Ready to pull the trigger on HD camcorder

It seems to me that those tapes really get expensive compared to a hard drive in which no extra $$ is needed.

Let's do some math:

$2.50 per tape x 100 tapes over a span of a couple years = $250. That's already worth more than a terabyte of hard drive space. I can find TB drives out there for less than $250 already, and they'll keep getting cheaper.

Or if you are referring to the cost of each tape compared to the cost hard drive space:

$3 per 13GB (tape) vs. $70 per 250GB (hard drive (estimated)) ----- Yes, tapes are ever so slightly cheaper in this respect.

Also, the original poster said he already has a hard drive set-up for storing his videos so there's no need to buy separate hard drives.

If I'm not understanding your comment, please let me know.

I have already discounted HDD camcorders as the technolgy to leave behind and am awaiting the memory cards. No moving parts - you agreed with me on another poster's question. That's why I jumped straight to the CX7.

I don't recall saying anything about buying separate hard drives for video storage.

$250 for a TB? Cool. Got a link? Frys is a bit more:
External in a case:
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5031325;jsessionid=agD7Sfr-PTAW92QXBVMb5Q**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5217557;jsessionid=tB2ey214rSpDIeqIc+VJ4Q**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Bare drive (then a case is needed - or use an internal drive bay):
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5341288;jsessionid=tB2ey214rSpDIeqIc+VJ4Q**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5371408;jsessionid=tB2ey214rSpDIeqIc+VJ4Q**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

And for the $ now, the video quality AND the digital tape archive (even with the RAID) still gets my nod. Try all you want... Though I think in a year or two the memory card based work-flow, hardware and software will be ready. Though it won't be with what is bought today. And tdent1138 seemed to me to be looking to buy today - not in a year or two.

Sorry about not including links.

Those TB prices is one of the reasons I like Pricewatch

http://www.pricewatch.com/hard_drives/sata_1tb.htm

Any other input before I buy something later today? Anyone try out the Xacti HD1000? I'd really like to see it before I bought it, but it looks like it could be quite nice.

Thanks again!

getting there... though the ones in cases at the link you provided don't do FireWire (for $250 or less) and that is a preference in my environment.

You already know my opinion on the cams...

about what to get. I suppose if I just go with any of the Sonys or Canons I will be happy in the end. It would be interesting to see if I perceive the same problems with AVCHD as others have (fast action motion blurring) or if that's an overblown concern. Then there's the question of HDD vs flash on the Sonys... Flash is more expensive, but you do eliminate the moving part aspect of a hard drive (and someweight?), though my 4Gig Hitachi has been going strong for years in my Rebel XT.

I wish things were a bit more clear cut, but then again, I suppose having competition is better than not.

Still wondering about that Xacti HD1000. I presume its lower quality and I'd kinda miss nightshot for Halloween or just playing around.

Thanks again.

How much max bit rate recording can be done on the CX7 with a 4Gig card? Many times I will record for over an hour 9school plays, etc) and would hate to have to change cards in the midst of the performance.

I think I'm now leaning toward the Sony HDD version (SR7), but I could be swayed for a few more hours.

posted at Sony
http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/pdf/HDRCX7.pdf
a 4 gig card in the CX7 provides 32 minutes of hi def video.

On the school plays - they usually have an intermission at about 45 minutes so that is where I've changed (miniDV) tapes. (That was a few years ago - but my "process" was Tape 1 Preshow; Tape 2 1st half of show; Tape 3 2nd half of show; Tape 1 - not 4 - Post-show... and whatever tapes were needed for getting rehearsal and set building footage for "b-roll" running credits or "behind the scenes" selection on the DVD or to run as the background on the DVD scene selection menu...)

So that's not too bad I suppose. I also found that Toshiba is getting near to releasing 16 and 32 Gig SDHC cards... Maybe the CX7 really is the way to go.

I dropped by Circuit City during lunchtime and played around with both the CX7 and the Sanyo HD2 (they don't have the HD1000) and found the image stabilization at 10x to be superior with the CX7. Now, the HD2 is not the HD1000, but if the HD2 is any indication, the CX7 appears much better in that regard.

But, wow, is that HD2 small and light... And I love the vertical orientation (I'm really used to my PC115). ARGH! I really hate to buy a bigger camcorder than I already have.

those larger SDHC cards make you expect Sony can't be far behind with their Memory Stick ProDuo cards? I just want to be sure you understand that the SDHC cards won't work/fit in the Sony cameras...

It's funny - For the longest time I thought smallest/lightest was the way to go - and *sometimes* it is... but I am finding now that size matters - and the bigger cameras like the Canon XHA1 and Sony HVRZ1U (among others from them and Panasonic) are the way to go... Maybe this isn't your path - but it is accidentally mine - and I keep finding myself in places I would never have expected to be. And it REALLY helps that the equipment *looks* pro-grade (and the funny thing is, mine does not!)

Oh, yeah... I got confused between the HD1000 and the CX7. Thanks for pointing that out.

If less hassle is what is desired in this situation, a tape camcorder would not be my answer. I understand others have different thoughts, but for the simple, common folk (myself included), being able to consistently shoot footage and not have to worry about changing tapes/discs/cards every certain period of time is very appealing (and simple). The SR7's 60GB hard drive can store 8 hours of full HD-quality video.

Batteries need to be taken into consideration as well. If you think about it, 8 hours of continuous recording would equal roughly three hi-capacity batteries used. Do you have three fully charged hi-capacity batteries with you? (Hint: Hi-capacity batteries can reach around $150.) If not, you won't have the problem of running out of recording space.

If you do have the battery power for a full 8 hours worth of shooting and no computer is available to you, then a hard drive camcorder would not be for you.

Summary:
Tape- highest video quality, ability to use as many as you want, tapes used as backup
HDD and cards- next highest video quality, HDD (no need to buy media), cards (fill pretty quickly), backup onto your existing hard drive array

My suggestion to you: Buy what you believe suits yourself best. You won't be upset with any of the models discussed here.

P.S. I would try to stick with Sony or Canon and would shy away from the Sanyo.

I'm afraid analysis paralysis has set in...

I want parts of 3 different cameras and feel like I am compromising on any of them. The Sony HDD version is too big/heavy (I know its small), the Flash based Sony doesn't have the capacity without switching cards (of course, I've now just discovered 8Gig cards) and the Sanyo doesn't have Nightshot (dumb reason, but there you go...) also the Sanyo electronic stabilization is bound to be inferior to Sony's optical, though I have no proof.

It funny how one can tie themselves up in knots researching stuff. I usually have the same problem in selecting a motherboard for a new build. Ah well. Maybe Sony will come out with a pistol type recorder w/ Nightshot by tomorrow when I want to place my order

Just what the companies wanted. "Here, by this camcorder because it does this!" Goal of company: Try to confuse the customer into buying the most expensive cam there is.

Yes, researching leads to more and more questions, but those firm answers are hard to come by. Sorry for my philosophical rant, but I just wanted to point out that no one will have all of the answers. Good luck with your new camcorder!