Between them, these high-end camcorders are distinguished rather by their handling and their equipment more than the quality of picture and sound.
For cons, the difference with the low-end camcorders is much more visible.
A small anectote not lacking flavor: a rumor that the HD909 was such good pictures that halted the sale of the camcorders "broadcast" semi-professionals.
The X909 successor model is a little less "sharp" as the HD 909, which meanwhile is sold for more Used that it was costing only nine at the time.
All this to say that the quality of the image, it is hard to beat, especially for the price.
As for fulminant resolutions labels announcing the resolutions of the kind MP 24, we can forget about them, they are interpolated resolutions for photos, sensitivity of the sensor (or sensors Pana 3) is of the order of 5 or 6 MP , which is absolutely outstanding for the film. For current sensors, it seems that is a question of future sensors 4K castrated and adapted for the moment to Leica and Zeiss lenses of these cameras.
One thing I forgot: The mechanical stabilizer Sony with a floating lens is an important difference with the Panasonic.
As for blur by moving the focus from the first to second place as it can be done with pro camcorders, well I was wrong, I managed to do it without too much difficulty playing with the goal.
The daughter of TV station started to think seriously about buying these camcorders for Class B and C shooting and equip trainees or beginners.
They are still 5 x cheaper than reporting Camcorders.
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I bought two of these camcorders: The first refurbished as new for 935 Euro in Germany and the second in a new retailer for just 1.000 Euro.
There is no difference, except that Amazon offers for "reconditioned", the carton was damaged, which for 67 Euro, is the same to me.
I spent 2 weeks of research to find a camcorder worthy of succession to my Panasonic HDC-SD909.
The HDC-SD909 is a great device, still current today and sold for 900 Euro, but I was looking for a more sophisticated camcorder
- Viewfinder of great clarity and high definition
- The most advanced sensor, extreme clarity and higher definition or potential sensitivity
- Instantaneous service so simple to use but highly sophisticated integrated automation reliable
- Built-in Video Light
- Built-in microphone 5.1, 3.5mm jack for external microphone jack and sound control for headphones
- High quality optics, clear and bright, so Zeiss or Leica shutter with f: 1.4 or 1.8.
- Zoom max. 12-20x, the rest is a sham and is practically unusable.
- Great quality screen, of course "Touch screen" or touch.
In fact, my eldest daughter is often nocturnal stories for a TV station with a big professional camera and I wanted to get the same results but without setting a dozen buttons or dials or monitor multiple parameters on a big 5 or cam 6 kg with interchangeable lenses.
To cut it short, I am not disappointed!
One thing is clear: With the Zeiss lens fixed, you can not do blur when depth of field (Bokeh) and varying the focal transferring accuracy background to foreground subject or vice versa. For such effects, I use a Lumix GH2 and GH3 with Micro Four Thirds Lenses Leica, Olympus Zuiko-or Panasonic, but these cameras are difficult to handle and very bulky. Small Sony or Panasonic camcorders go into the pocket of a jacket or handbag of my wife. In addition, their use is extremely easy etc. I will return to this point.
During my research, I set myself a max budget. 1,300 Euro and the solutions were very limited:
Finally, there was the market that met four camcorders more or less my expectations:
- Sony HDRP-PJ780VE
- Sony HDRP-PJ650VE
- Panasonic HC-X909 or 929 with Zeiss lens
- Canon Legria HF G30
Also I searched in vain throughout Europe Sony HDR CX730E, predecessor of HDRP PJ780VE the little used aircraft being offered at prohibitive prices (eg. 1300 Euro) by questionable vendors with appreciations negative. It seems that HCX 730 owners are not willing to part with it.
I quickly eliminated the following Canon direct comparisons of shots available on Youtube.
The night scenes of Pana seemed interesting but rather cold. Finally, the test published in the German magazine "Warentest" and I bought online for 3 Euro, which was decisive. In this test, among others with night-shots of Times Square in New York, the PJ780 HDRP was the only camcorder capable of accurately show non-illuminated windows of skyscrapers despite the huge neon advertisements on the same image. In addition, all notes, particularly regarding the sound chapter, were significantly above the other camcorders, the PJ780 is HDRP winner on all aspects.
That said, I must say I was annoyed to have to pay for a projector, a GPS module or WIFI connection that I do not have the utility, but there is no alternative exists, the model below ( PJ650) also these gadgets and is a little less efficient. The only alternative is the CX730E predecessor, but as I said, unable to find one at a reasonable price!
Finally, after the first night shots in restaurants, indoor and outdoor candles, I am very impressed by the performance as well as optical sound of HDRP-PJ780VE.
Clarity and precision are absolutely extraordinary and it must be seen to be believed. Even in a forest 20 minutes after sunset, the camera still produces images almost valid. It is really surprising. Also for night shots from a vehicle.
The stabilization system is superior to anything that I know so far: even taken by walking, the sequences are very stable. Of course, you still have to make great efforts. The video light allows shooting with natural colors to about 4m. The camera starts pulling on the viewfinder and the time to bring it to the eye, it is 100% ready, automatic settings are impeccable! The only loupées shots are those of the full moon with a maximum magnification. A big white and cloudy spot, that's all I could get the camcorder.
As for the projector, it is more valuable than I expected: With my wife, we spent und half hour lying on the bed watching shooting. Anyway, it's not a movie, but it's convenient.
Another positive detail: The Zoom lever is superb. With a little practice and skill, it is possible to maneuver very slowly. With my Pana HDC-SD909, I never reached such beautiful effects of Zoom.
The batteries of our Sony CX-305 pass-on HDRP PJ780VE. I ordered a few extra batteries anyway. They are less expensive than equivalent Pana. Sony NP-NV70 costs 55 Euro and provides about 3-4 hours of operation according to more or less intensive use of the screen. The equivalent model in Pana costs 100 Euro. NP-FV100 currently costs 75 Euro, is enough for a whole day, but it is a bit long and bothersome to use the viewfinder. The Pana battery are too expensive, I just ordered from Amazon Germany expensive Batteries Hähnel the mark (N260 2360 mAh 40 Euro and 50 Euro N390 3540 mAh) and hopes to get the same quality as the originals. By cons, for our 3 Sony Camcorder, we can afford the originals.
I think it is important to consider this point because one can easily spend 100 to 200 Euro extra for a good range of batteries.
Well, it is time to conclude:
In my view, the Sony-HDRP PJ780VE is in the category "Consumer" currently the best camcorder, and this on all levels: Picture, Sound, equipment, comfort.
The menus are not obvious, but we made it (it must be). In any case, this device meets my expectations 100%.
As-priced, do not let impress by 1,400 Euro from the official list. By looking carefully, I found the camera at a retailer for Euro 1000 and lately there were 2 at Amazon.com reconditioned slightly above 900 Euro. I bought one of them and it was absolutely new. The packing was a bit torn and topped with Scotch, but since I saved over 100 Euro, I weighed ...
