Panasonic vs Sony vs Canon vs JVC

Question

Level 1

34 points

Panasonic vs Sony vs Canon vs JVC

Big question: if I want to buy a HD camcorder, at around $5K, which company would give me the most for my money?

You don't need to give me specific models, I want to know if they are reliable, with a very good customer service/support.

You can share your experience if you want.

Thanks.

Intel MacPro, Intel Dual 2.66, Mac OS X (10.4.11), ATI Radeon X1900, 5GB RAM

Posted on Feb 17, 2009 6:44 AM

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Answer 1

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Feb 17, 2009 7:31 AM in response to PieArson

I'm very partial to Panasonic cameras. The HVX-200a and HPX-170 work with DVCProHD (a 4:2:2, i frame codec) and the P2 media cards while the HMC-150 uses SD cards and records AVCCAM - a long GOP codec. Panasonic cams integrate well with Final Cut Pro.

x

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Answer 2

Feb 17, 2009 7:54 AM in response to PieArson

I have a Panasonic HVX200 and the only thing that would make me happier
would be a Panasonic HPX-170. Beautiful colors, great motion, easy to edit.

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Answer 3

PieArson Author

Level 1

34 points

Feb 17, 2009 8:33 AM in response to stuckfootage

mmm... Panasonic hey. No comments on Sony, Canon or JVC??? I heard that the problem with JVC is the customer support. Is that true?

Keep sending your comments, VERY helpful!

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Answer 4

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Feb 17, 2009 9:38 AM in response to PieArson

Do a search here for JVC and Canon. Lots of connection issues.

And, fwiw - HDV is a non-starter of a format, particularly if you deal with fast motion and/or need to do compositing/green screening.

x

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Answer 5

Feb 17, 2009 10:25 AM in response to PieArson

I use an HVX200 also. P2 is an awesome workflow, but be sure to budget for some cards, and then an archive solution to store all your video.

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