Canon HV20/30 VS the Sony HC1 at DVinfo.net

Roger Bloemers · May 20th, 2008, 08:00 AM

Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between in video quality between these two cameras? I shoot with the HC1 but am considering a change to the Canon HV30 if it gives a better, shaper picture. Thanks so much. :o)

Sean James · May 20th, 2008, 01:15 PM

The HC-1 is a much older camcorder, but has a great set of manual controls.

It's a first generation hd cam, but, as far as I know, it is still sold in its professional version, the a1 (don't know if Sony made upgrades over time).

The hv30 has true progressive recording, and should beat the hc-1 easily. Progressive recording looks different than interlaced, and has often been touted to be a "film like look". I like it for its better light quality. It's more poetic.

There are sample clips on this forum.

I love progressive recording, but that's me. There are people who prefer interlaced. It all boils down what you like. Sounds like you aren't satisfied with the hc1's image quality. Then a look at the hv30 is worth it.

Glenn Thomas · May 22nd, 2008, 01:51 AM

Yes, the HV20/HV30 image quality is a lot better than the HC1. I used to have one also.

Matt Buys · May 22nd, 2008, 04:48 AM

Glen and Sean are right about the picture quality. There are some people on here that have argued they like the HV20 look in good light even more than than the look of the EX1. Only minor downside . . . I can't remember if the HC1 has a cmos sensor or not. That sensor, because of the rolling shutter, sometimes can be an issue when filming outdoor sports on the fly. It makes about ten percent of my action shots a little wobbly when I pan too fast.

Roger Bloemers · May 22nd, 2008, 03:00 PM

I really appreciate your help. Thanks so much, Roger

May 20th, 2008, 08:00 AM	#1
Roger Bloemers New Boot Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wausau, Wisconsin Posts: 8	Canon HV20/30 VS the Sony HC1 Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between in video quality between these two cameras? I shoot with the HC1 but am considering a change to the Canon HV30 if it gives a better, shaper picture. Thanks so much. :o)

May 22nd, 2008, 01:51 AM	#3
Glenn Thomas Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 320	Yes, the HV20/HV30 image quality is a lot better than the HC1. I used to have one also. __________________ Personal Website: http://www.avene.org

May 22nd, 2008, 03:00 PM	#5
Roger Bloemers New Boot Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wausau, Wisconsin Posts: 8	Thanks I really appreciate your help. Thanks so much, Roger

May 20th, 2008, 01:15 PM	#2
Sean James Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 56	The HC-1 is a much older camcorder, but has a great set of manual controls. It's a first generation hd cam, but, as far as I know, it is still sold in its professional version, the a1 (don't know if Sony made upgrades over time). The hv30 has true progressive recording, and should beat the hc-1 easily. Progressive recording looks different than interlaced, and has often been touted to be a "film like look". I like it for its better light quality. It's more poetic. There are sample clips on this forum. I love progressive recording, but that's me. There are people who prefer interlaced. It all boils down what you like. Sounds like you aren't satisfied with the hc1's image quality. Then a look at the hv30 is worth it.

May 22nd, 2008, 04:48 AM	#4
Matt Buys Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 426	Glen and Sean are right about the picture quality. There are some people on here that have argued they like the HV20 look in good light even more than than the look of the EX1. Only minor downside . . . I can't remember if the HC1 has a cmos sensor or not. That sensor, because of the rolling shutter, sometimes can be an issue when filming outdoor sports on the fly. It makes about ten percent of my action shots a little wobbly when I pan too fast.