Mini HDV cam-Flash card recording

**Trackhead** · 03-25-2007, 07:29 PM

Been using the Panasonic SD1 mini HDV cam lately (on the helicam). Pretty cool little cam, much lighter than my bulky Sony FX1 HDV cam. Weighs about a pound, shoots full 1080i, records to SDHC cards (40min HDV footage per card).

Only drawback is the current lack of support by most editing software for its recorded AVCHD format. Easily fixed with a Blackmagic Intensity card. Use the HDMI output to record with Cineform directly to your computer, bypassing compression.

Nice cam for those who want to shoot HDV at a reasonable price, and small size.

**Colorado_Freeskier** · 09-09-2007, 04:33 PM

Been thinking about buying the new version, the SD5. How do you like this cam now that you have had more time with it? I linked out to your website and video footage...is all of your HD stuff shot with the SD1?

**chaka** · 09-10-2007, 08:44 AM

very timely post trackhead, thanks!
Any thoughts on how your panasonic compares to the line of Canon consumer HD camcorders, they have the HG10 (HDD), HV20 (Mini DV) and a dvd model as well. I was down on the HG10 as it only uses AVCHD, but you appear to have a workaround (assuming I can understand what the f you are talking about, as I am clueless on this stuff). Also, is there truth to a micro drive setup not performing at altitude?

thanks

**Trackhead** · 09-10-2007, 09:27 AM

I posted this thread in March '07, since then, I have learned to despise the AVCHD HDV format............and recently did this to that cam.

AVCHD sucks for the following reasons.

Your editing software might not recognize AVCHD. If it does, it will edit it slowly, and with poor framerate playback.

Most people will have to convert AVCHD to a codec they can edit. This conversion takes time, and eliminates any 'capture time' savings you may have had over tape based.

The Pany SD1 handles bright snow conditions HORRIBLY. Leaving a green hue in the image which is a pain in the ass to remove.

The Pany SD1 has no viewfinder, only LCD screen. That sucks in bright conditions.

I had this for the heli cam, and recently destroyed it. Now I'm going back to tape based HDV.

**grizzle6** · 09-10-2007, 09:30 AM

That is awesome.

Errr....sorry for your loss.

Originally Posted by Trackhead

I posted this thread in March '07, since then, I have learned to despise the AVCHD HDV format............and recently did this to that cam.

AVCHD sucks for the following reasons.

Your editing software might not recognize AVCHD. If it does, it will edit it slowly, and with poor framerate playback.

Most people will have to convert AVCHD to a codec they can edit. This conversion takes time, and eliminates any 'capture time' savings you may have had over tape based.

The Pany SD1 handles bright snow conditions HORRIBLY. Leaving a green hue in the image which is a pain in the ass to remove.

The Pany SD1 has no viewfinder, only LCD screen. That sucks in bright conditions.

I had this for the heli cam, and recently destroyed it. Now I'm going back to tape based HDV.

**Shepherd Wong** · 09-10-2007, 09:57 AM

I really hope you did this to it out of frustration with the AVCHD format.

**Colorado_Freeskier** · 09-10-2007, 10:13 AM

Trackhead...So what did you shoot the HD videos with on your website (I viewed April Pow Day, Goldmember Couloir)? Footage looks great!

**Trackhead** · 09-10-2007, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Colorado_Freeskier

Trackhead...So what did you shoot the HD videos with on your website (I viewed April Pow Day, Goldmember Couloir)? Footage looks great!

AVCHD-Pany SD1

**Tippster** · 09-10-2007, 01:32 PM

AFAIK all small tapeless HD cameras are AVCHD - Sony's MemoryStick cams are as well as the Pannys. One would think that Avid or FCP would resolve the compatibility issues promptly - supposedly the FCP 6 Update has AVCHD support, but it cost ~$1k

Good luck w/that TH.

**chaka** · 09-10-2007, 01:49 PM

thanks guys.
OK, so AVCHD sucky sucky, and all disk formats = AVCHD, so by the complex associative property I guess I'm getting a mini DV HD camcorder. Well, at least that is settled.

**Colorado_Freeskier** · 09-10-2007, 02:31 PM

AVCHD is now supported on iMovie 08, but I've never used it with raw AVCHD files. New SW that supports the format is being announce regularly, but of course you need a computer with a lot of horsepower to deal with the files.

From my research, tape-based HD cams are the best possible as far as resolution. Here's a link to a comparison review of some of the HD models out now:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...JVC-GZ-HD7.htm

Yes, there is trade off for smaller, lighter camera, but Trackhead's HD videos look pretty sweet.

http://fritzrips.com/v-web/bulletin/...wforum.php?f=5

**grskier** · 09-23-2007, 12:08 PM

Any other (than the pany?) cameras have a 12x optical zoom?

**7cs** · 09-23-2007, 01:18 PM

I've had an SD1 for a long time, got it in Japan almost a year ago. I originally had a lot of problems with the AVCHD format but after using several different solutions the format is supported with FCP and it works great! I haven't tried Imovie '08 but i might be able to test that out and see how it works. Tapeless cameras really simplify things if your workflow is friendly with them. You can carry the SD1 a couple batteries and a couple SDHC cards in most jacket pockets or get a cheap camera bag and cut it apart to make a padded compartment in your backpack.

**Tippster** · 09-25-2007, 09:59 AM

Just ran into one of the Audio code writers for AVID whilst diving in the Bahamas. He was shooting underwater with some Sony AVCHD cam (don't remember which one - I forgot what he told me and it was encased in an underwater housing so can't go by looks) to test out the new plugins they're testing for Avid Xpress. He kinda grinned at me sheepishly when I noted he wouldn't be getting much audio out there. Hey - nothing wrong with having the boss pay for your play...