Sony miniDV - HC30 vs HC40

[Ratpack]

We are looking at entering the digital video age. I have narrowed my choices down to the HC30 or HC40 from Sony. Since I have their still camera and memory sticks I want to stay with them. Not really worried about still images, that is why I have a digital camera, but there seems to be a little difference in the video quality as well. My biggest question is, for me who is a beginner in video at best, would I notice the difference? I currently have a Sony 8mm and the video on it is fine, how does each of these compare to that?

Thanks for any help!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I just bought a Sony Minidv camcorder TRV22 model this week. I can't believe how much smaller and lighter it is compared to my old 1995 Sony Handycam 8mm! My old Sony could not survive another trip to Disney, so it was time to upgrade.

Sorry I can't help you on the models you mentioned, but all these new camcorders make the old 8mm look ancient!!

<img src="http://home.att.net/~disneysue/hugsmall3.gif">

 

[DavidUK]

hey i just bought the HC30E and it is great i had an old 8mm before and the difference in picture was unbeliveable the clarity of the digital picture was great! the Carl Zeiss lenses see to that i suppose! It wouldn't replace your digicam for stills but it's okay the variable digital shutter is fantastic for stuff like fireworks and it can record directly in 16:9 format which is great if you have a wide screen telly, over all it is definatly worth upgrading even just for the fact it is so light and diddy! i definatly wouldn't take up too much room in a bag! oh yeah and the touchscreen display is the best feature EVER!!

any other q's don't hesitate to ask!!

David

 

[Ratpack]

David,
Did you compare the HC30 to the HC40? The only other difference I can find than the still resolution is the video resolution. The HC30 has something like 380K and the HC40 has 640K. Some reviews I have read said that the difference isn't enough to justify an additional $100, do you have an opinion on this?

 

[DavidUK]

Yeah that's the only thing we notice when we went to get it, we figured that sincewe already had a really good still Digicamera and we wern't going to do much if any videoing using the memory stick (64 meg for 11 minutes how expensive!!) that we wouldn't bother going for the increased res!!

hope it helps!

David!

 

[Ratpack]

So, basically the image on tape is the same on both models, it is just if you video onto the memory stick that it changes? If that is the case, then it is a no brainer for me, I don't plan on using the memory stick except for a few little videos to the grandparents once in awhile on email.