Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
So I guess my point was....that if he can start off shooting in SD and get used to doing the files with imovie and recording, etc. before he delves into HD.
 
Hi guys,

sorry to hijack the post, i have just got a sony tg3. whats peoples views on this as got it on trial for 7 days...

seems to work fine importing video clips to imovie. anyone else got one?
 
The FS100 isn't going to be any easier to use than the HF100, and vice versa. The "easiest" to deal with would actually be a standard definition mini-DV (tape-based) camcorder, but that's just adding another variable to the equation.

Don't confuse "SD card" (the kind of flash memory that some camcorders record to - though strictly speaking it's SDHC, not SD) with "SD video."

@andyoxford: do the right thing and start a new thread, given that your question is totally unrelated to the OP's concerns in this one.

Andrew.
 
Auuuggghhhh - I'm sooooo confused!!!! So, you are saying that it will not be any easier with standard definition video...at least that's what I get... and as far as editing goes? No difference? Do HD camcorders shoot in anything less than HD?
 
Auuuggghhhh - I'm sooooo confused!!!! So, you are saying that it will not be any easier with standard definition video...at least that's what I get... and as far as editing goes? No difference?
Comparing a standard def camcorder that records to flash memory with a high def camcorder that records to flash memory, "ease of use" should be about the same. iMovie converts AVCHD high definition video to Apple Intermediate Codec for editing, making editing a breeze on an Intel Mac (I use a 2GHz Mac mini for basic HD editing using iMovie and Final Cut Express: it ain't mind-blowingly snappy, but it's fine).
Do HD camcorders shoot in anything less than HD?
Some do, some don't. HDV (tape-based) high def camcorders generally give you the option. With AVCHD camcorder it varies from model to model.

Looking at the HF10 / HF100 instruction manual, I see no indication that it records standard definition video.

Andrew.
 
Thanks for the info. I might bite the bullet and get the HF100. I suppose next year we'll have to get a blu ray player when the prices come down a bit for what I want....next I'll have to go to a different forum and figure that one out :)
 
Hey - of course I have another question... Any advice on a external hard drive so that I can store the video and work with it at the same time...that will be fast enough? I was thinking a 500GB hard drive and then I was going to get a 1TB to back everything up (the internal plus video/photo external).... Thanks :)
 
You'll want one with a Firewire interface. I have a 500GB Western Digital Studio II which is Raid-enabled (two "mirrored" 500GB drives).
 
You'll want one with a Firewire interface. I have a 500GB Western Digital Studio II which is Raid-enabled (two "mirrored" 500GB drives).

Does FW vs USB really matter anymore? If AVCHD wins (which it looks like it), there shouldn't be any dropped frames during import, right?

I do realize that FW is faster than USB, but there's no more real-time importing.

Maybe I'm way off base.
 
I personally am looking into a Canon HV20 or HV30 right now.

I would recommend checking them out as well.
 
Does FW vs USB really matter anymore? If AVCHD wins (which it looks like it), there shouldn't be any dropped frames during import, right?

I do realize that FW is faster than USB, but there's no more real-time importing.

Maybe I'm way off base.

Apple's Final Cut user manual has a section in the back where they give advice for what kind of disk to use for each video format and the number of video tracks you are editing.

This last part really is the controlling factor. If you are simply cull out rejects from a vaction video you are just working with one track. but if you are doing any kind of :movie" where you have dialog and multiple cuts and camera setups then you will likely have a few video tracks and several audio tracks.

But the answer is to get FW800. Today the 1TB disk is the best value. Later you can always move up to a faster setup and use the 1TB FW800 drive as a backup. With a video camera you will be making LOTS of data and need LOTS of backup devices.
 
Well - my search is done. I wound up ordering the HF100. I'm sure I'll be back when my husband get's it for advice!
 
Breath a huge sigh a relief and congratulate yourself on a job well done: if opening up that box on Christmas morning doesn't make the guy happy then nothing will!

All the best,
Andrew.
 
Vermont... don't forget...

Hi, this tread is deep and this is a bit off topic, but after you get your camcorder and he's thinking about diving into making movies you are going to need a Tripod next. DO NOT buy anything that Best Buy or Circuit City has to offer. I made that mistake when I first started. When the time comes you will be surprised that you'll have to spend a good amount on a tripod. Start by looking at places like B&H Photo and find a tripod that has a decent "fluid head". I just bought a Manfrotto for $600 to make movies with my son.

Just keep that in mind.

$99 tripods suck.

:)

Enjoy your Mac and your camera.

Oh for external hd I like the Lacie.
 
I just bought a Manfrotto for $600 to make movies with my son.

Just keep that in mind.

$99 tripods suck.

:)

Enjoy your Mac and your camera.

Oh for external hd I like the Lacie.

This is great! I just ordered the Lacie externals yesterday and I actually already have a Manfrotto tripod :) Hopefully it will fit this camcorder with the attachment! You are right - $99 tripods suck! This is something I do know!

Breath a huge sigh a relief and congratulate yourself on a job well done: if opening up that box on Christmas morning doesn't make the guy happy then nothing will!

All the best,
Andrew.


Between this and his new gas grill he better be darn happy. I cashed in a bunch of vacation time for this :) Thanks....now it's kind of anticlimatic... What am I going to research now til my new hard drives come and I need help with them :)
 
poor man's steadycam

what may be a fun little project to make is the "poor man's steadycam" allowing you to take fluid shots while walking. Google the term and you will find the building plan which basically consists of a few plumbing pipes, T-sections, a bottom weight, and in my version, foam tubing around the steel pipe. Enjoy the camcorder.

PS, my artwork, Ringo Starr and the founder of Gateway PC have my art on their walls, http://www.aryenhart.com


Cordially, Aryen
 
Cool - checked out your website. My husband is in to American Indian Art and carves bone and antler and does a lot of bead work and he's American Indian...well, he's a half breed, at least that's what I call him.


Courtaj - I would actually enjoy watching planes crash on youtube. Whenever I fly I wish we could watch "Alive" or "Miracle Landing"...and on ships - just play the Titanic over and over - make it more fun and lively for everyone! ;)
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.