How long until HD takes over SD (at least here in Europe)

[Nihil_Baxter]

This may be a rather general question. In case this is off-topic, please don´t rip me apart as I think this might be an interesting topic especially for people living in Europe since HDTV is still not common over here.

I bought my DVX100AE along with the necessary accessories back in October 2004. While I´m happy about the camera and while my clients appreciate the quality I deliver, I'm actually getting a little worried about the recent introduction of more and more HD cameras (Canon, Panasonic, not to mention Sony a while ago). How long until we'll be seeing a situation where someone using SD equipment gets turned down in favour of someone using HD stuff? I'm talking about event shootings (sports, company incentive progammes, conventions which is what I do for a living) as well as TV jobs, especially documentaries.
I hate to think that I was too rash in my investments...

I would appreciate your thoughts about that!

 

[epsilonbass]

I am currently working through this question. And as i am shopping for a new camera, I'm looking pretty much at the DVX or the Z1U?

As today stands here's how i see it. HD is still a while away from distribution mode. If you make an HD movie, theres about 3 things you can do with it, watch it off your camera on your HDTV, have it brodcast on HDTV, or transfer it to film for distribution/festivals.

SD still stands out for distribution, as a DVD can easily be made. HD still has a couple years before you can burn an HDDVD or BlueRay or whatever the standard will be.

As for the SD getting turned down for HD, i think that can start happening now. I'm not saying that it will be common, but i'm sure there are people already only wanting HD.

It seems like if you already have the dvx, you have a steady flow of clients, and no body is turning you down, you should be fine for now.

My problem, is that not having a camera yet I am left with the option of investing in something that will have a considerably shorter shelf life than i thought.