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Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

post #1 of 28
1/12/09 at 8:36pm
Thread Starter 
This one:
Sony HDR-XR520V and Sony HDR-XR500V HD camcorders hands-on - infoSync World
YouTube - Sony HDR-XR520V Review CES 2009
Sony HDR-XR520V Handycam First Impressions Camcorder Review - Sony HDD
Sony Upgrades HD Camcorder Line for CES 2009 - Four new HD camcorders, plus three additional standard definition ones - Softpedia

The questions I'm struggling with are:
-Is it worth it to wait till March when the current generation are being closed out at discount prices
-Does GPS tagging mean that much to me
-Does it make sense to spend $1300 plus on a top of the line camcorder when 'decent' ones are soooo much cheaper
-Is 5.1 recording worth it or a gimmick?
-Can iMovie edit in 5.1?

What's a good resource on these AVC based camcorders? Around this time last year I was reading CamCorderinfo boards but never did get the cash together for a camcorder, I'm determined to budget for it this year.
Camcorderinfo.com Message Board - Sony AVCHD HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR12
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post #2 of 28
1/13/09 at 3:06am

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Sam.

The only comment I can make at this point is that I am also
considering the Sony HDR-XR520V.

I have the very first Sony HD camcorder that came out 4-5
years ago, and it still rates as one of the very best. However,
I am very excited about the abilities of the XCR520V under
low-light conditions. Since I do a lot of coverage of consumer
shows, I need all the help I can get under diminished lighting
while getting the best HD quality outdoors.

Generally, 5.1 is not a gimmick. It really works, though I don't
know how iMovie '09 handles it. My guess is that it will decode
the audio signal properly.

The big gripes about this model is the lack of the Carl Zeiss lens
and (what appears to be) the absence of a shoe to slide an
external light or microphone accessory into the top of the camera.
I work with a wireless bluetooth microphone and need the shoe
to slide in the small receiver.

Finally, my biggest fear still remains......AVCHD. I am sure iMovie '09
is compatible, but I do know that the format demands a lot of
resource power to work properly and I fear that the decoding process
will take just as long as if I had to transfer the footage off of a HD tape
in real time.

Let us know what you decide to do.
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post #3 of 28
1/14/09 at 7:38am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Since I do a lot of coverage of consumer shows, I need all the help I can get under diminished lighting while getting the best HD quality outdoors.

--Those are very valid concerns and one of the reasons why I am chomping at the bit to go to a full frame DSLR like the Nikon D700 in addition to getting a camcorder. I do a lot of events for family and friends in churches and restaurants and better low light performance is always a priority.

Generally, 5.1 is not a gimmick. It really works, though I don't
know how iMovie '09 handles it. My guess is that it will decode
the audio signal properly.

--Very Cool. Good to know that it is useful!

The big gripes about this model is the lack of the Carl Zeiss lens
and (what appears to be) the absence of a shoe to slide an
external light or microphone accessory into the top of the camera.
I work with a wireless bluetooth microphone and need the shoe
to slide in the small receiver.

--Hmm, I don't think those are terribly big concerns for me personally. Is the Zeiss lens really all that better than the stock ones? Since I wont be doing interviews external mics arent that big a deal to me either.

Finally, my biggest fear still remains......AVCHD.

--Absolutely. But since I'll be editing on a monster 8 core Mac Pro, the processing shouldn't be all that bad, I hope!
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post #4 of 28
1/14/09 at 3:29pm

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
The big gripes about this model is the lack of the Carl Zeiss lens
As a casual observer, I wouldn't worry that the lens isn't stamped "Carl Zeiss". While a Zeiss lens was once understood as being made from high quality ("optical") glass and of a quality design, in recent years the use of such labeling in mass-produced consumer products has become more a licensed label. My impression from friends in the commercial optics world is that this may mean no more than the manufacturer pays Zeiss (or whomever) for their imprint, and the lens meets some basic quality standards. Look to reviews on how the system works overall, and not whether it has a "Zeiss" trademark.

It reminds me of the way "THX" went from a valuable theater approval to a meaningless logo on $100 computer speakers.
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post #5 of 28
1/15/09 at 6:15am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

That was my feeling too. I've seen a few websites mention the zoom range on this one is the gripe not that it isn't a zeiss.

This article wraps up the current situation in a nutshell:
Buy Now or Wait for a New Camcorder? - infoSync World

They recommend waiting for the new batch to hit the shelves and a few reviews before dropping the cash, if you can wait. I can definitely wait.
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post #6 of 28
1/15/09 at 11:07am

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

I can wait -- especially when I know you will probably buy before
me and be the guinea pig.
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post #7 of 28
1/16/09 at 7:14am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

To be fair I have three major tech purchases planned for this year. The Camcorder, a 1080p projector, and whatever full Frame camera Nikon comes up with that does video and costs less than $3k. That's going to stretch me pretty good. So I don't know if I will be first on the block with this camcorder but I would like to get it for spring sports and some weddings I'm going to this year. The PJ will probably come first, just waiting for the price to come down now that the AE3000s have been on the market for a bit and the early adopter rush is over.
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post #8 of 28
1/16/09 at 8:37am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

On B&H and Sonystyle sites:

Sony | HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam | HDR-XR500V

Sony | HDR-XR520V 240GB High Definition Handycam | HDR-XR520V

Quote:
Offering all of the latest advancements in Handycam camcorder technology, the HDR-XR500V camcorder is ideal for capturing the moment in high definition (HD). Record breathtaking 1920 x 1080 HD video and 12.1 megapixel still images directly to the internal 120GB hard drive. In addition to a professional-quality Sony G lens, this camcorder features a new, larger 1/3.15" ClearVid CMOS image sensor with Exmor-R technology, which delivers superior low-light performance. Additional features include Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology, a built-in GPS receiver, stunning image stabilization and flexible playback and transfer options.
Key Features

• Camera

* 1/2.88" ClearVid CMOS image sensor with Exmor R technology
* 120GB hard disk drive
* Back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS
* 3.2" wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD display
* Sony G Lens
* 12X Optical zoom
* Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
* Face Detection
* Smile Shutter
* Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver

* BRAVIA Sync
* HDMI connection
* Adjustable 0.27" color viewfinder
* Active Interface Shoe
* Power On by opening LCD
* Map Index function
* Dedicated Mic and Headphone jacks
* Dual record with 8.3Mp still image capture
* Assignable Dial
* Adjustable 0.27" color viewfinder

• Video Recording

* 1920 x 1080 HD
* Highlight Playback
* Dolby digital 5.1 channel recording
* Smooth Slow Record
* Film Roll Index

• Still Image Capture

* 12.1Mp Images
* Built-in intelligent flash

• Storage

* Hybrid recording of video and still image to the 120GB HDD or Memory Stick PRO Duo Media


http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665736672
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665736664
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post #9 of 28
2/8/09 at 10:10pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

The one thing that bugs me about the Sonys is no way to record any Progressive modes.

Panasonic's HDC-HS300 HD camcorder reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed - Engadget
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post #10 of 28
2/13/09 at 10:12am

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Holy Moly!

I just saw that quick review and I am ready to ante up for
one of those camcorders.

Going to look around at prices and see what this Panasonic
is going for.
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post #11 of 28
2/26/09 at 1:52pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

B&H has both the 500 and 520 in stock as of this afternoon. I cashed in $500 worth of Microsoft Live Cashback dollars I had in my paypal account and have paid the diff via amex and now have the 500V on its way to me, should be here Monday! Will do a full unboxing and test clip upload once I have it in hand.
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post #12 of 28
2/27/09 at 7:50am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

It's shipped, so it really is in stock.

Sam
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post #13 of 28
2/27/09 at 10:02am

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Sam,

Had to change my reply as I just noticed something....

Why did you not go for the new Panasonic 300?

From the review referenced above it sounds like it's the
"on like Kong" of all camcorders?
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post #14 of 28
2/27/09 at 6:24pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Cause the Sony has shipped and the Panasonic hasnt yet, and I need a camcorder soon. The Sony has some features the Panny doesnt and I'm not sure how often I would use the manual focus ring of the Panny which is the big appeal of it for me.
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post #15 of 28
3/2/09 at 1:20pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Full Unboxing Flickr Set is here at:
09-Sony HDR-XR500V Unbboxing - a set on Flickr

Will be blogging my tests at:
Navesink.Net: Sony HDR-XR500VUnboxing and Testing

Will post Videos at:
EAhoLaula.com - Photos by Sam Posten III - Wider IS Better!- powered by SmugMug

Battery is charging now, so vids soon! Yay for Snow days!

Sam
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post #16 of 28
3/2/09 at 4:41pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

First Video is up on EAhoLaula.com - Photos by Sam Posten III - Wider IS Better!- powered by SmugMug, but it will be of dubious help for you judging the capabilities of this camera.

-Only changes I made to the out of box settings was to select full HD recording, and yes it seems to cap at 16MB.
-I'm not sure if the IS was on or not. I havent read the book yet and the menus were somewhat obtuse. I'm hping it wasnt cause it looks like it could use some stabilization.
-It was shot at Dusk
-I only have iMovie 08, which resizes all files to a max of 920 wide or something stupid like that.
-I'm a total noob with iMovie
-It was shot at dusk
-After iMovie resized it, Smugmug resized it again.

I'm uploading the same file to Flickr to see how that looks. Smugmug makes it look very 'jumpy'.

I'm also going to hook it up to my lcd flat panel later, but that's only a 720p set...
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post #17 of 28
3/2/09 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

The full size iMovie 08 file is here:

Navesink.Net: SonyHDR-XR500V-IcicleTest Film
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post #18 of 28
3/3/09 at 6:35am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

Tried hooking it up to my flat panel last night only to discover it has a MINI-HDMI connector and not a full sized one. WTF, wasn't this the reason HDMI was invented so we didn't have all these different cable standards?

Now to figure out if BestBuy even carries a converter at a humane price or if I need to go to Monoprice....

Also, figured out you CAN do manual focusing, really easily, using the round twistable below the lens. Nice!
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post #19 of 28
3/7/09 at 10:00pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Thinking about the new Sony HD camcorder to go with iMovie '09

OK I'm having a bitch of a time with iMovie and it will be a while before I can get my hands on Premiere due to how long it takes going through the school.

No matter what I do with iMovie if I make the video larger than the 'large' default output it puts in NASTY looking scan lines.

So, large is as good as I can put up right now.

Here ya go, please right click and save as once each, don't kill my bandwidth =)

-Commute-

The raw video looks AWESOME out of the camera now that I have the mini-hdmi connector too.
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post #20 of 28
1/12/10 at 7:18pm
Dear Sam,
I have noticed that you hav ebeen using the sony xr500v for a while , I have it for a few days and I could not open any video files in imovie HD. stills only. do you use imovie HD now , you did not have a problem opening video files in imovie . how can i do that?
Also I have noticed that during video playback INcamera, when you press PAUSE and then press FASTFORWARD i get a slow smooth forward motion but when i press pause and back forward all i get is a series of jerky backward stills. shouldnt i tbe slow backward motion too? 
since you have been using sony for a while now can ou please give me your feedback and any issues i should be looking out for as I am still considering a trade between sony and canon Hs 10. Any help woul dbe very much appreciated.
ps:should i get an extended warranty?
Thank you :)))
Marina
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post #21 of 28
1/13/10 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 
Yup, iMovie 2009 works 100% fine now with this camera since they patched the scan line problem.  To connect to imovie have your camera turned off and iMovie Closed.  Open your camera.  Set it to USB mode.  Connect your USB cable.  Open iMovie.  Click on the camera button to get it to import, and you should see all of your clips.

Good luck!

Sam
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post #22 of 28
1/13/10 at 12:45pm
Know anything about importing DV video to iMovie? A coworker has found that iMovie discards every other line (of the image) when importing video from his digital-tape video camera. He can't find any fix for it. The Genius Bar was ignorant of this.

So he's using his Windows PC for video editing because the Windows software is so much better for his camera.
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post #23 of 28
1/13/10 at 2:09pm
My question coincides with Dave's.

Initially, Macs were notorious for working
with AVCHD camcorders.  It took a lot of
processing power and it wasn't a very quick
nor fluid experience transferring video for the
end user.

Has that finally been resolved somehow?
Are Macs now better equipped to handle
AVCHD?  Is the process quick and simple
as dragging clips from the camcorder into
iMovie and then burning to DVD or other
media/fomats?
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post #24 of 28
1/13/10 at 3:39pm
Quick side note: Got a Flip Ultra HD. Have only dabbled with it, but it seems like a great complement to iMovie. Not a high-end camera, but easy, affordable, and good-enough quality for Toastmasters, vacation, and cat videos :)
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post #25 of 28
1/13/10 at 6:10pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein View Post

Has that finally been resolved somehow?
Are Macs now better equipped to handle
AVCHD?  Is the process quick and simple
as dragging clips from the camcorder into
iMovie and then burning to DVD or other
media/fomats?

Works fine for me:
http://www.vimeo.com/6902803

http://www.vimeo.com/7036551

I import all my raw video by a click and drag to a video folder, knowing that eventually I will outgrow iMovie and move to Final Cut Studio or Premiere.  So those are my long term archives.  I then do an import to imovie using the medium size,slightly smaller than 720p if I remember right.  I then do my edits and output to vimeo, which works great, cause it also keeps the full size as a download for you. 

I will note that even the Mac Pro stutters playing back raw AVCHD files.  That will change in the next OS update or when i move to Premiere CS5 on its release, as those functions will be moved off the CPU to the GPU.  I posted links on that months ago, can bump that if you want.

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post #26 of 28
1/13/10 at 6:31pm
Sam,
On your iMovie import, you're having it reduce the size? The issue my friend has is that you can't import at full, original resolution. Have you tried an unmodified import? (I'm don't know video enough to know if AVCHD is related to the DV format he uses, but maybe it's of a similar kind.)
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post #27 of 28
1/13/10 at 9:12pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, I could and have but don't need to.  If you go through my vimeo stream you will see some older 1080 stuff in there but honestly they look better at the smaller sizes and take up a LOT less space.  If you are going to be pushing to TV go nuts and do full rez, if you are doing stuff for the web don't bother.

Again, I'm keeping all my original AVCHD files as a seperate area and am not worried in the least about losing the editing work I have done on making these iMovie videos smaller if I decide in the future I wanted them bigger.  YMMV.
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post #28 of 28
1/22/10 at 10:34pm
I picked up a Sony HDR-XR200V last year to take with me to Cedia. Since my laptop had Windows Vista on it I downloaded AVS Video Editor which does a good job in allowing you to import your videos and then edit them. It then allows you to convert them to a video format like .mov or .mpg where you can then upload them to
YouTube. I have found that shooting in 720p for files that I am going to upload to YouTube works the best to keep file size down (YouTube limits the file upload size)
and still give you a good looking video.

I also picked up the wireless Bluetooth mic for it. When you go to a place like CEDIA you have to be able to mic the guy you are interviewing or all you get is background and can barely hear the conversation. I also found that with this mic you have to set it in mono recording because there again if you have it set for 5.1 you lose your speaker to background audio. Amazon has a great kit that includes an extra battery, case and wireless mic.

I have never used the GPS as I didn't really see a need to.

I will say that I wasn't that happy with the still shots. They tended to look either washed out or grainy. I have to play around with it more but that is the one complaint I have about it.

I also picked up an extra battery the NP-FH70 which gives you great run time and doesn't add much weight to the camera. The NP-FH100 really sticks out the back of the camera and makes it more unbalanced in your hand.


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