canon hv40 or sony hc1?
 

hands down which is the better buy? regardless what i use it for.

Got both, go for the Canon. The Sony is built like a tank compared to the Canon, but the HV40, is in my opinion capable of delivering much better images

Well i have owned a HC1 among ather cams, the HV30 I now own is better in most respects especialy PQ,the sony was more solid but despite that it did not prove to have great reliability for me .

Don't be so sure on the solidity of the Sonys, my HC7 had it's dial selector break and the camera didn't work correctly until it was repaired.

This is what i said ,despte fealing a solid machine my HC-1 proved unreliable.

My Sony died in less than a year. Another one had condensation problems. I own a HV40. Even though I work outdoors in the rain, and unlike others, I have never had a condensation problem with the HV40. Nearly a year ago I dropped my 40 twice from a distance of 3-4 feet off the ground onto a solid beach rock. Both times I scratched and slightly chipped the housing. The camera continues to operate perfectly. I would like to see any Sony survive that kind of drop.

I am currently uploading 100's of video clips that I have taken with my HV40 to sitkaalaskavideo.blogspot.com. I'll match the HDV quality of any other HDV camcorder to the HV40 any day.

I'm maybe the only voice for the HC1 but I would go for it. I have it and the hv20 which is 99% the same as the hv40.

HC1:

+ better handling with a monopod
+ focus and exposure adjustments way better than the hv20
+ integrated microphone is worlds apart from the hv20
+ construction feels more solid
- low light is piss poor (I use the hv20 when in lowlight)
- no 25p
- picture quality not as good
- proprietary sony shoe

The metal parts on the Sony's cause problems with condensation. Taking the Sony out in 40 degree weather, and then bringing it back indoors, causes severe condensation problems. I know, I owed one once.

The Canon HV40 is amazing. No condensation problems, and I have dropped mine twice onto cement! Both times the drop caused chipping! The Canon is still working.

In rough and extreme environments the Sony's just don't hold up.

Compare warranty issues between Canon and Sony owners.....

I haven't used the Sony, but I have an HV40 (actually 3 of them) with which I just completed a 40 minute documentary. After many years shooting super16 film, I'm picky when it comes to cameras, and find myself raving about this little "toy". I modified one camera with a custom grip for handholding with a 3x3 matte box, and I take it everywhere.

As for audio, Canon makes a really nice shotgun mike that mounts on the hot shoe.. it's $150 and worth every penny.. All of the audio on this recent project was recorded with that mike. Compact, no external cables, powered by the camera and comparable to my $1,000 Sennheiser 416 (don't argue with me about this, I've tested it).

As for HDV. I am amazed by it too. I have a Panasonic HPX500 as my A camera, with which I shoot DVCPRO HD, and have intercut footage on several projects - not seamless, but close enough that no one has noticed. DVCPRO creates files that are about 1gb a minute, HDV files are smaller than mini-DV - go figure.

Yes i agree with you steve and find the pq and overall colour from my HV as good as i can expect and have had several on line talks regarding the new panasonic TM300, i agree this machine with its 60/50P recording has more sharpness/resolution but for overal colour i still prefer my HV.

And one thing I didn't mention is the convenience of using the small tapes.. I love the Panasonic's P2 cards and have adapted to tapeless workflow for most of my shoots, but for quick and dirty, and uncomplicated airline travel, not having to take a computer and drives to offload daily is a big plus.

I went to the vimeo site to watch rushing waters and I just watched a black screen play?