gz-hd7 pre purchase jitters help!! at DVinfo.net

Liam Oboyle · January 8th, 2008, 03:36 PM

Firstly hi -this is my first post in what seems an overwhelmingly vast collection of people ideas and info!

So i am about to purchase a jvc-hd7 but have a few questions and maybe an owner can put my mind at ease.
While studying digital media at college before the 2 children arrived i used mostly consumer mini dv cameras and the odd canon xl1 or vx1000e professional mini dv cameras.
I see the technology has all changed so i am catching up - my budget however for this purchase is in the consumer bracket, not even the prosumer.. so i went to the shops and held all the cameras i could in my hand as that is the most important to me - to say i was shocked at the light,plastic,poor build quality is an understatement, at least my old mini dv weighed enough to hold nicely!
So for a finish the only camera in the consumer range that appeals to me is the hd7 as it is marginally bigger and heavier than many competitors and that is what appeals to me most.

My problem is that a hd monitor is another year down the line in the budget so for now i only have my 1440x900 monitor to work with that i have with my pc. (4gigs ram 3.6ghtz quad core cpu, raid storage)

my main worry question and point of this thread i guess is will i be able to work with the footage i get of the camera at all? is there a lower recording format on the hd7 for now until i get my hd monitor? what would you do if inmy shoes with no hd monitor?

thanks

Gerry Gallegos · January 8th, 2008, 07:27 PM

I think you will like it.

It can record 1920 x1080i VBR (Variable bit rate) or 1440CBR (Constant bit rate) as well as SD, your choice (recording time varies accordingly).

For the low points:

Image stabilization leaves alot to be desired.

Low light performance could be better.

And now for the good stuff.

Manual controls +++++

Focus ring.+++++

HDMI out
Component out
firewire
USB
plus AV (composite and audio)
Stereo Mic inputs (3.5mm)

Great Picture
Pretty good built in mics
Most NLE's can deal with the files created.
can record to either HDD or SD card
and most of all "Its NOT silver"

and did I mention its NOT silver?

Most importantly Do not trust the online consumer opinions as they take the viewpoint of this camera being a point and shoot type camera, which it does do a decent job at that, but it really SHINES when you use it in manual mode the same you would use a pro camera, not to mention its a great platform for a 35mm adapter. and did I mention its NOT silver?

Look at the stuff shot with it on youtube it can do some pretty great footage when used creatively (there is a guy in south America somewhere that has really maximized it and shot some stuff you would think was using a 35mm adapter but got the footage by using the manual settings).

And by the way... It is NOT silver.

Kaushik Parmar · January 8th, 2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Gallegos

I think you will like it.

It can record 1920 x1080i VBR (Variable bit rate) or 1440CBR (Constant bit rate) as well as SD, your choice (recording time varies accordingly).

For the low points:

Image stabilization leaves alot to be desired.

Low light performance could be better.

And now for the good stuff.

Manual controls +++++

Focus ring.+++++

HDMI out
Component out
firewire
USB
plus AV (composite and audio)
Stereo Mic inputs (3.5mm)

Great Picture
Pretty good built in mics
Most NLE's can deal with the files created.
can record to either HDD or SD card
and most of all "Its NOT silver"

and did I mention its NOT silver?

Most importantly Do not trust the online consumer opinions as they take the viewpoint of this camera being a point and shoot type camera, which it does do a decent job at that, but it really SHINES when you use it in manual mode the same you would use a pro camera, not to mention its a great platform for a 35mm adapter. and did I mention its NOT silver?

Look at the stuff shot with it on youtube it can do some pretty great footage when used creatively (there is a guy in south America somewhere that has really maximized it and shot some stuff you would think was using a 35mm adapter but got the footage by using the manual settings).

And by the way... It is NOT silver.

It seems you hate Sliver! Well, I have this Camcorder, and it is Balck and indeed it is far better than Sliver! I am very much happy with this Black Beauty!

If you gyus would like to see my captured videos tha follow below links:

http://www.vimeo.com/458245

http://www.vimeo.com/458673

This below clip has traditional dance of my city Ahmedabad (India). It is very different, check it out!
http://www.vimeo.com/466120

http://www.vimeo.com/477705

http://www.vimeo.com/469280

See them and appreciate your feedback/ suggestions!

Thanks

Steve Mullen · January 9th, 2008, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liam Oboyle

Firstly hi -this is my first post in what seems an overwhelmingly vast collection of people ideas and info!

I've been shooting a bit in India the last few weeks. Where I'm staying has a new Samsung 1080p LCD. After the monitor is adjusted correctly, the HD video looks fantastic.

Liam Oboyle · January 9th, 2008, 05:04 AM

Thanks!

Yes the blackness is a bonus!!!!

Is the OIS really as big a problem as people make it out to be? I was underthe impession it is only bad at max zoom? It would be getting a fair ammount of hand held use so id be worried f it was very shaky looking footage.

1440 recording will be great! should have no problems viewing that full screen on my monitor.

I guesss i'll go ahead and order it.

MIc and heapphone setup is my next challenge - i seee some threads here already about that so i'll give them a read.

Gerry Gallegos · January 9th, 2008, 09:48 AM

The OIS helps but it doesnt help as well as other camera OIS systems. its not that its horrible , its just that you would expect it to work better.

between a beachteck or studio1 XLR input box and a small headphone amp (Altoids tin amp) you have the input/ headphone solution. then youre good to go, and the weight from these audio adapters will make the camera heavier and more stable.

Liam Oboyle · January 9th, 2008, 09:57 AM

Thanks Gerry
I had all but decided on a rode svm stereo video mic for about 200 dollars which is pretty much maxing the mic budget for now - is there an xlr mic in that price range which is readily available and as good quality
I love the mic response/sound of the svm having heard a few clips...

Gerry Gallegos · January 9th, 2008, 01:23 PM

The SVM is a good choice depending on what kind of audio you require, but it will not replace a good mic input and more gear.

Look at the beachtec (or Sign audio) its about $150US or so and then get the Altoids amp (for headphone monitoring) about $40 or so US. but it will not do the same as the SVM, but you will be able to use XLR mics that do not require Phantom power or run off batteries as well as wireless units.

So it really depends what your situation is. but if money is an issue then I would go for the SVM but keep in mind all it will do is to be a great replacement for the built in mics, and you can boom but it will not function like a shotgun.

Both of these solutions are not mutually exclusive and would be extremely complimentary to each other, granted you add a shotgun or wireless to the Beachtec/altoids kit.

Leonard Richardson · January 9th, 2008, 07:21 PM

Hi

1st off I did not shoot this, but it was shot with a GZ-HD7. I think it all comes down to the software. I love mine !! the better the software the better the picture. I would love to see the footage off the camera or the master. After you learn the HD7 you will be very happy.

http://www.stage6.com/user/RUIMARTIN...-FOTOS-FUNCHAL

Len

Ray Grizzle · January 9th, 2008, 10:33 PM

Wow, that guy's videos are impressive! Excellent example if you know how to take advantage of the HD7.

And it's not the software(besides the color correcting), it's the know how and skill of the camera man. He obviously white balanced, adjusted the exposure, color corrected and used a stabilization device.

January 8th, 2008, 03:36 PM	#1
Liam Oboyle Tourist Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ennstymon - Ireland Posts: 3	gz-hd7 pre purchase jitters help!! Firstly hi -this is my first post in what seems an overwhelmingly vast collection of people ideas and info! So i am about to purchase a jvc-hd7 but have a few questions and maybe an owner can put my mind at ease. While studying digital media at college before the 2 children arrived i used mostly consumer mini dv cameras and the odd canon xl1 or vx1000e professional mini dv cameras. I see the technology has all changed so i am catching up - my budget however for this purchase is in the consumer bracket, not even the prosumer.. so i went to the shops and held all the cameras i could in my hand as that is the most important to me - to say i was shocked at the light,plastic,poor build quality is an understatement, at least my old mini dv weighed enough to hold nicely! So for a finish the only camera in the consumer range that appeals to me is the hd7 as it is marginally bigger and heavier than many competitors and that is what appeals to me most. My problem is that a hd monitor is another year down the line in the budget so for now i only have my 1440x900 monitor to work with that i have with my pc. (4gigs ram 3.6ghtz quad core cpu, raid storage) my main worry question and point of this thread i guess is will i be able to work with the footage i get of the camera at all? is there a lower recording format on the hd7 for now until i get my hd monitor? what would you do if inmy shoes with no hd monitor? thanks

January 8th, 2008, 07:27 PM	#2
Gerry Gallegos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 262	Hd7 I think you will like it. It can record 1920 x1080i VBR (Variable bit rate) or 1440CBR (Constant bit rate) as well as SD, your choice (recording time varies accordingly). For the low points: Image stabilization leaves alot to be desired. Low light performance could be better. And now for the good stuff. Manual controls +++++ Focus ring.+++++ HDMI out Component out firewire USB plus AV (composite and audio) Stereo Mic inputs (3.5mm) Great Picture Pretty good built in mics Most NLE's can deal with the files created. can record to either HDD or SD card and most of all "Its NOT silver" and did I mention its NOT silver? Most importantly Do not trust the online consumer opinions as they take the viewpoint of this camera being a point and shoot type camera, which it does do a decent job at that, but it really SHINES when you use it in manual mode the same you would use a pro camera, not to mention its a great platform for a 35mm adapter. and did I mention its NOT silver? Look at the stuff shot with it on youtube it can do some pretty great footage when used creatively (there is a guy in south America somewhere that has really maximized it and shot some stuff you would think was using a 35mm adapter but got the footage by using the manual settings). And by the way... It is NOT silver.

January 9th, 2008, 05:04 AM	#5
Liam Oboyle Tourist Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ennstymon - Ireland Posts: 3	Thanks! Yes the blackness is a bonus!!!! Is the OIS really as big a problem as people make it out to be? I was underthe impession it is only bad at max zoom? It would be getting a fair ammount of hand held use so id be worried f it was very shaky looking footage. 1440 recording will be great! should have no problems viewing that full screen on my monitor. I guesss i'll go ahead and order it. MIc and heapphone setup is my next challenge - i seee some threads here already about that so i'll give them a read.

January 9th, 2008, 09:48 AM	#6
Gerry Gallegos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 262	The OIS helps but it doesnt help as well as other camera OIS systems. its not that its horrible , its just that you would expect it to work better. between a beachteck or studio1 XLR input box and a small headphone amp (Altoids tin amp) you have the input/ headphone solution. then youre good to go, and the weight from these audio adapters will make the camera heavier and more stable.

January 9th, 2008, 09:57 AM	#7
Liam Oboyle Tourist Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ennstymon - Ireland Posts: 3	Thanks Gerry I had all but decided on a rode svm stereo video mic for about 200 dollars which is pretty much maxing the mic budget for now - is there an xlr mic in that price range which is readily available and as good quality I love the mic response/sound of the svm having heard a few clips...

January 9th, 2008, 01:23 PM	#8
Gerry Gallegos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 262	The SVM is a good choice depending on what kind of audio you require, but it will not replace a good mic input and more gear. Look at the beachtec (or Sign audio) its about $150US or so and then get the Altoids amp (for headphone monitoring) about $40 or so US. but it will not do the same as the SVM, but you will be able to use XLR mics that do not require Phantom power or run off batteries as well as wireless units. So it really depends what your situation is. but if money is an issue then I would go for the SVM but keep in mind all it will do is to be a great replacement for the built in mics, and you can boom but it will not function like a shotgun. Both of these solutions are not mutually exclusive and would be extremely complimentary to each other, granted you add a shotgun or wireless to the Beachtec/altoids kit.

January 9th, 2008, 07:21 PM	#9
Leonard Richardson Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 37	Hi 1st off I did not shoot this, but it was shot with a GZ-HD7. I think it all comes down to the software. I love mine !! the better the software the better the picture. I would love to see the footage off the camera or the master. After you learn the HD7 you will be very happy. http://www.stage6.com/user/RUIMARTIN...-FOTOS-FUNCHAL Len

January 9th, 2008, 10:33 PM	#10
Ray Grizzle Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Diego California Posts: 35	Wow, that guy's videos are impressive! Excellent example if you know how to take advantage of the HD7. And it's not the software(besides the color correcting), it's the know how and skill of the camera man. He obviously white balanced, adjusted the exposure, color corrected and used a stabilization device.