Camcorders forum: Sony HDR-SR11 or Canon HG10

Have you done some research regarding the two? Here are some starting links:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=283358&messageID=2700735#2700735
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=286043&messageID=2718193#2718193
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=282295&messageID=2694465#2694465
http://www.camcorderinfo.com

If you are interested in looking at tape based camcorders, the HV20/30 is another good option. For much more information, search this forum.

With hard drive camcorders, videos are stored as individual files like you said. Stills and videos are recorded to the hard drive. When you connect the camcorder to the computer, it is recognized like an external hard drive. All you have to do is copy the video files from the camcorder to the computer (pretty fast transfer speeds via USB) and you're ready to use them for editing or DVD burning. Keep in mind the video files are in the MPEG2 format so the viewing/editing software needs to be able to handle MPEG2 video files.

With miniDV camcorders, the video is stored on the tape from start to finish straight through. There are no separate files. In order to transfer the video to the computer, you hook up the camcorder via Firewire (not USB, too many problems around here) and import the video. Now, the difference is that 60 minutes of video on the camcorder will take 60 minutes to import to the computer. You cannot store still photos on the tape. That is why you need a memory card to store those. Once in the computer, you can import the one long video file into pretty much any software and edit it as you like. Then you can burn to DVD.

It's no problem. We all had to start somewhere. Hope this helped.

There are no "lost" frames between clips. If you record an event with both types of camcorder, start and stop at the same time, and import to the computer. Each will play the exact same way. There is always a minuscule "switching" gap between scenes. Not any camcorder's fault.

Chances are, most people record more than one small event per tape. If so, once it is imported, you MUST use a video editor to cut out the other event so you can make a DVD of that specific event. No relative wants to see the extra footage of say a football game on that same tape, they want to see the kids playing. This would be where individual clips can be a time saver. Say your clip of the kids is 15 minutes long, drag and drop that clip from the hard drive camcorder onto the computer and burn to DVD. That simple and with no need for a video editor.

Just a note to any camcorder owner: BACK UP YOUR FOOTAGE. Keeping two copies is a very good idea. (If three or more copies can be made, that's even better.) Technology can (and eventually will) go wrong.

I'm not saying miniDV isn't the best way to go. I'm trying to say that there are more options out there. Just to let people know, DVDs you rent or buy are recorded in the MPEG2 format. MPEG2 is not a "bad" way of recording video.

I'll also point you to a moderator's response to an earlier similar question:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=288748&messageID=2735289#2735289

Let us know how you like it once you get it. It's always good to get some real world feedback.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

I saw that the Sony HDR-SR11 is $180 less through Dell then anywhere else I've seen. Has anyone purchased anything from Dell and how was the service?

Dell must have been running a 1 day sale, or they corrected the price. It's not listed at $1200. I think I'll just go to Best Buy and buy it. It'll be easier to return in case there are issues since I don't have to mail anything.

I never purchase extended warranty because I think it's a scam but would you recommend buying a replacement plan through them, or just stick with the Sony warranty?

i would def go with Canon. I trust them with Cameras, I actually was thinking of getting that camera a while back.

I saw a nice little deal on those classifieds ad sites (cliQs.com) someone was selling a used one but not bad for the deal.

Found this price today on Sonic Cameras site: $619, free S&H. Have seen nothing close to that on any other site. Anybody have experience with this outfit? Most prices for the SR11 are in the $1000 +/- 100. I'm skeptical of deep discounts.

I bought the Sony at Best Buy last week for $1130 and declined the extended warrenty. I read about Best Buy's service plans and from everything I saw from information and people's experiences, seems more like a headache then something useful.

So far the camera has been great. Still reading about it and how to use all the features. The quality has been great so far and I'm just looking at the LCD on the camera. I can't wait to take some videos and download them and start editing to get a real feel for the quality and ease of use. So far in the short time I've used it, I'm happy.

The $139 extended warranty basically means that if your camcorder breaks down in 4 yrs or less, you'll either get (a) your existing cam fixed/replaced if broken or (b) you'll get a new cam if the SR11 is discontinued in before 2012. My Magellan GPS broke down at the 3 3/4 yr mark and BB gave me a brand new GPS for the $25 my wife bought the Protection Plan 3 3/4 yrs ago. Ever since then, I buy everything through them JUST to get get the warranty.

Sorry to hear of your experience. If I were you, I would be sure to check with UPS to ask if they actually have an investigation in process.
Also check with whatever credit card, bank, or other agencies involved in the payment process. It seems to me the credibility of the supplier is suspect. CNET members should be alerted as well as the BBB. When I checked with them, i.e., Better Business Bureau, they said they had heard of the company, but had nothing to report. Your situation deserves more publicity and you deserve applause for bringing it to light. Harken to the old warning, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't."

This isn't the thread to start the chain of vendor annoyances. This thread is about the Canon HG10 vs the Sony SR11. Please either start your own discussion thread or continue one of the many started previously on the issue of bad sellers. Thanks.