Brian's Brain

Every year at NAB (along with Macworld Expo), B&H Photo Video runs a series of show specials provided via catalog handout; this year's 16 pages of deals are valid through May 2, and although I can't provide any sale codes, you might be able to find a list by trolling the 'Net (though B&H will probably be trolling, too!). One of the especially good discounts that NAB attendees were salivating over was Canon's HV30 consumer camcorder for $799.99. Well, the reputable retailer outdid itself this morning; right now, you can buy that same HV30 for $649.99 (and remember, HDV camcorders do miniDV standard definition video, too). The three-year optional extended warranty is a steal, too.

Yeah, I know it's tape-based. But, reflective of MPEG-2's maturity versus the H.264 (aka MPEG-4 AVC, aka MPEG-4 JVT, aka MPEG-4 Part 10) codec used by AVCHD, the HV30 (whose predecessor, the HV20, was CamcorderInfo's camera of the year for 2007) delivers superior results versus the flash memory-based HF10 alternative (which, note, uses Canon's 2nd-generation AVCHD 'engine' design). And those of you without the latest and greatest computer hardware will also appreciate HDV's lighter processing burden compared to H.264.

Don't delay if you're tempted. folks. This is one heck of a deal, on one heck of a camera; don't forget about those coming-soon $600 tax rebates. If you take the plunge, head to HV20.com to benefit from the knowledgeable user community there. Oh...and happy Friday to you!