HC1000 vs Panasonic GS400-Has anyone used both and can offer comparison from experien

I'm looking for a camera that can achieve broadcast quality for local small town stations. I'm on a limited budget so am deciding between the Panasonic GS400 and the Sony HC 1000.

STILL haven't TOTALLY made up my mind about purchasing the Panasonic GS400 versus SONY HC1000. One week...I'm positive I'm going to get the Sony HC1000...but then I hear something that changes my mind. For example, I found a PANASONIC GS400 on sale--without the audio problem in the tape transport.

While the reviewers seem to favor the GS400, I realize I have not read from any camcorder users who has actually tried both (GS400 and HC1000) in the field (or even in the store). I'm hoping that there is someone out there who has an opportunity to get some hands-on experience with both. I live in a rural area...so there aren't any dealers here selling either. And I haven't found anyone who has either of them.

The reviewers claim that the touch screen controls on the Sony are very awkward. But users seem to get used to it. The reviewers say the PAN GS400 has a better quality picture (more accurate colors). But Sony users seem satisfied with the picture. And the external control of the Iris, Focus, and White Balance on the Pan GS400 is suppose to offer greater control over picture quality. But, again, not sure if that's true.

The zoom on the Sony is supposed to be better than the zoom on the Pan GS400. Low light capability is limited on both---according to reviews.

It does seem like users of both cameras are generally satisfied with their cameras. Many are enthusiastic. So, maybe both would be great choices. (Or at least satisfactory.)

But to make the best decision....

I would GREATLY appreciate if anyone can offer their opinion based on trying out both.

Thanks in advance for taking time to respond!

Here is an article that does a head-to-head comparison
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article_print.cfm?id=10713

There are also video footage comparisons available if you google a bit.

They are both very close in video quality, the big difference is the swivel body & touch screen of the Sony - either you like it or you don't.

The GS400 has had tape mechanism issues & is difficult to find.

I have been looking at these for some time. I am waiting for the Sony HC1 hi-def camcorder in the same list price range which is launching a month from today.

Goodluck.

SDeb.

THANKS!!!! The Videomaker review is very helpful.

And I'll follow your suggestion to look for sample videos of both.
(GUY BRUNER referred me to a post that provides footage of the Panasonic GS400. http://www.pana3ccduser.com/showpost.php?p=16587&postcount=11)

Based on your suggestions, I did some research about the SONY HC1. You've probably seen it...but if not...it does mention that

"After examining the controls, some people have been speculating that this cam is a bottom loader. And in fact it is"

The info is posted on

http://hdvforever.com/hdv/hdrhc1/default.htm

(It's a translation of Sony's Japanese site.)

I am concerned about that feature (bottom tape loading) but otherwise very impressive!

But VERY appreciative of your taking time to respond and share information. It does seem like it's as much a question of taste versus quality of cameras.

But, Videomaker review did bring up a point about the HC1000 I hadn't heard that will influence decision (plus some other points about both)

"The only drawback to such a system is the tendency for the LCD monitor to get smudged and worn after repeated use, but so long as you keep your hands clean and treat it with respect this shouldn't be an issue." http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article_print.cfm?id=10713

Continue to welcome any other insights...comparing the two. It's a huge decision for me...and this information is all VERY VERY helpful!

nextstepslw

You are welcome. I have had a hard time, just as you are, trying to decide between the two.

I have had a chance to hold and try them both out at Frys. One thing that I was specifically looking at was the 16:9 display mode on the lcd. The Sony lcd is firstly much smaller than the Panasonic (2.5in vs 3.5in) but when it displays widescreen, it shows it in a letterbox mode making the actual display of what you are shooting even smaller, but accurate. The Sony widescreen lcd display was almost half the size of the Pana, to the point that I had difficulty seeing what I was shooting.

On the other hand, the Pana does not display true widescreen on the lcd properly - it actually squishes the 16:9 to 4:3 to utilize the full lcd. I personally found the Pana solution to be the better of the 2 options though it takes a little getting used to.

Both of these produce good 16:9 videos, it is just the display while shooting that seems to be quite different.

Here is a French site which shows videos from both cameras (and many more). They are both excellent but no comparison to the HDV videos from the Sony FX1. Hence I am eagerly waiting for the Sony HC1, its baby brother. If it is anywhere close to the HDV from the FX1, it will blow both the HC1000 & the GS400 away.
http://www.magazinevideo.com/tests.php

Here is an article that does a head-to-head comparison
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article_print.cfm?id=10713

There are also video footage comparisons available if you google a bit.

They are both very close in video quality, the big difference is the swivel body & touch screen of the Sony - either you like it or you don't.

The GS400 has had tape mechanism issues & is difficult to find.

I have been looking at these for some time. I am waiting for the Sony HC1 hi-def camcorder in the same list price range which is launching a month from today.

Goodluck.

The HC1 and its "professional" model are bottom loaders! :eek:

I am glad that I wasn’t the only person to have a problem deciding which camera is better, but this was last year and I think its best to wait until next month because their will be newer cameras out by then including the Sony HDR-HC1 which all of you know by now. There is one other camera that is coming out on the 15th of this month, that is the JVC GR-X5 that has 3 4.5 of an inch CCD’s and Panasonic is due for a GS400 replacement. Don’t be surprised if Canon brings something out as well.

Here is the link to the JVC GR-X5
http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=454&pageID=2&CategoryID=2
I know a lot of you wouldn’t trust JVC, but just remember, a lot of people didn’t like the first Mini DV cameras that Panasonic released. One of the models were priced at $4,000.00. This was before the dv951 came out. This new camera may get JVC the same recognition that Panasonic has right now.

PS. One of you ruined my day saying that the HDR-HC1 is a bottom loader. This proves that I have to take the camera out of the tripod every time to replace a tape. :mad:

SDeb, checked out the French site (with help of http://world.altavista.com/ translator). Very very awesome. Helped answer some concerns.

And the bottom tape loader on the HC1 pretty much eliminates that one for consideration (at least for now). I agree with Camera Expert. (It's very discouraging.) Maybe we should write them a letter and ask them..."So, what are you thinking!"

And after the disaster with the GS400 (tape transport sound)...I am kind of reluctant to spend money on one that hasn't been tested by public.

I checked out the JJVC GR-X5
site (THANKS CAMERA EXPERT). I think they're also trying to win two markets by making it similar to SLR camera. But couldn't see how it improved on GS400 or HC1000. But I could be wrong.

But, again...appreciate all suggestions. I'm still checking them out.

Continue to learn the most from this forum than from any others on Internet. So, thanks!

The HC1000 has undocumented built-in ND filters. Same as the TRV950 and PDX10.

Sillyname, Good to know about the filters. Not typically noted in reviews. REALLY appreciate hearing about your experience. How are you finding the touch screen controls? Most users write that they get used to them...after a while.

I was looking for a HC1000 operating manual...to get better idea of HC1000 capabilities. Does anyone know of a link for downloading one?

SDeb, To answer some questions about the GS400, found reference on this forum for operating manual http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t106380.html

The GS400 manual (link provided above) discusses the LCD screen issue...to some extent. (below) Probably better to read it from GS400 manual. But, in case it helps, below is the info from manual...

Also, I have done an interview where I had to change the tape from a bottom loader...in the middle. Kind of annoying...but it seemed to turn out okay.

"_
35
Wide/Pro-Cinema Function
You can record images compatible with a
wide-screen format TV which has a Video
terminal.
The image looks vertically stretched on the
screen of the Camcorder.
•The aspect ratio of the playback images in the
tape differs depending on the TV to be
connected.
Wide Function
The image is recorded with an aspect ratio of
16:9.
1 Press the [WIDE/PRO-CINEMA] Button (7).
•The [WIDE] Indication appears.
Pro-Cinema Function
In addition to the effects on Wide Function,
images are recorded at a rate of 30 frames a
second similar to cinema quality.
1 Press the [WIDE/PRO-CINEMA] Button (7)
twice.
•The [PRO.CINE]/[FRAME] Indication
appears.
To Cancel the Wide/Pro-Cinema Function
Press the [WIDE/PRO-CINEMA] Button until the
[WIDE] or [PRO.CINE]/[FRAME] Indication
disappears.
•For other notes concerning this item, see -77-.
Cinema Function
This function is used for recording a cinema-like
image.
1 Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >>
[RECORDING] >> [CINEMA] >> [ON].
WIDE/
PRO-CINEMA (7)
WIDE/
PRO-CINEMA (7)
MENU
STILL
FADE
ENTER
(16)
•Black bars appear at the top and bottom of
the screen.
To Cancel the Cinema Mode
Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >>
[RECORDING] >> [CINEMA] >> [OFF].
•For other notes concerning this item, see -77-.


____________________________
ªWide/Pro-Cinema Function
•
[REC MODE] is set to [FRAME] and the
[BASS ENHANCE] is set to [6dB] automatically.
•When you use a TV with an aspect ratio of 4:3,
using the Wide/Pro-Cinema Mode is not
recommended. (The image will be stretched
vertically.)
------------------

ªCinema Function
•Using the Cinema Mode does not widen the
recording angle.
•If you play back a tape recorded in Cinema
Mode on a wide-screen (16:9) format TV,
playback size is automatically adjusted to fit the
TV screen format. Please refer to the TV’s
operating instructions for details.
.
•Depending on the TV, the picture quality may be
lower.

•Depending on the software in use, the imported
Cinema picture may not be displayed correctly.

The HC1000 has undocumented built-in ND filters. Same as the TRV950 and PDX10.Really? Check this out!

http://hdvforever.com/hdv/exposure (http://hdvforever.com/hdv/exposure/)

I've got the GS400 but can't comment on the HC. I would expect both to give very similar results. A UK magazine compared them both and said they were almost identical in good light. It thought the HC had a marginally better optical image stabilisation and commented that the default GS colours are a bit over saturated (easily changed in manual mode - which still operates the same as automatic mode until you decide to manually alter (or hold) the iris)

The GS also has 2 ND filters but I'm not sure about the HC (I've seen different reviews say it has and it hasn't).

The only good thing I would say about the touch screen is the spot metering. I have this on my TRV33e and it's very good. But, the 2.5 inch screen is tiny when in 16:9 mode. The GS400 LCD is much better and you do get used to the squashed 16:9 display.

The GS produces better stills (although still poor compared to a digitial camera).

Overall, I wanted the manual controls so went for the GS400.

I would wait for a few HD models to be out before deciding. Sure, the latest HD is better than both the HC and GS but that is an unfair comparison. The HD camera needs to be tested against other ones.

I've read in forums that recording fast moving stuff on even the FX1 is not very good so the HC1 might be just as bad (or worse). HD is still new and there will be different formats used and I would wait for the best one to be decided.

Edit, the tape noise problem was sorted a long time ago and there is a list of the serial numbers affected on http://www.pana3ccduser.com/

Jason