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.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Canon
• HF200
• Panasonic
• HDC-SD20
• in-car
• stability
• comparison
• review
• high
• definition
• vibration
• image
• shake
• driving
• lapping
• Solo
• II
• racing
• racetrack
• Subaru
• Forester
• snow
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• road
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• test

[GTwagon]

haha of course I've tried that silly rabbit. There's no significant difference with it on/off. My Canon HV30 had the same issue, worse actually.

[simulation17]

what's the name of the video editor that you used?

[GTwagon]

@simulation17 Sony Vegas Pro

[poolboyinla]

The Panasonic has a weird color cast.

[GTwagon]

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.

[bodleytunes]

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.

[GTwagon]

It certainly isn't a bad picture, just not as crisp. As you said, its more of a cinema look to it.

[TK42138]

Great way of testing cameras! Engine sounds good.

The Canon HF200 is showing the 'rolling shutter' effect that shows the signal from the CCD is taking longer to process compared to the Panasonic. Based on your test video I'd go with the Panasonic plus the 'softer' image looks better and is a step closer to achieving the often quoted 'film look'

[simulation17]

@GTwagon i want that same one but im only 17 i cant aford it.

[pakoVR6]

I wish I saw this before purchasing my HF200 :(

Figure out that Canon's OIS just go into resonance with in-car shakes and produce such a bad wobbly effect.

[maoerben]

poor white balance... it was not in room light, any camera should do right balance but this poor panasonic

[KevinThePenniless]

Wow - this is opposite to my opinion of the Panasonic. I mount my HDC-SD20 inside my airplane and the footage is basically unuseable. The same mount with my Samsung miniDV camera produces no ill effects. It's like the vibration modulates the video processing and creates a wild wobbling effect. OIS on or off it's still there.

[audirobban]

Good clip, myself have thought about buying the Panasonic HDC-SD20 when I can afford, and when you see this clip, you'll be more eager to buy it=).

[modlifeproductions]

Is this shot with the IS off? It makes a big difference. IS always looks like that on a CMOS cam...If it's off then I'd say sell the canon to me :)