HV20 / 30 image effects

Hi all (ex) HV20 or 30 users,

A short question: Are the image effects of the Canon HVs the same as a slight touch up in post edition (thus not really an option), or are they doing a better job than a NLE regarding the final image quality?

Background: Normally I neither use special in-camera settings nor do I apply any post work to my clips. But the HV30´s colors are a bit less brilliant than those of my Panasonic SD Camcorder. I would get the same colors with the HV30 if I used the "vivid" image effect, but that is equivalent to a slight contrast increment (around 10%) what could lead to clipped out highlights. Thus, I would prefer to leave that stuff to post and do it only if necessary. Otoh, if in-camera image effects are better than a NLE I might give it a try.

I have to ask because I did not yet buy a HD-TV to compare the results.

Thanks!
Stefan

PS: Shooting outdoors at daytime I always use circular polfilters at the slightest level.

I use post to touch up. I shoot in standard 60i mode on the hv30. Don't notice quality degrating. Haven't tried the vivid setting.

I use the HV20's big brother: the XH-A1. It has a ton of preset options, many you can just download from the web.

But I think it's best to shoot "raw," then correct as-needed in post ( use After Effects). All the in-camera effects and presets do, in my opinion, is "gunk" up the video.

True, some presets are better than others, and some don't garble the video as much, but if you shoot with a preset, then you won't ever be able to "remove" that effect. At least with you shoot "plain vanilla," when you're in post, you can always revert back to the pristine version that you originally shot with.

have to agree you can do everything post (in AE etc) that the camera effect does. Would rather have the 'raw' option to play with then the effect already present

Thank you all!

So far I have only taken some shots of a color wheel. Yesterday I did a few "real world" takes in both modes, "raw" and "vivid", but I won´t have time to compare them during the next few days.

I guess you´re right though: Shooting with everything turned off and only adjust slightly in post, if necessary, is probably the way to go.

Cheers,
Stefan

Did you just get the hv30 stefgo? It is a great camera. Make sure to ready about the 'cell phone' trick (don't need a cell phone to do it, silly name).

so do ya'll like AE better than PP in the CS3 version. I normally just use Premier Pro CS3 since it's fast. If I need to stabilize a video for motion then I use AE. For basic stock footage why AE?

Don

Vivid works good on HV30 as long as there is not a lot of red in the scene

Yes I just got the HV30 for now Scott. I am planning to travel much more this year than I did the year before and the low weight plus the "stealth effect" and the tape based recording are very convenient for what I´m planning to do. I´m not yet aware of the cell phone trick but I´ll google. Thanks!

Right now I have only a comsumer NLE, Don, because I did not yet decide if I stay with Win or go with Mac. If I have to make slight adjustments in contrast or saturation I do it in Streamclip directly, applied to the m2t source file. Sure, Premiere, AE, FCP or Color (in FCS) would be better, but I think Streamclip can handle adjustments of 1-10% in con or sat.

Thanks Norman. I will compare those shots that I did both in normal mode and vivid, but at the end I will have to trust in my eyes and a 17" TFT screen :). I would be thankful though for anyone who would compared a

1.normal shot
2.normal shot plus 5-10% contrast increment in NLE
3.shot in vivid mode

on a HD-TV. I honestly have no idea about the way in-camera settings work technically, and if it´s better to push the colors a bit before the data is stored on tape, or if it´s the same if you do it afterwards in post.

Cheers,
Stefan

I also just purchased an HV30 as a camera to take place where the FX1000 is too large. For instance I just suction cupped it to the drivers side side windo pointing out. Its small enough that it does not get in my way when driving. Works very well.

Since I just got a New 5D Mark II, I am feeling guilty. I think the HV30 will be going to my daughter as a wedding present.