High definition camcorders before making any purchase is a smart idea. Just like anything else you want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want, especially when you will be spending a decent amount of money. When you are comparing camcorders you should know that they may be referred to in many different ways.

When buying an HD camcorder, there are many details to look for. One of the most important ones is the media type it records the video to. There are 4 well know media types/storage for digital camcorders and HD camcorders:

The traditional tape, miniDV for standard resolution and High Definition miniDV
Hard drive storage.
Flash memory
DVD (3.15″)

MiniDV Tape

Traditional media for those who like to archive tapes: This type of media offers great video quality but video transfer to a computer can be quite slow. This is a media type that will soon or later disappear.

Widely availability
Easy use and storage

This type of media is the most widely used, it's recommended for anyone.

Hard Drive Storage

Hard drive based camcorders can record many hours of video without having to worry about changing the tape/card or dvd. It's completely reusable, once full, you will simply purge the stored video and it ready to continue recording. On the downside, hard drive based camcorders are more sensitive to shock, since they have parts moving at high speeds.This types of cameras tend to be heavier than others.

Lot's of video storage
No need to keep changing media
Reusable

This type of media is more recommended for computer savvy users.

Flash Memory

With the drops in memory prices and their increasing storage size, without doubts, this is the media type of the future, which you can enjoy now. Currently, one can buy a 32GB SDHC memory card for less than $100, that's a lot of pace in a very compact card. Memory card based camcorders can be more compact and consume less power than the other types.

Cost effective
Can be reused unlimited times
Can be used in more compact designs
Great for pictures

This type of media is more recommended for computer savvy users or for those willing to learn something new.

DVD based camcorders

DVD media is a great option for those who don't want to waste time transferring or editing video. They tend to be costly and harder to find. Keep in mind that these 3″ discs only offer 1.4GB of storage or around 30 minutes of video.

Easy to use
Fast recording/viewing
Compatible with RW discs (rewritable)

This type of media is recommendable for any type of user.source:hdcamcorder-s.com/tag/camcorder-camera


HD camcorder, and hi def camcorder are some of the names used for this camera. A few things you may want to compare are the technology, the price, the size, the quality, and the resolution at which it records.

Comparing the Sony High Definition Camcorder With JVC's Offerings

In September 2008 Sony announced the unveiling of its high definition camcorder, which greatly accelerated the growth of this particular segment of the electronic home entertainment market.

This new high definition camcorder was called the HDR-FX1 which used 1080 lines horizontal resolution with a frame rate of 60 interlaced frames per second and recorded to standard MiniDV tapes. The high definition camcorder specifications were in agreement with other manufacturers such as JVC, Canon and Sharp. In addition, the high definition camcorder has supporting software for video editing from such heavyweights like Apple and Adobe.

The Sony HDR-FX1 camcorder was the first in terms of technology but the HDR specifications are derived from compression standards first introduced by JVC camcorder HDV specs. JVC's first camcorder known as the GR-HD1 which the consumer could use before Sony camcorders had entered the market, also had a companion camcorder known as JY-HYD10U which was based on the technology used in all of JVC's professional line of camcorders.

The difference between the JVC and Sony high definition camcorders is in the way that shooting is done. With JVC camcorders, shooting was done with 720 lines of resolution at a rate of 30 progressive frames every second, whereas the Sony camcorder shot at 1080 lines of resolution at 60 interlaced frames every second. However, both rates contain the same amount of information, where JVC offers progressive scanning and Sony offers a higher resolution picture.

The two brands have the same method of compressing information into a MPEG2 signal, which can then be saved on standard MiniDV tapes. In addition, both brands also can record standard DV signals as well as HDV signals. With the HDR-FX1 comes three 1/3 inch 16:9 1.12 Megapixel gross CCDs, with each CCD measuring 960 x 1080 pixels and the pixels themselves are oblong and not square thus allowing the camcorder to shoot 16:9 aspect ratio video.

The expected street price of the Sony HDR-FX1 should be approximately $3,500, which is about a thousand dollars less than when the first MiniDV camcorders were introduced and at this price, Sony can begin competing with professional models offered by other brands. Added to the competitively priced Sony high definition camcorder is the fact that its new real time HD codec engine can code and decode the HDV signals.
source:highdefinitioncamcorderguide.com

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Right Time to Buy a Digital Camera

The Right Time to Buy a Digital Camera

The digital camera seems to be the one gift that people love to treat themselves to. And today's digital cameras have excellent recording capacity, thereby doubling as a digicam. When exactly is the best time to be in the drivers seat for buying a digital camera? We'll get into that.
Do you want to get the biggest bang for the buck? By that I mean, do you want a top of the line digital camera when it's fresh off the press. If that's you, digital cameras usually hit the market fresh in March and November. Manufacturers have more or less followed this pattern for years.
See anything particular about those months? Of course you did, it's the new year and the holiday season. Which means that if you're looking for a great deal, as opposed to the cream of the crop, look just after these times of the year.
A few years ago one of the biggest questions to think of when buying a digital camera was the megapixel question. How many do you need? Today most cameras tend to have at least 5. Unless you'll being doing printing of images you won't be as concerned about megapixels.
Don't forget about the price tag for digital camera accessories. If you already own a camera this probably won't matter, you'll already have the accessories. If you're a newbie to buying a digital camera you just might look to a deal that includes the accessories such as a tripod, case and more.
You'll want to make sure you get online and read the reviews of digital camera buyers. No better way to take advantage of someone else's experience whether it's with a Canon digital camera or an Olympus. Reading the reviews will also help educate you on what to look for in your new digital camera, beyond the scope in this article.
Don't forget to try before you buy. Often times the salesperson will let you throw in your own memory into the camera and take a few shots. The main thing to remember here is to jot down in a notebook what camera took what shots. This will give you hands on experience with your potential camera.
Speaking of the big electronics stores, are the better than your local camera shop? Is either better than buying online? Remember, you'll get a good guaranty from just about any reputable store, so go with your gut instinct. I usually buy online because that's what I'm more comfortable with.
Make sure you enjoy your search for you digital camera. Your digital camera will aid you in documenting life through all its ups and downs. Hardly a day goes buy that I don't take a few shots on my digital camera. You could more than say I've gotten my moneys worth.

0 comments:

Post a Comment