We thought high definition (HD) was supposed to be a thing of the future, but it’s here and we don’t all know what it means which is why you need to read more than one high definition camcorder review before you purchase one. If you got a high definition video camcorder for Christmas last month, are you still reading the directions? It came upon us so fast, just like any other new technology, that we haven’t really had time to absorb it’s capabilities.
Reading a review on high definition camcorders first is a good way to educate yourself on what kind to buy. You probably know that HD means the video camcorder has a higher resolution than the standard definition (SD). The resolution has jumped from 640×480 to 1920×1080. So, what does that mean to you? Probably not much, except that the videos you record on your new HD video camcorder will be exceptionally clear and smooth.
There are 4 different media types:
1) a type of tape called MiniDV – used in some Canon and Sony models;
2) a hard disk drive (HDD) is high capacity but needs to be backed up – used in the Canon HG10 and the Sony HDR-SR12;
3) a DVD is the smaller miniDVD discs – used in Sony HDR-UX10
4) a flash memory which is the top media with no moving parts – used in the Canon HF10 and the Panasonic HDC-SD9.
Now that you’re totally confused, here’s the list of formats for the new high definition camcorders:
1) HDV which is the oldest HDV camcorder;
2) AVCHD is extremely popular because it can be recorded on all the non-tape media above
3) AVC/H.264 MPEG-4 only records in 720p; and
4) MPEG-2 Transport Stream has the lowest picture quality.
If you understood any of the above and want to go shopping for a Hi def camcorder, you should first do some comparison shopping on the internet. You’ll want to compare such things as the quality, the resolution, the size, and the price when reading a high definition camcorder review of your favorite models.
There is one list on the internet of the top ten most popular High definition video camcorders that rated them from zero stars to five stars. Following are the HD camcorders that got three-five stars out of the list of ten:
1) 5 stars – Sony Handycam Hard Drive HD Camcorder priced at $799;
2) 5 stars – Canon VIXIA HF S100 Flash Memory HD Camcorder at $779;
3) 5 stars – Canon VIXIA HF S10 Flash Drive HD Camcorder at $819;
4) 3 stars – Canon VIXIA HF200 SD/SDHC HD Camcorder at $529.
The other six on the top ten list received no stars and are priced from $79 to $949.
Of course, there are other comparisons on different sites on the internet with somewhat conflicting ratings and high definition camcorders reviews are not all the same. All of the sites with comparisons on them stated that they used basically the same features in their comparisons trying to help you decide between them.
As you can see, the choice you have is endless and it will probably take you hours just to look at the pictures and read the descriptions on the internet. Then, the big job comes, you actually have to go shopping in the stores and look at them in person. You’ll probably change your mind many times before you make the purchase. Just try to remember the fun you’re going to have recording all your family, friends, pets, and even people you don’t know and take the time to read a high definition camcorder review or two before you buy.
