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High-Definition Video Cameras

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Ranked #1163 in Tech & Geek, #38753 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

High-Definition Video Has Arrived!

 

These days, High-Definition Video Cameras are dominating the market. They are relatively new and quickly catching on, giving you so much you can do with your camera. Unlike the past, cameras are now capable of capturing full videos as well, proving that they are indeed capable of capturing any memory you can possibly imagine.

HD video cameras also offer you 20X zoom lens or more, meaning that you can zoom in quite a distance on things that you want to capture up close and personal. For the most part, you can do things with these cameras that you may have never before thought possible.

When you capture a picture or video with high-definition cameras, you'll be very amazed at what you see. Just like HDTV, the pictures of the camera are very lifelike. If you have a newborn baby, a high definition video camera may be just what you need to capture each and every precious moment. For this reason and many more, you shouldn't hesitate to get a high-definition video camera - that is if you don't own one already.

If you've been looking for a high definition video camera, there are many out there for you to choose from. Here we will take a look at some of your options available in each of the different formats.

HDV = High-Definition Video 

HDV exists in two formats - 1080i (interlaced) and 720p (progressive). With interlaced, the video camera records 1080 lines in interlaced images, which is half images of 540 lines each that are displayed 60 times per second.

With 720 progressive, the video camera records 720 lines in progressive images, which are full images that are displayed 30 times per second. Sony chose to use 1080i on the HDR-FX1, where JVC chose to use 720p for the GR-HD1, which is sold only in NTSC format in the USA and Japan.

The progressive mode format requires a television set that supports it, while interlaced mode is the natural scan mode that televisions use. The question today is which of the two formats deliver the best image quality.

With several high definition video cameras on the market today, the question of image quality all depends on the camera and features, along with your television or method of play back. All high definition video cameras are amazing in quality and playback, which is why they have become so popular is such a small amount of time.

With Sony, JVC, and Canon continuing to develop HDV, you know the technology will continue to get better and better. When high definition first hit the market, it was an instant success. With the integration of HDV, camcorders allow you to do what you never could before.

If you like to record precious memories, a high definition video camera is just what you need. They are very handy to have around, and there are several out there these days for you to choose from - all you need to do is pick the best one for you.

HD Video Cameras 

JVC, Sony, and Canon all produce HDV cameras of various stripes and abilities. The JVC HD100U shoots 720p, offers a true 24p frame rate, and provides a professional looking form factor, along with sporting the ability to change out lenses.

The two popular HDV cameras from Sony include the HDR-FX1 and the HVR-Z1U. Both of them shoot only 1080i and provide 24p. The XL-H1 is Canon's entry to the HDV roundup. It provides HD SDI output and gives you the option of interchanging lenses. Like Sony, it shoots 1080i without true 24p capabilities.

All of these cameras are 3CCD models and all sport level professional XLR audio inputs, with the exception of the HDR-FX1. Sony also offers single chip HDV cameras. The consumer HDR-HC1, which is actually a miniature version of the HDR-FX1 is an excellent camera.




JVC GY-HD100U
High Definition 3-CCD MiniDV Professional Camcorder with 16x ProHD Fujinon Lens


Sony HDR-FX1
3-CCD HDV High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom


Sony HVR-Z1U
Professional 3CCD High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom



Canon XL-H1
3CCD High Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom




Sony HDR-HC1
2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Pansonic HDV Camera 

DVCPRO HD

On the budget end of the Panasonic spectrum is the AG-HVX200. This widely hyped camera does away with tape based HD recording and will instead record HD to either memory cards or even an attached hard drive. It also offers the ability to shoot all the above mentioned HD resolutions along with 50 and DV25.

The AG-HVX200 records HD, either 1080i or 720p video acquired by a new optical system and high-performance digital signal processor onto a P2 card using the broadcasting DVCPRO HD codec. This system achieves a level of image quality that conventional handheld HD cameras simply cannot match, while also supporting HD/SD multi-format and multi-codec recording capabilities. Variable frame rate recording is just one of the features that makes the AG-HVX200 unique in its class. Using technologies that make the Panasonic VariCam camera-recorder a favorite in movie production, this powerful function allows the overcranking and undercranking techniques used with film cameras to create fast-motion and slow-motion effects. The P2 card offers superior reliability, immediate playback and outstanding cost-performance. It allows direct connection to nonlinear editing systems and streamlines the production work flow, by providing to the editing system data files ready to be edited, rather than a video tape which would require the task of digitizing.

» Read more about High-Definition Video Cameras from Panasonic.

Panasonic Pro AG-HVX200 3CCD P2/DVCPRO 1080i High Definition Camcorder with 13x Optical Zoom (16GB P2 Included)

Amazon Price: (as of 08/28/2008)

On top of all its advanced features and technologies, the AG-HVX200 inherits the refined design and easy operation that distinguishes Panasonic's high-value DVX100 DV camera series. In the AG-HVX200, video professionals of all kinds will find a powerful tool for giving form to their creative visions.

More HD Video Camcorders 

These days, high definition video cameras are dominating the market. They are relatively new and quickly catching on, giving you so much you can do with your camera. Unlike the past, cameras are now capable of capturing full videos as well, proving that they are indeed capable of capturing any memory you can possibly imagine.

High definition video cameras also offer you 20X zoom lens or more, meaning that you can zoom in quite a distance on things that you want to capture up close and personal. For the most part, you can do things with these cameras that you may have never before thought possible.

When you capture a picture or video with high definition cameras, you'll be very amazed at what you see. Just like HDTV, the pictures of the camera are very lifelike. If you have a newborn baby, a high definition video camera may be just what you need to capture each and every precious moment. For this reason and many more, you shouldn't hesitate to get a high definition video camera - that is if you don't own one already.

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HD Video Cameras on eBay 

High definition video cameras are becoming popular, as they offer you the chance to capture memories like never before. Professional cameras can be found for bargain prices on eBay too...

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