Canon HV40 vs Sony XR500V

[wheresgrant]

For over a year now I've been recording and composing video of my band in a 'video blog' type format. Each week I take video from our shows, behind the scene footage and create weekly updates which I post to our website and social networking channels. I have a good workflow going... Flip handhelds to iMac running iMovie9 and FCE. Unfortunately the quality of video I'm shooting is sub par. I'm prepared to spend some coin on a decent camcorder. Initially I was draw to the Panasonic TM700k. Reviews are excellent and it has exceptional low light performance. However reading the pains of editing in AVCHD I think it may be too much camera for me. Besides, since all my material is web bound I would like a camera that can shoot in both SD and HD.

I've looked into the following cameras and I'm looking for any advice, experience and opinions.

Canon HV40 $649 (B&H)& The Sony XR500v $569 (Best Buy)

I think after searching every feature I think the Canon HV40 meets my needs the most. It offers everything I need at a low price point and I believe a format that won't disrupt my workflow.

What I'm most afraid is my Mac choking on incredibily large files after importing the compressed AVCHD clips into my iMovie workflow. While PQ is important, workflow (for now) is more important. I may feel differen'tly in a year or two with more experience under my belt. I believe for now the HV40 will get me away from the handhelds and start working with some quality footage in 24p (the best for format Vimeo and Youtube anyway).

The things that appeal to me about the HV40...
-native 24p. At least when I import video I won't lose anything in compression. On the other hand I hope I don't lose frames along the way either.
- SD and HD format. At least I can experiement with quality HD footage yet still have a cam that can shoot smaller definition video for quick projects.
-external mic and headphone jacks... So I can collect better audio off either the mixing board or with a strategically placed mic.
-decent low light performance. I'll take decent, after all everything is relative when you've been using a $150 Flip.
-won't severly compromise my workflow.
-$100 cheaper than the Panasonic TM700k
-Smooth intergration and connection with Mac or PC.


Cons
- A fading technology...
-Mini DV is a pain to record with (you can't delete clips, you need to fast forward through material)...
-Probably the last consumer HDV cam ever... (not the greatest resale value in the future)
-real time importing. Log & Capture will be a pain.
- Since I plan to record 2 minutes here, 3 minutes there I'll have to etch clip material in my memory as I film it.

The SONY XR500V
Pros
-Ridiculous convenient storage for a weekend (I'm not the most organize person and can see myself losing tapes)
-Convenient manual controls and auto features (I'll be playing at gigs sometimes and just need to set and forget).
-Silly me... I like 'night mode' and would use the gimmick in my blogs (as a joke).
-Stabilization looks terrific... I am moving alot with the cam.
-Direct to disc mode-easy archival to external hard disk
-HD and SD formats

Con's
- so so low light, hampered further by no 24p
- slow bitrate transfer
- Seems more auto pilot than anything else.
- AVCHD is a chore to wrap and intergrate files.

Thats the breakdown as I see it. Again, my purpose for a camera is to capture and edit small movies. Additional the footage will be largely indoors in poorly lit environments. Everything leads me to the HV40 over the XR500v... yet for the price ths 500V is an awesome deal!

Opinions, thoughts?

[STUDIO32MID]

I am not a pro on the cams so cant suggest one above the other, i can only say what i use is the hvxx series and so far so good. But just a quick thought since you made mention of a heavy download on the timeline, perhaps you can look into the practice of proxy editing may help out.

I think someone has a write up on this here or you can check out Eugenia's post or simply just google it and see what comes up.

[Bob Sanders]

-$100 cheaper than the Panasonic TM700k

It looks like there are problems with tm700 anyway.... THe TM has a multi speed fan and there are complaints at the noise level when it's in high gear. People are also reporting such things as a jitter in the picture if the cam is held at a certain angle.

[wheresgrant]

It looks like there are problems with tm700 anyway.... THe TM has a multi speed fan and there are complaints at the noise level when it's in high gear. People are also reporting such things as a jitter in the picture if the cam is held at a certain angle.
Disappointed Panasonic TM-700 Test -- Shaking when face downward on Vimeo

I'm not sure whether fan noise will affect me... I'm using an external mic and taping bands at 110dbs.

Still I can see where people are peeved. It's a great geek camera or for someone wanting a handheld cam wil filmaking features... I just think it's too much 'horse' for me. I know what I want to achieve, just just don't have the experience yet with the proper gear to acheive it.

I just went back to Best Buy, and they are predicably sold out of the XR500V.

[Timbit]

What I'm most afraid is my Mac choking on incredibily large files after importing the compressed AVCHD clips into my iMovie workflow.

I don't think the HDV MPEG-2 format converts to AVCHD...Correct me if I'm wrong, but HDV is easier on computers than AVCHD.

[Bob Sanders]

I don't think the HDV MPEG-2 format converts to AVCHD...Correct me if I'm wrong, but HDV is easier on computers than AVCHD.

He's speaking of the xr500... which is avchd.

[Timbit]

He's speaking of the xr500... which is avchd.

Funny...I read that he was saying that the HV40 was AVCHD...Even re-reading confirms my confusion!

Thanks anyways!

[Bob Sanders]

Additional the footage will be largely indoors in poorly lit environments.

I just noticed this here.... you MAY want to have a look around for another xr500. The Sony cams (the xr and the cx) are real winners for low light this year. ( a new back lit cmos technology)

[josemiguel444]

Hello, I am from Chile, South America and have it hv40.

Nowadays I love the sony xr550, understand that it records very well in few light for the sensor retroiluminado exmor.


In my country this chamber is too expensive even, US 2.000 dollars.

You obtain barter, US 569! Do I wonder if you might sell one at this price?

Regards

jmzf44@gmail.com

[thedigitalshopper]

There are many drawbacks of HDD vs Flash or HDV. This article describes the benefits of flash-based camcorders over hard disk camcorders. The differences may or may not be important to you, but you should at least know what you're trading off for HDD. In my opinion Flash and HDV are much better choices than HDD.

[Bob Sanders]

There are many drawbacks of HDD vs Flash or HDV. This article describes the benefits of flash-based camcorders over hard disk camcorders. The differences may or may not be important to you, but you should at least know what you're trading off for HDD. In my opinion Flash and HDV are much better choices than HDD.

The XR500 is a convertible. You can use the internal HDD.... OR flash. This choice is given both for video and still pics

[SocyFisher]

Sometimes, it is better to buy something that simply answer what you need or something that can serve its purpose. Canon HV 40 record to HDV mini-DV tapes, perfect for recording your short movies.