Digital Video Evolution

James DeRuvo
June 2006

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When I sold camcorders to put my way through college, they were bulky, heavy, and the best video picture was still just VHS quality. They rested on one's shoulder, and the experience was like lugging around its broadcast equivalent without the technology boost. That was over twenty years ago. And since then, camcorders have steadily evolved, from two piece behemoths with camera and recorder, to handheld Mini DVs, HDs, and even digital cameras which take 30-second clips in TV quality style, all the while, boosting video and audio quality to broadcast standards and beyond (thanks to high definition). Today, even the modest hobbyists have literal TV studios in the palms of their hands.

Those interested in merely capturing those "Kodak moments" on video may not have to look further than their digital still cameras. Today, many digital point and shoot still cameras, like the Kodak Easy Share One or the Canon PowerShot S3 IS, have VGA video capability or 640x480 resolution. Fine for the average television viewing. Grabbing up to 30 frames per second video in and saving to one's SD card is easy, doesn't require another unit when on the go, and can be saved and edited together on a PC using a simple card reader.

But if you're reading Videomaker, that's simply not your style. Even if you are sharing moments with family and friends as opposed to audiences at Sundance and Cannes, you want to have more control while acquiring your image and sound, which requires a camera with more advanced features.

If you're the family producer looking for a sub-$400 camcorder, you don't need to look farther than cameras such as the JVC GR-D350. This Mini DV camcorder has several new features, such as a 32X optical zoom, 16:9 modes and a built-in tele-conversion lens. As users grow into it, the GR-D350 can go from manual to automatic operation at the touch of button. When a video light is not handy or appropriate it has the Auto Illumi-Light feature that illuminates dark scenes. Panasonic's PV-GS32 is all about the zoom. At 28x optical zoom, users can enjoy a full range from wide angle to telephoto. It also has a delicious new feature called Simultaneous Motion Video & Still Picture Recording, where one can capture a still shot directly to an SD card while still videotaping onto Mini DV. A very cool feature. It also comes with a low power LED video light for low light situations, and the standard image stabilization features.

The all-consuming passions of the hobbyist may cause them to look to the next level. Canon's Optura S1 comes with true widescreen (16:9) capability, 10x optical zoom, image stabilization, and a 2.2 Megapixel CCD. It comes with a built in video light, but also has a Night Mode, where the sensitivity of the camera's CCD is automatically boosted and the shutter speed is lowered in conditions where a video light is not practical.

Based on its Everio hard disk camcorder, but tailored to the Mini DV user, JVCs 3-CCD GR-X5 features individual CCDs for red, green and blue which makes for more vibrant colors, vivid images, and a 5 megapixel still camera. It's a hefty $1,900, but that's what hobbies are all about: spending money in the pursuit of passion.

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