HD/Blu Ray Camcorder Questions- HELP!

[everylastbreath]

I am thinking about getting my son a camcorder for christmas, and he is very cutting edge when it comes to electronics, since he is getting married next year and he and his future wife take really great vacations (last one was a cruise to Alaska) thought a great camcorder would be a good idea. Need help please anyone who knows anything about these things, Would like to stay around the $1000 Mark, willing to go a little extra for something great, would also like to get him the CD burner (if it's really needed?) Don't know anything about MP/HD/Blu Ray - Someone who is experienced please help me find a good one, hate to ask the kid at Best Buy , who doesn't really know! Tell me is the HD/Blu Ray a good idea? My son is like I said "cutting edge". Thanks!!!

 

[DizneyNutz]

HD vs. Blu Ray is a battle going on in the industry that will probably still be going on for the next few years. The question is which way is he leaning, because he has to make a preference choice as far as his electronics that will play either format properly. For example HD movies/video does not play on a Blu Ray dvd player and vice versus. So you need to find out if he already has a dvd player geared one way or the other. As far as a cd burner, these are pretty much included in a standard computer nowadays if he has a elatively new computer, but I would reccommend a CD/DVD burner when it comes to dealing with video files. Video takes up substantionally more disk space than photos, so he will probably need to record to DVDs. They are relatively inexpensive for a burner that will burn cds and dvds.

 

[bostran1]

yikes. I am usually pretty up to date on these things but I had no idea that they made HD DVD or Bluray camcorders. You could also get him a high-end DV camera. With enough hard drive space and a top-of-the-line computer I am sure tour son will get even better results.

I wish someone would get me present like that for my wedding!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I don't think that they make HD-DVD or Blu-Ray camcorders yet. There are high definition (HD) camcorders, but those record in either HDV or AVCHD formats.

I would strongly recommend a High Definition video camera if you can afford it. If your son is into electronics, chances are good that he is used to watching high definition TV and movies. Once you've grown accustomed to the higher resolution, going back to standard definition is painful.

I think the best options for low cost HD camcorders are the Canon HV20 ($800) and the Sony HDR-HC7 ($1,000).

 

[DizneyNutz]

yikes. I am usually pretty up to date on these things but I had no idea that they made HD DVD or Bluray camcorders. You could also get him a high-end DV camera. With enough hard drive space and a top-of-the-line computer I am sure tour son will get even better results.

I wish someone would get me present like that for my wedding!

HD vs BLU RAY. The industry is competing over which is the best medium. Many of your favorite movie companies have already chosen sides. To see your favorite movies in the best definition, you are forced to choose between the two, if you want a DVD player that will play it in that format. They seem to to be split as of now, but I believe Disney has chosen Blu Ray. I went HD. So who knows what will be the industry leader in the next couple of years. I wish as a consumer they would make up their minds, so I could get the equipment necessary for the best viewing pleasure.

 

[bostran1]

HD vs BLU RAY. The industry is competing over which is the best medium. Many of your favorite movie companies have already chosen sides. To see your favorite movies in the best definition, you are forced to choose between the two, if you want a DVD player that will play it in that format. They seem to to be split as of now, but I believe Disney has chosen Blu Ray. I went HD. So who knows what will be the industry leader in the next couple of years. I wish as a consumer they would make up their minds, so I could get the equipment necessary for the best viewing pleasure.

Oh, I am fully aware of the HD v. Blu-ray debate. There are actually players that can play both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs ( believe from Samsung and LG at least). I was just confused by the original poster's question of HD DVD and Blu-ray camcorders. I think I misread it.

Anyway, I agree with Mark's post. An HDV recorder is probably the best way to go. But to take full advantage of DV, you need a ton of hard drive space and a strong processor inside your computer.

 

[dburg30]

I my HV20. Watching the HD version of our beach trip vacation on my big screen HDTV at night so you dont have to see any more of the 'real world' really takes me right back to the beach.. It's VERY sharp, VERY clear, and VERY nice to watch (well, it got better as the week went on and I got less 'jittery' )

 

[everylastbreath]

OK, now I am more confused, am I understanding this correctly, it is almost like the VHS/Beta debate of years ago? I thought Blu Ray was the new HD? I know he has both a Blu Ray DVD player and an HD LCD TV. And to the person who questions if they even made Blu Ray Camcorders (Hitachi DZBD7HA Blu-Ray Disc Hybrid w/30GB HDD) - What I was concerned about with Blu Ray is can you burn a DVD in Blu Ray without some special attachment or burner? and the same w/HD? Also I see camcorders now come with hard drives, should I be looking for the highest number HD, or do they use memory sticks/mini DVDs? How about MP, I see they are mostly pretty low 2.0? is that the same as a digital camera, should it be high, 7-8.0? Please tell me what features I should be looking for, and if possible recommend a specific camcorder you would recommend as a good one. Thank you so much for helping, I don't want to spend this much on something and have it be a piece of junk.

 

[dburg30]

Nope there is High Def TV... HDTV, what we're most familiar with. THEN there are 2 'high def video discs' out. HD-DVD and Blu-ray.. Blu-Ray is Sony's baby. It's also what Disney appears to have picked (bummer as I really dont care for some of the stuff Sony's done).

The mini DVD, hard drive, tape, card discussion will get a lot of different answers from folks. drive ones will be quicker to transfer, and they are able to be erased, dunno about the DVD's, mem sticks of course usually you dont get as much storage of course (ie: a 30 gig hard drive, going to be hard to find a 30 gig memory stick ) Mini-DV tapes a lot of folks think are the best because they use less compression (I think that's how it goes).

This may be one of those times that you may need to 'spoil' the suprise somewhat, and try to get them what they really want as opposed to trying to figure out what they want .

 

[DizneyNutz]

OK, now I am more confused, am I understanding this correctly, it is almost like the VHS/Beta debate of years ago? I thought Blu Ray was the new HD? I know he has both a Blu Ray DVD player and an HD LCD TV. And to the person who questions if they even made Blu Ray Camcorders (Hitachi DZBD7HA Blu-Ray Disc Hybrid w/30GB HDD) - What I was concerned about with Blu Ray is can you burn a DVD in Blu Ray without some special attachment or burner? and the same w/HD? Also I see camcorders now come with hard drives, should I be looking for the highest number HD, or do they use memory sticks/mini DVDs? How about MP, I see they are mostly pretty low 2.0? is that the same as a digital camera, should it be high, 7-8.0? Please tell me what features I should be looking for, and if possible recommend a specific camcorder you would recommend as a good one. Thank you so much for helping, I don't want to spend this much on something and have it be a piece of junk.

Yes it is like the Beta/ VHS debate, but that doesn't matter now , because you have answered the question. If he has Blu Ray Player make sure if you are buying the recorder that it is compatible with that format. Yes he will most likely need a DVD burner if he doesn't already have one and it usually takes some software for editing high def video. I have Pinnacle Studio 10 for working with files from my HD video cam, but not really pleased with it, so I would recommend looking around a bit.

 

[dburg30]

Have you checked out version 11 of Studio? I've tried most of the programs, and I seemed to like that one, or at least it's the one I'm using now. Maybe some of the others I'm just not smart enough to figure out

 

[everylastbreath]

Yes he will most likely need a DVD burner if he doesn't already have one and it usually takes some software for editing high def video. I have Pinnacle Studio 10 for working with files from my HD video cam, but not really pleased with it, so I would recommend looking around a bit.

So he can use an ordinary DVD burner to burn a blu ray or HD disc? I thought it would be a special burner?

So I should go for a camcorder with a hard drive (largest is better?) What about the MP? high?

 

[DizneyNutz]

So he can use an ordinary DVD burner to burn a blu ray or HD disc? I thought it would be a special burner?

So I should go for a camcorder with a hard drive (largest is better?) What about the MP? high?

I am sure you are starting to get frustrated with this and I apologize! The DVD burner does not care what it is burning to the DVD. It burns what it is told to. That being said I am not familiar enough with BLU Ray to tell you what software to use to edit or process the video to send to the DVD burner so that it is compatible with a Blu Ray DVD player? I have never dealt with that format. You are are on right track, and keep plugging along and I am sure someone who is familiar with Blu Ray will jump in. The megapixels relate more to a still photo taken with the video camera, which is not it's real intent. I have the Sony HDR HC3 and I am very happy with the video it produces and it has less than 2mp still photo capability.

 

[bostran1]

So he can use an ordinary DVD burner to burn a blu ray or HD disc? I thought it would be a special burner?

So I should go for a camcorder with a hard drive (largest is better?) What about the MP? high?

Unfortunately, a traditional DVD burner will not be able to burn Blue-ray or HD DVD. There really are three types of DVDs burners for all intents and purposes (normal 4+ gigabyte aka single layer DVd burners, 8+ gigabyte aka dual-layer DVD burners, and High definition burners aka Blu-ray or HD DVD burners). I am not very familiar with the hard drive camcorders but if your son wants something that is top of the line, I would go with any of the HDV camcorders. They are digital, high definition camcorders that record on DV tape.

As for betamax v. vhs and Blu-ray v. HD DVD, you are exactly right. The competing formats are entirely analogous. However, the media is so similar that some players can play both formats. We can talk about the pros and cons about each format until our eyes bleed (like the Nikon v. Canon v. Sony v. Olympus v. Pentax debate) and not reach an answer. However, Blu-ray discs hold more data (more gigs) than HD DVD. If your son has a Blu-ray player (or a Playstation 3), you are better off making sure he has computer software that can process and burn HD video to Blu-ray discs and a Blu-ray DVD burner (not a normal single or dual-layer DVD burner).

Unforunately, I use a Mac so the software I am familiar with (iMovie, Final Cut, iDVD) all support HD video and I can't speak to Windows HD video software.

The big thing to remember is that HD is different from HD DVD.

 

[DizneyNutz]

I am not sure if the info I gave you on the DVD burner not caring was correct upon seeing the post below. It uses a different medium. Sorry but you are dealing with technology that is on the cutting edge, and I am not familiar with. Trying to help, but I don't honestly know your answer.
http://www.blu-ray.com/faq/#bluray_formats

Honestly your son seems to be in touch with the the technology he has chosen, I would involve him in your decision. Even though it won't surprise him, he would probably much rather enjoy a product of this magnitude that he had a say so in!!!

 

[bostran1]

I am not sure if the info I gave you on the DVD burner not caring was correct upon seeing the post below. It uses a different medium. Sorry but you are dealing with technology that is on the cutting edge, and I am not familiar with. Trying to help, but I don't honestly know your answer.
http://www.blu-ray.com/faq/#bluray_formats

Honestly your son seems to be in touch with the the technology he has chosen, I would involve him in your decision. Even though it won't surprise him, he would probably much rather enjoy a product of this magnitude that he had a say so in!!!

DisneyNutz, you are right. There are the standard, single layer (DVD+R and/or DVD-R) burners, dual-layer DVD burners, and Blu-ray and HD DVD burners. The single layer DVD drives hold the least amount of information, the dual-layer are in the middle (the same size DVDs used in commercial DVD sales as we have known them), the HD DVD holds the next largest amount, and Blu-ray holds the most. I won't argue whether HD DVD or Blu-ray is the highest quality but Blu-ray holds the most data of the two.

 

[everylastbreath]

I am starting to get it (a little anyway), someone explain to me the diff. between HD and HD DVD? Also what exactly should I look for with a good one? What is really important? What questions should I ask? Thanks again for all your help.

 

[bostran1]

I am starting to get it (a little anyway), someone explain to me the diff. between HD and HD DVD? Also what exactly should I look for with a good one? What is really important? What questions should I ask? Thanks again for all your help.

I do not know how to find a good HD DVD or Blu-ray burner. Sorry.

I can give a shot at explain the difference between HD and HD DVD though.

HD is high definition. That is what you are getting you buy a widescreen LCD, plasma, or DLP TV (there are other options for HD TV though). Anyway, HD just means high-def, the new standard in programming.

HD DVD and Blu-ray are high-def DVD formats. That means the picture quality in HD DVD and Blu-ray DVDs is better than the standard DVD that we are all used to. However, HD DVD and Blu-ray each require special DVD players (the DVD you have now will not be able to play either new high-def format).

So, HD is the standard term for high-definition programming, whether that be TV or DVD (HD DVD or Blu-ray only). HD DVD is a type of high-def DVD.

I hope that helps!!

 

[Groucho]

There are BluRay and HD-DVD burners for the PCs. But they're fairly expensive, several hundred dollars.

You most certainly can burn HD content to a DVD. Just not very much of it.

As Mark says, BluRay/HD-DVD doesn't matter when choosing a high-def camcorder. I am not familiar with the current crop of them, but from what I know about high-def in general, I would not buy something that wasn't either 1280x720 or 1920x1080 - anything else is not "correct" HD. (Just like I wouldn't buy one of those 1366x768 TVs, which will have to resize all HD that you show on them.)

As for BluRay vs HD-DVD, I'm happy to report that BluRay is outselling HD-DVD by about 2:1 as of October, and it was just announced that in Europe that it's winning by 3:1. Why am I happy? First off, two standards is a mess (duh). Second, BluRay gives you more space - 25 gigs for a single layer vs 20 on the HD-DVD. That's enough to fit an entire single-layer DVD extra and still have room to spare on the disc. Currently, I think nearly all (if not all) movies released in both formats are bit-for-bit identical, so generally both will give you identical quality at this point. The sooner HD-DVD dies off and we get to a single format, the better it'll be for consumers and content producers, IMHO. (Apologies to those who own HD-DVD players.)

 

[everylastbreath]

OK, I got the format thing down, now- questions- What is the benefit of buying an HD/blu ray camcorder- if he cannot burn the cd to watch his video without investing several hundred to get the correct burner? Could he plug the video camera directly into the blu ray player and play it that way? (same for HD) Also how much filming can the HD hold? let's say 60G (which seems to be the ones I am looking at) Do they also hold memory sticks in case you run out of room (I would hate for him to be on vacation and the camera be useless because there is no more space to record). Does anyone have one they can recommend (around $1000 mark), I would be willing to go $500 for a burner, but I hestiate because if you guys don't know of one, they might not even exisit yet, which means the electronic industry is once again selling something that does not have the technical support as of yet, am I getting too far ahead of myself? Just want to get them something that will be the best.