MiniDV Camcorder Roundup and Comparison 2010-2011

February 25, 2011 by SmartReview
Filed under Digital Camcorders

MiniDV Camcorders This is a roundup of the top-rated MiniDV digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders use tapes to record the incoming video. MiniDV has been around a long time, and most professional camcorders still use this format. They record HD using the HDV compression which does an excellent job of recording video with minimal artifacts. One advantage of tape over all the other formats is that you have an archival copy of your video on the tape, as the ultimate backup. There are limited choices in consumer camcorders, but plentiful choices in the Professional camcorder line.

Top of the Line Consumer MiniDV Camcorders
(Best rated with the best features and largest imagers)

Canon Vixia HV40	Sony Handycam HDR-HC9
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10x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 3.1 megapixels 1/2.7-inch Imager	10x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 6.0 megapixels 1/2.9-inch Imager

Professional MiniDV Camcorders
(Larger lenses and imagers for best quality, and more features)

Sony HDR-FX7	Sony HVR-HD1000U	Canon XH-A1S	Panasonic Pro AG-DVC20
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20x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/4-inch Imagers 3-CMOS Sensor 3.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel Assignable buttons 240fps slow motion IEEE1394 interface LANC Terminal Microphone Input	10x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/2.9-inch Imager Super NightShot™ function 2.7-inch LCD screen Smooth Slow Rec HDV 1080/60	20x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/3-inch Imagers 3CCD SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor Custom Functions IEEE 1394 terminal Two XLR Terminals Manual zoom ring *Native 24p* 2.8-inch LCD f1.6 – 3.5 Lens 32.5mm – 649mm 1080 @60i 1080 @30p 1080 @24p	10x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/6-inch Imagers 3CCD IEEE 1394 DV in/out Color Night View Mic in and audio out Electronic Image Stabilizer

Glossary of Terms

IEEE 1394 = This refers to firewire, which is a connector like USB 2.0 to give a fast connection to your computer to transfer video.
XLR Terminals = Only on professional camcorders, XLR Terminals are used primarily as a balanced audio connector for high quality microphones.
Optical Zoom = This is the maximum zoom using the lens of the camcorder. A 10x zoom brings the action in about 10 times closer at its maximum.
Flash Memory = This refers to the way the camcorder records video. Flash memory camcorders normally record to memory cards (SDHC or Memory sticks if a Sony). There are some that have no card, and just have a fixed amount of internal memory such as the Flip Camcorders.
Dual Flash = This type of camcorder has both internal memory and can also record to memory cards.
Imager = This refers to the Imager of the camcorder, where the light hits from the lens. This is like the retina of the eye. The larger the imager, the better the quality of the video and better low light performance. High end camcorders generally have a larger imager. Larger is better. A 1/2.6-inch imager is double the size of a 1/5.2-inch imager.
3CCD or 3CMOS = This means that there are three imagers. One for each primary color. By having three imagers, you get better colors and a better overall picture.
Megapixels = This refers to the camera function in the camcorder. This is the amount of megapixels available to take a snapshot picture while using the camcorder.

Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

Related Article: Professional Camcorder Roundup and Comparison

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