Digital HD Camcorder Buying Guide 2011-2012

September 1, 2011 by SmartReview
Filed under Camcorder Articles, Featured Camcorder

2011-2012 Camcorder Buying Guide – Buying a camcorder can be confusing. With so many choices and features you need to understand what is important and what is not. This camcorder buying guide will help you sort out the facts on camcorders and what models best fit your needs. It will also explain the technical jargon that is important to know when buying a camcorder. Only camcorders with the best ratings are listed on this site.

Video Recording: FLASH, DUAL FLASH, HDD (Hard Drive), DVD, or MiniDV Tape? - Camcorders today store video in a variety of ways, and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. The most popular camcorders have shifted from MiniDV, to DVD, to the now popular HDD (Harddrive) and FLASH Memory. Each method of storage of video has its advantages and disadvantages as can be seen below:

Canon HF S20 Dual Flash HD Camcorder DUAL FLASH MEMORY – Some of the latest flash memory camcorders not only record to flash memory SDHC flash memory cards, but also have built in memory so you can record video with or without memory cards. The most popular sizes are 32GB and 64GB. As memory prices drop, we believe that this type of camcorder will become more popular in the future. For 2011, 32gb is becoming more common, and some of the new Canon camcorders now have dual SDHC card slots for even more recording time.

Dual Flash Memory Top Picks:

Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

FLASH Memory – Another popular group of camcorders use tiny SD, SDHC, SDXC and other flash memory cards to store video. Unlike Dual Flash, these have no internal memory. These camcorders can be tiny in size to larger professional models. There are hardly any moving parts other than the lens. They hold varying amounts of video per card. The most popular memory cards for these camcorders are the SDHC Memory cards. Currently you can get them up to 32gb at reasonable prices, and larger sizes are coming in price. Some of the smaller flash camcorders are cheap ($200 and under), but will not provide the same quality of video as larger models since their Imaging sensors and lenses are smaller, and their stabilization is inferior to mainstream camcorders. Flash Memory camcorders record only to memory cards, while dual flash record to both internal memory and cards (see above).

Flash Memory Top Picks:

Panasonic SD90K (3D Compatible). 2011
Canon HFS200 (2 SDHC Slots). 2010

Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

HDD (harddisk) Camcorders Hard Drive (HDD) – This format records video to a camcorder using a built in hard drive (HDD) similar to what is in a notebook computer. The advantage of a built in harddrive is that you don’t have to bother with DVDs or Tapes. The built in harddrive can hold the video equivalent of many MiniDV tapes or memory cards (depending on harddrive capacity). This should be more than enough for normal vacations and events. When you get home after shooting the video, you can then download the video to your computer with the included cables to later burn to DVD, edit, or archive. You can view video directly on your TV by hooking up the included cables to your TV set. With an HDD camcorder you can also view scenes without having to go through all the footage in sequence like tape, and can even edit and delete scenes on the fly. The one disadvantage of HDD is that you must be sure to back up your video to an external harddrive so that should your computer crash, you have an extra copy. For 2011 we are seeing fewer models as manufacturers are moving to flash based camcorders (Canon has no HDD camcorders for 2011). Hybrid HDD camcorders such as those listed below also can record to memory cards for additional flexibility.

HDD Camcorder Top Picks:

MiniDV Tape – The MiniDV tape has been a very popular format for recording video, but there are few offerings of this type today. Most professional camcorders still use tape. For standard definition camcorders (not HD), the video is transferred with little or no compression to the tape, giving the maximum quality which is important for editing should you want to produce your own productions with the videos you take. Tapes are inexpensive and can give you 60 to 90 minutes depending on selected quality. To view MiniDV camcorders on your TV you can hookup the camcorder using included cables. If you are going to be doing a lot of editing of the video, MiniDV camcorders are a good choice as they have less compression than other models. MiniDV tapes also give you excellent archival storage backup. Even if you transfer your video to a computer and the computer drive crashes, you still have your tape. For consumer camcorders, convenience is leading to HDD camcorders to be more popular than MiniDV. With tape, you have to go through the entire tape to view it (sequentially). For High Definition MiniDV Tape maxes out at 1080i, while flash memory and HDD based camcorders now have 1080p (twice the resolution).

MiniDV Top Pick: Canon HV40

Related Article: MiniDV Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

DVD – Although once the most popular, recording directly to Mini DVDs is no longer the most popular camcorder format. Standard definition DVD camcorders will create DVDs that will play directly in your home DVD player with no modifications. These mini DVDs are inexpensive, and give you between 20 minutes and 60 minutes of recording time per disc depending on the quality setting. You cannot edit DVDs directly, but must transfer the video to a computer and re-edit them. DVD camcorders compress the video more than other methods which can result in lower video quality. If you plan to edit your videos DVD camcorders are not your first choice.

Video Quality - Most camcorders do a good job in bright sunlight outside. However, camcorders that have a larger video sensor (Imager) perform better than camcorders with smaller ones (especially in low light). The video imager is the area that light hits (like the retina in your eye) after it travels through the camcorder lens. The larger the imager it is, the more fine detail can be recorded. Bigger is better. Larger imagers generally come with higher priced camcorders. So if video quality, colors, and fine details are important, a camcorder with a larger sensor will perform much better than that of one with a smaller sensor. The best imagers on consumer camcorders today are 1/3-inch or larger. Most of our Top-picks have larger imagers. We list imager size in all of our comparison and roundup pages.

Low Light Performance - As with video quality, a camcorder with a larger sensor will have better light gathering ability, and low light performance. Those camcorders with larger (faster) lenses will also help in low light situations. The above camcorders that have large Imagers will do well in low light, however only the professional camcorder will give you BOTH a larger video Imager and larger faster lenses for excellent low light ability. Poor low light performance is the number one complaint of people buying camcorders. If low light performance is important, get a camcorder with a larger Imager. Some reviewers have reported that buying a video light makes a big difference in low light situations.

Camcorders with Excellent Low Light Capability:

Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3D (32gb dual flash) 2011
Canon HF S30 (32gb) 2011
Panasonic HDC-HS900K (220gb HDD) 2011
Sony HDR-CX560v (64gb dual flash )2011
Canon Vixia HFS20 (32gb dual flash ) 2010
Sony HDR-XR550V (240gb HDD) 2010

High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition? - Today you have two choices in camcorders. Standard Definition, which is up to DVD quality, or High Definition which greatly exceeds DVD quality. In the future, all camcorders will be high definition, as that is the way the industry is headed. With a high definition camcorder, you usually have the option of recording in either standard or high definition. Even if you record in high definition, you can still play it through your standard (non HD) TV set. To future proof your videos, you can record in high definition today and eventually be able to able to transfer them to Blueray disc, Playstation 3, HD Tivo or another device. Most HD camcorders allow you to connect your camcorder directly to an HDTV through its HDMI or component input. When you hook up one of the top rated high definition camcorders to an HDTV, you will see stunning quality close to that of the best broadcast/cable HD programming such as the Discovery Channel. These camcorders can produce very high quality HD video. HD camcorders are now only slightly more expensive than Standard Definition camcorders, so Smart-Review recommends buying an HD camcorder to future proof your videos.

Professional Video Quality - If uncompromising video quality is top on your priority list, then a professional quality video camera may be your choice. A professional video camera/camcorder will generally be much larger than its consumer siblings. This helps in several ways. One is that the video sensors will be larger for better quality, and the lenses will be bigger for better light gathering and low light performance. Today, these professional camcorders come in two flavors. Standard definition (TV quality) and High Definition. Several of the professional models have been used to make documentaries and even full length movies. These are a favorite of indie (independant) filmmakers and those that record important events such as weddings. These larger camcorders also have the option of interchangeable lenses, separate microphones, wireless microphones, and many other options not available on consumer camcorders. Many professional camcorders incorporate the 3ccd sensor technology.

Related Article: Professional Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

Pro Camcorder Top Pick: Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 Camcorder (Flash Memory)

3ccd camcorder 3MOS Imaging Sensor - A 3MOS imaging sensor is a special sensor that is composed of 3 separate sensors. One for each color (red, blue and green). These type of sensors have generally been better than a single sensor. The advantage of a 3MOS sensor is that with the data from each of the three sensors, you can find out the exact hue, brightness, and saturation of each pixel, you’re no longer interpolating (which is estimating). 3MOS has better low-light shooting, lower power consumption, and truer colors than other imaging systems. Panasonic has pioneered this technology, which was an upgrade from the older 3CCD technology.

3MOS Top Picks:

Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3D (32gb) 2011
Panasonic HDC-HS900K 3D (220gb HDD) 2011
Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 Camcorder (Flash Memory).

3D Lens

3D Camcorders- New for 2011 is the advent of camcorders that record in 3D. The leader in this field is Panasonic, as they have released several models this year. Panasonic has upgraded its top of line camcorder from last year to be 3D compatible. This model is the HDC-TM900k. This camcorder can record regular HD, or with the addition of an option 3D conversion lens, can record in 3D. These camcorders record in what is called side by side 3D, which splits the picture into two frames. In order for the picture to fit in the bandwidth limit for recording HD video, the picture is split into two frames with lower resolution than the full 1080p HD. In order to playback the 3D, you need a 3D TV, glasses, and the ability to playback the side by side method of 3D (most 3D TVs, including Panasonic and Samsung). You may also be able to get a firmware upgrade to your 3D TV should it require one to playback “side by side” 3D. Most cable TV 3D broadcasts use the “side” by “side” method, exactly the same resolution as this camcorder.

3D Camcorder Top Picks:
Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3D (32gb) 2011 model.

Panasonic HDC-TM90K 3D (16gb) 2011 model.

Panasonic HDC-SD90K 3D (sdhc cards) 2011 model.

Panasonic HDC-HS900K 3D (220gb HDD) 2011 model.

Optical Zoom – Optical Zoom refers to how close an object can be “zoomed in”. So a camcorder with a 10x zoom can bring a distant object about 2 times closer than a camcorder with a 5x zoom. Larger zoom lenses can give you more options. If you see a reference to digital zoom, this is an electronic representation of optical zoom, and really just crops the picture and you lose resolution. With optical zoom, you do not lose resolution. Digital zoom should not be a consideration in our opinion to purchasing a camcorder, while optical zoom should be considered. Most of our top-rated camcorders come with a 10x zoom which is good for most applications.

Camcorder Microphone Microphone – All camcorders record in stereo sound. All have built in microphones. For better quality you can buy higher quality microphones, and even get a wireless microphone for some models. Several camcorders have a built in surround sound recording system (Dolby 5.1).

There are two ways to add an extra microphone to a camcorder. One is to plug it into a microphone jack (if available), or what is called an accessory shoe which allows accessories to attach to your camcorder.

LCD Size and resolution – The LCD is the screen that you use to compose your video, and view menus for the camcorder. Many are touchscreens which makes going through the menus easier. (You just touch a choice on the menu). LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, the current technology used for such displays. A larger LCD screen is much easier to see. In addition to size its also important to look at the resolution of the screen (i.e. how many pixels does it have). The more pixels used for a screen the better. So for both LCD size and number of pixels on the screen, higher is better.

Manual Features/Zoom – Automatic focusing is standard on all camcorders. However there are times when you may wish to manually focus your camcorder. Examples are low light, macro (closeup), shooting through glass, and indoor shots where automatic focusing is not as effective. All professional camcorders can focus manually. Most of our top rated camcorders include the manual focus option.

1080p 720p 60i 60p video – Camcorders can record video at various resolutions. Many can record at several different rates. 1080p is the current highest (blu-ray quality). 720p has about half the resolution of 1080p. Also keep in mind the frame rate of the video. Normal video is shot at 30fps (frames per second). 1080@60i is 60 interlaced frames, which is roughly equivalent to 1080p@30fps. Movie film is shot at 24fps (24p). Some camcorders can shoot at 60fps (60p) which will make the movie silky smooth and can be used for slow motion as well. 60p means 60 progressive frames per second.

Snapshot Feature - Many of the newer camcorders offer the ability of the camcorder to take pictures (still photos) with your video camera. Many list the size of the pictures they can take in megapixels. Image quality varies from camcorder to camcorder, but you should not expect the same quality as a dedicated digital camera. Use this feature more as a convenience when you don’t have your digital camera with you. Most of the Top-Rated camcorders we feature take pictures at 8 megapixels or higher.

Image Stabilization (IS) – Image Stabilization is a technology that reduces the blurry video that you could get in low light, using a zoom lens, or riding in a car. (Sony camcorders call their image stabilization SteadyShot). This technology compensates for any movement of the camcorder you are holding to give you sharp video, even in low light. This is a very valuable and useful feature. Almost all camcorders now have this feature. This also helps when using your zoom out to its full magnification. As you zoom in, any shaking of the camcorder is magnified. Optical (as opposed to digital) stabilization is considered to be best.

Image Stabilization Off

Image Stabilization On

Built-in Video Light/Flash - Many camcorders have a built in flash (for the snapshot feature – still pictures) and/or a video light for lower light situations. External flash units and video lights are available as accessories for many camcorders.

Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

Related Article: Professional Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

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