Spotlight on Camcorders Buyer's Guide (page 4)

The professional JVC HDV/ProHD camcorders, including the HD110 ($6,550), offer 720p recording and interchangeable lenses. The HD110 offers 24p modes in both HDV and DV modes.

Canon's XH G1 ($6,999) is similar to the XH A1 and the higher-end XL H1, except like the H1, it offers HD SDI, Genlock and Time Code output.

These are the HD camcorders that are geared strictly for the professional, relying primarily on manual controls, though they include automatic controls if you need to fall back on them.

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 ($5,995) is the only DVCPRO HD camcorder in the sub-$10,000 category. The base price is around $6,000, but doesn’t include the P2 cards, which are needed to record HD. It has a Mini DV tape transport system, but records only DV (not HDV).

P2 is a card-based technology Panasonic developed to keep the camcorder’s costs low. While the prices are dropping, two 8GB P2 cards, which can hold about 8-20 minutes of HD-quality footage each (depending on shooting format), can cost around $1,200 each as of this writing. These cards are necessary to shoot in HD.

The AG-HVX200 is similar to the revolutionary AG-DVX100 DV camcorder in look and design. It can capture footage in 1080i 24p, 24pA, 30p and 60i, along with multiple frame rates in 720p mode, from 12fps to 60fps. This can give the user smooth slow- and fast-motion effects.

Canon's HDV equivalent to its XL family of DV camcorders is the XL H1 ($8,999). Like the JVC camcorders, this camcorder also includes the ability to remove the lens and put another on. The XL H1 also has a significant number of film-like image settings and a Professional Jackpack (HD SDI, genlock and time code output).

The JVC GY-HD200 ($8,995) is designed more for electronic news gathering (ENG), along with digital cinematography and other forms of videography. It is very similar to the HD110, but has more features, including the extra ability to record in 60p and 50p in HDV mode.

The GY-HD250 ($10,995) is also similar to the GY-HD200 and GY-HD110, and is the most professional of its ProDV camcorders. This camcorder features HD SDI, genlock and time code output.

When deciding which HD camcorder to buy, consider whether you truly are a hobbyist or a prosumer. Many of the smaller HD camcorders are ideal for both (and increasingly a good starting point for new camcorder owners), but prosumers may need the extra features found in the higher-end HD cams.

Heath McKnight is a filmmaker and writer who recently co-wrote the book, HDV: What You NEED to Know, Volume 2, from VASST.

To view Manufacturer's list, CLICK HERE.

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