Low-Light HD1000U vs. HV20
 

Guys. I want to know how the HD1000U performs in lowlight compared to the HV20. The HV20 got a very good lowlight reputation at 24p mode. The HC7 got a low score in ow light. Others said that the HD1000U is an HC7 in a professional body. I need your input about this because I'm planning to upgrade from SD to HD. And I'm choosing between the HV20 and the HD100U.

I really need a consumer camera that is good in lowlight because most of my projects are shoot indoors. Please don't tell me about the VX2100 or the PD170 because they are just beyond my budget.

I don't have an HV20 so I can't do a direct comparison, but I can tell you the HD1000 isn't great in low light. If you limit your gain to 9dB or less you'll be fine but it really wants to pump it up to 18dB whenever it can.

You could get a used VX2000 for about the same price as a new HD1000 if you don't care about HDV. Much better choice.

Thanks Adam. I found in Ebay A DVC80 1/3 CCD Camcorder. Do you think it will Perform better in low light than the DVX2000? Yes. I will consider having a second hand DVX2000.

I had both, and the VX is better. Still, I loved our DVC80s Nice camera for the $$$.

VX better low light.

Arguably, the best bargain in used 3 1/3" chip SD cameras nowadays, is the JVC GY-DV300. They can be found in good condition, with low hours, most often under $1000.

low light
 

i just got the hv20 and have been pleasantly surprised at its low light capabilities in high def also i believe you stated you want to upres to hd from sd and for the money you cannot beat the hv20

Thanks for your input guys. Unfortunately, I don't have the budget for a 3ccd HD cam. So maybe I will just stick on SD and find a lowlight SD cam for the meantime. So I have now three choices, the dvc80, the vx2000, and the JVC. I hope I can find a used SD Cam that has low hours on the tapehead. Can anyone tell me about the lowlight performance of the JVC DV300?

The VXs are the low light champs of that class of camera. Any of the 3 1/3" chip pro cameras will outperform a consumer camera considerably in low light though.