Will I be dissapointed ?
 

I currently have a sony pdx-10 that has plenty of miles on it
and my needs now are just for a home camera. Is the image
from the hv30 camaeras going to be a lot better ?
Thanks

Not familiar with the PDX-10 I had a Sony SD TRV-25 and the HV-30 really shines, I love this little camera. I also have it's big brother the XH-A1 and it rivals it in quality of image in my humbe opinion. Great bang for the buck, that my $.02 for what it's worth.

Haven't owned a PDX-10, but IIRC that's the "pro" TRV950? If so, you should be fairly happy with the HV30 image wise. Actually MOST of the little High Def cams should be a pleasing experience when compared to SD.

It is the pro division 950 so thanks
If the image compares ( in good light ) to
the xh-a1 then I should be really happy.

Coming from a PD170, my only complaints are with the ergonomics--focusing and zooming are problematic in comparison.

Coming from your perspective, I think it is a real good idea.

Not to drift too far off but how much improvement
in image could I expect by going to say a fx7 ?
I'm sure functionally they are different but there was a huge
improvement in image when I switched to 3 ccd from
the cameras before my pdx.
thanks

I shoot this camera along side my fx1and in good light it keeps up very nicely

I came from a Sony VX-2000. I knew going in that low light wouldn't be as good with the HV20, and I knew rack focuses would not be happening much. I'm really glad the HV20 has a mic input and a separate headphone output along with the ability to lock the shutter and the iris....oh another big plus is that you can use zebra stripes at either 70% or 100%, very very useful. The two things that I really don't like:
When using 24P/Frames you have to remove pulldown from the footage. It's a real pain because every time you start and stop the camera you have to make that one file, take it into After Effects then do the process. It's easy but just very time consuming if you constantly record then stop recording. I think CineForm makes some software for about $120 that will do this. I'm tempted to buy the software.
The other thing that I really really wish the camera had(and if anyone knows how to do this please tell me) is the ability to do time lapse recordings. Right now I'm just mixing my VX-2000 footage with the HDV stuff. Time lapse footage looks cool enough that I don't mind mixing in a little bit of SD footage with the HD.

Sorry for the long post.


To kind of answer your question about how the footage looks. I'm still blown away from what I see when I capture and play the HV20 footage in comparison to the VX-2000.

Jim, I am in PAL land and have owned a PDX-10 and a PD 170. Provided the light is not an issue you will be blown away by the HV-30. Two weeks ago I was at the tennis with it and conditions were very bright & sunny and the results were absolutely stunning.

The great thing is the easy adjustment of manual sound & exposure without fiddly menus. The only thing that I find is a pain is that the viewfinder is fixed & difficult to adjust to suit your eyes. - Nothing's perfect. Go for it.

RonC.

I don't think you'll be dissapointed....

The video below was shot with the HV20. The story line is a tad slow, but it illustrates the quality of footage from HV20/30 cameras.

YouTube - The Sound Machine (2008) Short Film

Well, I just finished up a short film with the HV20 and I was NOT disappointed to say the least. It doesn't have much in the way of manual control, but you can find workarounds and the end result is really what matters anyway. When compared to another film I did with the HVX200, I would say the HV20 held up well.

Cant thank all of you enough. For my needs this camera should be great.
I'll check in with my impression in a couple of months.
Thanks again

P.S. I loved the Sound Machine short

Terry, your film is great. Technically I don't like the backlight in the shots where the subject gets lost in the dark so to speak.

It is slow as molasses, but I fast forwarded through it from place to place and I just found it to be great. I love the comments on youtube, people are hilarious. I suggest you not allow comments to be posted about your films on youtube. You do not need the negativity. Even if you think it doesn't bother you it can stifle your creavitivy.

Love the look of the film. What kind of filter/effect did you use in post?

The FX7 is better, but it also cost 4x the price. It is not 4x better, IMO. And for the price of a new FX7, you are getting close to the cost of a used FX1.

HV30 is the bargain of the century, IMO. Your decision, depending on what you're going to do with it, sounds like a good one.

Hey Everyone..

I didn't actually do the short.. shame... :(

I feel bad now, I should have said it wasn\'t mine...

I found that short a few weeks ago when looking for other people\'s footage with the hv20/30 along with the twoneils 35mm adapter.

The video is pretty awesome though regardless of what people say on youtube. But you are totally right about it stifling creativity. I notice when I write I can\'t if I am not in a good mood.

Sorry for the false impression!!
Terry.