Types
What’s Available
A major distinction between standard-definition and high-definition camcorders is the resolution they capture. HD models look
just like conventional standard-definition models but use a higher-resolution image sensor and more-advanced recording technology,
and they record in a widescreen format (or 16:9 aspect ratio). HD video contains much more detail than standard video, but
you’ll be able to see it only on an HDTV. If you hook up an HD model to your standard def TV, you’ll see video, but not the
highest quality.
Some HD models can record video in 1080i, the same high resolution as much HDTV programming. Other models record in 720p,
an alternative HD broadcast format. Note that HD recordings take up much more space than standard-def video, so you’ll fit
less footage in a given amount of storage; 720p files are not quite as large as 1080i, though. With some formats used to record
HD, such as AVCHD, you might need HD-capable hardware, such as a Blu-ray disc player, to play back recordings. Also, you'll
find pocket camcorders that can capture HD-resolution video, some even in 1080, but will compromise the video quality in other
ways, such as lower frame rates.
You can also connect directly to an HDTV. Some HD models give you the option of recording in standard definition, which enables
you to store more video. That also provides for broader playback compatibility if you want to share recordings with others.
You can also downconvert HD video either within the camera or after you’ve transferred it to a computer.
Another consideration is the recording medium a camcorder uses. Those using MiniDV tapes have been the most popular for the
last few years, but models that record on built-in hard drives and flash memory are becoming more common in standard-def and
high-def versions.
MiniDV
MiniDV camcorders use a unique tape cassette. The typical recording time is 60 minutes at standard play speed, which gives
you the best quality, or 90 minutes at lower quality. While the cassettes are cheap and readily available, the tape can tangle
and jam in the camcorder transport, so it should be handled carefully to avoid damage. You must use the camcorder for playback;
it converts the recording to an analog signal that can be played directly into a TV, VCR or DVD. If the TV, VCR or DVD has
an S-video input jack, use it to get a high-quality picture (although this input jack is becoming less common on many devices).
You can fast-forward or rewind sequentially through a recording, but you can't randomly jump to specific points on the tape.
You can also transfer video to a computer for editing via a FireWire or USB connection. That takes place in real time, so
it's a slow process. It's the only recording format that allows frame-by-frame editing.
DVD
The DVD format offers benefits that tape can’t match: durability, compactness, and random access to scenes as with a DVD.
That makes for more carefree recording, though you should avoid bumping the camcorder during use, and keep dirt out of the
mechanism. The 8-centimeter discs (approximately 3¼-inch) record standard MPEG-2 video, the same format used in commercial
DVD videos. The amount of recording time varies according to the quality level you select, from 20 minutes per side at the
highest-quality setting for DVD-RAM discs to about 60 minutes per side at the lowest setting. DVD-RAM discs are not compatible
with many DVD players, but the discs can be reused. DVD-R is supposed to be compatible with most newer DVD players and computer
DVD drives, but they are not rewriteable. DVD-RW and DVD+RW are reusable, rewriteable disc formats that promise similar wide
compatibility. Camcorders using discs often require more time to power up and shut down. But this format is difficult to transfer
to a computer without affecting quality.
Although some manufacturers have offered this type of format for HD models in the past, most have discontinued this type of
HD camcorder. Part of the reason is that you might need different playback hardware than with standard-definition camcorders.
For example, HD video recorded onto mini DVDs or mini Blu-ray discs with the new AVCHD format can be played only on a Blu-ray
disc player.
Models with hard drives
Camcorders that record onto tiny, built-in hard drives are even easier to use. Because the drive is internal, it's protected.
There's no recording media to buy or carry along. Like DVDs, hard drives are random access, but they're even faster. Many
models have 30 to 240 gigabytes of capacity, providing many hours of recording at the highest-quality. Some models can use
removable memory cards to provide even more storage. This type of camcorder attaches via FireWire or USB to a computer and
appears as a mass-storage device. This means you can drag and drop files to transfer them. This format is very flexible, with
an easy connection to a computer; no special computer drivers are necessary. Video and photos are already in computer-compatible
file formats that transfer quickly, so no conversion is necessary. With this type of camcorder, you should be comfortable
using a computer to transfer or archive your video.
Camcorders with flash memory
Camcorders with flash memory
With digital formats using Secure Digital (SD) or Memory Stick memory cards, the amount of standard-definition video you can
record at the highest quality level can vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour on 256 MB to 2 GB cards. Even larger cards with greater
capacity are available. (To get a precise estimate, check a camera’s specifications.) As with an HD model, you must be comfortable
with using a computer to transfer or archive your video. But there are some newer camcorders that include internal, non-removable
flash memory. Some come with memory card and internal flash memory.
Combo models
Several manufacturers offer "hybrid" camcorders that combine different formats, such as a DVD drive and a hard drive or memory
card in one unit.
Pocket camcorders
Pocket camcorders are inexpensive standard-definition and high-definition models—such as Pure Digital's Flip camcorder—that
include internal, nonremovable flash memory or store video on removable memory cards. These models are lightweight, compact,
relatively inexpensive and easy to use with very few features. But in our tests we found that although these types of camcorders
were convenient for sharing videos over the Internet, their video picture quality was far below that of even the lowest rated
standard-definition camcorders. Pure Digital has been one of the most notable brands producing pocket camcorders. Others brands
include Creative, Kodak, DXG, RCA, and Apple, which has recently included camcorder features in its iPods and iPhones.
