Spotlight on Camcorders Buyer's Guide (page 3)

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.

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.

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 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.

The HVR-Z1 ($5,950) 3-CCD camcorder records in either 1080i60 or 1080i50 modes. There are just a few differences between the Z1 and the FX1, such as the Z1 offers more image controls and balanced XLR audio inputs.

The HVR-V1 3-CMOS camcorder shoots 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, with far more professional-style controls.

• Digg This!
• del.icio.us
• Technorati
• StumbleUpon
• Reddit