NUMBER OF CCDs?

(seangriswold) · (seangriswold) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 06-04-2007, 2:13 PM

What is the difference between having 1 or 3 CCD's? Is it noticable when shooting from a boat? Worth the extra money?

Also could someone explain what a CCD is and how it works?

(richd) · (richd) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 06-04-2007, 6:26 PM

CCD = charge coupled device. Basically it's the sensor. the main difference in 1 vs 3 CCD's in a video cam is in color reproduction. A 3 CCD cam has a prism that separates light into primary colors red/green/blue so the color signal that hits the A/D convertor is cleaner.

The advantage to a single chip camera is more resolution. For example the 3 mp CMOS sensor in the new Canon consumer HD camcorders records a full raster 1920X1080 pixel image which is in turn scaled down to 1440X1080 for recording onto HDV tape. The 3 CCDs in the $5K+ HVX200 are 960X720 which is interpolated up to DVCPro 1080 or 720p. so while there is no comparison from a color standpoint the single chip is amazingly sharp.

If we're strictly talking DV the 3 chip advantage is greater since DV is a 720X480 pixel format and the color reprduction is more critical. Of course the electronics in the more expensive cameras make a huge difference as well. Bottom line if you can afford a single chip HD unit I'd reccommend it over a 3 chip miniDV unit (unless we're talking a DVX100 or some other semi pro DV model). If you're going strictly DV, get a 3 chip unit if you can.

(seangriswold) · (seangriswold) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 06-04-2007, 7:26 PM

Thats great info thanks Rich!!

(dcervenka) · (dcervenka) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 06-05-2007, 6:07 PM

Good lighting and holding the camera steady will get you 85% of the way there..

(seangriswold) · (seangriswold) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 06-05-2007, 6:26 PM

any suggestions on best place to make camera purchases..thanks!

(dcervenka) · (dcervenka) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 06-05-2007, 10:20 PM

depends? what kind? Consumer or prosumer grade cams?

Whatever you so, please don't fall for the cheapest price you find online... If the price seems to good to be true then something is up.

Please always check www.resellerrating.com to get a "Feel"... it's not 100%, but you will get an idea if the online store is legit or not.

Also check with the manufactures website to make sure the shop you are buying from is an "authorized" dealer.. You can find grey market cameras for less, but should you need any warranty work.. you will be SOL..

With that said.. B&H Photo is reputable and sometimes has good pricing.. For prosumer grade cams contact Tommy Mack at Express Video Supply: EVSOnline.com.. I got my DVX100a and HVX200 from them..

Let us know which camera you are thinking about getting because simply saying "I'm a DVXUser.com member" to a certain retailer could save you 10%... ;-)