Query on Panasonic SD1

[taicw]

Hi, like to seek advice on vid cam, i'm looking for a vidcam to record family vids for my baby kid.

Considering a 2nd hand vidcam offer for Panasonic SD1, only thing is i'm new to video and wondering if this cam is still usable based on it's specs as it's an old model released in 2006?
eg:
- avhcd format, it records in 1440x1080 interlaced? does this have any impact on the usability or viewability on tv/computer? or it's still a decent format/resolution?
- interlaced video - is this a huge difference compared to new features such as 24p etc?
- resolution - compared the resolution of the 3ccds, they are < 1 megapix each, as such wondering if it affects vid resolution compared to new cameras released today

Thanks for your advice

 

[Bamboopictures]

Any entry level camcorder from this year's line up of any brand will blow the SD1 out of the water in terms of low-light sensitivity and stabilisation.

 

[DXNMedia]

Considering the price you're gonna pay vs. the latest & greatest ones, I must say that it will be a good buy.
One of the main points about HDC-SD1 is that it is actually developed for professional use, which was marketed as AG-HSC1.
3x 1/4" CCDs actually holds the picture very well without the problems of CMOS imagers, and you'd be surprised at the many professional features built into this camera.
You'll have access to almost all manual controls via the menu & buttons.

Only downside to this camera is that we're limited to using the small batts.
If camera is attached onto a tripod, changing out batts will be a hassle.

It's good enough for my applications that I actually have 2 units to do risky video shots where I don't wish to put my expensive cameras at stake.
The SD1 have provided me with video images as backup cameras, alternate angle & timelapse shots for broadcast, tvc, news, corporate shoots & multicamera concerts.

You won't regret it if you have a tight budget.

 

[taicw]

Hi Bamboopictures & DXNMedia,

Thanks for all your inputs, appreciate it!
Yup, the points you raise did cross my mind:
- was wondering if the SD1's technology of 5 years ago would still be able to match up to say the basic entry level cams of today, was trying to figure out, even with high resolution sensors going beyond 3megapixels, does it really make a difference since HD resolution today is 1920x1080? The SD1 is about 1-2mp so in terms of resolution it's adequte? Also in terms of light sensitivity, whether the technology of 5 years ago makes a major difference. Only thing is that a new basic standard definition cam price today is still higher than the SD1 price.
- although an article did mention SD1's sensor size is quite big, with the photodiodes size being significant larger which might help light sensitivity?
- whether the video size of SD1 at 1440x1080 will create any problems since HD is at 1920x1080? Wondering if the video aspect ratio will result in say some black areas in the TV screen.
- also, in terms of video recording technology (which i'm not familiar on), read SD1 is using 1080i, while nowadays there are 1080p, 24p, 60p etc, not sure if these new formats make a considerable difference in quality.



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[taicw]

Hi Bamboopictures & DXNMedia,

Thanks for all your inputs, appreciate it!
Yup, the points you raise did cross my mind:
- was wondering if the SD1's technology of 5 years ago would still be able to match up to say the basic entry level cams of today, was trying to figure out, even with high resolution sensors going beyond 3megapixels, does it really make a difference since HD resolution today is 1920x1080? The SD1 is about 1-2mp so in terms of resolution it's adequte? Also in terms of light sensitivity, whether the technology of 5 years ago makes a major difference. Only thing is that a new basic standard definition cam price today is still higher than the SD1 price.
- although an article did mention SD1's sensor size is quite big, with the photodiodes size being significant larger which might help light sensitivity?
- whether the video size of SD1 at 1440x1080 will create any problems since HD is at 1920x1080? Wondering if the video aspect ratio will result in say some black areas in the TV screen.
- also, in terms of video recording technology (which i'm not familiar on), read SD1 is using 1080i, while nowadays there are 1080p, 24p, 60p etc, not sure if these new formats make a considerable difference in quality.

 

[Bamboopictures]

My experience with consumer camcorders has been that new camcorders are almost always better than old camcorders. In its day, the SD1 is probably only compact prosumer AVCHD camera. Today you have the canon XA10 and the sony MC50. The light sensitivity (or noise) has drastically improved even comparing last year's range and this year's range. This is not about sensor size but image processing. A new panasonic TM700 will dramatically give cleaner pictures in low light than the SD1. Active OIS in the new panasonic and sony range has also improved by leap and bounds these past two years. You can achieve near steadicam results with the Active OIS turned on in the MC50.

But if you are set on the SD1, rest assured that the SD1 will not give black areas on TV screens.
The progressive look is closer to film than interlaced video. But that does not mean one is better or worse. Watching news or sports in progressive will feel weird just as watching movies in interlaced will look unnatural.