Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

[roscoe]

Anyone using one of these?
Problems?
Pluses?
Brands or models to stay away from?

I need one in a couple of days.
Looking at a JVC Everio GZMG 330 with a couple extra batteries (lol)

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

A relative was over a few days ago with a hard drive camcorder. When I played it back on my LCD PC screen, the quality was horrible. Really, really bad. I had to keep it in a window only about 8x10" so it would look good.

I suspect it was set up for a low res video so more could be stored on the drive. They had a years worth of data on it. I didn't get a chance to play around with it and see what the different settings were.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

I suspect it was set up for a low res video so more could be stored on the drive. They had a years worth of data on it. .

Thanks Mark.

WOW.
I know the video quality is less than MiniDV, but the 2 I have played with had pretty decent video. And I really don't want to mess around with the limitations and cost of a MiniDV tape unit. And can't justify a $900 unit to get HD and the features I want.

The 30 Gig drive in the unit above, will hold 7 hours of video at the highest quality setting; 10 hours at DVD quality ; and approximately 37 hours at the lowest level.

I really would like to get my hands on a Panasonic 60 gig model, but none are available around here, and I will need a unit in my hands by Tuesday.

Anyone else with info or experience?

 

[i386]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

I suspect it was set up for a low res video so more could be stored on the drive.

That would be my 1st guess as well.

Remember, any storage device's job is just to hold whatever's put on it. It shouldn't directly affect the quality of the contents. Beyond that I couldn't really comment on any brand/model being better than another.

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

My current camcorder is VHSc.I am posting that to tell you that I have no experience with anything newer,in fact the Super8s and High8s seem to exhibit more problems than the earlier technology formats.That is based on the ones that appear for repairs on my bench.
I have done some research however on the different configurations that have been marketed over the years and the one thing that comes to mind when considering the harddrive models is sensitivity to the drive.
If you drop one you could very likely damage it and lose the ability to not only write to the drive but retrieve what has already been recorded on it.
This has been documented by others a lot smarter than I am and it makes sense when you think about it.Hard drives are fragile and the rules that apply to handling hard drives will apply to the drive in a camera as well and a camera is a lot more susceptable to impact than even a laptop might be.
That would be my concern if I were considering the purchase of one.
I think I would spend my money "IF" I had it on a "flash" drive and I think there are some on the market now in that configuration.My 2 cents.Ron G

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

I wonder if the camcorders have the hard drive safety like my laptop does. If you drop an IBM/Lenovo brand laptop, it senses the acceleration and puts the drive in park before it even hits the ground. The camcorders should have that same safety.

 

[Pony]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

I really would like to get my hands on a Panasonic 60 gig model, but none are available around here, and I will need a unit in my hands by Tuesday.

Anyone else with info or experience?

How far is Wausau from you......like 45min? I checked and the Best Buy up there has the 60G Panasonic in stock.

The JVC's are really nice camcorders. We get a lot of positive feedback about them. If I were buying, JVC, Panasonic, and Sony would be my brands of choice. I personally own a Sony and love it, but have played around with the others and they are all pretty good.

Right now the Panasonic 40G is the same price as the JVC 30G's.......if you liked the Panasonic and wanted more storage space.

 

[i386]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

The camcorders should have that same safety.

That or use the new solid state drives which have no moving parts (and consume less power)

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hard Drive camcorders -- ?

All great info guys, thanks.

Yes, there are 2 flash drive models available locally and would seriously consider one if they weren't cheap "kids" models.

A 3 hour roundtrip to Wausau is what I would like to do. But I am working every day, and spending the rest of my time preparing for a wedding, and a funeral, and spending as much time as possible at the hospital. Future mother in law is on the edge, and we are going to have a quickie bedside/hospital chapel ceremony while she is still here.

Normally I would go with the Sony, but only dvd model available here. And the Panasonic 40G have technical issues with iMovie. They claim they have that fixed with the 50G and 60G models ( Apple site confirms this).

OK, thanks guys. I will see if I can get a 60 G, or settle for the JVC, just don't have time to worry about it.