What HD vid cam [Archive]

techno

07-26-2006, 05:29 AM

Hi all @ Helifreaks.

Any suggestions on what high def video cam to go for. Under $1500.

DebianDog

07-26-2006, 05:45 AM

Sony HC1 or HC3 is about your only choice isn't it? Unless you want a small camera like this http://danslagle.com/blog/?p=216

techno

07-26-2006, 06:07 AM

Thanks.
They are the two i have been looking at. I like the simplicity of the HC3, but would the HC1 be better for shooting footage of a heli flying about .

What one would you go for. Or would you go for something thats not HD

Thanks

WillJames

07-26-2006, 07:09 AM

From what I have seen and heard from the guys shooting HD here is that you really need to spend about 4500+ to get a good HD cam that can match the 3CCD DV cams that cost 1500+. If all you want to do is shoot from a heli and not shoot in low light or shoot helis flying with dark trees or other dark backgrounds, then the cheap HD's "may" work.

DebianDog

07-26-2006, 08:44 AM

Yep I have a more expensive HVR-A1U (a H3 on steroids) and do not particularly care for the way it shoots. Not too bad but I am not dropping $5000 to get a nicer one either. The transition for bright to dark and back is slow. You can see the slowness in this video.
http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=15730

techno

07-26-2006, 09:35 AM

Thanks for the reply's.

The vid looked great. Would i get a smillar quality from the HC3. Whats worrying me is the focus. Would it be better to go for the HC1 with the focus ring on the front or the HC3 with the focus gadget on the side.

Cheers

DebianDog

07-26-2006, 09:41 AM

For shooting helicopters you lock the focus so it is not an issue. ;)

I do perfer a focus ring BUT all these cameras are just too small for me to really enjoy shooting with.

AZ ChopperCam

07-26-2006, 10:27 AM

I opted for the HC-1 because I got a good deal on it but I am concerned about size/weight. If I had an underslung mount it wouldn't be as much of an issue but witht he front mount weight is critical. I'm curious to see what happens when I mount that up with a wide angle converter. That'll be about 2lb up front. If it doesn't worrl out I may have to get an HC3.

techno

07-26-2006, 11:24 AM

Hi N74DV.

At this moment i'm not thinking of attaching it to a heli, just hand held stuff of helis flying. Do you have any footage i could look at to see the quality of the HC1

Thanks

DebianDog

07-26-2006, 01:18 PM

All Berts stuff was shot on an HC1 I believe. (video section)

techno

07-26-2006, 01:43 PM

Pretty damn good. :D

miami6

07-26-2006, 03:23 PM

HC3 is the way to go

no focus ring -- you have to turn it to manual focus whe shooting helis other wise the auto focus will try to keep focusing on the blades

techno

07-27-2006, 05:19 AM

Yep i am steering myself towards the HC3. Is there anybody out there with heli footage from the HC3.

Cheers

Cryofix

07-28-2006, 04:25 PM

whats the best price you have found on an HC3 ? i got this

http://www.ccicameracity.com/sonyhc3.html

not sure If I would trust it

R Hudson

07-28-2006, 05:10 PM

ONLY BUY FROM A TRUSTED SOURCE!!!!!!!!!

I did buy a Canon XL1s from these guys a few years ago, but their advertised price did NOT include a US warranty. Plus they tried very hard to upsell me with expensive accessories. Since then, I have read many horror stories about poor customer service, messed-up orders, etc.

I only buy from B&H and my experiences with them have ALWAYS been good. I know there are other trusted sources out there as well. This is just my opinion.

Don't be tempted by an unrealistically low price. There's always a catch.

Good luck:)

Rod