How High-Definition Camcorders Operate

There's nothing like watching an old home movie and reliving cherished moments. Sure, some memories might be better left forgotten. But when those important moments are captured on film, wouldn't you agree that the image of you tripping down the stairs on your first day of high school would look so much better in high definition? High-definition (HD) camcorders make it possible.

Though the first HD camcorders were bulky and costly, technological advancements have made them more affordable and compact. Now, you can find excellent HD camcorders for under $700, and some are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Similar to the transition to HDTVs, HD camcorders mark a major upgrade from older digital models. As the article How HDTV Works details, high-definition digital technology offers superior picture and sound quality compared to standard digital and analog systems. Even the highest quality standard signals display a maximum of 576 lines of pixels (tiny dots that form an image), while full HD resolution boasts 1,920 lines, resulting in much clearer and more detailed images. Now, when you record the birth of your baby boy, you'll be able to see the individual hairs on his head waving.

Before you take on the role of a director, you’ll first need to explore the array of HD camcorders available. This article will guide you in choosing the best HD camcorder for your needs by breaking down the various models on the market. Find out what factors to consider when making your purchase next.

Comparing High-definition Digital Video Cameras

Much like regular digital video cameras, high-definition digital video cameras (or camcorders) come in various sizes, price ranges, and functionalities. One of the most important aspects to consider is the storage method. HD digital video cameras typically use four main types of storage:

Some digital video cameras offer the option to choose between two storage formats: recording to the camera's internal flash drive or using a removable memory card. This is especially useful if you misplace your memory card but still need to capture an important family event. This feature is generally called dual flash memory. 

Along with deciding how to store your footage, it’s important to think about the recording formats. There are two major high-definition video formats that consumers rely on: HDV, which debuted in 2004, and AVCHD, which emerged in mid-2006 and continues to develop.

HDV (high-definition video) records onto miniDV tapes and supports one or both of two HD formats: 720p (1,280 by 720 progressive) or 1080i (1,440 by 1,080 interlaced). These numbers refer to the resolution, while the terms progressive and interlaced describe the method of recording: Progressive captures each frame as a whole, whereas interlaced splits each frame into two fields. To explore more about camcorder terminology, check out How HDTV Works and How Camcorders Work.

AVCHD (advanced video codec high definition) uses a different compression method compared to HDV for capturing and reducing data size. It’s far more efficient, requiring much less storage space. The technology also enables faster file transfers from the camera to the computer—up to 10 times faster than HDV—and it’s much more convenient than tape, which involves tedious rewinding and fast-forwarding. In addition to the two formats supported by HDV, AVCHD can also record full high definition, 1,920 by 1,080, for when you need to see every detail (like that embarrassing zit on your face during high school graduation).

Because of these advantages, more companies like Sony, Canon, and Panasonic are incorporating AVCHD technology. However, HDV still has its benefits. Since AVCHD is relatively new, HDV camcorders often offer better image quality. Additionally, video editing software and other tools are just beginning to harness the full potential of AVCHD.

Whether you opt for the HDV or AVCHD format, you'll find yourself surrounded by a variety of choices. Check out the exciting features of HD digital video cameras on the next page.

More High-definition Camcorder Features

Technology never fails to surprise, and the latest HD camcorders are no exception. With some options that fit into your pocket and can even capture professional-grade still photos, you may find yourself abandoning your traditional still camera. Why carry a separate camera when your high-def camcorder can handle it all? In fact, some of these devices might take up less space than the stack of bills you’ll hand over to purchase one.

If you're after a sleek, portable device, you're in luck. As mentioned earlier, flash memory makes it possible for camcorders to come in small sizes yet deliver the same performance as their bulkier counterparts. Some HD camcorders are so lightweight, you may forget you're even holding one. Sanyo's Xacti HD1000 is the lightest of them all, weighing just 9.5 ounces and measuring 16.6 cubic inches. Its vertical design lets you hold it comfortably with one hand. Don't be fooled by its petite size: this little gadget offers full HD recording. Another featherweight option, Samsung's SC-HMX20C, is even smaller than a soda can at 10.9 ounces and boasts both built-in flash memory and removable memory cards. 

Not only do HD video camcorders capture stunning video quality, but many models also have the capability to take impressive still photos. For instance, Sony offers two HD camcorders that can snap 10-megapixel images. The $1,400 HDR-SR12 features a 120-gigabyte hard drive, while the $1,200 HDR-S11 is equipped with a 60-gigabyte hard drive. A bit more affordable are Canon's Vixia HF10 priced at $1,099 and the Canon Vixia HF100 at $899. These two camcorders capture 3.3-megapixel still photos, which, while fewer pixels than Sony's, still offer solid performance for the average user.

HD video camcorders come with a variety of other noteworthy features. Some, like the Sony HDR-HC9 and Panasonic HDC-HS9, support xvYCC, a color standard that produces more vibrant, accurate colors. This standard is claimed to generate 1.8 times more reds, greens, and blues compared to the typical color spectrum.

The Sanyo VPC-HD1000 and Panasonic HDC-SD9 (both around $799) are also impressive, as they feature face recognition technology that automatically detects faces within the frame and adjusts exposure, contrast, and even skin tone for optimal results. Additionally, the Panasonic camcorder supports xvYCC and includes an Intelligent Shooting Guide, a feature that offers helpful tips to improve your videos—it's like having a personal photography instructor on hand.

A highly sought-after feature in an HD video camcorder is the 3CCD processor. While all digital video cameras use CCD (charge-coupled device) processors to capture light and produce images, the use of three separate processors (one for each primary color) is a newer development. Camcorders with a 3CCD processor deliver images with richer colors and more vivid details.

When it's time to watch your footage, the process is fairly straightforward. However, if you want your videos to stand out even more, you can easily edit your HD video recordings. The next page covers the basics of viewing and editing your videos.

Editing and Playing High-definition Camcorder Footage

Reliving your most cherished memories in high definition is truly a remarkable experience. Before you can enjoy your video on a massive screen in vivid detail, you'll need to transfer the footage from the camcorder to either your television or computer. HD camcorders come equipped with ports to attach a video cable for connecting to your HDTV. Sometimes, these cables may not be included, and you might need to purchase one separately at an electronics store. Once connected, just press play. Additionally, most HD camcorders feature a FireWire output or a USB port for easy connection to your computer. It's also possible to hook up your camcorder to a standard television using similar cables.

For those with a creative touch, like an aspiring Spielberg, editing your footage before showing it off is a great option. The process of editing high-definition video is similar to that of standard definition video, which is explained in How Video Editing Works. The key difference when working with HD footage is the file size—it's massive. With higher picture quality comes larger file sizes, meaning HD video takes up considerable storage space. Additionally, because both HDV and AVCHD formats use heavy compression, decoding the footage demands a powerful computer processor.

Fortunately, a variety of software applications are available to assist with editing HD videos. Many camcorders come with their own dedicated software, but you can also find third-party options like Apple's iMovie HD and iDVD HD, Pinnacle Studio, and Adobe Premiere Pro. It may take a bit of searching to find the one that's compatible with your specific camcorder and computer setup, but there's a good chance you'll find the right match soon enough.

If you prefer not to dive into full video editing but still want to make simple adjustments, like merging or removing scenes, certain camcorders, such as the Hitachi DZ-BD7HA, let you do so directly on the device. This specific model allows you to record straight onto a Blu-ray disc, which can then be played on any standard Blu-ray player right away.