Videomaker 2007 Best Products of the Year (page 2)

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.

The Sanyo Xacti E1 combines two old but simple ideas: less is more and waterproof-ness is greatness. OK, we made that last one up, but we're not joking when we say that we had more fun shooting with the Sanyo Xacti E1than any other camcorder this year. Its small and waterproof body allowed us to escape the confines of our cubicles and get wet. Perfectly timed in the heat of the summer, the Sanyo Xacti E1 is a terrific camcorder for water sport enthusiast or tropical island vacationer. Although waterproof technology is not a new idea, its application on the Xacti E1 allowed us to approach videography with a unique perspective that no other camcorder allowed. And that is an innovative approach to videography worth a mention.

The Apple Mac Pro workstation is a video production workhorse with its Intel Dual-Core Xeon processors and ample room for RAM and additional storage. For video editors, its cool and quiet operation make it a real joy to work with in all types of home/studio environments. For those who need a dependable video editing workstation, the Mac Pro's rock-solid stability is a real strength and time-saver. And it can't be ignored that Apple continues to have an aesthetically pleasing design, which coupled with the Mac Pro's stunning performance, makes a hot workstation.

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