EDIT CAMCORDER MEGA TEST
INTRO
Will your camcorder work with an edit
controller? Here's five mid-market machines that won't leave you high and dry
when you want to do some serious video movie-making
COPY
The truth is you can use almost any camcorder
as an edit source deck, irrespective of make, model or format, but if you want
to progress beyond simple tidying jobs then you're better off with a machine
that is fitted with an editing terminal. An editing terminal is basically a
socket that connects the camcorder to an edit controller, a computer controlled
device which operates both the source and destination decks. It sounds rather
complicated but editing is simply copying selected scenes from a camcorder to a
VCR in a pre-determined order; an edit controller automates and speeds up the
whole process. They needn't be expensive, the cheapest ones start at around
£100, see this month's Shop Window for a run-down of the most widely available
controllers.
It's important to remember that there are
just two types of edit terminal fitted to domestic and semi-pro camcorders: the
Control L (or LANC) system devised by Sony, and fitted to most of their
machines, a few Canon and Sanyo models and Sony clones; the other one is the
Panasonic 5-Pin (or RMC) system, used on some of their middle-market and
top-end models (and clones marketed by Philips ). Facilities such as syncro or
instant edit are not the same; they can only transfer one scene at a time, and
will normally only work with VCRs from the same manufacturer. Within the last
year a small number of machines, made by JVC and Sanyo, have appeared that come
with their own dedicated edit controllers and we have included a them in this
round-up of edit-friendly camcorders.
JVC GR-AX75
VHS-C £850
The GR-AX75 is the newest machine in this
selection, launched late last year. It's an upgrade of the AX55 VHS-C
palmcorder, the first camcorder (only by a matter of weeks), to come with its
own edit controller; JVC call it RAE or random assemble editing. The AX75 costs
around £100 more than the AX55 but the outfit includes a revised remote control handset which can access a
number of important facilities, including audio dub, insert edit, interval
timer and index mark; AX55 owners have to buy an optional handset costing over
£80. In addition the AX75 has a 20x digital zoom, electronic image stabiliser,
manual exposure control and uprated auto and program exposure systems, in short
it's well worth the extra.
The feature list should appeal to more
adventurous users; it has a seven-mode AE option, covering most routine
shooting situations (sports, portrait, twilight etc.), plus a couple of
interesting creative settings, like monotone (black and white) and fog, which
superimposes an electronic mist onto the picture. Like the AX55 it also has a
built-in video light, useful in dingy surroundings, but on the downside it has
the same two-button manual focus system, which can be quite awkward to use.
Otherwise its a versatile and easy to use little machine.
The RAE system can memorise up to 8 scenes,
and then play them back again in any pre-selected order. The remote handset
controls the record/pause function on the destination VCR, it's programmed with
the control codes for most of the VCRs sold in this country, but check first to
make sure yours is included. Accuracy is adequate for most routine editing
jobs, the system is tied into the camcorder's real-time tape counter, so at
best cuts are within plus or minus one second of the nominated edit points,
though much also depends on the characteristics of the VCR it is used with .
The AX75 is the ideal machine for non-teccys,
who want some creative input, to get more out of their video movie-making and
try their hand at editing, but want to avoid the all the expense and
paraphernalia that goes with high-end machines and some edit control systems.
OPTICS/GENERAL
Zoom/lens x10 (x20 digital), f1.8, 6-60mm
Filter diameter 43mm
CCD 0.3in
Min. illum. (lux) 4
Size (mm) 184 x 120 x 111
Weight 1kg (inc. tape and battery)
VIDEO DECK
Long Play (LP) yes
Max. rec. time 90 mins (LP mode)
IR remote control ? yes
Edit terminal? yes, RAE system
MAIN FACILITIES
Programmed AE? yes (7-mode)
Manual white balance? yes
Power zoom yes
Manual zoom? no
Backlight compensation yes (AE mode)
Insert edit? yes
Audio Dub? yes
Character generator? no
Digital Superimposer? no
Image stabiliser? yes
Video light? yes
(built-in)
Fader? yes
Digital effects no
Digital zoom? yes
AUDIO
Stereo? no
Mic socket? no
PERFORMANCE
Resolution 240-lines
Colour fidelity good
Picture stability average
Colour bleed slight (blue)
White balance good
Exposure good
Autofocus lively
Audio performance average
Insert edit clean
Playback thru adaptor good
VC RATINGS
Value for money 8
Ease of use 8
Performance 8
Features 9
PANASONIC NV-S7 S-VHS-C £999
The NV-S7 S-VHS-C palmcorder is a real
survivor, it's been around for almost two years now, and is still going strong,
though be warned, its days are numbered. The reason it has lasted so long is
simple, it's a great little machine that appeals to video movie-makers of all
abilities and aspirations. It scores well on all levels; enthusiasts appreciate
the outstanding picture quality, thanks to its Super VHS-C recording system, it
has hi-fi quality stereo sound, a full set of manual exposure controls, some
ingenious digital effects, and advanced editing facilities, including an edit
terminal and time-code recording system. If all that sounds rather complicated
relax, the S7 functions perfectly well
as a fully-automatic point and shoot machine -- it's virtually granny proof --
but the extra facilities are there as and when you need them.
There are a few niggles, though. We're not
very impressed by the button-operated manual focus; it should have an insert
edit facility; the control labelling could be clearer and the lack of audio dub
is most annoying. But that's about it, it's still a very likeable little
machine.
The S7's editing terminal actually uses an
11-pin socket; Panasonic call it the 'new' edit terminal though it's fully compatible
with the original 5-pin type. The extra pins are there to carry audio and video
signals, simplifying connection with suitable edit controllers, though as yet
none have appeared with this new type of connector. The S7 has a VITC (vertical
interval time-code) recording system in which each picture frame is given an
invisible identity code. The code can be read by a number of advanced
controllers, and used to make 'frame-accurate' edits, though in practice
accuracy will normally be to within +/- 5 to 10 frames, when using domestic
equipment.
When it was first launched the S7 broke new
ground in palmcorder design; two years on it and still looks fresh as a daisy.
Some of the more recent arrivals are beginning to give it a run for its money,
which is why we can expect to see it bow out gracefully over the next few
months, but don't let that put you off. It's still worth tracking down if
you're looking for a top-grade palmcorder with better than average picture and
sound performance, some outstanding creative facilities and those advanced
editing functions.
OPTICS/GENERAL
Zoom/lens x8 (x16 digital), f/1.4, 6-48mm
Filter diameter 43mm
CCD 0.3in
Min. illum. (lux) 3
Size (mm) 156 x 118 x 204
Weight 1kg (inc. tape and battery)
VIDEO DECK
Long Play (LP) yes
Max. rec. time 90 mins (LP mode)
IR remote control ? no
Edit terminal? yes, 5-pin/RMC system
MAIN FACILITIES
Programmed AE? no
Manual white balance? yes
Power zoom yes
Manual zoom? no
Backlight compensation no
Insert edit? no
Audio Dub? no
Character generator? no
Digital Superimposer? no
Image stabiliser? yes
Video light? no
Fader? yes/black
Digital effects yes
Digital zoom? yes
AUDIO
Stereo? yes
Mic socket? yes
PERFORMANCE
Resolution 400-lines
Colour fidelity very good
Picture stability good
Colour bleed none
White balance very good
Exposure good
Autofocus good
Audio performance good
Insert edit clean
Playback thru adaptor good
VC RATINGS
Value for money 9
Ease of use 9
Performance 9
Features 9
SANYO VM-EX30 8mm £800
The EX30 was the second camcorder to come
with its own edit controller, though Sanyo took a radically different approach
to JVC by incorporating the controller into a handset fitted with a 2.2-inch
colour LCD monitor screen. The monitor-handset has a number of applications in
addition to editing; it contains an
infra-red remote control system that operates both the camcorder and an
optional motorised pan/tilt head, as well as the record-pause function on the
destination VCR, when used for editing.
The edit controller is exceptionally easy to
use, it can replay up to five selected scenes and these are shown on the
monitor screen. Like the JVC system it uses the machine's real-time tape
counter to designate the start and stop points of each scene, so accuracy can
never be better than plus or minus a second, but this is quite good enough for
most people, interested in cleaning up holiday tapes, or putting together a
short video movie. If the 5-scene edit system is too much of a limitation the
EX30 also has a Control L or LANC socket, so it can also be used with more
advanced edit controllers.
Apart from the monitor-handset the EX30 is a
fairly basic 8mm compact. It has a simple 5-mode AE system, mono sound and
predominantly automatic camera controls. Consequently it is very easy to use,
though the AE system has quite limited scope and can only deal with fairly
straightforward shooting situations. The manual focus control is rather fiddly
and perilously close to the microphone, otherwise it handles quite well. The EX30
concept has been well thought out, and it's the perfect introduction to video
editing for anyone concerned about the apparent complexity, though unlike the
JVC AX75 the EX30's lack of facilities and fairly average picture performance
may prove a limitation for anyone wishing to get more deeply involved in the
creative side of video movie-making.
OPTICS/GENERAL
Zoom/lens 10x, f/1.8, 5.8-58m
Filter diameter 37mm
CCD 0.3in
Min. illum. (lux) 2 (low light mode)
Size (mm) 119 x 111 x 205
Weight 1.1 kg (inc. tape and battery)
VIDEO DECK
Long Play (LP) yes
Max. rec. time 240 mins (LP mode)
IR remote control ? yes
Edit terminal? yes, LANC/Control L (see text)
MAIN FACILITIES
Programmed AE? yes (5-mode)
Manual white balance? no
Power zoom yes
Manual zoom? no
Backlight compensation no
Insert edit? no
Audio Dub? no
Character generator? no
Digital Superimposer? no
Image stabiliser? no
Video light? no
Fader? yes
Digital effects no
Digital zoom? yes
AUDIO
Stereo? no
Mic socket? no
PERFORMANCE
Resolution >230-lines
Colour fidelity average
Picture stability average
Colour bleed none
White balance average
Exposure average
Autofocus average
Audio performance average
Insert edit manual inserts clean
Playback thru adaptor N/A
VC RATINGS
Value for money 9
Ease of use 8
Performance 8
Features 9
SONY CCD-TR303 8mm £750`
When it comes to editing Sony are a tough act
to follow, almost every one of their camcorders made since the early 1980's
have been fitted with Control L edit terminals, and they market one of the most
extensive range of edit controllers and post-production equipment. The TR303 is
one of their current range of mid-market palmcorders, it's just passed its
first birthday, so look out for discounts as its replacement should be with us
soon. Although physically small it is very well built, has a functional, rather
than exotic facilities and performance, and a broad appeal for anyone looking
for an easy to use, go-anywhere type of machine.
The exposure system is largely automatic,
though it is supplemented by a capable four-mode program AE system with
settings for portrait shots, sports action, low-light conditions and a fixed
fast high-speed shutter (1/4000th sec), for improving replay quality of fast
movement. The controls are well-spaced and accessible and it feels quite
comfortable; the manual focus thumbwheel isn't ideal but it's better than some
we could mention, and the built-in, sliding lens-cover is very convenient.
Picture quality is reasonable and the
automatic controls cope well with most commonly encountered situations;
enthusiasts will have to look elsewhere though, as the 303's creative features
are notable mainly by their absence. Clearly this machine doesn't have any
pretensions towards serious video movie-making, but there's nothing wrong with
that; it is very well suited to it's target market, family users, people on the
move, and those with the foresight to realise that one day they may want to
edit their recordings.
OPTICS/GENERAL
Zoom/lens 10x, f/1.8, 5.8-58m
Filter diameter 37mm
CCD 0.3in
Min. illum. (lux) 1
Size (mm) 109 x 109 x 178
Weight 1.1 kg (inc. tape and battery)
VIDEO DECK
Long Play (LP) yes
Max. rec. time 240 mins (LP mode)
IR remote control ? yes
Edit terminal? yes, LANC/Control L
MAIN FACILITIES
Programmed AE? yes (4-mode)
Manual white balance? no
Power zoom yes
Manual zoom? no
Backlight compensation no
Insert edit? no
Audio Dub? no
Character generator? no
Digital Superimposer? no
Image stabiliser? no
Video light? no
Fader? yes
Digital effects no
Digital zoom? no
AUDIO
Stereo? no
Mic socket? yes
PERFORMANCE
Resolution 230-lines
Colour fidelity average
Picture stability good
Colour bleed slight
White balance average
Exposure good
Autofocus average
Audio performance average
Insert edit manual inserts variable
Playback thru adaptor N/A
VC RATINGS
Value for money 8
Ease of use 8
Performance 7
Features 7
SONY CCD-FX500 8mm £800
A real classic, but sadly not with us for
much longer as Sony are discontinuing the FX range of compact 8mm camcorders.
Aside from its control L editing terminal the most important feature is the Hi8
recording system, which gives outstanding picture quality, though like the
Panasonic S7 it needs to be seen on a recently-built TV (fitted with an S-Video
input) to fully appreciate the enhanced clarity and colour reproduction. High
quality pictures are complimented by hi-fi stereo sound and a full set of
manual camera controls, which means this is a machine for the serious video
movie-maker. That's not meant to imply it is difficult to use, far from it; the
fully automatic camera systems can be relied upon to get it right in all but
the most demanding situations. There's also a two mode program AE system
(portrait and sports) but the F700 really comes into its own when controlled
manually. It has a full-range iris, shutter and white balance controls, and one
of the best manual focusing systems around, with a ring around the lens barrel
controlling the focus servo; it looks and functions like a conventional
front-focus lens.
There's a few neat design touches, including
a tiny folding stand on the underside of the machine, unusually good insert
edit facility and a sportsfinder eyepiece, that can be comfortably viewed at a
distance. Balance and handling are both very good, and it feels solidly built;
that's important for semi-pro users, this is a machine that is going to have to
earn its keep. Picture quality is very good, samples we've tested were just
below the industry benchmark for high-band machines of 400-lines, but this tiny
shortfall wouldn't be apparent on most types of recording. More importantly
it's an ideal source machine for editing, second and even third generation
copies of Hi8 material can still look better than 8mm or VHS-C originals.
The FX700 isn't cheap, or as instantly
appealing to point-and-shoot users but it is a willing workhorse for serious
video movie-makers seeking that rare combination of performance, versatility
and reliability.
OPTICS/GENERAL
Zoom/lens 10x, f/1.6, 6.1-61m
Filter diameter 37mm
CCD 0.3in
Min. illum. (lux) 2
Size (mm) 118 x 108 x 265
Weight 1.07 kg (inc. tape and battery)
VIDEO DECK
Long Play (LP) yes
Max. rec. time 240 mins (LP mode)
IR remote control ? yes
Edit terminal? yes, LANC/Control L
MAIN FACILITIES
Programmed AE? yes (3-mode)
Manual white balance? no
Power zoom yes
Manual zoom? no
Backlight compensation yes
Insert edit? no
Audio Dub? no
Character generator? no
Digital Superimposer? no
Image stabiliser? no
Video light? no
Fader? yes
Digital effects no
Digital zoom? no
AUDIO
Stereo? yes
Mic socket? yes
PERFORMANCE
Resolution 240-lines
Colour fidelity average
Picture stability good
Colour bleed average
White balance fair
Exposure good
Autofocus good
Audio performance good
Insert edit manual inserts clean
Playback thru adaptor N/A
VC RATINGS
Value for money 8
Ease of use 9
Performance 7
Features 8
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