Canon HF200 vs Panasonic HDC-SD20 in-car stability comparison
I needed an HD camcorder to capture in-car footage. Initially I was going to go with the Canon HF200 as I already have a Canon HV30. Searching through Youtube I found several people complain about the Canon’s video quality suffering from image shake while mounted in a moving car. I also suspected people’s choice and quality of camera mount may have something to do with the poor image. Someone suggested the Panasonic HDC-SD20 would do much better in a car environment. I decided to put both cams to the test and see how much of a difference there really was when installed on what I know to be a solid mounting system. I mounted both cams side by side on RAM suction mounts using the sunroof glass as the mounting point. Same mount, same location, same car, same road, exact same moment video is captured. Watch the video and the difference is immediately noticeable. The Panasonic appears virtually stable while the Canon looks like its mounted on a bowl of jello. Its a shame because in all other aspects, the Canon is a better cam and produces a better, sharper picture. In the Panasonic’s defence, it is priced several hundred dollars less.
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Yes I noticed that, it was there pre-editing as well. I left it on AWB, maybe setting it manually would produce a better colour.
The Panasonic has a weird color cast.
Panasonic FOR THE WIN
and nice Subaru
This jello effect is characteristic every CMOS chip and have name “rolling shutter”. CCD chip dont have this problem and this is only choice for recording where is camera under vibration. Image stabilization in cameras can help but problem is that picture look much “slower”. So, for in-car recording YOU NEED CCD hip!!!
It certainly isn’t a bad picture, just not as crisp. As you said, its more of a cinema look to it.
Didn’t remove it, not sure what happened ? Oh well, I sent a response again. Sounds like you are using the same mount I am. Boxers are nice, aren’t they ?
Great review. I saw this in my mailbox as a video response to my video and when I went to authorize it, I couldn’t find it. Did you remove it?
Anyhow, I used a RAM mount (short arm) in my video, but I suspect my suspension, lower profile tires, and near solid engine/motor mounts make it look even worse.
I’d actually accept the vibration you see in your video. It’s certainly not ideal, but I didn’t buy my HF200 solely for track days.
Nice car btw.
The canon has a brighter image, slightly more colorful.
However I always think the Panasonic has a softer look about it, maybe a little similar to a proper movie camera shot on film to give it a darker look.