If you're looking for a great high definition camcorder to take crisp vacation videos this summer, we've got the guide for you. Camcorders are smaller, sexier and more intelligent than ever before. They're also getting cheaper – at least in terms of the performance they deliver per dollar. And with more and more models these days, high definition video is the way to go.
The trends are moving in a consumer-friendly direction with one big exception, camcorders are still much harder to choose than they are to use. You can get a migraine trying to evaluate the multiple media formats, the flood of models, and the features that influence quality, usability, and enjoyment. Our guide to best camcorders from four top brands highlights some of the models creating the most buzz.
JVC – Hard Competitor
JVC (jvc.com) is recognized as an innovator in hard-disk-drive camcorders. We were first to come out with hard-disk camcorders, says Dave Owen, JVC's vice president of Consumer Video. Now we're reducing size, interjecting color and stressing style
JVC's Everio high-def, hard-disk camcorders, 45 percent smaller than before, are built around high-end components, such as a 10x Fujinon HD lens and a progressive scan 3CCD imaging sensor. The GZ-HD6 ($1,400) has a 120GB drive that stores 10 hours of HD video. The sleek GZ-HD5 ($1,200) has a 60GB drive. Both offer optical image stabilization, manual controls, shooting assist functions, a microSD card slot, and software for editing and authoring to DVD or Blu-ray.
Panasonic – Living in High Definition
High definition is a major focus for us, says a spokesperson for Panasonic camcorders. We've been going around the country, outfitting selected families with Panasonic plasma TVs, HD camcorders and Blu-ray disc players. We're inviting families to record in HD and share the memories with us
Panasonic's (panasonic.com) Full HD HDC-SD9 barely tips the scales at 0.6 pound and measures 2x5 inches. At $799, it uses SD/SDHC flash memory cards to replace bulkier discs or tapes without sacrificing features, such as a Leica 10x optical zoom, optical image stabilization to combat blurring, a 2.7-inch LCD panel, and surround sound. Face Detection automatically selects the best exposure, contrast, and skin tone
Panasonic has some cool things going in standard definition, too. Its SDR-SW20 is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Priced at $399, it captures fish under five feet of salt water, records to SD/SDHC cards, and has a Leica 10x optical zoom lens
Sony – Camcorder Superpower
Sony (sony.com) kicked off 2008 with 16 models, including seven HD camcorders. Most snap high-resolution still images and enhance facial features. The HDR-SR11, a high-end ($1,200) camcorder, uses a 60GB fixed hard drive and Memory Sticks to record nine hours in high definition. And it captures still images at 10.2 megapixels (MB) using a Carl Zeiss 12x optical zoom. It can do simultaneous video and still capture, pull photos from video, and transfer from disk drive to memory card PC-free. A 3.2-inch LCD panel lets you check focus
Sony's HDR-TG1 Handycam's high-def capability will appeal to vacationers traveling light. At 10 ounces and just 1.3x4.7x2.5 inches, it records 1,920x1,080 HD video and 4MP photos to Memory Stick PRO Duo or its included 4GB PRO Duo Mark2 card. At $900, it also offers face detection and a 2.7-inch touch-panel LCD
Canon – The Legend Continues
A renowned imaging company, Canon (usa.canon.com) has launched the Vixia HD camcorder family. All four utilize a Canon HD video lens; Canon HD CMOS image sensor; optical image stabilization; and fast autofocus. Vixias feature a 30p progressive recording mode, the perfect frame rate for sports or Web clips. The flagship Vixia HF10 ($1,099) uses dual-flash memory to extend recording time by storing images on its 16GB internal drive and removable cards. Since flash memory has no moving parts, it leads to smaller camcorders with better resistance to shock and speedier start-up.
In standard definition, Canon's nine new models record to different formats—dual flash memory, DVD, and tape—but share features like Canon's Advanced Zoom technology, which combines optics and processing to extend the zoom range. If you're looking for good quality under $300, check out Canon's ZR camcorders, which use MiniDV tapes. The ZR950 offers 48x Advanced Zoom, a 1.07MP CCD, a card slot, and USB 2.0—all for $279.