----- Original Message -----

From: "PTRAVEL" <ptravelspamtrap@cox.net>

> What you're calling streaking is a phenomena that occurs in very limited

> situations, specifically pin-point light sources against dark backgrounds.

> It is a concommitant of Sony's HAD CCD technology. HAD CCDs have better

> low-light performance than standard CCDs. The tradeoff is the slight

> streaking (actually a spreading of the light in a vertical direction) in

> certain circumstances. I have a Sony VX2000 which provides spectacular

> video. It, too, uses HAD CCDs, but, IMHO, the so-called streaking doesn't

> even rise to the level of a problem. It is merely a characteristic of the

> camera, just as other manufacturer's cameras have unique characteristics.

> Take a look at the output of the PDV10 (or any camera that you're

> considering buying) before deciding to reject it.

This is a good answer. Over the years on these NGs, I've seen people "glom"

onto this or that camcorder characteristic, supposing it to be a flaw in a particular

model when it is often a characteristic of video in general (you can find lots of

these at: www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm). This one is common

to about all consumer-level camcorders, and is minimized by using a good shade

and by using the lowest possible shutter speed. This is not to say that different

models do not have different image compromises, and that it is not worth

knowing these and deciding on the best balance of positive and negative

characteristics for your purposes - this is part of a good selection process

(but it should be done with knowledge, and an understanding of what is "normal"

for these devices, not from catching onto this or that report of a "problem"

that may be minor at worst...). With the PDX10, I would be more concerned

with its limited low-light range and its relatively poor greens compared with

the VX2000 for *my* uses...

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com