Digital camcorders

[fishinmission78]

Looking at all the camcorders out there, too many choices. Anyone here use these things for work, and could help me narrow down the choices?

[bluesdude71]

I recently purchased the Canon Vixia HV30. You can record in multiple hd modes and the picture is phenomonial. Spectacular camcorder for point and shoot. Just started working on editing, but seems to be going smoothly.

[voyager35]

I have an online subscription to CR, here's some stuff they said. Hope it helps.


Formats:

Camcorders can digitally record video onto different media types. As outlined in our How to choose section, each medium--hard drive, DVD, Flash Memory, MiniDV--offers unique advantages and disadvantages. We've summarized that information in the table below, ranking each format from "most convenient" (at the top) to "least convenient" (at the bottom) to use.

Camcorder TypeHighsLowsCombo model
Can record video to either a DVD or second medium (Hard Disk Drive or flash memory).
Most flexible system. Has all the advantages of the Hard-drive and DVD or Flash memory models.
Slightly bulkier.
Hard-Disk Drive
Records video to a miniature, internal hard-disk drive (as found in notebook computers).
Very flexible. Much storage capacity. Easy connection to computer; no special software necessary. Fast transfer of video and stills. Compatible file formats; no conversion necessary.
Must use computer or external DVD burner to share videos.
Flash memory
Records video to removable flash memory card.
Memory card easily transfers video and stills onto computer.
Limited capacities (e.g. 8GB). Relatively high media cost. (approx. $10/GB)
Full-featured MiniDV
Records video to MiniDV tape, and stills to flash memory card. Has a FireWire and USB ports.
Flexible connection to computer (FireWire or USB). Memory card easily transfers stills onto computer. Tape is a low-priced medium.
Transfer to computer is in real time*. Handling and installing tape requires care. Extra software might be necessary.
Multi-DVD type
Records video to a range of DVD types (DVD-RAM, -R, -RW, +RW)
DVD-RAM is the most flexible DVD system (if supported by computer or home player). Support for other DVD formats adds flexibility.
In high-quality mode, disk capacity is somewhat limited. Disk handling requires care. Disk price ranges from $4-$20.
Intermediate MiniDV

Records video to MiniDV tape, and stills to a flash memory. Has a FireWire port (no USB) for transferring video.
Memory card easily transfers stills onto computer. Tape is a low-priced medium.
Computer must have a FireWire port. Transfer to computer is in real time*. Handling and installing tape requires care. Extra software might be necessary.
DVD±R type
Records to several DVD types (DVD-R, -RW, +R, +RW).
Variety of supported DVD types adds flexibility.
In high-quality mode, disk capacity is somewhat limited. Disk handling requires care. Disk prices range from $4-$7.
Basic MiniDV
Records video to MiniDV tape. For transferring data, only has a FireWire port. Lacks flash memory and USB ports.
Tape is a low-priced medium.
Computer must have a FireWire port. Transfer to computer is in real time*. No memory card slot; can’t transfer stills via USB. Handling and installing tape requires care. Extra software might be necessary.
Basic DVD-R type
Records video to DVD-R or DVD-RW disks.
Might have a USB port, a common connection for transferring video to a computer.
DVD-R/-RW not very flexible; finalizing is always necessary. Disk handling requires care. Disk prices range from $4 - $7.
* MiniDV video transfer: "Real time" means it takes one hour to transfer one hour of recorded video. Other types can transfer video much faster. The file is converted on the computer into a compatible format.

[voyager35]

CR - How to choose:



HOW TO CHOOSE

Buy a digital model unless you have old tapes to play back. It won't cost you much more, and you'll get better-quality recordings, usually longer recording times, plus more features and a wider choice of models. If you're replacing an older camcorder, think about what you'll do with the tapes you've accumulated. One option is to transfer them to an easily viewed (and more durable) medium, such as a DVD.

Consider an HD camcorder if you have (or will be buying) an HDTV. An HDTV can make the most of the higher-resolution video quality from a high-def camcorder. But keep in mind that it will probably cost you several hundred dollars more than a comparable standard-def camcorder. If you want the best possible video and it's worth the money to you, HD is the way to go.

Decide which recording format suits you best. The recording format you choose determines not only how much you'll be spending for tapes, discs, or memory, but also how much recording time you'll get. See the specifics for each storage format under A guide to formats.

Check the size, weight, and controls. In the store, try different camcorders to make sure they fit your hand and are comfortable to use. Some models can feel disconcertingly tiny. You'll need to use a tripod if you want rock-steady video, no matter which camcorder you choose. Most camcorders are designed so that the most frequently used controls--the switch to zoom in and out, the record button, and the button for still photos--are readily at hand. Make sure that the controls are convenient and that you can change the tape, DVD, or memory card and remove the battery without any trouble.

Check the flip-out LCD viewer. Most measure 2.5 inches on the diagonal, but some are larger. That can add about $100 to the price. Some viewers suffer from too much glare, making them difficult to use outdoors in bright sun. Check the display in the store to make sure you're satisfied with the usability on any model you're considering. The quality of the display is especially important if the camcorder has no viewfinder. Some have a "brightness boost" button, conveniently situated by the LCD.

Think about the lighting. A camcorder isn't always used outdoors or in a brightly lighted room. You can shoot video in dim light, but don't expect miracles. In our tests, using the default mode, most camcorders produced only fair or poor images in very low light. Many camcorders have settings that can improve performance but can be a challenge to use. There are models that do decently in dim light--say, in a darkened auditorium or at a child's birthday party with only candles for illumination. Check our Ratings for the best low-light performers if you expect to shoot in that type of setting.

Decide how much zoom you want. Most camcorders have at least 10x zoom, but if you expect to be shooting across a soccer field or from the rear of a school auditorium, you may prefer a model with 30x or even 40x. Although an image stabilization feature can help with the "shakes," we still recommend a tripod when using a long zoom.

For top audio quality, look for a model that accepts an external microphone. Most camcorders we tested were just OK for audio because of noises picked up from inside the camcorder. If you want cleaner audio with reduced room noise and echoes, use a highly directional microphone or one you can put at the source of the sound.

Consider your editing standards. You can edit any digital recording medium, but MiniDV allows you the finest control. It's your best bet for professional-style frame-by-frame editing.

Consider traveling convenience. If you don't want to be weighed down while traveling, consider a flash-memory- or hard-drive-based model. High-capacity SD and Memory Stick cards are pricy, but hold nearly as much video as blank tapes and discs--and with much less weight and bulk. Built-in hard drives means you can record for hours without the need to carry any blank media at all. But with both types, you'll have to be comfortable with using a computer to transfer or archive your recordings.

Is simple sharing super important? If you want the convenience of showing off your videos without dragging out the camcorder and cables, consider getting a DVD-based model. In most cases, the DVD from your camcorder (once finalized) will work in most current DVD players.

[voyager35]

High end digital:

CR Quick Recommendations High-definition camcorders

Although prices continue to drop for HD camcorders, you can still expect them to deliver good to very good video, as our Ratings demonstrate. As with standard-definition, HD models record on several different media--MiniDV tape, hard drives, DVDs, and flash memory. In our tests, the recording media format did not predetermine the quality of the HD video.
The Panasonic HDC-SX5, which can store video on either DVD or an SD memory card, was also the most inexpensive. But its sibling, the memory-card camcorder, the HDC-SD9, as well as Sony's hard-drive camcorder, the HDR-SR5, were just $50 more. Although quite pricey, the SR5's larger sibling, the SR12, had three times the storage space, with a 120GB hard drive. It was also quite close in picture quality to our top-rated MiniDV model and Quick Pick, Canon's Vixia HV30.
Most camcorders weigh about a pound, give or take a few ounces. As camcorders get smaller and lighter, image-stabilization features become more important. A lightweight camcorder is harder to hold steady than a heavy one. Fortunately, most did an excellent job of minimizing the shakes.



Quick Picks
Best miniDV model:

• Canon VIXIA HV30 , $800


Like its predecessor, the HV20, this camcorder is easy to use and has an excellent image stabilizer, which can help prevent "jumpy" video footage. It also has excellent image quality and does a decent job in low-light situations and recording audio. There's a 2.7-inch LCD, which displayed video footage well, even in bright light, plus a 10x optical zoom. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/resources/images/spacer.gif
Best value among memory-card models:

• Panasonic HDC-SD9 , $750, CR Best Buy


This model stores video footage on memory cards, which are portable and easy to insert and remove. It's also quite easy to use, with clearly labeled controls. It has an excellent image stabilizer, and very good picture and audio quality. However, when filming in auto mode, the SD9 produced poor quality video in low-light conditions. Although not the lightest in its category, it was lighter than models in other camcorder formats.
Best value among hard-drive models:

• Sony HDR-SR5 , $750, CR Best Buy


For HD quality and the convenience of a hard-drive camcorder, this model is a great buy. It has very good picture quality, good audio quality and is fairly easy to use. However, we did find this camcorder to have a poor image stabilizer. If you need larger storage for longer recording times, you might consider this camcorder's larger sibling, the SR-12. Although it's very pricey at $1400, it has 120 GB of storage, excellent picture quality and an excellent image stabilizer. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/resources/images/spacer.gif
For convenience and flexibility:

• Panasonic HDC-SX5 , $700, CR Best Buy


This camcorder had very good picture and audio quality and was very easy to use. It features a 10x optical zoom and can record video on either an SD memory card (up to 8 GBs) or a DVD disc. You can copy footage from the SD card onto the disc. However, when filming in auto mode, the SX5 produced poor quality video in low-light conditions. It's also ideal for those who may not have a Blu-ray DVD player or computer drive on which to play a finalized high-def DVD disc. Instead, video stored on the memory card can be transferred to a computer for editing, playback or storage.

[dogfish]

Voyager, you're like Encycloppedia Brown :thumbsup: Cool info