Videomaker 2007 Best Products of the Year

Our Videomaker readers know that video production is more than a task. For you it's a way of life, a way to express yourself and a method for reaching people across the globe. It's a powerful, powerful thing that can free your mind or imprison you within your editor's chair as you pull another all-nighter. Good technique will always be the biggest contributor to success in this field. The tools you choose to use greatly impact the speed at which you work. They will also help open up new creative possibilities and develop skills specialized within this field. In the realm of video production, there are tools for every trick of the trade, so here is our list of the tools (and toys) of 2007 that we felt helped Videomaker readers create magical moments in video.

The Canon HV20 is set apart from the competition by its approachable form factor, resounding image quality and robust manual controls. The Canon HV20 also steps outside the point-and-shoot role, acting as a complementary B cam to Canon's prosumer camcorder line-up. This versatility makes it a great tool that shooters can grow with over the years and get great looking shots with just a little finesse. The Canon HV20 raises the bar for what a compact camcorder can do.

The Hitachi DZHS300A is a pioneer as the first hybrid camcorder. We quickly became fans of the hybrid format and its functionality, enabling shooters to also be in-camera editors, with the benefits of creating DVDs from within the camcorder itself. Additionally, the DZHS300A's standard-definition format is one of the most edit-friendly with video editing software. So, no matter where you plan to take your video, the Hitachi DZHS300A has got you covered. This flexibility and the camcorder's overall ease of use make it a refreshing take on consumer video.

The Sony HVR-V1U is a leader in prosumer camcorder design and layout. It is one of the most well-balanced camcorders, and its controls are very intuitive. For professional shooters working on a camcorder that is smaller than others in its category, this design excellence surely pays off. The HVR-V1U's image quality and audio controls are also terrific. For a high-definition camcorder that can run with the pros, the Sony HVR-V1U is certainly the best of its class.

The Panasonic AG-HSC1U impressed us with its performance for a camcorder that's incredibly compact in size. But, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in image quality and efficiency, using the AVCHD format. The AG-HSC1U breaks new ground, allowing you to use critical manual controls to shoot impressive-looking images in unique points of view, where only a compact camcorder can go. Mix in the cost savings you'll receive with its SD/SDHC memory card recording medium, and the AG-HSC1U is on the cutting edge of innovative shooting solutions.