HF S200 vs. HV40 - Which to buy?

[DebG.]

I've been going back and forth and need to bite the bullet in the next day or so and make a decision.

I can't seem to find a lot of info from anyone that has actually used the HF S200 yet, but there are a few very good reviews on B & H.
I really think I'll like the track and focus features on it because my eyes aren't that great but I've loved my HV30 and am used to it, too.

I would be using the new one for events and travel.

Recommendations?

With much appreciation, Deborah

[drapeama]

Recommendations?

I'd suggest the HFS200 for these reasons:
1) Same framerate as the HV40 (native 24p, 30p or 60i).
2) Up to 2 hours 55 min on a 32GB total : internal memory + SD cards.
3) LANc terminal.
4) Mpeg4 (24mbps) over Mpeg2 (25mbps) = better compression codec with ~bitrate.

[DebG.]

Good points all!
I was really looking forward to NATIVE 24p and I hadn't realized about Mpeg4 vs. Mpeg2, either.

Anyone else have any first-hand experience yet? Especially in regard to ease-of-access to the manual controls? I'm very used to the HV30 "joystick" to control exposure, mic, etc. fairly quickly.

[drapeama]

Especially in regard to ease-of-access to the manual controls? I'm very used to the HV30 "joystick".

If it's just that, you'll learn pretty quick too. I was used to play with my old Sony camcorder, was a bit lost when i got my HV but learned fast enough.

Another (personal) point, tape vs cards...i personally prefer tape-based for archival purpose, and i think it's more safe: if a card just die, you lose everything - if a tape jams, you cut the damaged part and you retrieve 95%+ of your footage.

[DebG.]

Hey, this is quick since I have an HV40 auction ending in 15 minutes, but any thoughts on this HF S200???

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[drapeama]

but any thoughts on this HF S200???

If you can afford it, yeah! Go ahead!

[Jergling]

Be careful with eBay listings that look like that. There are companies that post thousands of ads like that just to flood search results, and then they throw in a bunch of unnecessary accessories to justify higher prices.

Bigeasycamera's eBay page lists 17 negative feedbacks in the past 1 month, many of which claim that the store is a bait-and-switch scam. Be careful who you do business with.

[DebG.]

Thanks for the heads up, Jergling. I just saw their rating at above 98% which is my usual cutoff for Ebay. Now, I'm looking at a $900 GL2 on Craigslist, but don't know a lot about the model yet and how it stacks up against the HF S200...I know it's not high-def, but some have told me that for that price, it's a pro camera and to go for it. Hmmm...decisions, decisions...

[drapeama]

I know it's not high-def, but some have told me that for that price, it's a pro camera and to go for it.

I may be old school, but i'd rather prefer a good hi-def consumer camcorder than a pro SD camcorder. I mean as long as you can/know how to use it to make/produce something that looks professional, no need to be a pro-grade camcorder. As as now everything goes toward HD, i wouldn't recommend you the GL2. But that's only me...me and my Hv40!
As i read somewhere in another thread "if you can't produce something good with a consumer camcorder, you won't be able to achieve anything better with a prosumer/professional one."

[DebG.]

Thanks again, Drapeama!

Yes, I was leaning toward not getting the GL2... especially since I just checked out some specs and reviews.
I've given the HD vs. SD for the future talk to others and now need to take my own advice
I've been extremely happy with my HV30, but it has been banged up a bit and I'm also looking for a second camera for event videography, soooo...

[drapeama]

...and I'm also looking for a second camera for event videography, soooo...

...get the HFS200 and keep your HV30 as the second cam!!