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High definition has certainly come of age and very rapidly, including the proliferation of HD camcorders at the most affordable prices yet. Like standard definition camcorders, HD camcorders are available in a variety of formats. Before making a decision on a make and model, it’s important to notice the common features/technologies found in all of them, as well as the unique qualities found in specific models. To that end, we’ve provided a brief overview of the category and then took a closer look at five current models from JVC, Sanyo, Canon, Panasonic and Hitachi. Unfortunately, Sony was unable to provide one of their most recent models prior to our deadline.
AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition)
A core technology used by most camcorder manufacturers is the AVCHD/H.264 video codec, developed by Sony and Panasonic. This next-generation MPEG-4 codec provides the same quality as MPEG-2 video with only a third to half the data rate, requiring significantly less storage space. The supported audio codec is Dolby Digital (AC-3) Linear PCM.
AVCHD supports a variety of resolutions and aspect ratios including “Full HD” with 1920×1080 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. The typical bit rate for HD recordings is about 24 Mbps (million bits per second), which translates to about 3MB a second or 6 minutes of recording for every GB of storage.
In our survey, all the manufacturers use the AVCHD, except JVC, who continues to opt for MPEG-2, which they feel provides the best combination of image quality, file size and editing options.
FORMATS
When purchasing an HD camcorder there are four main formats to consider – direct to MiniDV tape, storing video on an internal hard drive (HDD) or other storage medium such as an SD Card, or recording directly to a DVD. Each, of course, has their pluses and minuses.
While HDD camcorders can store vast amounts of data depending on the size of the drive, camcorders that use only a media card can offer significantly smaller camera bodies and are so compact they will literally fit in your pocket. Recording directly to MiniDV is still a viable option for recording HD video, though there are limits to the tape-based format when previewing and transferring video footage.
Since it is time-based, an hour’s worth of video takes an hour to transfer. To preview scenes you have to fast-forward and rewind like any tape-based medium to find the selection.
Recording directly to DVD may be fast and convenient because you are recording to your final storage medium. However, keep it mind this is unedited footage and unless you are an exceptional videographer raw footage is rarely enjoyable to watch after the fact.
FEATURES IN COMMON
Our sampling of camcorders offered a host of features in common such as 10X optical zoom and some form of image stabilization, which ensures sharper images with less noticeable blur when panning or capturing images particularly at a distance. Using gyrosensors to accurately distinguish between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement, the stabilizer is capable of keeping your subject steady and easy to follow.
Each of the camcorders evaluated used articulating 2.7-inch LCD monitors (the JVC is only slightly larger at 2.8 inches) that make it possible to easily shoot at various angles and even get you in the shot without setting the camcorder up on a tripod. Playback navigation on the monitors is super easy as clips are displayed (except for Canon since it is tape-based) with the first frame shown as a thumbnail. You can quickly scan through the clips to find the one you want to preview or transfer.
In addition to Full HD 1920×1080 settings, other modes were made available to preserve storage space. Recording times varied depending on the resolution and file sizes.
Playback on HDTVs is convenient with each camcorder providing an HDMI output, however, it should be noted no one actually provides an HDMI cable with the supplied accessories. Component video outputs are also provided, however, since these small camcorders don’t have enough real estate to include separate red, green and blue RCA connectors, a special connection is provided and it’s not universal from one brand to another. If this is your preferred output for viewing on a TV, hold onto the supplied cable, as it might not be something you can replace at the nearest A/V retailer.
External microphones can be used on any of these units and all (except JVC) include a built-in flash for still images. Still images can be captured separately or while filming. As three of the units we tested were hybrids, meaning they offered more than one method for storing your media, you could record video on one form of media, say the hard drive and then store stills on the removable media. Each of the camcorders in our survey included a small, ultra thin remote for basic record and playback operations.
A USB port is provided for downloading files to your computer using the supplied software or importing into an editing program of your choice. The software provided by the five manufacturers surveyed was geared toward Windows-based PCs. If you are a Mac user, like me, the transferring of files varied from camcorder to camcorder. Not all were able to import directly into Apple’s iMovie without being converted to a file format that iMovie recognized.
HITACHI DZ-BD7HA $1499
Capable of recording a full hour of HD video directly to an 8cm Blu-ray disc, the Hitachi camcorder is a genuine first in the industry and the most unique camcorder in our survey. The DZ-BD7HA is a hybrid camcorder allowing you to record directly on the internal 30GB HDD or Blu-ray recorder. There is also a slot for recording to an SD card for increased flexibility.
The DZ-BD7HA has the ability to record to the HDD, then make some minor edits, such as trimming and combining scenes, adding in fades, before dubbing your final edited video to the Blu-ray recorder. The other option is to record directly to the Blu-ray recorder. After finalization, the disc can be played on regular Blu-ray players.
The Hitachi was the bulkiest of all but its weight was not significantly greater. It might not be the best camera for quick and fast movie making but its array of editing and recording capabilities makes it a good choice for people who don’t like spending time editing footage on a computer.
SANYO VPC-HD1000 $799
This pocket-sized HD camcorder only records to an SD card but its capabilities were comparable to all the others surveyed. What makes the Sanyo stand out in a crowd is its unique vertical design, which you can grip with one hand. However, it does take some practice to get a good steady shot with this configuration.
The Sanyo includes the increasingly popular face detection, which automatically locates faces in the frame and adjusts the exposure, contrast and skin tone for optimum results. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space to go into a good deal of detail but the Sanyo was the most feature rich model in our survey, other than the Hitachi.
For truly on-the-go videos in high definition and the ability to capture larger megapixel stills than most camcorders, the Sanyo is a good all around choice for most applications.
PANASONIC HDC-SD9 $799
Looking like a standard camcorder in miniature, the SD9 is an HD studio that fits in your jacket pocket. The only camcorder in our survey that actually shoots 1080p video, the SD9 incorporates a 3CCD processor (separate processing for primary colors – red, green, blue) providing richer and more detailed video images than single CCD systems. Additionally, a 24p-recording mode delivers ‘film-like’ quality with either the 1080i or 1080p (30 frames per second) modes.
The Panasonic also has the ability to record Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Surround Sound from the five internal microphones placed in a cluster at the top of the camcorder. Since they are placed so closely together, unless there are fairly distinct sounds coming from different directions you may not be aware that you are hearing discrete 5.1 audio during playback (via HDMI).
The SD9 was the only other model with Face Detection and also includes the Intelligent Shooting Guide, which automatically provides hints on the screen to assist in making better videos. For instance, it indicates when you are panning too fast or when images are out of focus.
JVC GZ-HD6 $1399
The camcorder that was sent to me from JVC benefited from some real world experience as it arrived the day before I left for Hawaii. This is the only camcorder in the survey that didn’t use AVCHD, as JVC prefers the MPEG2 video codec. While that means larger file sizes, the GZ-HD6’s massive 120GB HDD can store more than 10 hours of Full HD video, more than enough for any vacation. The quality of the images was exceptional due to the 3CCD processing delivering extremely realistic and three-dimensional images.
The Graphical User Interface (GUI) on this model was my favorite of the five units I evaluated, with easy navigation using the small function button on the side of the LCD monitor. JVC also employs a unique sorting design on the HDD that allows you to file clips under specific topics such as vacation, family etc. for fast access to clips without the need to go through all the thumbnails on the HDD.
Since the JVC is the only model without a flash, you’ll need the hot shoe for attaching a flash unit. It’s also convenient for attaching a video light.
CANON HV30 $999
The HV30 uses miniDV tape. The upside is it’s a familiar medium and always provides a good clear image. The downside is, well, it’s tape and comes with all the inherent limitations of that medium.
This camcorder also offered the 24p Cinema mode to create a more film-like quality from HD footage. The quality of the recorded video was excellent and on par with the all-digital camcorders. The LCD viewfinder on the HV30 was actually one of the best in the group with a color accurate and detailed image. While larger than the SD card camcorders, the HV30 was still light and comfortable.
The quirkiest feature on the Canon was the menu selection for choosing resolution. You had to go through about three menu layers to make changes. It also offered a hot shoe for attaching an external flash attachment or video light.
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