that not explained till near the end of checkout...but you can cancel, before placing the order if you dont like the final price

I also had no problems buying from ecost for years. Looking at the reviews, many of them are not necessarily the seller's fault or should they be. I do agree about the sneaky service fee but it definitely is in there before you check out.

I've also purchased many items from eCost over the years without issue. I don't put much stock in resellerratings.com. Epinions (http://www.epinions.com/webs-Web_Services-All-Merchants-eCOST_com/display_~reviews) gives eCost 3.5 out of 5 rating which I believe is a more realistic rating for eCost.