Need Some Quick Camcorder Advice



Quote:
Originally Posted by amorg7777 /forum/post/14144949

In the past, I have worked with a Sony mini-dv camcorder, nothing real fancy. I now have an opportunity to move into the HD world of video. Your recommendations will be sincerely appreciated.


I am undecided on my two(2) final choices -


1) Canon VIXIA HF10

2) Sony HDR SR11


Questions I have .....


Which one would be most adaptable to using a 3rd party wireless mic system(lav or handheld) ??


Any suggestions on a mic system like above around $ 300-400 ??


Which one would be most compatible using a 3rd party (flood) lighting system ??


Is the AVCHD format a big deal in editing this type ??


Lastly, which will be around for the long haul - flash or HDD ??


I need to get this ordered very quickly. Any & all help, comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, amorg7777

Click to expand...

Amorg,


I don't have your need for a mic or lighting system, but I have decided to go HD. And for that I bought the HF100 and a 16Gb SDHC card. The 100 is the same as the 10, but without the memory (and the case is silver and not black) and is a bit cheaper.


I currently have a Sony PC100E DV camcorder and decided to bypass the HDD versions as an HDD will eventually die on you (needing the camcorder to be replaced, or the like), whereas if a SD card goes, you toss it out and replace with a fresh one.


Not sure on the editing stuff. I have Ulead Movie Factory 6 plus the HD add on. Not bad.


Hope that helps


Seggers

Both of them are using a custom shoe, so you'll be limited to using proprietary accessories or get an adapter (cold) to connect any lighting or mic. As far as I'm concerned, the choices on either Canon or Sony aren't that great in that department. You'll have to look a third party solutions.


The Canon has audio gain control, which would be a big plus if you're serious about audio.


I personally think the flash vs HDD arguments are more or less moot. You can replace the HDD on the SR11 if it croaks in the future (I haven't heard a lot of failures over the last 18 months since the SR1 came out) and the SR11 also supports flash video recording, but at a higher price for both the camcorder and the flash memory. And there are SSD-like adapters (using the faster and cheaper CF cards) that could give you the opportunity to replace the HDD altogether in the future. Don't get me wrong, I like flash better. But I'm not complaining about having the 60GB in my SR11 either.


The AVCHD editing story is the same on both, so it shouldn't really be deciding factor.


If I were you, I would also look at the other differences between the two models (viewfinder, control, PQ, focus, etc) to make up your mind. The recording medium isn't the only difference between the two units. Check the two main thread for a lot of info regarding both camcorders.