Video cams, difference?

[Mr Noble]

As some of you may know, sony are just about to launch 7 new models in their miniDV line up and I have been waiting to get the top one for a couple of months since I heard about it.

However, the cam I was set on is the DCR-HC90e and the new replacement is the DCR-HC96e

Below are the links to the tech pages for each cam, I have put them side by side on my screen to compare them and can see no real differences between the two!!

Are the new cams just a rebody to increase sales? Think I like the look of the HC90 more, and it should be cheaper soon when the new ones are out!

Can some bright spark tell me I am missing something, or indeed tell me if they are both to be avoided for any reason.

Thanks.

Greg

www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=DCR-HC96E&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=TechnicalSpecs&category=CAM+MiniDV


www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=DCR-HC90E&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=TechnicalSpecs&category=CAM+MiniDV

Sorry but can't get the links to compute, if you go to the one below and then click on the miniDv bit then the 2 cams and then tech spec, you get there.

www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProductCategory.action?site=odw_en_GB&category=Camcorder

[ErnestM]

click here

The "step up" features are highlighted in orange/red


ErnestM

Edited to add: Looks like the most important difference is a change from the 1/6 HAD CCD to the 1/3 (larger) HAD CCD. This will give you better resolution on your movies. I don't recommend DVD for movies that you want to edit. See other video posts for reasons.

>> Edited by ErnestM on Wednesday 18th January 21:18

[iandbeech]

Hi Greg, slightly off topic but did you get your hague double sucky thingy yet?

[Mr Noble]

Not yet, tried to call twice now with no answer. I am still toying with the single suction one. I think it will hold the dslr at low speed outside the car and should hold the vid cam too. Not sure if I should go with the bullet cam idea for video or the double suction thing and mount the vid cam outside?



Trying to sort the video cam first. Every time I nearly buy one, a newer better one is announced!!

Greg

[Mr Noble]

Ernest, they both seem to have the same size 1/3 CCD See here

I have looked at many different web descriptions and they do both seem to have the same ccd and be nearly identical in all respects.

Please prove me wrong, but I think the page you give above refers to a "step-up" from another cam and not from the HC90.

I think I am correct in saying that the HC90 should make a damn good buy as soon as the newer version comes out. I also think its a bit better looking and is aloso a bit smaller!

eBay have it for £415 from a Hong Pong supplier! Now, when is my HK mate coming home again??



Views and comments still greatly appreciated.

Greg

[ErnestM]

Yep, looks like you are right. Think there are differences in model numbers between Europe and US. I think that they actually skip some model numbers with us.

To be honest, as well, after viewing some of the footage from a DVD based cam, and the accompanying shortcomings of same, I scratched the DVD-cams off of my "must read" update list so I tend not to track them as closely...

ErnestM

[pdV6]

Mr Noble said:

I have put them side by side on my screen to compare them and can see no real differences between the two!!

As far as I can see, the new one is slightly larger and heavier and doesn't look quite as neat.

[Mr Noble]

Just what I thought. Going to have a good read of the reviews on the camcorderinfo.com pages and then order one from HK.


Ernest, these models are miniDv and not DVD based ones, I am very much of the same opinion about dvd cams. I was set on HD till you pointed out the 8fps thing compared to 25fps on the minidv models.

Thanks for all the help.
Greg

[ErnestM]

Sorry again...

Was getting my threads confused - there seems to have been a rash of "what camcorder?" threads lately.

I was also compiling this video as I responded:

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=236497&f=141&h=0

...and had my 4 year old son chirping in my ear saying, "make the penguin dance again, Daddy..." (I put it on his PSP so he can watch it to his heart's content...)


ErnestM

[Mr Noble]

Wow, must have taken you months to animate that!! Do you work in the industry?

[ErnestM]

No... not my work....

I just lifted it off of a DVD that I bought for the kids. They didn't like the movie, just this advert...


ErnestM

PS: I have fiddled with animation a bit, but my attempts always looked a bit George Pal