If you've been looking for a high definition video camcorder, there are many out there for you to choose from. In this article, we will take a look at some of your options available in each of the different formats.
HDV
JVC, Sony, and Canon all produce HDV camcorders 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 camcorders 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. More... / Hide...
All of these camcorders are 3CCD models and all sport level professional XLR audio inputs, with the exception of the HDR-FX1. Sony also offers single chip HDV camcorders. The consumer HC1, which is actually a miniature version of the FX1 is an excellent camcorder.
DVCPRO HD
on the budget end of the Panasonic spectrum is the AG-HVX200. This widely hyped camcorder 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.
Another popular camcorder for Panasonic is the Varicam which shoots at 720p. A great feature with this camcorder is the ability to shoot at variable frame rates, which range from 4 — 60fps at 1fps intervals. These different frame rates will allow you to achieve a look similar to that of over cranking a film camcorder.
HDCAM
Sony couples their HDCAM camcorders together under the name CineAlta. They cover a broad range of prices and features, ranging from the XDCAM HD models and the F350 to the widely used and widely popular F950.
The XDCAM HD camcorders record directly to Sony's professional disc media, which is physically similar to Blu-ray discs. These camcorders can also record various quality levels of 1080i and 1080p, along with regular SD DVCAM. Unlike other HD camcorders from Sony, the XDCAM HD supports i-Link for file access and DV output.
Near the high end of the Sony HD solutions is the F900. It captures both 1080p and 1080i at various frame rates, including 25p and 50i. This is also the most expensive camcorder from Sony, as it costs around $80,000!