All Things HDV Buyer's Guide

Heath McKnight
May 2007

» Next Image Previous Image «

With so many high definition camcorders now on the market, along with Panasonic's DVCPRO HD becoming more affordable, as well as the new AVCHD camcorders, the choice on which camcorder is right for you can be a difficult one. We break down the camcorders to help with that difficult decision.

There are now a number of more affordable high definition (HD) camcorders, which use a variety of compression formats (MPEG-4, AVCHD, and HDV) than ever before, but all of them are more consumer oriented. As low-cost HD becomes more popular and common, expect prices to drop further.

MPEG-4
Sanyo's handheld VPC-HD1a Xacti Media Camera ($799) is the entry-level camcorder in terms of price, and offers 720p video via MPEG-4 compression, captured to SD memory cards, which are sold separately. This small camcorder can fit easily in your hand or pocket, which makes travel easy.

The release of the AVCHD consumer camcorders from Sony and Panasonic added more affordable HD camcorders for both the hobbyist and prosumer. These DVD- or hard disk-based camcorders include Sony's new CMOS-sensor HDR-UX5 ($999) and HDR-UX7 ($1,299), both of which record footage to DVD. Both camcorders also feature 5.1 stereo surround sound.

Panasonic's offerings include the HDC-DX1 ($1,399), which burns to DVD, and the HDC-SD1 ($1,499), which records onto an SDHC memory card. Both units have three CCD chips, which allow for improved color reproduction, and 5.1 stereo surround sound.

The AVCHD format specifications allow for 1080i, 720p and standard definition recording modes, although not every AVCHD camcorder supports all these shooting modes.

HDV
The JVC GR-HD1 was the first low-cost HD camcorder to hit the market, in the spring of 2003. It is a single-CCD camcorder that records in 720p resolution to Mini DV tape, which is standard on all HDV camcorders.

Canon introduced the 1-CMOS HV10 ($1,499) as a low-cost consumer-oriented and handheld HDV counterpart to its higher-end HDV camcorders. This camcorder can record in 60i, along with 30F and 24F, which the high-end units can do. The "F" means full frame, and is very similar to how progressive video works. There is also a native 1920x1080-size sensor. At the time of publication, Canon announced the HV20, which has a new design and an HDMI connector.

Sony introduced the 1080i HDR-HC5 and HC7 in January 2007, which are very similar to its AVCHD offerings, except these CMOS-sensor camcorders are HDV and record to Mini DV tape.

Most of the camcorders found in this price range are considered consumer, but they still pack a solid punch in terms of features and functionality. Most of these camcorders are HDV.

Sony
The Sony HVR-A1 ($3,100) is a professional, 1-CMOS HDV handheld camcorder that records in 1080i60 resolution. Because it's from Sony's pro division, this camcorder offers more features than the consumer HD camcorders, along with pro tech support.

Sony's two consumer camcorders that have three chips and more professional-style manual controls are the 3-CCD HDR-FX1 ($3,700), similar to the professional HVR-Z1 and the 3-CMOS HDR-FX7 ($3,500), similar to the professional HVR-V1. While the FX1 has the edge in terms of more professional controls and 3 third-inch CCDs (compared to the FX7's 3 quarter-inch CMOS sensors), both camcorders offer excellent 1080i video capture to Mini DV tape.

Canon
Nearly a year after Canon introduced the XL H1, the company revealed two smaller yet similar HDV camcorders, including the XH A1 ($3,999), a 3-CCD camcorder capable of 1080i recording to tape. The unit is more affordable than the identical XH G1 because it doesn't include HD SDI out, which is a pure digital, uncompressed video-only output. Like its siblings, the XH A1 can record in 1080i60, along with 30F and 24F, with an option for 50i and 25F recording.

JVC
JVC showed off its new Everio hard drive-based camcorder, the GZ-HD7, at this year's CES. Shooting in 1920x1080i or the slightly lower resolution 1440x1080i is possible, and the footage is stored on a 60GB hard drive. This is not HDV, but something new for JVC.

Many of the camcorders listed below are very similar to the Moderate/Low units, but include features that raise the bottom line.

Sony
The HVR-Z1 ($5,950) 3-CCD camcorder can record in either 1080i60 or 1080i50 modes. There aren't too many differences between the Z1 and the FX1, but the Z1 offers more image controls and balanced XLR audio inputs, to name the major differences.

The HVR-V1 3-CMOS camcorder offers both 1080 progressive and interlace capture. It can shoot in 60i, 30p, and also the very popular 24p, for film-style recording. The progressive signal is "packaged" into a 60i "stream," meaning the final output is interlaced, while retaining the progressive look. This makes it easier for consumers with older televisions to watch the video without any problems. This is known as 3:2 pulldown. The V1 is similar to the FX7, but has far more professional-style controls.

JVC
The professional JVC HDV/ProHD camcorders, including the HD110 ($6,550), offer 720p recording and the ability to switch lenses. The HD110 can record in 30p, 25p, and 24p while in HDV mode and 60p, 50p, 24p, and 60i in DV mode.

Canon
As described earlier, the Canon XH G1 ($6,999) is very similar to the XH A1 and the higher-end XL H1, except like the H1, it offers HD SDI, Genlock, and Time Code output, known as the Professional Jackpack.