"ShootEditPlay" <bughuntr@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:a57a4a1e.0311081411.67eb3de6@posting.google.com...

> So, I am looking to upgrade my camera for a project that I am going to

> shoot starting in Dec/Jan time frame.

>

> For my small projects I currently use a Sony DCR-TRV900 that has

> served me well for many years. But I think it is time to move up to a

> new one. I am looking at two cameras right now, but please recommend

> any others that I should be looking at.

>

> The first one I am looking at is the JVC GR-HD1 as an entry in HD. It

> seems to get great reviews on image quality for being a single CCD

> camera. But I have heard some negative feedback about its ability to

> interface with a Mac running OS X (I use a G5 with Final Cut Pro). I

> have also heard that the cameras advanced fine tuning features aren't

> really that good.

>

> The second camera I am looking at is the Panasonic AG-DVX100. I have

> played with this camera and have been very impressed with its

> abilities. Several people have told me to look at going this

> direction. I have always believed that a good 3 CCD camera is the way

> to go for picture color and image quality. But the fact that it is

> not yet an HD camera is holding me back.

>

> I am torn between the lure of the JVC HD and the quality and ability

> of the 3CCD Panasonic. The prices are very close so that isn't a

> factor for this project. If I do go with the JVC I know my customers

> setup will do HD and I think they would be pleased with it. But it

> was not a requirement.

>

> I usually don't buy a new camera every year, and would like to make

> whatever I buy last for about 3 to 4 years (as my Sony has). I just

> don't know what to do on this one.

>

> So, what do people think?

>

> Is the first low cost HD camera worth it or should I go with the tried

> and true 3CCD?

>

> Is there another HD Prosumer level camera from Sony, Canon or

> Panasonic on the way soon that I haven't yet read about?

>

> Or should I just stick it out with my good old Sony DCR-TRV900 for now

> and wait a bit longer to see what happens?

>

> Any advice or insight on this decision would be of great help.

Seems to me that if you are going to output only HD in the

future, the JVC (many as its shortcomings reportedly are)

is the way to go on a tight budget (but with the possible editing

problems/shortcomings considered...); if you are going to

continue to produce mostly SD material for a while, then the

Panasonic DVX100/80 and Sony VX2000/2100/PD150/170

(which can use your current batteries) or a couple of other

possibilities in 3-CCD SD cameras may be the way to go,

unless the TRV900 continues to be adequate for your

purposes, in which case, why not just save your money...?