Hi

I am contemplating the SD100 as a chase-camera for fast-moving snowboard action. For examples of the kind of thing I do please look at:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LWp3q4-GGlo&fmt=18

That was shot using an ancient Sony PC-3 DV camera, with a wide-angle lens and a very meaty 3hr battery.

I am trying to choose between the Canon HF-10 and the Panasonic. Although I conclude that the HF-10 has the better video quality, I am swung by the inclusion of a viewfinder on the Panasonic (can't really have the LCD open when hurtling down the mountain, not to mention the battery drain).


What I want to find out from you lucky people who already own one is:

1) Video quality of fast-moving scenes.

When I checked out the Panasonic SD9, I was concerned about the 'help captions' telling me to slow down when simply panning around my hotel room! Can anyone confirm if the newer AVCHD codec handles fast moving scenes better now? (I actually returned the SD9 because it would not record with the LCD shut). I would be interested in seeing any similar footage taken with this camera.

2) Battery life.

Anyone got any experience with how it behaves at < -1 degrees C? The Sony Infolithium on my PC3 was notorious for deciding it had had enough, even when it was fully charged. Intruigingly, it seemed worse at cold but high-moisture days.

3) Optical stabilisation.

I got mis-sold my HC1 (OK it was my fault for being to hasty in assuming Sony terms) as I assumed 'super steadyshot' was always optical stabilisation (as in my PC3). The electronic stabilisation, especially when using hi-def, created all kinds of image artifacts, which make it feel like looking through the eyes of a drunk. Does anyone have experience of how the Panasonic would handle this kind of snowboarding activity?

4) Options for Standard definition recording.

I was wondering if recording at a lower resolution (I cut finally to DVD anyway) would be an option to consider, to ease the strain on the codec. Has anyone got any info on the best format to eventually cut to DVD? I know its always best to record in the best resolution, but this may be an exception if it cannot handle the fast-moving scenes. I also recall the SD9 could not do any standard def settings...I have no knowledge of working with AVCHD, so would be interested in hearing your experiences.

5) Accessories

Anyone got any advice on wide-angle lenses (a must, as I cannot always assume the luxury of using the viewfinder or the LCD, plus at close quarters I need the wider field of vision) and batteries? How does this affect the operation of the device, is it balanced, is it unwieldy, would it be too difficult to handle while mobile? The HC1's very heavy Wide Angle lens, plus battery made it very large, and almost impossible to get steady shots. I wish camcorderinfo would give some info on this, as anyone serious would never just use the stock camera.

Sorry about the long wish-list, but I dont want to blow a grand (again) on getting the wrong camera. The Sony HC1 is a great camera - for weddings!

cheers
Slay

I don't know what "newer AVCHD codec" you are talking about. The only recent change with the AVCHD camcorders is that Canon recently released two camcorders which use a higher recording rate, to 21 MegaBits per second. On of them is the HG21 which has a viewfinder.

Most of the camcorders are spec' d to not operate in that range. Most batteries do not work well in that range either. Try to keep the battery warm and carry plenty of packs with you. You can keep them in your jacket near your body to keep them warm.

That is a common problem with people moving to high definition video. Optical Stabilization is not always the best choice either. Optical Stabilization does not do well with mechanical vibration like cars, motorcycles etc. Some of the Sony Electronic Image Stabilization works pretty well. "The HC1 features Sony's Super-Steady Shot image stabilization. This is not optical, but rather electronic. The way this works is that rather than moving a lens element to compensate for camera movement and vibration, the image is underscanned, and only the edges of the frame are sacrificed to smooth out movement. However its done, it works very well." http://www.luminous-landscape.com/r.../sony-hc1.shtml

Some people are doing well recording in high definition, editing in high definition, then encoding to standard definition.It is my understanding that all the Sony AVCHD camcorders can also record in Standard Definition MPEG2.

AVCHD reacquires much more computing power than your DV AVI, and more computing power than the HDV which your HC1 recorded in. Normally a Quad Core PC is recommended (I don't know what type of Mac is recommended)

Rich

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Poncho
Thanks for replying, and sorry for my delay in picking it up.

I was actually after the real-life experience of someone owning the Panasonic (or Canon HF10*) who had tried fast action sports.

Its all very good on paper, but the proper test is in the field.

Come on guys, can anyone speak about the most recent AVCHD camcorders and hi speed sports action?

cheers
Slay

Ok, I will answer my own question! :-)

I bought the SD100 and took it for my boarding trip as my backup camera. On the whole it worked well, except for automatic exposure. I noticed it was oversaturated while on the mountain, but playing back on the LCD in bright sunlight never really tells you much, so I didnt touch the footage until I got back. It was completely oversaturated; looking back and RTFM, I was supposed to put it in 'beach and ski' mode, but my equivalent Sony manages quite well without manual settings.

Moreover, to select that exposure preset, you have to take it off automatic, and I didnt want to do that, not being in a position to take care of that stuff whilst chasing boarders.

The use of a wide-angle lens smoothed the action picture somewhat, and being very light and with a short barrel, it was a pleasure to hold compared to my Sony HC1.

The AVCHD caused me a few problems in my editor, and as I dont have CS4, I had to convert to DVC-CAM Pro before my Premiere would handle it (needs lots of disk space, which kind of negates the purpose of AVCHD in the first place).

I didnt realy like the non-touch screen menu button system, but I guess its getting used to it more than anything.

The white-balance - nice to have external controls, but to select it via turning the lens barrel? Fiddly, and you cant do it without moving the camera.

The 3hour battery was fine for the full day in -5 degrees C or less, when used intermittently.

As one of the few AVCHD cameras with a viewfinder (whats up with manufacturers these days?), I was able to save that battery and use it in very bright conditions (albeit with the exposure problems described above). I thought the switch to choose between the viewfinder and the LCD was a bit superflous; surely opening the LCD is indication of user intent?

I was a bit disappointed that the Panasonic DVD burner only works with DVD-RW discs. So my 8.5Gb DVD+RW were completely useless on the trip. Where do you get 8.5Gb DVD-RW?? Anyways, the burner was terribly slow, and I am not convinced that editor programs like Imovie will read off a DVD, they tend to want the camera plugged in to read the metafiles for AVCHD! Best get a bunch of 16Gb SDHC cards instead!

Overall, it was fairly easy to use on the move one-handed and indeed gloved.

Anyway - there is my input.

cheers
Slay