This is great for most situations; however, we think there’s room for a brighter light for those utilizing HDV camcorders in low-light situations. One drawback is its difficulty in connecting to our camcorder’s accessory shoe. A small plate that should slide firmly into the accessory shoe is a rotating one, and it is loose enough to cause some concern.
With so many high definition camcorders now on the market, along with Panasonic’s DVCPRO HD becoming more affordable, as well as the new AVCHD camcorders, the choice on which camcorder is right for you can be a difficult one. We break down the camcorders to help with that difficult decision.
MPEG-4
Sanyo’s handheld VPC-HDla Xacti Media Camera is the entry-level camcorder in terms of price, and offers 720p video via MPEG-4 compression, captured to SD memory cards, which are sold separately. This small camcorder can fit easily in your hand or pocket, which makes travel easy.
HDV
The JVC GR-HD1 was the first low-cost HD cam I corder to hit the market, in the spring of 2003.11 is a single-CCD camcorder that records in 720p f resolution to Mini DV tape, which is standard orj all HDV camcorders.
Canon introduced the 1-CMOS HV10 ($1,499| as a low-cost consumer-oriented and handheld I HDV counterpart to its higher-end HDV camcorffl ers. This camcorder can record in 60i, along witrl 30F and 24F, which the high-end units can do. The “F” means full frame, and is very similar to how progressive video works. There is also a j native 1920xl080-size sensor. At the time of pun
Over the years, we’ve found that manufacturers sometimes like to slap the word “pro” on their camcorders as a way to compensate for less than professional capabilities. Clearly, this is not the case with JVC’s recent addition to its professional products line, the GY-HD200U high definition camcorder. While the sticker of $8,995 pushes the upper limits of many of our readers’ budgets, there are just too many features for the serious shooter packed into this camcorder not to cover it here in the magazine. OK, we admit it. In an ideal world, looks should be one of the last things you consider when buying a camcorder, right? But you just can’t help but be impressed with how the HD200U stands apart from other camcorders in its class. With its compact shoulder design, a 16x Fujinon removable lens in front, sleek, though certainly not Spartan, main body, component/DC assembly and brick battery dock at the rear; this is certainly a camcorder that holds its own in a crowd of professional high-def camcorders.
Hoisting the HD200U to your shoulder confirms that JVC has built a solid, rugged performer. When you heft its 10 lbs. 7 oz. with tape and Anton Bauer battery, you know you’re armed with some serious metal and glass. Even the tape door, usually requiring delicate closure of an inner cage on other camcorders, is very robust. Simply pop in the tape and close the camcorder’s sturdy outer door.
