On 11 Jan 2002 21:53:58 -0800, mr_gadget_guy@yahoo.com (doorgunner) wrote:

>I am reposting this question from earlier , because i want to now the answers too.
>Thanks
>
>From: Peter (echo@mpinet.net)
>Subject: What cameras shoud be on my list?
>Newsgroups: rec.video.desktop
>Date: 2001-06-06 05:05:08 PST
>
>I have got a list of cameras. I need a help to decide on one of them.
>
>- Sony TRV17, 640k single CCD, up to 500 lines
>- Sony DCR-PC9, 640k single CCD, up to 500 lines
>- Sony TRV30, 1070k single CCD, up to 520 lines
>- Sony DCR-PC110, 1070k single CCD, up to 520 lines
>- Sony TRV900,3x 380k CCD up to 500 lines, optical stabilization

For comparison frame-grabs from these and other Sony
camcorders, shot in the same set of lighting conditions,
see: www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder--comparison.htm

>- Panasonic PV-DV601, 664k single CCD, up to 500 lines
>- Panasonic PV-DV851/901, 1024k single CCD, 500 lines
>- Panasonic PV-DV951, 3x400k CCD, 540 lines, optical stabilization

The DV951 (as the AG-EZ30U) is compared with others at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm

>I care about analog input, good resolution and quality picture, viewfinder
>and color LCD, manual exposure if available in this price range, DC-in power
>supply if available, external mic, external headphones jacks.

All the above for the Sony, except the one-chippers are
limited to "lock-and-shift" auto exposure over-ride;
the 3-chippers offer AE-A, AE-S, AE-bias, and a clumsy
manual mode... Not as much exposure control on the
DV951. See the reviews for comparative frame-grabs
(though these do not show motion-problems, generally
more evident with one-chippers...).

>I do not care about Mpeg Movie, still images, memory cards, IR.
>
>1) It seems to me that 1 Mega-pixel CCD cameras delivers only few more lines
>over 640k CCD. What is a real advantage of 1 Mega-pixel camera? Does it have
>better image stabilization? Is the real advantage the larger still image?

The video image is noticeably sharper, but that is not
always a plus...;-)

>2) I believe 3CCDs deliver better color but what about resolution and
>sharpness. I would say one Mega-Pixel CCD is sharper with better resolution.

Yes. Better color and better handling of the tonal extremes.
The sharpness may be similar in megapixel one-chippers
compared with good 3-chippers... Also, 3-chippers are
often better in low light.

>3) Should I consider optical stabilization even if much more expensive?

Generally, no - they are about equal with *good* DIS, but
DIS robs about a stop of gain, so there is an advantage
in turning it off in low light.

>4) Is there a big difference in picture quality of DV601/TRV17/PC9 and
>DV851/TRV30/PC110? Both are about 500 lines? This is probably related to
>question 1).

The difference is noticeable for the Sonys...

>6) Is there any another camera you would recommend (CANON, JVC,...)
>considering limited budget?
>say $1400

$1400 would almost buy a new TRV900, and would probably
buy a used TRV900 or VX1000, or new one-chipper...