DV Cams (page 2)

There are far too many features available on the modern DV camcorder to cover in detail here. The accompanying grid that lays out the camcorder features will help you identify the right choice of digital camcorder for your needs. The number of options may seem bewildering at first, but all these choices mean that you should be able to find a digital camcorder that is perfect for your needs.

Now let's look at some specific models at several price points and examine some of their features in more detail. Note that the models discussed here are merely a sampling of the offerings by various manufacturers at each price level. All camcorders in the grid should be considered equally.

For beginning videographers who are looking to go digital, without breaking the bank, this is the jumping off point. It is here where you can begin your digital journey. These camcorders are affordable, compact and surprisingly easy to use. And the best thing is they deliver the awesome image and sound quality you've already heard about.

• Sharp VL-SD20 ($999)
  If you prefer to use an LCD monitor all the time instead of a viewfinder, consider the Sharp VL-SD20. This Mini DV camcorder is slightly larger than the palm-sized models and it has a 3-inch color viewfinder so you can clearly and easily see what you're shooting.
  In addition to a host of standard features, the VL-SD20 includes what Sharp calls Digital Gamma Correction. This purportedly reduces the image contrast by automatically compensating for the brightness of the background light and lightening the shadow areas without overexposing the surroundings.
  The VL-SD20 also sports a 10x optical (100x digital) zoom, a 1/3-inch high-density CCD for sharp imaging, as well as a FireWire interface.
• Panasonic PV-DV910 ($1100)
  If a small, compact, easy-to-shoot camcorder is more important to you than a lot of manual controls, check out the Panasonic PV-DV910 (see Videomaker's April 1999 issue for a complete review). This full-featured Mini DV camcorder literally fits in the palm of your hand. It boasts an 18:1 optical (300x digital) zoom, FireWire interface and 3-inch flip-out LCD screen. It's also got a feature called PhotoShot that can take digital still images. It can store up to 1,000 stills on an 80-minute videotape. The PV-DV910 also comes with a detachable light for shooting in low-light situations.
• Canon Ultura ($1199)
  Canon's Ultura (see Videomaker's December 1999 issue for a complete review) is another small camcorder with a handful of features. It includes a 16x optical (320x digital) zoom, optical image stabilization, FlexiZone Auto Focus/Exposure, FireWire interface and a 2.5-inch flip-out LCD screen. There are a number of automatic point-and-shoot modes. For the videographer who wants more control or who frequently shoots in challenging lighting conditions, the Ultura does provide manual focus and exposure controls as well.
• Sony DCR-TRV510 ($1299)
  Like all the Digital8 camcorders, the Sony CCD-TRV510 (see Videomaker's August 1999 issue for a complete review) is a bit larger than comparable mini DV camcorders. But the extra size buys you backward compatibility with your existing Hi8 or 8mm videotapes, however. Add a computer with IEEE 1394 FireWire or i.LINK and you have a direct path to load your old analog video onto your PC in the DV format. Then, once you've digitized your 8mm video, you're ready for nonlinear editing.
  In addition, the DCR-TRV510 is a full-featured digital camcorder. It includes a 20x optical (360x digital) zoom, a big 4-inch flip-out LCD monitor and 2MB of internal storage for digital still photos.

Although beginner and intermediate videographers would enjoy the camcorders in the previous category, more advanced shooters may find themselves craving more. And more is what they get with these mid-range camcorders. For just a bit more money, manual controls and 3-chips are within grasp. If you're looking to take a step up in your production level, these models could be a logical choice.

• JVC GR-DVL9500 ($2000)
  The GR-DVL9500 (see the review on page 41 of this issue) from JVC, is a palm-sized, feature-packed wonder with a few special tricks all its own. It uses JVC's new spline interpolation technology for both digital zoom and digital image stabilization. The GR-DVL9500 also has the capability to do high-speed image recording for high quality slow-motion playback.
  Need a still camera? The GR-DVL9500 includes a Progressive Scan CCD, direct RS-232C computer interface for the transfer of still images, a built-in three mode flash with red-eye reduction and software for image processing on your PC.
  Though it's not a 3-chip camcorder, it's got enough features to keep most intermediate and advanced videographers happy. It has a 10x optical (200x Spline Interpolation digital) zoom, a host of digital effects that can be added during playback, built-in transitions, manual focus, exposure and white balance control. It also includes a nifty animation mode.
• Canon GL1 ($2699)
  Looking like a compact version of it's popular older brother, the XL1, Canon's GL1 (see the complete review in Videomaker's upcoming February 2000 issue) is the newest addition to its Mini DV line of camcorders. It Features a fluorite 20x optical zoom lens and three 1/2 inch CCD image sensors, promising excellent images at a mid-range price. The GL1 also incorporates two microphones, one for each stereo channel, and a microphone jack to ensure the highest quality of audio.
  The GL1, features a full compliment of programmed automatic exposure and manual exposure controls. It provides both analog and FireWire input and output and a host of manual controls that intermediate and advanced videographers demand.
• Sony DCR-TRV900 ($2699)
  Sony's top-of-the-line DCR-TRV900 (see Videomaker's May 1999 issue for a complete review) includes three 1/2 inch Progressive Scan CCDs with 380k pixels each, optical image stabilization, a 12x optical (48x digital) zoom, and a 3.5-inch swivel LCD screen. Sony includes full digital still capabilities on the DCR-TRV900. It can capture and save 640x480 JPEG images on Sony's Memory Sticks, or download still images directly to your PC.
  The DCR-TRV900 includes PAL playback, built-in color bars, full manual controls and zebra stripes for exposure control. Equipped with both automatic and manual controls, the DCR-TRV900 is a high quality camcorder that will cover the needs of the serious videographer.
• Panasonic AG-EZ30U ($2850)
  The AG-EZ30U (see Videomaker's October 1998 issue for a complete review) from Panasonic's professional division is a professional camcorder wrapped in a consumer body. This 1.5-pound three-CCD camcorder was designed with an eye toward simple operation.
  Just because the AG-EZ30U is simple to use doesn't mean that it's lacking anything essential for the production of quality video. It has a FireWire port, 12x optical (30x digital) zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD viewscreen for easy shooting. The AG-EZ30U's multiple automatic modes combine with manual control for focus, shutter speed, iris and gain provide all the flexibility a videographer could ask for.

This is it, the peak of the Mini DV market. The camcorders in this range rival the best camcorders anywhere. With three-CCDs, full manual control, interchangeable lenses and high resolution imaging, these camcorders are for those who demand the best and are willing to pay for it.

• Sony DCR-VX1000 ($4199)
  The DCR-VX1000 (see Videomaker's November 1995 issue for a complete review) from Sony is clearly oriented toward the professional end of the market. It features three 1/3-inch CCDs of 410k pixels each, 10x optical (20x digital) zoom lens, full manual controls, independent audio level controls and zebra stripes for greater exposure control.
  The VX-1000 was one of the first Mini DV camcorders ever produced and it still holds its own in the marketplace.
• Canon XL1 ($4699)
  Since it's introduction, Canon's XL1 (see Videomaker's March 1998 issue for a complete review) has been at the pinnacle of the Mini DV format. With all its features, manual controls and price, it's clearly aimed at the choosy high-end videographer. While the interchangeable XL lens mount system is the most obvious feature, there is much more to Canon's flagship Mini DV camcorder. The XL1 privides manual audio level control and an adapter allows XLR mike input. According to Canon, the three CCDs and Pixel Shift technology combine to improve low light sensitivity while providing high resolution images.
  Of course, the XL1 provides an appropriate set of exposure modes, including full auto, shutter priority, aperture priority and full manual control. If you include both the XL and EF lenses that can be used with the XL1, the potential range of focal lengths is equivalent to a 35mm camera range starting at 24mm and going all the way out to a whopping 17,280mm.
• JVC GY-DV500 ($4995)
  Weighing in at nearly eleven pounds, the GY-DV500 ($4995) Mini DV camcorder is no lightweight. It looks like a professional news gathering camera and it's similarity to one is more than skin deep.
  Its three CCD's are 1/2-inch units rather than the more common 1/4-inch or 1/3-inch devices. The larger CCDs provide more surface area to gather light. The camera uses a standard professional 1/2-inch bayonet lens mount, so there are a number of lenses available to choose. Expect the best lenses to cost more than the GY-DV500 itself, but if you ever upgrade to the professional video format, your old lens can come right along with you. Full audio control and XLR inputs are standard on this camcorder.

There are many DV choices out there. The growing market has brought us a healthy competition which means better technology at lower prices. But with the accompanying grid you should have no trouble finding a camcorder that meets your needs and desires to a tee. There's a DV camcorder for every need and every budget. Mini DV is no longer the format of the future or of the elite few who can afford it. Digital is here and it's affordable.

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