Originally published in Potentials
magazine, May 2007With each new generation of digital cameras offering better video-capture capabilities, digital camcorder sales have flatlined. Video-camera manufacturers have responded by offering more camcorders that can record footage in high definition (HD). Although HD is still an emerging technology for video, enabled camcorders are ideal for early adopters (and compulsive You-Tubers). Here are the latest models to consider if you have any HD-addicted staff, whether they're looking for a device that can slip into a coat pocket or a full-featured movie machine.
Sanyo Xacti HD2 - $699.99
Last year, Sanyo introduced high-definition video at a new price point (less than $1,000) and in a new form factor (a palm-sized camcorder) with its Xacti HD1. Now it has released the Xacti HD2, which retains its predecessors' 720p HD recording, 10x optical zoom, and SD memory-card support, but bumps still-image resolution up to 7.1 megapixels and adds a docking station with HDMI and component-video output for watching your footage on an HDTV.
Available through
Premco AssociatesSony Electronics HDR-UX7 - $1,299.99
The HDR-UX7 distinguishes itself with its slow-motion video feature, which can record three-second clips at 240 frames per second to be played back at one-fourth the speed. Recording 1080i HD to 3-inch DVDs, the camcorder can shoot video and 4.6-megapixel still images simultaneously—as well as high-definition and standard-definition video at the same time—and possesses a roomy 3.5-inch LCD.
Canon PowerShot TX1 - $499.99
Canon U.S.A. jumps into the palm-sized HD videocam market with its PowerShot TX1, which features a unique boxy design and silver color scheme. The TX1 features 720p HD recording, the ability to record video and still images at the same time, and a 10x zoom lens with optical image stabilization to lessen camera shake. The TX1 is the first Canon camcorder to offer the company's face detection function, which lets the unit focus more precisely on a group of faces in a shot.
JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 - $1,799.95
The GZ-HD7 distinguishes itself from other HD camcorders by recording to a hard drive instead of to tape or 3-inch DVDs. Its 60GB hard drive can hold up to five hours of 1080i HD footage from its three image sensors. (Three-sensor footage tends to offer better color reproduction than video from a single-sensor camcorder.)
JVC also offers an optional Everio Share Station, which allows you to easily burn video files directly to blank DVDs. The $399.95 Share Station also can be used as a DVD burner for your PC.
Panasonic HDC-SD1 - $1,299.95
Panasonic bills the HDC-SD1 as the smallest, lightest HD camcorder that uses three image sensors instead of a single one. Despite weighing less than a pound, the HDC-SD1 still offers a 12x zoom lens and a roomy 3-inch LCD, along with 5.1-channel surround sound recording. While it's shaped like a typical videocam, it records 1080i HD footage and still images to tiny SD cards, which enables its reduced size and weight.
Looking for more ways to capture the moment? Click here to learn about this year's top digital cameras.
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