 In the consumer video world there are two kinds of shoppers: the point-and-shooters, and the video enthusiasts who aspire to do something more with affordable gadgets. Let's review some of the technologies involved.
For “Point and Shooters” Digicams
 Modern cheap digital cameras are surprisingly good at shooting video. Most such cameras record in near-TV resolution, at 640x480. They usually record using the MJPEG format at 30 frames per second, and depending on the brand, they use the MOV or the AVI container. MOV is more compatible with Macintosh computers and AVI is better compatible with PCs.
While the video in these cameras is pretty good, audio quality is usually below par. On situations that there's a bit of wind, voices stop being audible. Additionally, each time the user zooms in/out while recording, these cameras lose focus momentarily, plus the zooming is recorded via the microphone.
A good choice for a digicam that grabs good video are Kodak's newest offerings that support 720p HD video. Digicams that specifically mention that can support SDHC SD cards can use up to 16 GB of storage, but the ones that don't mention it can only use up to 2 GB SD cards. Digicam prices range from $80 to $500.
Digirecorders
Digirecorders, like Sanyo's Xacti and Aiptek, are one step above pure digital cameras. They offer more options for video recording, e.g. controlling exposure and focusing. However, they fail on other grounds, like image stabilization and video codec compatibility (especially the Aiptekmodels). Cheap digi recorders only support up to 2 GB of storage, but better models can use SD cards up to 16 GBs. The format used is either MJPEG or h.264 AVC in the MOV container. Prices range from $150 to $400.
 SD Camcorders
In this instance, "SD" refers to "standard definition" cameras. These are camcorders optimized for video recording, capturing video at DVD resolutions. Today, you can buy such a camcorder that uses either tape (miniDV), flash storage (like Canon's new models), or direct burning to DVD disks. The price is usually between $180 and $500. The big advantage of full camcorders is that they are optimized to capture video the proper way. For example video is always focused even when zooming in/out, there are no exposure jumps as on digicams, no audible lens movements, good image stabilization etc.
HD Camcorders
 There are two types of HD ("high defninition") camcorders: HDV and AVCHD. The tape-based HDV format is currently on the way out of the market, with the flash-based AVCHD taking its place. Resolutions go up to 1920x1080, while cheaper models only record up to 1440x1080. HDV requires a lot of speed and memory to be viewed or edited: a minimum of 3 Ghz P4 or newer CPU, and 2 GBs of RAM. The AVCHD format is even heavier, requiring a latest technology PC to be edited or viewed without hickups. These cameras usually come with an HDMI port that allows you to view your HD files in full quality on your HDTV.
“Video Enthusiasts and Amateur Filmmakers”
A true video enthusiast and amateur artist would probably go for an HD camcorder with a lot of manual controls. The most popular such consumer cameras are Canon's HV20 and HV30 series, which are in fact among the most well-sold camcorders ever. For just $700, they offer features that up to a few years ago only professionals could enjoy. The most prominent features of these models are their 24p recording (24 frames per second, same frame rate as in the Hollywood pictures rather than the usual 30p/60i frame rate found elsewhere), and "Cinemode" -- a gamma curve that captures a low-contrast image similar to -- again-- Hollywood movies.
 Up until now, the HV20/30 series with their old tape system and smaller resolution, were beating all consumer AVCHD tapeless cameras that could shoot full HD resolutions. However, in August 2008 Canon announced their HF11 and HG21 models that allow for full 24mbps bitrate quality – edging out the HV series and becoming strong contenders among amateur filmmakers, even if they don't have all the hardware features found in the HV series. It's only a matter of time before Canon offers a cheap, with lots of manual controls, good lens, focus ring AVCHD camera as the next evolutionary step over the HV20/30 functionality. Panasonic usually follows suit, and their latest consumer camcorder supports 24p recording as well. Prices usually range from $400 to $1500.
Conclusion
 So, what to buy? If you are a traveler who does not want to carry too much, get a Kodak V1233 or Z1285 model. Geeks.com sells these refurbished models with HD capability for as low as $120. If you are someone who needs more control & quality and aspires to become an amateur filmmaker, the Canon HF11 ($1200) or HV30 ($700) are your best bets. If you need something in between, I would suggest a Sanyo Xacti model ($400).
Happy shooting! |
