Sony unveils HD options with HDR-UX1 AVCHD cam alo

Looks as though things are going to get even better for shooting HD - Sony has announced what is essentially an HC3 with manual focus and integrated 30GB HD or DL miniDVD recording with the h.264 codec.

From my POV, the HDD model is more appealing since it is essentially a device that can store more information than the dual layer miniDVD's and from what appears to be added features over the HC3 - no word yet on MWB though...

http://www.uwdv.com/index.php/option/content/task/view/id/79

Uh Oh,

Now I'm in trouble

I like the idea of having a 30GB drive on board, not so enamoured of the DVD-R option. Any word on the outbound interface from the camera (presumably it will still be Firewire/iLink).

Damn you Bill, damn you to West Virginia :glare:

Just found the information on the HDD based version of this camera - I like what I'm reading - 24mb throughput to the HDD!!!

Check out the news post - http://www.uwdv.com/index.php/option/content/task/view/id/80

Here's an interesting little link in defense of storing video to tape. Burokas has some interesting points to consider. -Barrett

see

http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticl...ArticleID=11541

HI Barrett - I read the article and yes, he does raise some very interesting points. So where does one draw the line regarding the matter of HD then? There are still quite a number of indie's shooting DVX100a's, PD170's, VX2100's, and even DVCAM (my fav the PDX10) - Although HD is great to look at, there are so many hidden costs (needing new computers, monitors, housings, cameras, etc).

Don't get me wrong, HDV is nice, but one could make the same argument AGAINST HDV for the majority of shooters. One still has to consider the storage of larger video files - how does one store that kind of information on tape realistically? (I currently shoot with a TRV950 in a L&M Bluefin housing with external monitor)

Now, I don't shoot HD yet - have been waiting for this kind of announcement from SONY for the last few months. Shooting High quality DVCAM or miniDV is still viable then if one considers the practical matters of storage. I view the idea of the integrated HDD media as a way to economically provide HDV footage and then move it to another storage media.

If I am not mistaken, these cameras utilize standard laptop drives - although I could be wrong. What's to say one can't do an upgrade after the warranty expires? 30GB HDD now, 160GB drive later...

I must admit that I'm just now sorting through the ramnifications of built in hard drives. One thing I like about tapes is that I can film an area, event, lens, etc and just pop the tape out, title it, and edit it later.

Cliff, you mentioned that HDV requires larger storage. I don't think that is really true. Due to compression an hour of HDV fits on a miniDV tape as does an hour of SDV.

I suspect that Sony has done their homework, but it's not obvious to me that built in hard drives are the be all and end all for shooting lots of video in remote locations.

Regarding hidden costs of HDV: There are two ways to look at new housings, computers, and monitors.

1. I have to buy a new TV monitor.

2. I have to buy a new TV monitor.

:-) -Barrett

My biggest concern with shooting directly to a built in hard drive or to a dvd would be the change in work flow for editting. I currently use a DSR-11 dvr which would essentially become a paper weight if I went to one of these types of systems.

With a built in hard drive, I would have to use the camera every time I wanted to capture video. I don't like that option due to the extra wear and tear on the camera.

With shooting to dvd (I am assuming that it will use a compression scheme at least a little different that I am used to)

Maybe its because I am used to the workflow, but I like being able to capture from tape and then still have the original tape if needed.

Any word on pricing for either of these cameras yet?

I have had several people tell me that they have had problems shooting hdv to harddrive (with a HDR-Z1U). dropped frames and lots of noise. These were high dollar units so it concerns me that you may have to deal with these kind of issues constantly with a cheaper camera.

Joe

http://www.underwaterul.com

Mini DV and HDV both have the same storage requirements with identical bitrates of 25Mbps. HDV footage, if stored in an intermediate format such as Cineform is approximately 2 1/2 times higher, but that is not necessary for editing. You can store and edit the native 25Mbps MPEG2, or if you have the drive space, store and edit in an intermediate format. As far as computers are concerned, I edit HDV footage on my over 2 year old DV computer that I had before Sony ever announced their HDV cameras, and it works just fine. HDV costs are really not that much higher than equivalent DV equipment, and with the benefit of nearly 6 times the resolution, it is actually quite a bargain. You can also edit HDV just fine on a standard computer monitor, but an HDTV is a real big plus. Just shoot whatever format (DV,HDV,etc.) that suits your requirements and budget, and enjoy what you do. There will always be something better around the corner, so dive in to whatever format suits you, or just be happy with what you already have. I have some absolutely incredible DV footage, but I'll never shoot in that format again.

Just found the information on the HDD based version of this camera - I like what I'm reading - 24mb throughput to the HDD!!!

 

Check out the news post - http://www.uwdv.com/index.php/option/content/task/view/id/80

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lots of speculation still, but I've been reading that the maximum quality recording setting has a data rate of only 15mbps (H.264).

Does anyone know how this would compare to 24mbps mpeg2, or whatever it is that current tape HDV is compressed to? From what I remember the new generation of HDDVD players will be 24mbps - does this mean that this cam is not going to come up with the maximum quality playback for HDDVD or Blueray?

Like I said there is still lots of speculation at the moment, so not sure if what I read was hard facts, or just rumour...

Cheers, Simon

I agree with Barrett; there are several cams that record to DVD out but the compression involved precludes any real quality in the imaging. Recording to a hard drive has the greatest potential and Panasonic has opened the door but not wide enough for uw shooters to pass through. While the cost of the P2 cards is dropping and the capacity is increasing it still has a very long way to go before one could take one of those on a dive excursion and have sufficient HD space to film. One would also need , at this point, to carry and external HD with them just to dump off the cards. I do believe that eventually, recording to an internal HD will be the future for us all but that is still several years away....figure 4 dives a day for 10 days...capturing, lets say, 5-10 min. of decent footage on average per dive. How much hard drive space would you need for the entire expedition?

Barrett, if it hasn't been said before, let me say that it is great that you have started to become a part of this site....you're in the business and it is a real plus to have an expert like yourself providing feedback.

Steve B)

Here's where it all starts. HDD systems will become the norm in a few years, IMHO, next year sees the launch of RED which will really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Mark.

Hey Steve, I know this is way off topic but here's a link to the Blue Corner experience I told you about the other day. Still wanna come to my 'Playground'?

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7039

ABSOLUTELY!

Steve B)