Panasonic HD SD1 Camcorder

Before your run out and buy it I'd wait editing programs to start supporting AVCHD.


Lethal

 

The problem with camcorders like this is that they use such a high level of compression, that you might be better off with a highend DV camcorder instead.

They need to use at least 20Mbit/s really, but I expect it will be closer to 10.

 

AVCHD is 18 Mbps, and considering AVCHD is 2.0+ times more efficient than HDV's MPEG-2, it's (roughly speaking) 36 Mbps compared to HDV's 25Mbps. the problem isn't the codec, it's that it's only consumer cameras using it now. but the new AVC-Intra is the pro version of AVCHD for a few new pro cameras.

 

The ultimate soccer mom camera. Looks like a rocket from Golden Eye, and has NO viewfinder.

 

I wouldn't necessarily be worried about the codec in terms of image quality (especially for a consumer camera), but I would be worried about how easy it is to edit. The long GOP compression scheme+high compression means more horsepower is needed to manipulate the codec.


Lethal

 

Related question (if allowed!)

So out of interest, what is the best option for HD video if I was looking to buy in the next few months?

I have a Sony 3CCD DV cam at the moment. Great picture but needs its heads cleaned very few minutes (never buy sony....). So I'm ready to ditch tape!

It would have to be something that works with FCP.

 

I like it, wonder how long it will be before it works with the newest versions of iMovie, etc....

 

Nice camera.

I recently picked up a PV-GS500, and I'm pretty happy with that. Decided to wait for a year or two till the whole market goes HD, and there is better selection, and more support. The GS500 will still be good then as a backup or second shot, or whatever.

I played with the consumer Sony and Canon HD cameras, and was not real impressed them.

 

so would that camera work with final cut studio?