NTSC versus PAL

[Johan Stalpaert]

Hi, I live in Europe (PAL) area and like to purchase a sony HDR-HC7 or a cannon HV-20 in the US as I have to go there once and a while for my job and know that it is much cheaper in the US then in Belgium, I haven't decided yet if it is going to be the Sony or the Cannon, but that decission is for later.

I just like to know what are the problems I could have buying an NTCS instead if a PAL.
Will I have editing problems (via PC), playback problems (via PS3), disadvantages in shooting video's.
For the net frequency I don't see a point as the camera works on a battery but maybe there is a problem with charging the battery or am I wrong?

Any good feedback on Pro a Contra using an NTSC model in Europe would be great.

My Pioneer plasma TV is capable of playback next modes via HDMI, so that should not be a problem I guess. (1920*1080i at 50 & 60 HZ)

thanks

Johan

[Tom Hardwick]

No problem with battery charging these days. If you bought a Z1 you could switch between PAL and NTSC as desired. I'd say that if you want to shoot, edit and distribute your films in NTSC land, then go get an NTSC model. The DVDs you make will play just fine in Europe.
But it's not so easy the other way around. A few NTSC DVD players will handle PAL discs, but it's a hit and often miss scenario.

If you predominently shoot and edit in Europe, make sure you get a PAL camera.


tom.

[Paulo Teixeira]

Originally Posted by Tom Hardwick

If you predominently shoot and edit in Europe, make sure you get a PAL camera.

I agree



I had to convert PAL analog footage to make NTSC DVDs and although the picture quality got to be decent, it would have been much better if the camcorder was NTSC to begin with.

It wouldn’t matter if you just use your TV but if you’re making PAL DVDs to give to your friends for example, your better off sticking with a PAL camcorder. 720X480 at 30fps would have to be converted to 720X575 at 25fps.



Besides, if you’re staying long enough, you can order one from B&H:

PAL HC7
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

PAL HV20
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

[Hans Ledel]

Just remember that you have no warranty for that cam in Europe.

[Petri Kaipiainen]

It is a huge mistake to buy a NTSC cam for use in Europe. You will run into tonns of problems with your material. For the web it is ok, but normal European televisions and most DVD players would not support it.

Of course it is possible to convert from NTSC to PAL, but with loss of quality, and you would start with less quality.

[Bob Grant]

Your biggest single hard to get around problem will be flicker from 50Hz lights. I don't even bother to take my PAL camera to 60Hz countries because of this. The Z1 has a filter to handle this problem. If the camera you're after has switchable shutter speeds this might also provide a way to get around the problem.

[Ervin Farkas]

The price difference between an NTSC and a PAL camcorder (bought in the USA) does not make it worth putting up with all of the problems you will have. You might be even able to extend your warranty to Europe or you can bring it back here for service if you travel fairly often.

[Johan Stalpaert]

Thanks for all the good feedback,
I'm going for the PAL version as mostly I will use it in Europe.

Johans

[Tom Hardwick]

Good thinking.

[Stelios Christofides]

Hi

Try this place for good prices:

http://www.pixmania.com/

Stelios