wanting a new camera

[matt215]

i want to upgrade my video camera and don't really know what to get. I think I want a hard rive based camera rather than a tape or disc based. what about high def? how can i get high def footage onto a disc? are we there yet technology-wise? what about housings for these newer cameeras? and lights?

 

[diversteve]

i want to upgrade my video camera and don't really know what to get. I think I want a hard rive based camera rather than a tape or disc based.

what about high def?

What about it?

how can i get high def footage onto a disc?

Edit your footage using a non linear editor and create the disc using a DVD authoring package. Some NLE's combine both functions in one program.

are we there yet technology-wise?

Definitely, Sony sells several HDD HD models: HDR-SR1, SR5, SR7 & SR8 - details are at sonystyle.com. Canon recently introduced the HG10. JVC has two models, the HD7 and new HD3. Reviews of most of them are at camcorderinfo.com.

what about housings for these newer cameeras?

Some options:

Amphibico's EVO Elite model houses most of the Sony HDR series, either tape or HDD.
Seatool sells a housing for the SR1.
I think the Ocean Images HC series can house any of the Sony HDD cameras also.
Ikelite houses every Sony HDD camera made also. Ikelite housings are model specific since they use mechanical controls.
And there's others. A list of housing mfr's is found here.

and lights?

HD filming seems to require more light so they're probably a good idea.

 

[matt215]

i do all my editing on a mac, and have heard that sony cameras don't like macs unless you use a really expensive editing program... any truth to this?

 

[Empty V]

i do all my editing on a mac, and have heard that sony cameras don't like macs unless you use a really expensive editing program... any truth to this?

Unfortunately Macs and sonys should get along just fine, sorry not a big fan of sony. I stand by Panasonic, Canon and JVC.

Billy