Need some help with Video Cameras

[Mike Bennett]

Let me put this out there. I'm curious as to opinions by those who have used the Canon HV20, HV30, or HV40 video camera. One thing I'm interested in knowing is can a person stream video without recording, and when you start recording does it cancel the stream? Any other thoughts or reviews on any of these cameras would be appreciated.

 

[Lanny Dean]

Let me put this out there. I'm curious as to opinions by those who have used the Canon HV20, HV30, or HV40 video camera. One thing I'm interested in knowing is can a person stream video without recording, and when you start recording does it cancel the stream? Any other thoughts or reviews on any of these cameras would be appreciated.

The short answers are Yes and No, at least with the HV40. You can stream without recording video with correct output, and when/if you do start recording it will not "kill" the stream. The HV40 has HDMI outputs, 1394 outputs, component as well as A/V. You can use the 1394 output without issue and be able to record at any time. The only hitch is that if you have TC or date/time turned on/display, you will see this in your stream as well as anyone else who is watching your stream. You may also see your tape length and or tape info.

To recap: just make sure you do not have those functions/display turned on and you should be fine. I have used my HV40 streaming and have not had any issues at all.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[Jason Foster]

the date/time business would bother me as a watcher as long as it was on the edges enough. However, if you are one that is marketing your stream to the media....big no, no.

 

[Mike Bennett]

The short answers are Yes and No, at least with the HV40. You can stream without recording video with correct output, and when/if you do start recording it will not "kill" the stream. The HV40 has HDMI outputs, 1394 outputs, component as well as A/V. You can use the 1394 output without issue and be able to record at any time. The only hitch is that if you have TC or date/time turned on/display, you will see this in your stream as well as anyone else who is watching your stream. You may also see your tape length and or tape info.

To recap: just make sure you do not have those functions/display turned on and you should be fine. I have used my HV40 streaming and have not had any issues at all.

Hope this helps a little.

Thanks Lanny, it all helps. The Canon HV20, 30, and 40 came recommended to me by a friend who owns a camera store.