Hi Def Video Cam: Should I buy a JVC HD7?

KarenJ · 04-28-2008, 12:21 AM

I'm in the market to buy a hi def video camera and I'm hoping for some advice.

My problem is that I've got a crush on the JVC HD7
JVC GZ-HD7 Camcorder Review - HDD

Problem is that apparently its video quality isn't as good as a Canon, it may be not-so-good in low light and the price hasn't gone down as much as it should have.

The biggest problem is that it's file format isn't terribly compatible with editing software like Sony Vegas.

Are there any other owners of the HD7 here? Do you have any advice about it? Should I just jump in and indulge myself with this camera?

Or should I give up on this and just get myself a nice second hand pro HDV camera for A$2500 or so?

thebes · 04-28-2008, 05:10 AM

I strongly suggest the Canon HV30, or the discontinued HV20. Dunno if Australia is PAL, if so, using the HV20 at 25fps would be my choice between the two.

A few things. First, AVCHD is not as good as HDV, though it is getting close. Second, you really want the tapes as a cheap backup... a few bucks each and they store much better than dvds (supposedly, guess we will know in 20 years). Third, with my HV20 at 1/48th, I still have to use gain sometimes even with 1500 watts of hotlights- I can't imagine needing 4x or more light to get the same noise in my image. AVCHD is harder to edit than mpeg, this is changing to some degree but if you go with one of the HDD cameras be sure you know what your workflow will be and figure converters and plugins into your total cost.

Also, there is a large community which supports the HV20 and HV30, you can learn all sorts of nifty geek tricks for exposure control, an almost free almost lanc, etc. Oh, btw, I don't think the JVC has an external headjack, this might make a difference to you.

You won't find a "pro" HD / HDV camera for $2500 used. You will find a pro-sumer camera. IMHO, the HV20 or HV30 are the best thing cheaper than that... the image quality really is excellent.

KarenJ · 04-28-2008, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the advice Thebes! I've seen everyone rave about the HV20 but I was biased because I wanted a hard drive recorder. I'm pretty new to the whole thing including terminology - are you saying that HV20 isn't so good in low light?

Yesterday there was a Sony HVR A1 on eBay for A$2500 but the auction is over now.

thebes · 04-29-2008, 04:09 AM

The HV20 is excellent in low light. Much better than the JVC. Just on any camera you want to avoid using gain as much as you can. I would say the HV20 performs as well as the JVC would if you gave the JVC 4x as much light as the HV20... this is a function of the larger sensor in the HV20. Even with the HV20 expect to use additional lighting in all but the brightest indoor locations.

ArseWithClass · 06-20-2008, 03:20 PM

Hi ya Karen... A renowned producer gave me advice from the same question... "forget hdd... you always wanna keep the master tape"

I dont think you can beat dv..

hd is great but stick to tape

Good luck with your choice babe!

04-28-2008, 12:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
KarenJ Onanopaedic Therapist Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 172 Points: 650	Hi Def Video Cam: Should I buy a JVC HD7? I'm in the market to buy a hi def video camera and I'm hoping for some advice. My problem is that I've got a crush on the JVC HD7 JVC GZ-HD7 Camcorder Review - HDD Problem is that apparently its video quality isn't as good as a Canon, it may be not-so-good in low light and the price hasn't gone down as much as it should have. The biggest problem is that it's file format isn't terribly compatible with editing software like Sony Vegas. Are there any other owners of the HD7 here? Do you have any advice about it? Should I just jump in and indulge myself with this camera? Or should I give up on this and just get myself a nice second hand pro HDV camera for A$2500 or so? __________________ 30% of porn surfers are women: Convert your female traffic! Ms Naughty Porn for Women Linklist - Now with a CFNM category!

04-28-2008, 07:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
KarenJ Onanopaedic Therapist Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 172 Points: 650	Thanks for the advice Thebes! I've seen everyone rave about the HV20 but I was biased because I wanted a hard drive recorder. I'm pretty new to the whole thing including terminology - are you saying that HV20 isn't so good in low light? Yesterday there was a Sony HVR A1 on eBay for A$2500 but the auction is over now. __________________ 30% of porn surfers are women: Convert your female traffic! Ms Naughty Porn for Women Linklist - Now with a CFNM category!

06-20-2008, 03:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
ArseWithClass I shall find Meat a good wife! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 459 Points: 2,005	Hi ya Karen... A renowned producer gave me advice from the same question... "forget hdd... you always wanna keep the master tape" I dont think you can beat dv.. hd is great but stick to tape Good luck with your choice babe! __________________ 5 SITES, 5 NICHES, 1 GIRL, 1 PRICE.. http://arsewithclass.com/ South UK girls enjoy parties, Livecam & movies.. http://southerncumsluts.com 50% PAYOUTS

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04-28-2008, 05:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
thebes Getting back into the biz Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Back in the Belly of the Beast Posts: 2,060 Points: 1,975	I strongly suggest the Canon HV30, or the discontinued HV20. Dunno if Australia is PAL, if so, using the HV20 at 25fps would be my choice between the two. A few things. First, AVCHD is not as good as HDV, though it is getting close. Second, you really want the tapes as a cheap backup... a few bucks each and they store much better than dvds (supposedly, guess we will know in 20 years). Third, with my HV20 at 1/48th, I still have to use gain sometimes even with 1500 watts of hotlights- I can't imagine needing 4x or more light to get the same noise in my image. AVCHD is harder to edit than mpeg, this is changing to some degree but if you go with one of the HDD cameras be sure you know what your workflow will be and figure converters and plugins into your total cost. Also, there is a large community which supports the HV20 and HV30, you can learn all sorts of nifty geek tricks for exposure control, an almost free almost lanc, etc. Oh, btw, I don't think the JVC has an external headjack, this might make a difference to you. You won't find a "pro" HD / HDV camera for $2500 used. You will find a pro-sumer camera. IMHO, the HV20 or HV30 are the best thing cheaper than that... the image quality really is excellent.

04-29-2008, 04:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
thebes Getting back into the biz Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Back in the Belly of the Beast Posts: 2,060 Points: 1,975	The HV20 is excellent in low light. Much better than the JVC. Just on any camera you want to avoid using gain as much as you can. I would say the HV20 performs as well as the JVC would if you gave the JVC 4x as much light as the HV20... this is a function of the larger sensor in the HV20. Even with the HV20 expect to use additional lighting in all but the brightest indoor locations.