HD Camcorders » HD Camcorders

Sony HDR-XR520V 240GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:57:15 +0000

I seem to say this over and over again, but Sony makes quality stuff. It’s rare that I am put off by one of their products. The Sony HDR-XR520V sports a helacious 240GB hard drive, 12.1 megapixel camera, and 12x optical zoom. The result is impressive.

As expected, the Sony HDR-XR520V gives you 1920 x 1080 video resolution. What I didn’t expect was a geo-tagging feature with an integrated GPS device. This helps you keep track of all those off road expeditions that you are doing. Another feature that I didn’t count on was the 5.1 channel rendering. I would be very interested to hear how that comes out. You also get a nice, giant 3.2 lcd display (oh, come on OLED). Sells for around $1149 on Amazon.

Specs:

Video

Format : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264; SD: MPEG2
Video Signal : HD: 1920 x 1080/60i; SD: NTSC color, EIA standards

General

Imaging Device : 1/2.88″ “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
Pixel Gross : 6631K
Video Actual : 4150K Pixels (16:9), 3110K Pixels (4:3)
Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080
Still Actual : 4500K Pixels (16:9), 6000K Pixels (4:3)
Still Picture Resolution : 12 megapixel
Recording Media : 240GB Non-Removeable Hard Disk Drive Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (Sold Separately)
Recording and Playback Times : 240GB HDD: High Definition: FH = up to 1750 min., HQ = up to 3560 min. SP = up to 4330 min., LP = up to 5770 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 3560 min., SP = up to 5270 min., LP = up to 10100 min.

Audio

Recording Format : Dolby® Digital 5.1
Microphone : Built-in Zoom Microphone

Convenience Features

Low Light Capability : NightShot
x.v.Color™ : Yes
Face Index : Yes
Film Roll Index : Yes
Fader Effect(s) : Black, White
Photo Capture from Movie : Yes
Easy Operation : Yes
Multiple Language Display : Yes
Slide Show Mode : Yes
BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes

Inputs and Outputs

Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Video / S Video / Audio / Component Out / Remote
Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : HDMI
USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Supplied (via A/V Remote jack)
HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini)
Headphone Jack : Yes
Microphone Input : Yes
S-Video Output(s) : Sold separately (via A/V Remote jack)
Active Interface Shoe : Yes

[ReviewAZON asin="B001Q7VXN4" display="inlinepost"]

Optics/Lens

Lens Type : G Lens™
35mm Equivalent : 43 – 516mm (16:9), 52 – 624mm (4:3)
Aperture : F1.8-3.4
Digital Zoom : 150x
Filter Diameter : 37mm
Focal Distance : 5.5 – 66.0mm
Focus : Full range Auto / Manual (Touch Panel)
Shutter Speed : Scene Selection, 1/8-1/800; STD, 1/60-1/800; LOW LUX, 1/30-1/800; Smooth Slow Rec., 1/240-1/1000
Minimum Illumination : STD, 11 lux (1/60 Shutter Speed); LOW LUX, 3 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed)
Optical Zoom : 12x
Exposure : Yes (Touch Panel)
Resolution : 12 megapixel

Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:03:45 +0000

The Flip HD Camcorders revolutionized the video camera market. They brought the consumer that was super small and super easy to use. That has resulted in tremendous sales for Flip. Well, Kodak saw those sales figures and perked up. Now, they bring you the Kodak Zi6 HD Mini Pocket Video Camera line. And it’s good.

The Kodak Zi6 mini hd camcorders allow you to take 720p video at 60fps. Add up to 32GB of SD memory for hours and hours of video capture. The bright and clear 2.4 LCD screen is really a joy to look at. The included software is, er, less than stellar. But, if you have some other editing software, you should really use that. Overall, a great pocket camcorder for a cool $135.

Specs:

Sensor type		1 / 4.5–type 1.6 MP CMOS
Lens		4.1 mm, f/2.8, fixed focus
Zoom		2X digital
Display		2.4 in. LCD
Storage		128 MB internal memory*, SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Focus modes		normal, close-up
Focus range		normal: 27.6 in. (70 cm)–infinity close-up: 2 in. (5 cm)
White balance		auto
Video capture		H.264 (MOV), AAC LC
Video quality		HD60: 720p at 60 fps—16:9 HD: 720p at 30 fps—16:9 (default) VGA
Still format		JPEG
Picture quality		3 MP (stills, interpolated)
Microphone		mono
Speaker		yes
I/O interface		USB 2.0 (high speed); component output; AV output
Tripod mount		1/4 in. standard
Power		(2) AA batteries (Ni-MH recommended)
Dimensions		64 × 114 × 23.5 mm (2.5 × 4.5 × 0.9 in.)
Weight		107 g (3.8 oz) without batteries

Canon Vixia HF200 HD Camcorders

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:05:54 +0000

Canon is hard to beat when it comes to optics. The Canon Vixia HF200 HD camcorder is yet another example of that. It’s a really well produced HD video camera that only stumbles on the price point.

The Canon Vixia HF200 incorporates the Canon DIGIC DV III processor. It is capable of 3.89 megapixel stills and 1920 x 1080 video at 24fps. It comes with the standard Canon menu system, which I don’t love, but find acceptable. The video camera is small and easy to use. It’s a highly rated HD camcorder for a reason – it’s good. The only thing I didn’t love about the video camera was the price – $599. But, you get AVCHD are not real time – it has to do some processing in the actual transfer process. So it does take longer. You will love the nearly 3 inch viewing screen. You will love how small it is and you will love the image quality.

Specs:

General

Product Type Camcorder – 1080p
Digital Zoom 300 x
Effective Sensor Resolution 2.99 megapixels
Total Pixels 3.89 megapixels
Optical Sensor Size 1/4″
Optical Sensor Type CMOS
Min Illumination 0.4 lux
Analog Video Format NTSC
Digital Video Format AVCHD , MPEG-4
Image Stabilizer Optical (SuperRange)
Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
Shooting Programs Snow , Beach , Sunset , Fireworks , Spotlight , Night mode , Sports mode , Portrait mode
White Balance Custom , Presets , Automatic
White Balance Presets Shade , Cloudy , Daylight , Tungsten light , Fluorescent light (cool white) , Fluorescent light (warm white)
Exposure Modes Manual , Program , Automatic , Shutter-priority , Aperture-priority
Camera Flash Built-in flash
Flash Modes Auto mode , Fill-in mode , Flash OFF mode , Red-eye reduction
Features AF illuminator
Widescreen Video Capture Yes

Main Features

Camcorder Sensor Resolution 3.89 megapixels
Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 2.99 megapixels
Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 3.31 megapixels
Color Support Color
Face Detection Yes
Still Image Format JPEG
Remote Control Remote control – Infrared
TV Tuner None

Memory / Storage

Flash Memory 32 GB Flash – Integrated (soldered memory – 32 GB )
Floppy Drive None
Media Type Flash card
Recording Speed LP , SP , XP , FXP , MXP , XP+

Camera Flash

Red Eye Reduction Yes

Lens System

Type Zoom lens – 4.1 mm – 61.5 mm – F/1.8-3.2
Focal Length 4.1 mm – 61.5 mm
Lens Aperture F/1.8-3.2
Optical Zoom 15 x
Lens system type Zoom lens
Lens Construction 9 group(s) / 11 element(s)
Min focal length 4.1 mm
Max focal length 61.5 mm
Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
Features Aspherical lens , Built-in lens shield
Filter Size 37 mm
Focus Adjustment Manual , Automatic
Min Focus Range 0.4 in
Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

Additional Features

Self Timer Yes
Self Timer Delay 10 sec
Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
Digital Still Camera Function Yes
Additional Features Face detection , 24p Cinema Mode , Built-in speaker , Histogram display , Exif Print support , PictBridge support , Accessories hot shoe , Progressive scanning , USB 2.0 compatibility , RGB primary color filter , Takes photos while movie recording , Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording
Remote control Remote control – Infrared
Software Drivers & Utilities , Pixela ImageMixer 3SE
Included Accessories Wrist strap

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Type None

Display

Type LCD display – TFT active matrix – 2.7 in – Color

Digital Player (Recorder)

Type None

Microphone

Type Microphone – Built-in

Connections

Connector Type 1 x Component video output , 1 x Composite video/audio output , 1 x HDMI , 1 x Microphone , 1 x USB , 1 x Headphones
Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

Audio Input

Audio input type Microphone
Microphone type Built-in
Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Microphone Technology Electret condenser

System Requirements for PC Connection

Peripheral Devices USB port , CD-ROM drive

Miscellaneous

Cables Included 1 , 1 x Component video cable , 1 x A/V cable , USB cable

Power

Power Device Power adapter – External
Battery type – Lithium ion

Battery

Supported Battery Canon BP-809
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery – 890 mAh ( Included )

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & Support 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty – Parts and labor – 1 year

Viewfinder / Display

Display Form Factor Rotating
Display Format 211,000 pixels

Physical Characteristics

Width 2.8 in
Depth 4.9 in
Height 2.4 in
12 oz

Flip UltraHD HD Camcorder

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:42:01 +0000

The line of Flip HD Camcorders has been a total hit with consumers. Their small footprint keeps everyone coming back. TheFlip UltraHD Camcorder HD camcorder, with 120GB, will keep most novice consumers clicking their heels with joy.

Flip does well because they give folks what they want. It is just drop dead easy to use. One touch recording allows you to grab it and capture those moments you want to without fussing. It allows you to capture 2 hours of HD video on the internal 8GB of memory. No messing with tapes or fearing that a hard drive is going to fail.

the Flip UltraHD comes with a USB connector, as well as HDMI output, to make moving those movies over easy. The included software allows for easy organization and sharing of movies. It does 720p HD video at 32 fps. Not too shabby for something that will set you back around $150.

5 Highly Rated HD Camcorders

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:58:36 +0000

We really are spoiled. There is just an unbelievable amount of good HD camcorder products on the market these days. Let’s take a look at five of the best.

Flip MinoHD Camcorder

Arguably the hottest hd camcorder this past year. People loved the small form factor and the amazing results. 4 GB of internal memory can capture 60 minutes of 720p resolution video. Definitely consider it.

Price: $220

Insignia NS-DCC5HB09 5.0 MP HD Camcorder

Now, this is a cheap model and it’s for that reason that people love this. Don’t expect the quality of image that a $1200 HD camcorder will bring you. But if you want another small form factor on the cheap, this certainly fits the bill.

Price: $150

Sony HDR-XR100 HD Camcorder

People drool over this 1920 x 1080 HD camcorder. That’s because Sony packs a ton of functionality into this guy. Better image quality than the mini models, but higher price.

Price: $750

Canon VIXIA HV30 HD Camcorder

Wow, people absolutely love this camera. Canon does such a good job in their digital camera division, it seems they have translated that into their digital camcorder line as well. Great image quality that will cost you.

Price: $900

Kodak Zi6 HD Camcorder

Yeah, it’s cute, but does it get the job done. Well, based on customer feedback, this little hd camcorder is a giant on function and quality. Again, you’re not going to get the same quality as a high end like the Canon, but you do get 720p HD video. People love this thing.

Price: $180

HD Hard Drive Camcorders

admin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:11:50 +0000

So, you have probably have seen the hard drive camcorders around. They seem to be all the rage. They offer a lot of convenience. But that convenience can also come back to bite you if you are not careful.

Yeah, that beauty up above is the latest (as of this writing) Sony HDR-XR500V with a 120GB hard drive. That should last you about 10 minutes when shooting HD video. Just kidding! It actually records about 14 and a half hours of high definition video. Not bad at all. So, why do people love hard drive camcorders?

It’s sooooo Easy!

Good question mate. Well, they like it because it’s super convenient. Think about it. No shuffling tapes or stupid memory cards in and out. Now you have an embedded drive media that you can access to your computer. So, the HD hard drive camcorders are getting a lot like your computer. And that makes transferring them to your computers so much easier. Soon, the transfer rates will be very high.

There are Downsides?

Unfortunately, because of the addition of the hard drive you can pay for it. Hard drives are prone to fail at some point. That means, like iPods and such, that the drive will fail in time. This will be hastened by rough treatment. Just keep that in mind when you put take the high definition camcorder out of the bag and put it back. Be gentle! Some day very soon they will be putting out these camcorders with solid state drives. Then the shock issues will be great reduced. Their lifespan will also be lengthened. A solid state drive is simply like a giant flash card. It’s super fast and doesn’t have any moving parts.

It’s in the Juice

Another potential issue is battery life. Because you are now powering a mechanical drive, it can deplete batteries quicker. Some models I see have a 40 minute battery life. So, I guess 14 1/2 hours is kind of funny considering. Yeah, it will take you multiple charges to get through that drive.

Whooooaaa, Slow Down

Another interesting issue is storage. People used to keep the stock tapes around. They usually didn’t transfer all that data to their computers. Now, you are stuck doing exactly that! Now, there are two potentially nasty gotchas here. One is actual storage on your computer. HD videos take up a lot of space – fast. Most people will have to buy an external drive to compensate. But that’s not all. Now you have all this precious family footage in one place. And that is prone to failure. Yep, you guessed it – backups are now very, very important. So, you need to think through that issue.

How Much Did You Say?

The last issue is that of price. You will pay a premium for those hard drive models. The higher end ones are going for $1,000-$1,4000 right now.

But, for all these headaches, hard drive camcorders are still awesome! They are convenient and fun to use.

HD Camcorders, CCD, and Aspect Ratio

admin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:40:57 +0000

You’re probably expecting me to follow that title up with “Oh My!” Okay, stupid Wizard of Oz joke. Anyway, when it comes to understanding aspect ratios and CCDs, those ain’t no laughing matter.

The above picture was taken by NASA. It shows a typical CCD, or a charge coupled device. Understanding CCD’s is important in the HD camcorder selection process. And now, I will attempt to explain how a CCD works. That’s without exploding your brain. Trust me, I really could if I wanted to.

A CCD is photosensitive. It takes light and turns it into electronic pulses. Those pulses relate to the color spectrum. Pretty ingenious, huh. Well, if you put 3 CCDs into a camera or HD camcorder, then you get much better color fidelity. I noticed this when I switched to a Panasonic 3 CCD video recorder. The colors really popped off the screen. I hope that makes sense.

Aspect ratio is pretty simple to understand. It’s basically a height and width ratio. The two most common in TV’s are 4:3 for standard and 16:9 for widescreen. There are more, but these are the more common ones. You can easily understand this by looking at a standard TV and an HDTV. One is wider.

Credit: paintonscreen.com

Now, have you ever seen a standard signal that has been stretched to fit 16:9 aspect ratio incorrectly? Yeah, everyone looks about 200 pounds heavier. The thing you need to know is that most camcorders can do pretty good aspect ratio changes – even lower definition camcorders. But hey, and HD camcorder will look better, even if upscaled. So, if you want the best – i would go with the higher resolution. But that’s me.