Post 1 of 5

Top

Is it true that capturing AVCHD through Firewire reduces HD material to SD?
Regards,
Vasco

Post 2 of 5 responding to post 1

Top

What make and model of camcorder do you have??

Most that use avchd are usually HDMI/USB vice firewire

Post 3 of 5 responding to post 2

Top

This is the trouble. I don't have an HD camcorder yet and I can't make up my mind what to get. I like miniDV tapes but they don't seem to make camcorders for them anymore except for the most expensive ones. I thought I'd get a DSLR camera but I can't afford the Canon EOS 5D II and I don't know if the 60D is good enough.

That wasn't even a question, was it? Won't blame you if you don't comment.

Post 4 of 5 responding to post 3

Top

The Panasonic AG-HMC80 is a good AVCHD camcorder (shoulder mount) that includes the ability to shoot SD as well as HD. It's the only AVCHD camcorder that does this (that I'm aware of) and also the only AVCHD camcorder with FireWire output.

However, keep in mind that when shooting to AVCHD you're talking about shooting to an SDHC card, which transfers to your computer very quickly. MiniDV and FireWire transfers of tape are real time...so if you have an hour of footage, you've got an hour of waiting. With AVCHD and SDHC cards, you've got a couple of minutes to wait while your footage ingests.

The AVCHD workflow is a bit more complex than MiniDV shooting/capturing, but the results are worthwhile. I personally recommend the Panasonic AG-HMC150. It's similar to the HMC80 but better in many very important respects. You can find a used HMC150 for anywhere between $2,400 and $2,700.

The HMC40 is a bit cheaper and is still quite good. If you want to stick with tape option, the Panasonic HVX200A shoots to both tape and P2 cards (which aren't very cheap). If you shoot to MiniDV tape, it is SD and can be captured via FireWire just like normal. If you go with the HD shooting, it goes onto the P2 cards.

In all, if you're serious about production, the HMC80, the HMC40 or more preferably the HMC150 is your starting off point, and prices go up from there. Depending upon what kind of shooting you do, the DSLR cameras may not be suitable. They can overheat after an extended period of video capture, which makes them useless for capturing long form work (like a wedding ceremony, for example). There are other issues as well - audio capture issues, syncing clips, etc.

Hope this helps!

Post 5 of 5 responding to post 3

Top

FROM: Brian

DATE: Dec 19, 2010 10:11 am gmt

SUBJECT: Re: AVCHD via Firewire

If you like to use DV tapes the canon Vixia HV40 is still on the market, does normal 1080i interlaced, it can do 1080p true progressive.

Return to Posts Index

Top