Best HD Camcorders

Generally there are 3 different classes of Cameras; consumer, pro-sumer and professional. Camcorders are categorized to the use for which they are applied for, quality level, and to to the degree of image control desired by its user.

Consumer HD Camcorders - are the light, handheld all-automatic cubes with point and click convenience. Lens size is usually 25-30mm in diameter and captures with one 1/3 ' chip. This class of camcorders ranging from $200-1000 are used by the regular "consumer" to capture home videos like your family vacation or your sisters graduation. These camcorders are generally not for broadcast use unless you win "Americas funniest home videos"!

Pro-sumer HD Camcorders - are for consumers and professionals who want to expand their filming environments, and be more in control over the images they capture by manually controlling aperture, focus, zoom and exposure.
Lens size is usually 50-82mm in diameter and captures with 3 CCD's each 1/3 or even 1/2 inch in size. Prosumer camcorders are often used by documentary filmmakers on a budget, reality TV, event/wedding videographers, corporate presentations etc. but due to advancements in technology and accessories available (like inter-changeable lenses) this class of camcorders has also made its way into scripted TV shows, music videos and independent film productions!

Professional HD Camcorders - these are the big, heavy shoulder-mounted guns with massive lenses and can cost anywhere from $40.000 to upwards of $100.000. Lens size is usually 72-120mm in diameter and captures with three 2/3 ' or 3/4' CCD's. These Big HD Cameras are used for big sports events, nature filmmaking (Planet Earth for example) and for some recent major motion pictures (Star Wars, Collateral, Slumdog Millionaire and Che) since the quality of full HD now almost rivals that of 35mm film which has been the format of choice so far for bigger budget feature film production!

The three major components deciding the quality (and price of course) of camcorders are the lens, size & number of chips (CCD's) used to capture and transport the images, and the video format displayed for output!

In this review I will concentrate on Prosumer Camcorders which produces HD images in either 1280 x 720 (720p) and 1440 x 1080 (1080i) or 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution compared to 640 x 480 (525i) for Standard Definition TV.
HD is really just a term for "higher resolution" and currently there are three HD formats available; 720P, 1080i and 1080p.

The i is for interlaced meaning that the odd-numbered lines of resolution appear first and then comes back to scan the even-numbered lines whereas progressive scanning convey all of the lines of resolution in a single pass, which makes for a smoother, cleaner image. 1080p is the highest resolution available and is commonly referred to as "Full HD" or "True HD", but even though many of the higher priced HDTV sets support 1080p no programming is currently being broadcast and probably wont be within the next 10 years!

However Blu-ray discs are Full HD and can be played in Blu-ray players or a Sony PlayStation 3 that supports 1080p, and some cable TV on-demand services now has 1080p programming available!

When HD technology became more available and targeted to the general population a new recording format called HDV was developed to compress the HD footage to fit all the data onto the Mini DV tapes that are used on consumer and pro-sumer camcorders. This is in essence the 1080i or 720p format broadcast on your HDTV set!
Nowadays there are also many different mediums to record onto such as P2 and SD cards that are able to hold more and more data, or a camcorder can also hold an internal or external hard-drive or even record directly onto a blu-ray disc which holds up to 50 GB. so full HD can now be stored!

In conclusion I have to add that even though HD is by far the highest resolution format, the two other components (lens and size/number of CCD's) play in just as much when entering into the professional cameras cause no matter how high of a resolution your brand new $400 HD camcorder has it still won't rival the picture quality of a 10-year old broadcast quality professional camera even if its in SD format!

The Panasonic AG-HVX200A is one of the most popular prosumer high definition camcorders and I'm proud to say I own one myself! This camera is a "hybrid" allowing users to record SD to tape or shoot in HD with cutting-edge P2
technology that's designed to meet the emerging needs in HD production! The AG-HVX200A is an improved version of the previous model Panasonic AG-HVX200 While keeping all the great features of its predecessor it adds a higher-resolution 3-CCD imager to deliver improved image quality resulting in better low light performance, lower smear, lower noise and a higher signal to noise ratio.

The HVX200A is equipped with a 1/3" 16:9 progressive 3-CCD imager and a large 82mm 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens that offers a wide 30mm (35mm equivalent) viewing angle eliminating the need for a wide-angle conversion lens in most situations. This highly sophisticated camcorder is the only one in its class to support 1080i/720p HD recording with the production-proven image quality of DVCPRO HD compression (video bit rate: 100 Mbps). Another great function on the AG-HVX200A is its variable frame rate capability allowing for undercranking/ overcranking (12-60 frames per second) for fast or slow-motion effects!

The HVX200 is not for beginners. Although It features many user-friendly automated functions, the in-depth menu and all the buttons can seem complicated at first, but If you've ever shot with the DVX100, you'll adapt to the HVX quite well!
The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is extremely responsive to its manual controls and there is almost no delay from when you press record until it starts capturing video! Those used to videotape recording will be blown away by the speed of the new P2 technology. Delete unwanted files as you record, then drop the files you want to keep onto a hard drive and wipe your P2 card to shoot some more! Two P2 slots are available and when the first card is full the "hot-swap" function will automatically start on the 2nd card allowing continuous non-stop recording! The P2 cards have been very expensive but at the time I'm writing this review, price for a 16 GB P2 card is just below $800, 32GB P2about $1200 and the new 64GB P2 just got released and cost just over $2000! Seems like a high price but these cards will last you forever (Panasonic tested these cards and were still performing with no problems after 100.000 cycles) so compare it to how much you have spent on tape stock so far and how much you could fit on a tape? 60 min's? I was recently shooting in HD 720P 24PN and was able to fit 82 min's on a 32GB card! Double that if you have a 64 GB!!

Conclusion
I have been extremely happy with this camera. It has allowed me to keep shooting tape for clients that have been reluctant in making the transition to a tape-less format while letting me enter the new HD era and shoot on P2 cards. If its one thing I had to complain about with the HVX200 is that its bulky and kinda heavy (5.5 lbs) which can make it hard for shooting handheld for any longer periods, but Panasonic has also recently released the Panasonic AG-HPX170 which only shoots on P2 and was able to trim of some fat by excluding the tape mechanism. But for me, having the option of shooting both to tape and P2 has been invaluable! Further more I think the Panasonic AG-HVX200A has the best color reproduction with vibrant colors and deep blacks, and it is far more superior in creating the" film look" which has been what competing manufacturers long has been trying to beat Panasonic at but never came close to!
No other camcorder in this class offers the cinematic possibilities or more potentials in the hands of a skilled shooter!

P2HD solid-state acquisition as well as a Mini DV tape mechanism for shooting in SD

A large 82mm 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens that offers a wider 30mm angle(35mm equivalent)

Amazing color reproduction and low light sensitivity

Multiple format recording: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable

Variable frame rates in 24p/30p to any of 20 steps between 12p and 60p

Comes standard with a 16GB P2 card ($900 retail value) and the Barry Green HVX Book

Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM
is a powerful new camcorder featuring a 14 X Fujinon HD lens, three 1/2-inch CMOS sensors, 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 HD recording capability onto their newly developed SxS Pro Memory Cards . Sony has also released a big brother the Sony PMW-EX3 XDCAM which is basically the same camera and adds an interchangeable lens system, shoulder-mount, gen lock and timecode jacks and an 8-pin interface for full studio remote control.

A ground breaking feature for these camcorders are its intelligent use of MPEG2 long GOP, that allows for longer recording times of up to 140 minutes when using two 16GB SxS Memory Cards.
The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers a choice of bit rates - either 35 Mb/s (HQ mode for HD 1280 x 720 resolution) or 25 Mb/s (SP mode, supports 1440 x 1080) a lower resolution compatible to HDV format. Variable frame rates are also available on this camera selectable from interlaced and progressive - 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, and native 23.98P.
The Sony PMWEX1 XD CAM also features a Depth-of-field Indicator and a Histogram Indicator allowing operators to easily evaluate focus and exposure.

The PMW-EX1 is a very innovative camera, from its IT-friendly MP4 file recording compatible with many electronic portable devices to advanced creative features and user-friendly controls such as selectable gamma curves and variable frame rates for 'Slow & Quick Motion' capability.
The Sony PMWEX1 and EX3 offers the same stunning image clarity as the AG-HVX-200A but has a smaller color space (4:2:0 compared to 4:2:2) and also can't achieve the film-look that has made Panasonic prosumer models so popular. It also doesn't give you the option of shooting SD to tape. The MPEG-2 Long GOP CODEC allows for a bit faster transfer rate than the Panasonic's P2 cards and more storage, but to achieve this Sony took out 2 channels of audio compared to 4 channels that can be stored when shooting with the Panasonic AG-HVX200A on P2. Also the Sony PMWEX1 is heavy and not so well-balanced which makes handheld shooting a bit difficult, but the EX3 is a "semi-shoulder" version for more comfort. One advantage the Sony PMWEX1 has over AG-HVX-200A is its high-resolution LCD viewfinder with reflective panels for clear viewing even in bright sunlight.

Conclusion

Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM is a step above most prosumer camcorders and offers a great solution for many users including broadcasters, videographers and independent film makers who want exceptional HD picture quality and a state-of-the-art workflow in a very compact and affordable camcorder.

"MPEG-2 Long GOP" Codec on SxS memory cards for longer recording time

Multiple-format Recording - 1080/720 and Interlace/Progressive Switchable Operation

"IT Friendly" recordings are made as data files in the "MP4" format

Three 1/2-inch Exmor CMOS Sensors

3.5-inch* High-Resolution, Hybrid Colour LCD Screen

The JVC GY-HD200U is a shoulder style camcorder resembling a big professional broadcast camera, only smaller, which makes it the perfect solution to record Electronic News Gathering (ENG) or reality shows and clients are gonna be impressed thinking the camera cost a small fortune!

Building on the success of their previous JVC GY-HD110U
the HD200U/250U adds a super encoder capable of 1080i 60P output. Both camcorders records 1280 x 720 (720P) and comes with a 16x Fujinon Lens, 16:9 LCD studio viewfinder and with a 1/3-inch bayonet mount makes it compatible with third party lenses like Fujinon, Canon etc.

The JVC GY-HD200U is essentially the same camcorder as the JVC GY-HD250U, but can be transformed into a studio camera with a KA-HD250 Studio Kit and adds genlock capabilities, time code sync, and HD-SDI output.
These two new camcorders record in both NTSC or PAL formats at 720p, 480p, 480i and 60 progressive frames per second in 720p (720p/60p) which makes this camera very compatible for all sorts of productions and also for traveling.
The JVC GY-HD250U and 200U records high-definition video on MiniDV cassettes in HDV format (1080i). With the optional DR-HD100U Direct-to-Edit recorder, a hard disk workflow can be achieved, while simultaneously creating back-up material on digital tape.

Conclusion
I have used this camera for reality TV shows and I liked how comfortable it was on my shoulders. It's a long camera and with most of the weight being placed at the back with a heavy anton bauer battery and at the front with the large Fujinon lens, it makes for a very well-balanced camcorder and an enjoyable shooting experience. I also enjoyed having the option of changing lenses and the overall professional feel this camera had. The output was great as well, my own footage came out crisp and clear on a HDTV set and I have to say this is one of the best cameras in the prosumer class!

16x Fujinon Lens with 1/3-inch bayonet mount compatible with third party lenses.

NTSC/PAL switchable with formats at 720p, 480p, 480i and 60 progressive frames per second in 720p

Optional DR-HD100U Direct-to-Edit recorder with simultaneous back-up to tape.

Well-balanced and comfortable Camcorder.

The Sony HVR-Z7U is one of the leading camcorders in the HDV class.
Just like the JVC GY-HD250U it features 1/3-inch bayonet interchangeable lens system, progressive recording and HDMI or HD/SD-SDI output. This camcorder is a "hybrid", just like the Panasonic AG-HVX200A it can record to both tape and compact flash cards.

The compact flash cards used in the Sony HVR-Z7U are the same ones used in most still photo cameras. Although performance is lower in terms of transfer speed than SxS cards used for its big bro Sony PMWEX1 and the P2 cards used for the Panasonic AG-HVX200A , they are less expensive and widely accessible.
Besides the faster transfer rate another advantage with P2 cards and SxS cards are that each take is saved as a file and can be transfered individually, whereas with compact flash cards all has to be transfered at once.

The Sony HVR-Z7U is about a grand cheaper than the Sony PMWEX1 XD CAM, and you get a lot of bang for the buck including the interchangeable lens system and the hybrid tape/card flexibility. The image quality is superb and the EX1 delivers beautiful clear HD images, even though its a lower resolution HDV format compressing the output to 1440x1080 compared to 1920x1080 for the Sony PMWEX1 XD CAM. The Sony HVR-Z7U doesn't have true under/over cranking like the XDCAM camcorders. What it has is a mode called "Smooth Slow Recording" the effect is good but the vertical resolution of the picture is slightly diminished. Compared to its predecessor Sony HVR-Z1U
, the Sony HVR-Z7U achieves a much better shallow dept of field and performs better in low-light situations. According to other reviews the Sony HVR-Z7U is a bit complicated to use but the steep learning curve is to be expected when shooting with a higher-end prosumer camcorder and it will pay off once you start seeing results!

One of the best things about the Z7U is that it comes with an accessory called a HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit that holds the CompactFlash memory cards and offers the option of recording HDV, DVCAM, or DV video onto the cards while simultaneously recording to tape. The drawback is that the recording unit has to be removed every time you change a battery..

Conclusion
Whether it's for documentaries, news or low-budget movies, this new HDV camcorder from Sony is definitely one of the best options for pro shooters or amateurs wanting to achieve beautiful HD footage from a very affordable professional camcorder with a lot of flexibility and an extremely easy work flow!

Interchangeable lens system

HDMI and HD/SD-SDI output

Excellent low light performance

An improved shallow dept of field

HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit with option of recording HDV, DVCAM, or DV video onto cards while simultaneously recording to tape

The
Canon XL-H1 3-CCD High Definition Camcorder
is the most recent addition in Canon's XL-series cameras and their first contribution to the pro-line of HD Camcorders. This high-end camcorder is targeted mainly for broadcasters and ENG news and features a massive 20X HD video lens that gives this camcorder a real professional look, and an amazingly crisp and clean High-Definition image!

Canon's reputation was built from manufacturing high-quality lenses and still photo cameras, and it wasn't until the early 90's that Canon took the step into the pro video market when they released the first ever pro-sumer camcorder with an interchangeable lens system called the XL-1! The Canon XL1 became extremely popular with independent filmmakers and film students and was soon followed by the XL1s, and the Canon XL2 which turned into a major disappointment because it was a standard definition Camcorder released in the beginning of the HD revolution.
So a year later Canon finally released the Canon XL-H1!

The Canon XL-H1 High Definition Camcorder features a 20X High-Definition video lens, and 1/3-inch native 16:9 3CCD's capable of outputting an image quality at the 1080i HDV standard 1440 X 1080 resolution, and using MPEG-2 compression to fit an hour's worth of HD video onto a MiniDV tape. This Camcorder also has adjustable frame rates of 60i, 30F and 24F but the "F" should not be confused with "P" for progressive. This is a shooting option Canon calls "frame mode", and although "F" mode provides identical motion quality to progressive video, it results in a small loss of vertical resolution. What the XL-H1 lacks in progressive-video capabilities it makes up for in glass, and Canon knows that an image can be no better than the lens that formed it in the first place!

The included 20X HD lens lens offers auto-focus, a powerful Super-Range optical image stabiliser, two built-in neutral-density filters, and a zoom and focus preset mechanism that lets you reset the lens to a predetermined zoom and focus position with the push of a button. Manual controls are precise and responsive, but just as on the previous XL models I noticed that autofocus and autoexposure could not be relied on, especially when you're shooting in 30F or 24F mode.
Another set-back is that there is no flip-out LCD, and although it has been slightly improved and can be magnified, the eye viewfinder remains the only way to view the images you record.

In regards to colour, the Canon XL H1 achieved accurate, saturated images. And the custom presets lets the user dial in or program their own desired look, from the naturalistic to the stylised and experimental.
This camcorder also features HD-SDI output, Genlock synchronization and Time code input/output.

Canon has also released two smaller HDV camcorders; Canon XH-A1 and the XH-G1
and cut the price significantly with fixed lenses instead of the costly interchangeable lens system. The Camcorders are the same except the G1 model adds HD-SDI output with time code input/output and Genlock synchronization.

Conclusion
To those who have previously invested in Canon's XL system, the XL H1 may be an obvious choice, but lack of progressive-video capabilities and a high price probably scares independent filmmakers away.
Given its professional look, high-quality images and the interchangeable lens system, this Camcorder is a great low cost option for ENG news, Corporate Videos, Documentary or Reality TV shows!

1/3-inch native 16:9 3CCD's and 1440 X 1080 resolution.

20x optical HD video zoom lens, XL interchangeable lens system.

High-definition resolution with selectable frame rates 60i, 24F, 30F.

HD-SDI output with time code input/output and Genlock synchronization.

Powered by a 7.4-volt DC battery pack

Although the new year has just begun, we're sure you can already count the number of social events, birthday parties and vacations you'll be attending in 2009. So if you know you're going, why not get an affordable HD Camcorder and capture some high-quality footage for memories?

Reviews coming soon!

Amazon.com Widgets