Panasonic HDC-sd9 VS. Canon Vixia HF-200

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Level 1

8 points

Panasonic HDC-sd9 VS. Canon Vixia HF-200

Over the last month I have been researching to find the best flash based HD camcorder priced around $700. I have narrowed it down to the Panasonic HDC-SD9 or the Canon Vixia HF-200. I have read a lot on the disscusion boards and don't feel like I have gotten a concrete answer. Will the Panasonic HDC-SD9 work with iMovie '09? Will the Canon Vixia HF-200 work with iMovie '09? I have looked at the camcorder list that apple posts but I want to know what other people have experienced. I found the Panasonic HDC-SD9 on sale from $799 to $450. I feel like it would be a steal if the camcorder works with iMovie '09. If you can answer this question please use slang that a 4th grader can understand! Thanks!!

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on May 3, 2009 9:09 AM

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Answer 1

bobbyco57

Level 4

1,780 points

May 3, 2009 10:07 AM in response to KJESPOKO

I got a Canon SD9 about a year ago from Costco. Lucky I got it there. I took it back after 3 weeks. There were two distinct problems.
1. The "image stablization" was not good at all.
2. In certain lighting instances such as overcast in forested outdoors, the compression was very noticeable.
I then did a lot of research and chose the Canon HF100 (I don't know about the HF200).
I have been completely thrilled with this camera. I have had no problems using it with iM09 and it shoots beautiful video.

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Answer 2

May 3, 2009 10:18 AM in response to KJESPOKO

I can't do the comparison you want, but I can confirm the Panasonic HDC-SD9 works fantastically with iMovie 09. It appears in the iMovie window, and produces a Finder-style set of icons when you set up to import your files, allowing you to choose which shots to import. Import is quicker than real time, and the quality of the clips is great.
To use, the Panasonic is very impressive - good battery life, very light (compared to my JVC DV tape camera), has a flash for the digital still camera and quick to respond. Its only fault: not excellent in low light. It doesn't come with an SD HC card, so allow a little for that in your budget.

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Answer 3

KJESPOKO Author

Level 1

8 points

May 3, 2009 10:34 AM in response to Andrew Facherty

I have read few things regarding iMovie not being able to import 24p video. Have you found this to be a problem when importing with the panasonic HDC-SD9?

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Answer 4

May 4, 2009 2:34 AM in response to KJESPOKO

Hmmm... I'm not sure I know what 24p video is - it could be one of those Europe vs USA things, but my camera has a setting for 25p Digital Cinema. I just tested it for this reply (i.e. I hadn't set it on before, since I don't really know what it does) - recorded at 25p and the highest quality setting (HA1920). It imports perfectly. Hope this helps...

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Answer 5

Jun 28, 2009 7:25 PM in response to Andrew Facherty

I have taken videos with Panasonic HDC-sd9 with 24p "cinema" turned on and with my Ilife 09 they will not import at all .
I get the red icon circle with line through 24p. I cannot select the clip for import at all. This worked with version of Imovie in Ilife 08 but now it will not import, Apple support sort of confirmed this, saying 24p on the camera is not suppoted.

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Answer 6

KJESPOKO Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 1, 2009 1:47 PM in response to KJESPOKO

I purchased the Panasonic HDS-SD9. Everything imports great except when in 24p mode.

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Answer 7

Jul 1, 2009 4:44 PM in response to KJESPOKO

yes. imovie does not support 24p mode. How are you liking it? What modes are you shooting? Have you exported anything?

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