Assuming otherwise similar cameras that seems like a sensible statement, but some here would apparently argue otherwise. Unfortunately, we've yet to see professionally-oriented AVCHD cameras using such bit rates or any fully functional way to edit AVCHD footage, so it's all speculation until that happens.

And unless someone releases a tape-based AVCHD camera the cost of recording media is still a nuisance, with flash cards selling for $20-40/GB = $220-440/hour at 18 Mbps, compared to ~$3-5/hour for HDV (miniDV) tape. So if Panasonic is the only company likely to release a decent AVC camera then they're more of a threat to themselves than anyone else, since a good AVC-Intra camera would replace the HVX200 before it would edge out HDV. Either way, new solutions are welcome: let's see some!

I completely agree. That's a point I can get behind. Where I can't get behind it, is the marketing BS that is already being spouted about "AVC is twice as efficient as MPEG and therefore 12Mbps is equal to or better than MPEG 2 at 25Mbps." The message that's being proliferated is that AVC is twice as efficient and therefore equal or better at half bitrates.

Jerry, I can point to all sorts of material, but like other marketing material, it's market-driven. I don't consider that worthy of using as data. Spend a little time on the MPEG.org website, or better yet, spend some time encoding. I realize it's tough for folks to spend time actually DOING something with the codecs as opposed to reading opinions, but sometimes, that's the only way you can see it for yourself.

When are these Panasonic cameras supposed to be coming again?

I don't think the current cameras are really the best advertisement for AVCHD, too much noise (not good for lower bit rates) and I expect it is not the highest grade coder. The Samsung h264 has been delayed, we don't expect to see it until next year. But, in the meantime, it will be interesting to see how good the Pana versions shall be.

12Mb/s compared to 25Mb/s might work in best conditions, no noise, little movement and progressive. But I would prefer 24mb/s 720p with a really good coder, to really see a shine on large screen. Anything below 18Mb/s, low noise, decent coder, I don't think is worth that much.

Pity they didn't put HDMI and progressive in the HV10, at least there would be a clear point of something to buy.

Does anyone know if this new Pani camera will do 720P 60?

Thanks
JohnG

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edit: Found several forum/net posts indicating this camera is 1080i.

The specs are not complete but it has been stated by Panny that this camera is targeted at consumers, not professionals. This is a camera to sell in Best Buy, etc. Dont expect too many higher end features or options...



ash =o)

Wow...
 

Thats looks pretty cool, the design is pretty retro.

If this camcorder’s CCDs are really 1/4” then there is no reason for Panasonic to not include a focusing ring. The CCDs are the same size of the V1u’s CMOS chips.

I hope Panasonic shows us a final version soon with all of the important features on it. If Sony can do it to the UX1/SR1 then so can Panasonic. Panasonic is known for having the most manual features in a consumer camcorder and I hope they keep it that way. Show us a GS400 type AVCHD camcorder. JVC’s Hard Drive HD camcorder is looking more attractive even though the chips are smaller.

New Panasonic AVCHD cameras, information here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=79154