So, what's your take on the new Hitachi HD Blu-ray camcorders?

[Bete]

This sounds to good to be true. Supposedly, these two cameras hit our markets in October. I've been waiting for this moment to buy a camcorder. I just knew it was coming eventually.

One camera uses actual blu-ray discs while their other version is a 30 gig built-in hard drive. The hard drive type allows about two hours on the highest resolution and four hours if you step it down a little on resolution. Both ways will be HD.

My question is for camcorder fans: Do you think 2 hours is enough for a day's time when your on vacation with the hard drive version? Also, you need to obviously download everyday on vacation if you want to keep shooting with the hard drive camera. With HD quality I could see this being an ordeal everyday trying to get it on a notebook, etc.

The blu-ray version camcorder scares me with the cost of blu-ray discs. I wasn't sure if they are rewritable or not for this camcorder. Does anyone know?

I believe these Hitachi camcorders will blow away all other non-professional camcorders. Do you agree? I know it's very early to be talking about it; since, the camcorders are not even available yet here, but I'm anxious to get other opinions especially if you are an HD fan.

 

[webshark3]

Don't rule out HDV (tape based). The newer technologies (AVCHD) have yet to show any gain in image quality over the older tape technology (HDV). Check out the reviews of current AVCHD camcorders on www.camcorderinfo.com. The technology (IQ point of view) is not all that impressive (yet). We'll see if Hitachi can set a new level of performance.

DV Tape - $1.50-$3.00 per 60 minutes, archiavable.
Blu-Ray Disc - $12-$25 per 60 minutes, longivity unknown.

And if you choose the Hard Disc model, you better plan on having a Blu-Ray burner or a LOT of HD space on your PC....

personally, I'm waiting ffro everyone to jump on the Blu-Ray and AVCHD bandwagons, then pick up a HDV unit cheaper.