HDD or Flash memory card Camcorder? at DVinfo.net

Leon Chen · June 19th, 2007, 11:35 AM

Hello, I am glad I find such a great place about DV!

I am pretty sure that I will pick a AVCHD camera, but I really need some suggestion on HDD or flash memory version...

First of all, i had a MiniDV which uses tapes, and I really don't like tape.

Now I am looking at sony HDR-SR7E and HDR-CX6E camcorder, which is a HHD camera with 60GB hard drive and 4GB memory stick (according to their website, this memory stick is included), respectively.

I mainly use DV to record a travel through some city, for landscapes, and so on, as a complement of my photography. Also, it will be used to record my musical instrument (guitar, drum, keyboard, whatever) play, as tutorial for some friends, and for fun.

I think I am ok with AVCHD - I got my PS3 to play them, and I don't want to heavily edit them because currently I just have my laptop and NLE is too much for it. Maybe some simple cutting and combining is necessary.

As the memory stick, I have got a 4GB MS DUO in my psp now, so it should be an extra if I get the CX6E.

CX6E is good because there is no moving parts, but i am wondering if the limited space of the recording is good enough for me... Is HDD camera good enough to record without lots of noise from the moving part? What about the safety issue? is HDD so weak that it can be broken easily compared with flash memory camera?

Any comment is welcome... :)

Chris Hurd · August 3rd, 2007, 07:11 AM

All camcorders are delicate, so I don't think an HDD camcorder would be any more or less prone to damage than a tape-based or disc-based camcorder. Most all HDD camcorders include a flash memory card slot anyway, so you're really getting the best of both worlds.

Douglas Spotted Eagle · August 3rd, 2007, 08:30 AM

Unless of course, you're using the camcorder outdoors above 10,000 ASL. Then an HDD won't work.
Having used HDD, mem stick, SDHD, tape, external HDD, and DVD camcorders, the *only* camcorder I had any write/read issues with was one particular DVD camcorder. I've even had an external system/HDD correctly write at ridiculous altitudes in which it should have died, even by real world vs manufacturer standards.

Milan Stojakovic · August 3rd, 2007, 10:00 AM

HDR-SR7 with HDD lets you keep several hours of clips to see during your trips. I agree with Chris that both are delicate.
I have now my HDR-SR8E and the only bug is the HDD noise when shooting in locations where the Silence is dominating.
Leon, take the HDD cam!
Milan

June 19th, 2007, 11:35 AM	#1
Leon Chen Tourist Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 4	HDD or Flash memory card Camcorder? Hello, I am glad I find such a great place about DV! I am pretty sure that I will pick a AVCHD camera, but I really need some suggestion on HDD or flash memory version... First of all, i had a MiniDV which uses tapes, and I really don't like tape. Now I am looking at sony HDR-SR7E and HDR-CX6E camcorder, which is a HHD camera with 60GB hard drive and 4GB memory stick (according to their website, this memory stick is included), respectively. I mainly use DV to record a travel through some city, for landscapes, and so on, as a complement of my photography. Also, it will be used to record my musical instrument (guitar, drum, keyboard, whatever) play, as tutorial for some friends, and for fun. I think I am ok with AVCHD - I got my PS3 to play them, and I don't want to heavily edit them because currently I just have my laptop and NLE is too much for it. Maybe some simple cutting and combining is necessary. As the memory stick, I have got a 4GB MS DUO in my psp now, so it should be an extra if I get the CX6E. CX6E is good because there is no moving parts, but i am wondering if the limited space of the recording is good enough for me... Is HDD camera good enough to record without lots of noise from the moving part? What about the safety issue? is HDD so weak that it can be broken easily compared with flash memory camera? Any comment is welcome... :)

August 3rd, 2007, 07:11 AM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	All camcorders are delicate, so I don't think an HDD camcorder would be any more or less prone to damage than a tape-based or disc-based camcorder. Most all HDD camcorders include a flash memory card slot anyway, so you're really getting the best of both worlds. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

August 3rd, 2007, 08:30 AM	#3
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Unless of course, you're using the camcorder outdoors above 10,000 ASL. Then an HDD won't work. Having used HDD, mem stick, SDHD, tape, external HDD, and DVD camcorders, the only camcorder I had any write/read issues with was one particular DVD camcorder. I've even had an external system/HDD correctly write at ridiculous altitudes in which it should have died, even by real world vs manufacturer standards. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

August 3rd, 2007, 10:00 AM	#4
Milan Stojakovic New Boot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Merano, Italy Posts: 12	HDD or Memory stick Sony HDR? HDR-SR7 with HDD lets you keep several hours of clips to see during your trips. I agree with Chris that both are delicate. I have now my HDR-SR8E and the only bug is the HDD noise when shooting in locations where the Silence is dominating. Leon, take the HDD cam! Milan