Comments

JohnnyRoy wrote on 2/4/2009, 4:47 AM
Hey Dave, I'm sure you have searched a bit on these. Wow was I impressed with all the manual features on the JVC but in reading some reviews it looks like the JVC is a lemon. :( Lots of people complaining about the OIS not working. It only got a 3 our of 5 rating on NewEgg.com and the reviewers complained about the stabilization not working and the recording format being non-standard and requiring post processing to use.

Here is the worst review:

JVC only gives 3-CCD a bad name meaning the camcorder can't resolve detail beyond 960x540 ie its just a little better than standard definition. The camcorder has very bad pixel latency in sports mode. The Auto white light adjustment does not work. If the gain is not enabled the camcorder can’t even work in a bright room. JVC also was not willing to have the camcorder produce a standard file format. This means you must run the software to convert every movie before editing it. Top it off the software that comes with the camcorder crashes or hangs one out of ten movies while converting the files. Then JVC even admits that the camcorders OIS does not work. JVC needs to come up with a major firmware upgrade or recall this camcorder.

I'm sure you also noticed that the JVC on that site was refurbished. Maybe that's a good thing or maybe not. I would stick with the Canon or get a Sony. I love my Sony CX12.

~jr
farss wrote on 2/4/2009, 5:06 AM
If you don't mind shooting to tape and want to avoid the current hassle of editing AVCHD my vote would go to the HC5/7/9. We have 3 HC7s where I work and they take a beating, literaly over and under water and not once have they failed. It is possible to crack the bottom housing but we've just bought a couple of spare parts and they're easily replaced. That's only happened after a lot of abuse though.

We even use our HC5 as second cam to the EX1 for stage shows and it doesn't look too shabby at all when setup for it and in auto everything.

Bob.
winrockpost wrote on 2/4/2009, 6:56 AM
I agree with farss, we have a hc3 and use it as a deck, and a vacation / family cam. It also takes 4 mp stills , and it fits in a coat pocket. dont know the updated model but the hc3 is great.
Brad C. wrote on 2/4/2009, 7:02 AM
I'll be selling my Canon HF10 w/extras. haha Very well kept/smoke free home. Letus will probably be going as well.
sheri wrote on 2/4/2009, 8:00 AM
I recently bought the Canon HG20. Took awhile to figure out a workflow with the AVCHD. I am doing a few cuts with some title work and outputting to HDV2 to play on a WD TV box. I have to say, I really like this camera. I have gotten really good video in numerous gym conditions (daughter plays basketball), excellent video quality, and I can put the camera in my coat pocket. Being able to carry in my coat means it actually goes with me more. We are headed to Florida in March and I am anxious to get some video taken under varying conditions (too cold to be videotaping outside). I also have the Canon HV30, but that sits on the shelf now.
Cheno wrote on 2/4/2009, 9:04 AM
I absolutely love my Canon HF100 - as for workflow, I transcode to ProRes via FCP prior to working with it in Vegas. So I'm probably different than most. Natively AVCHD is a bit slow but for a family cam, you can't be the tapeless workflow. Well you can't bet the tapeless workflow anyway, however I'd take Canon over the Sony or especially the JVC any day.
nolonemo wrote on 2/4/2009, 3:49 PM
You can get a Canon HV30 for under $525 if you shop around. You also can get a refurb HV20 (which is basically the same camera in silver) for under $425. The HDV quality will knock your socks off, and they record tape, if you don't like AVHDC. They do pick up motor whine, which I find annoying.
ADB wrote on 2/22/2009, 3:54 PM
My experience with a Canon HV10 ( pretty much the same spec as the HV 20 and 30).

18 months old ... hadn't used it for a couple of months ... never dropped, no scratches, looks perfect.

Tried to use it ... but the main board has failed - cost to repair $1100 !!

Canon response: sorry but it's outside warranty.

craftech wrote on 2/22/2009, 6:16 PM
Canon HV30 Dave.

Take a look at how they stack up.

Around $599 delivered from a reputable dealer.

John
daryl wrote on 2/23/2009, 5:53 AM
I have a Canon XH-A1 and Canon HV-20. Canon service was the best, I had an early problem with the A1, Canon paid shipping both ways and replaced the camera in just a few days.

The HV20 is amazing. If I shoot something simple, like a speaker at a conference, I can use the HV20 for B roll and do not have to make any corrections to match the XH-A1. Of course, audio is a different story.
Brad C. wrote on 2/23/2009, 5:26 PM
I just put my HF10 up on Ebay Dave if you're still interested in a good cam for around $500. Extra accessories too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-Vixia-HF10-w-accessories_W0QQitemZ160317673612QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamcorders_Professional_Video_Cameras?hash=item160317673612&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50