Video cam 1MB vs 3MB pixel count

[WasntMe 0]

I'm looking at two cameras, one with 1MB and the other with 3MB pixel counts, and wondering if the cost difference is justified by the higher count. Can anybody describe the "real world" difference in picture quality between the two, specifically for skydiving application?

Also, what is the difference between Gross and Actual pixels in the specs?

Thanks in advance for for your input.

Are you afraid of dying...or just afraid to live?

[quade 4]

Link the two cameras you're talking about and we'll rip them apart, er, uh, look at the specs.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[WasntMe 0]

Here's the links to the HC42 and HC90.

I read a thread comparing these two, but didn't get a feel for the overall picture quality difference from it.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DCRHC42&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc_DICamcorders_MiniDVHandycamCamcorders

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DCRHC90&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc_DICamcorders_MiniDVHandycamCamcorders

Are you afraid of dying...or just afraid to live?

[EricTheRed 0]

The primary difference is the imaging chip size, not the pixel count.

The HC90 has 0.33 square inches to collect light on

The HC 42 has 0.18 square inches.

The larger the imaging chip, the better the camera will perform in low light since more light is hitting the imager.

In bright, even light, the video will be tough to tell apart.
In low or uneven light, the differences in color and video noise will be very apparent.

If you can afford it, go for the bigger chip. (It also has a larger lens - more light=better picture if all other things are equal)

Edit to add - the HC 90 has a 30mm filter ring so most WA lens will fit without a step ring. One less thing to break/lose/buy. A minor point but worth consideration.

illegible usually