SX1 IS users? - Use as Primary HD Camcorder?

I am looking at buying the Canon SX1 IS when it is released in the U.S. My main question for those who own the Canon SX1 IS:

• Would you use this as a primary HD camcorder?
  
• What are the advantages/disadvantag​es?

Depends on whether you plan to do a lot of video with it. If you want to use it as a primary video recorder and want to use it that way a lot, I'd say you're going to be better served by getting a camera designed from the outset for video use, not one designed for still use with video capabilities added on. If you're looking for a general purpose camera that can also shoot video instead of getting both, then it's a good call. But you'll find video cameras and still cameras handle differently and this can be important.

joysmahal wrote in post #7467506
I am looking at buying the Canon SX1 IS when it is released in the U.S. My main question for those who own the Canon SX1 IS:

• Would you use this as a primary HD camcorder?
  
• What are the advantages/disadvantag​es?

I was considering buying the SX200 IS, but the lens isn't as fast ( f/3.2 vs. f/2.8 ). And it is also unknown whether or not you can zoom while recording HD video. I sold my Canon SD550 so that I could buy a new P&S from Canon's new lineup. I would like a P&S that shoots good video as well so that maybe I won't have to buy a camcorder later this year. My wife and I just found out that we're expecting our first child in 7 or 8 months!

I know most camcorders don't have a natural Wide Angle lens (starting around 40mm), so I guess that would be a pro towards the SX1 IS. But, most camcorders have faster/brighter lenses starting at f/1.8.

What are you thoughts and suggestions? Thank you.

From this very detailed review: http://www.cameralabs.​com …werShot_SX1_IS/​lens.shtml

Also, be sure to check out their demonstration of this: http://www.vimeo.com/3​099292

Thanks for the input so far. I did already read and watch the cameralabs review before I posted. But, I want to hear some opinions on how much actual owners of the SX1 IS use the HD video feature. I know the camera isn't out yet in the U.S., but it has been out for awhile in other countries.

I can't really say how much/often I will be using the video, but I assume it will probably be a lot once my baby is born. I do use my DSLR a lot so I think I'd use a camcorder a lot as well. I'm not a videofile nut that has to have the very best camcorder. I want to have an HD Camcorder, but I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg if I don't have to. That's why I was asking those who actually own the SX1 IS, do they like the HD video feature? I was thinking that maybe I can just get by with using the video on the SX1 IS and maybe when HD camcorders get even cheaper in the next year or two, I might just pick up one then.

Anyway, I'm looking at getting the Canon HF10 HD Camcorder. It was Canon's 2008 top of the line last year and can be bought for $600 now. Canon did up the memory 8 months later in the HF11 to 32GB and records in 24mbps vs 17mbps on the Canon HF10, but all the reviews say that the difference is not even noticeable. So hopefully, in 5 months when I really need to buy the camcorder the price will come down even more.

The new line of HD Camcorders for 2009 (Canon HF S10, S100, HF20 and HF200) are due out in April. But of course the top of the line HF S10 msrp is $1299.99. Not sure I want to spend that much (probably not).

From this very detailed review: http://www.cameralabs.​com/reviews/Ca..._IS/l​ens.shtml

Quote:
Unlike most cameras, Canon allows you to optically zoom the lens while filming, and thanks to the quiet USM motor which performs the operation, it’s barely audible. As mentioned at the top of this page, the SX1 IS also offers a digital teleconverter option which multiplies the range by 2x or 2.3x (using the 16:9 or 4:3 modes respectively) without any loss of quality. So you can shoot Full HD movies with either the standard 28-560mm or converted 56-1120mm ranges, the latter providing impressive reach.

Jesse Webb - I know the SX1 IS allows you to zoom when using the video in HD. I was referring to the SX200 IS (which is another new Canon P&S). I was looking at getting that or the Canon SX1 IS. Sorry for being unclear.

Anyway, I see from your signature that you own the SX1 IS. How do you like the video feature so far? Thanks!

joysmahal wrote in post #7473760
Jesse Webb - I know the SX1 IS allows you to zoom when using the video in HD. I was referring to the SX200 IS (which is another new Canon P&S). I was looking at getting that or the Canon SX1 IS. Sorry for being unclear.

Anyway, I see from your signature that you own the SX1 IS. How do you like the video feature so far? Thanks!

You were pretty clear (I just read your post too fast) - I tend to multi-task.

I paid for one - receive it next week and will let you know! I am a former 5D2 owner and liked the 1080p quality - but missed the features that appear to be found in the SX1 IS - especially AF during capture!

What a compact do-it-all for vacations and such - when I don't want to lug around all my DLSR gear

Joys, since i couldn't afford a separate HD camcorder plus an entry level dslr, i went with the SX1. i've had an SX1 since last Nov and have really enjoyed it since i kept my expectations realistic. i've used it for mostly stills but, have shot a few hd movies. i'm impressed with both the 1080p video and still PQ. however, if i had the choice, i would use a dedicated HD camcorder (or 5DMk2) instead of the SX1. my biggest problem with the SX1 HD video is the inabilitly of my computer to handle editing the files. so if u plan on editing the hd video, make sure ur computer can handle it.

Jesse, i hope ur not expecting the same video quality from the SX1 as ur getting from the 5DMk2. if so, ur going to be dissapointed, especially in low light situations.

erock901 wrote in post #7482366
Jesse, i hope ur not expecting the same video quality from the SX1 as ur getting from the 5DMk2. if so, ur going to be dissapointed, especially in low light situations.

Sold the 5D2 - wanted AF and other features of the 1d3 body and the video was not very useful for me, despite the quality. The sample video I've seen from the SX1 is very good to me, especially for my needs (family videos). Do you own the 5D2? If so, How do you find the 5D2 video to work for you, manual focus - fixed aperture, etc?

"my biggest problem with the SX1 HD video is the inabilitly of my computer to handle editing the files. so if u plan on editing the hd video, make sure ur computer can handle it."

to handle such large files, you need a faster cpu minimum quad core to edit without gagging your computer. this is the price of technology.

c2thew wrote in post #7483752
"my biggest problem with the SX1 HD video is the inabilitly of my computer to handle editing the files. so if u plan on editing the hd video, make sure ur computer can handle it."

to handle such large files, you need a faster cpu minimum quad core to edit without gagging your computer. this is the price of technology.

Or just get a  My macbook pro handled 5D2 HD files fine.

Jesse Webb wrote in post #7483574
Do you own the 5D2? If so, How do you find the 5D2 video to work for you, manual focus - fixed aperture, etc?

i got the sx1 cuz i couldn't afford a 5D2! but i have seen some great low light videos from a 5D2 and the sx1 can't touch that quality...not that i expected it to for $3k less. oh, i couldn't afford a macbook pro either. so for now, i guess my finances will have to dictate the ease of my hd video editing

erock901 wrote in post #7499735
i got the sx1 cuz i couldn't afford a 5D2! but i have seen some great low light videos from a 5D2 and the sx1 can't touch that quality...not that i expected it to for $3k less. oh, i couldn't afford a macbook pro either. so for now, i guess my finances will have to dictate the ease of my hd video editing

I'm in the same boat as you. My desktop PC is about 3 years old, Dual Core 3.0GHz 800FSB, 2GB Ram, 128MB Radeon X300 PCI-E. I'm pretty sure my computer will have a hard time editing HD video.

I know I want a new P&S and I'm pretty sure it's either the SX1 IS or SX200 IS. I know they're both pretty different cameras, but I'll wait until there are reviews for the SX200.