Should I buy a 720p or 1080i HDV Camera?

October 31, 2005 2:05 PM

Which HDV Hi-Def Camera should I buy? Looking at either the new JVC GY-HD100U (which shoots 720p) or the Sony HVR-Z1U (which shoots 1080i), both also shoot standard DV. I will be using the camera for business reasons...training videos, interviews, maybe a wedding or two. Basically I guess it comes down to 720p or 1080i.

Basically I guess it comes down to 720p or 1080i. While the JVC camera looks and claims to be more pro (and indeed shoots in what they call ProHD) I wonder if more of my potential clients would have more use for 1080i. The JVC is also about a thousand more than the Sony which makes me wonder if maybe the technology is better or what. Help!

posted by UMDirector to Technology (5 answers total)

I have decided on the JVC GY-HD100U. One major advantage is that to be credible as HD these cameras need some edge enhancement. Doing it in camera risks screwing up the image. With progressive scan, you can turn off enhancement and do it later, which is impossible/difficult with interlaced frames.

Also the JVC outputs square pixels right off the sensor, most 1080 scenarios are resampled in-camera. (not sure about that sony)
posted by StickyCarpet at 2:17 PM on October 31, 2005

Response by poster: Update: Does Final Cut 5 accept data from the JVC yet? I heard there were issues without a 3rd party product...?
posted by UMDirector at 2:36 PM on October 31, 2005

You may have already eliminated this option, but the Panasonic HVX200 will be released in December. That review linked gives some good comparisons between Panasonic, Sony and JVC HD cameras.
posted by Tenuki at 3:18 PM on October 31, 2005

From Tenuki's review (re: JVC camera) It’s not clear why they didn’t provide for 60p recording, as 60p is supported by the HDV standard, but in our view it’s a huge mistake on their part not to include it.

The JVC does in fact support 720 60p.
posted by StickyCarpet at 3:24 PM on October 31, 2005

1080i is definitely more prevalent in broadcasting, and is perceived as the superior format in general, with the possible exception of high-motion content.

I have no experience with the specific cameras you mention, however.
posted by trevyn at 9:49 PM on October 31, 2005