Category: high definition video cameras

Sony HDR-FX1

The Sony HDR-FX1 is the world’s first consumer 1080i
high definition video camera. A revolution of form
and function, the HDR-FX1 will allow you to play
and record interlaced high definition video at
resolutions of up to 1440 X 1080 for professional
quality video with plenty of vivid colors and amazing
detail.

The HDR-FX1 also features the real time HD codec
engine, which offers you professional level MPEG 2
video compression, and a 14 bit HD digital extended
processor for increasing the speed of the processor.

The camera images are captured on three chip advanced
HAD CCD system that provides an increased detail along
with improved video performance without the color
blending that is found with other cameras.

The HDR-FX1 also offers an amazing amount of control
for the user, which includes manual zoom, focus, and
iris control. The picture profile will allow you to
create a number of preset video modes for a variety
of shooting. The composing shots are easier than
ever with the 3.5 inch LCD display and the extra
large electronic view finder.

Other features of this amazing camera include:

Manual zoom and focus rings
Dual independent zoom and focus rings provide precise
and detailed control over the amount of zoom and
overall focus of the image. Fast framing when
zooming in and finely detailed focus are easier
than ever with the natural feel the rings provide.

Super shot system
The Sony steady shot image stabilization system
will control a wide range of shake and even vibration
frequencies. This system achieves a very high level
of smoothness without degradation of video like
other types of stabilization systems.

Manual iris control
By turning the iris dial found on the side of the
camera, you can manually adjust the amount of light
that enters the camera. The iris is adjustable
from f1 to f11 in 24 easy steps.

Picture profile
This will allow you to set the manual adjustments
for a shoot into any one of the six available presets,
so you can call them up at any time at the touch
of a button. This is very handy when shooting
under the same conditions frequently, as the options
don’t need to be reset each time.

Offering you a slew of other features and benefits,
the Sony HDR-FX1 is truly one of the best high
definition video cameras you can buy. With an
affordable price, this is something everyone who
loves to take pictures and make videos shouldn’t
be without.

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Canon XLH1

On September 18 of 2005, Canon broke new ground in
the digital video camera industry, announcing the
XL H1, which was Canon’s first DVC featuring high
definition. Originally developed based on the needs
of professional and enthusiast videographers, the
XL H1 retains the operability of Canon’s very popular
XL2 while increasing the professional function and
supporting high definition recording.

The flagship DVC for the company of Canon, the XL H1
is ideal for use all across the spectrum of
professional content making, from film and television
production to filming weddings. The XL H1 also
comes equipped with a HD 20X zoom video lens, the XL
5.4-108 mm L IS II, which contributes to Canon’s
development aim of delivering the highest possible
quality of recording available today.

As Canon’s first HD video camera, the XL H1 camcorder
and 20X HD video zoom lens will provide broadcasters
with a low budget 1080i resolution option for ENG,
documentary or even reality television productions.

Film makes will also fall for the extensive Cine
controls and 24 frame rate option the XL H1
has to offer. Canon’s custom jackpack features
include uncompressed digital HD-SDI output for
seamless integration into broadcast studios or high
quality image transfer to non linear editing systems.

The genlock feature will allow movie sets to
easily synchronize camera settings across multiple
camcorders and SMPTE time codes will allow for
streamlined tape and edit management.

The XL H1 also offers three 1/3 inch 1.67 megapixel
interlaced CCDs that capture images at 1080i
resolution. It also features selectable frame
rates of 50i and 25F, so capturing fast motion and
just about everything else is possible with the
XL H1.

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Sony HDV

Even though you may think high definition video is
just for your television, it isn’t. You can get
that very same quality on your home movies as well.
You can turn your home movies and precious memories
into works of art with HD.

Amateur home video producers alike will truly love
the high quality of HD. With HDV (high definition
video), you can record superb high definition video
onto a digital video tape.

Benefits of HDV
You don’t really need to understand how HDV works
to truly appreciate the benefits. All you need to
do is spend a few minutes watching a video recorded
on a Sony HDV video camera and you’ll see everything
you need to know.

If you already know about HDV, there are many more
reasons as to why you should pick HDV video cameras:
1. The amazing picture quality of HD is no
longer limited to Hollywood and professionals. You
too can now use HDV technology to capture the
important memories of your life with life like color,
vivid contrast, and amazing HD video.
2. HDV recording offers low noise, high
accuracy, rich, and very vivid color.
3. The sound tracks for HDV use MPEG 1
audio layer 2 digital encoding to give your videos
the sound quality of CDs at a much lower bitrate.
4. HDV uses the same tapes that are already
popular for DV recording, with the recording time
being the same as well.
5. HDV also uses MPEG 2 compression, which
is used in digital broadcasts and also DVDs.
6. HDV uses a higher compression rate than
DV, making it more reliable and less subjectible to
errors.

Technology behind HDV
The HDV format handles the same bitrate as the DV
format, although HDV records a high definition
signal. This will allow you to record HD video on
the same tapes used for DV recordings. A signal with
HDV has 4.5 times as much data as a DV signal used
with NTSC. HDV also includes CD quality sound,
MPEG 2 compression, real time encoding, and so much
more.

When compared to other HD formats, HDV is one of
the best, if not the best. Sony has always been
known for quality, which makes HDV no exception to
the rule. This format has been years in the making,
which helps to make it what it is today.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect type of
video camera, rest assured that HDV is it. If
you buy a Sony HDV type camera, you’ll know that
your precious memories will be perfect HD quality –
each and every time.

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Sanyo Small HD Cams

Sanyo has recently brought a new level of credability
to dual use, video and still image cameras with the
introduction of the new Xacti HD1. With measurements
of 3.1X4, 7X1.4 inches and 8.3 ounces, it is easily
the smallest camera to record 720p high definition
video. It will also capture 5.1 MP still images and
has a 10X optical zoom lens as well.

Just like other dual use cameras, it will record
both video and still images on a memory card, or
in this case an SD card instead of video tape.
According to Sanyo, a 1GB SD card can record up to
21 minutes of 720p 16:9 widescreen video. If you
prefer to record in standard definition, the HD1
can also record video at 640X480 pixel resolution
at either 30 or 60 frames per second. Everything
you record is with the popular MPEG 4 compression.

Just in case pocket sized HD recording isn’t enough
for you, Sanyo also put a 2.2 inch 210,000 pixel
OLED display in the HD1. The OLED is a display
technology that many thing will end up replacing
LCD very soon. The advantages offered include wider
viewing angles and faster response time.

As you probably already know, Sanyo isn’t new to
HD video cameras or digital cameras in general.
Sanyo has been around for years, proving that they
can compete with the bigger industry giants. The
small HD video cameras offered from Sanyo are
among the best as well.

If you’ve been looking for the best HD video cameras,
rest assured that anything you select from Sanyo
is going to be great. There are a few to choose
from, with the HD1 leading the pack. If you want
the best, the HD1 is everything you need – and
quite possibly a bit more.

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Looking At High Def Cameras

If you’ve been looking for a high definition video
camera, there are many out there for you to choose
from. In this article, we will take a look at
some of your options available in each of the
different formats.

HDV
JVC, Sony, and Canon all produce HDV cameras of
various stripes and abilities. The JVC HD100U
shoots 720p, offers a true 24p frame rate, and
provides a professional looking form factor, along
with sporting the ability to change out lenses.

The two popular HDV cameras from Sony include the
HDR-FX1 and the HVR-Z1U. Both of them shoot only
1080i and provide 24p. The XL h1 is Canon’s
entry to the HDV roundup. It provides HD SDI
output and gives you the option of interchanging
lenses. Like Sony, it shoots 1080i without true
24p capabilities.

All of these cameras are 3CCD models and all
sport level professional XLR audio inputs, with
the exception of the HDR-FX1. Sony also offers
single chip HDV cameras. The consumer HC1,
which is actually a miniature version of the FX1
is an excellent camera.

DVCPRO HD
on the budget end of the Panasonic spectrum is the
AG-HVX200. This widely hyped camera does away with
tape based HD recording and will instead record
HD to either memory cards or even an attached hard
drive. It also offers the ability to shoot all
the above mentioned HD resolutions along with 50
and DV25.

Another popular camera for Panasonic is the Varicam
which shoots at 720p. A great feature with this
camera is the ability to shoot at variable frame
rates, which range from 4 – 60fps at 1fps intervals.
These different frame rates will allow you to
achieve a look similar to that of over cranking a
film camera.

HDCAM
Sony couples their HDCAM cameras together under
the name CineAlta. They cover a broad range of
prices and features, ranging from the XDCAM HD
models and the F350 to the widely used and widely
popular F950.

The XDCAM HD cameras record directly to Sony’s
professional disc media, which is physically
similar to Blu-ray discs. These cameras can also
record various quality levels of 1080i and 1080p,
along with regular SD DVCAM. Unlike other HD
cameras from Sony, the XDCAM HD supports i-Link
for file access and DV output.

Near the high end of the Sony HD solutions is the
F900. It captures both 1080p and 1080i at
various frame rates, including 25p and 50i. This
is also the most expensive camera from Sony, as
it costs around 80,000$!

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Controls And Features

The central part of a DV camcorder is the CCD, or
Charge Coupled Device. This sensor creates a video
picture by recording the light intensity to recognize
an image or shape, along with the color levels to
reproduce a full color picture.

There are several tape based DV camcorders that have
both color eyepiece viewfinders and a flip out TFT
LCD screen to view the action as well as the previous
recorded footage. Most tape-less models however,
only offer the TFT screen to preview your captured
video and to view while you make a recording.

When you need to get closer to the action, a zoom
lens can be a great feature. Don’t get swayed by
the digital zoom figure however; as no matter how
large it may be, you should always base your final
decision on the optical zoom.

The optical zoom will give you a true indication of
the video image, where digital zooms interpolate the
available pixels to zoom in on an image. Optical
zooms will normally range around the 10X mark, with
digital zooms ranging from 100X and above.

The auto focusing systems are great as well, although
manual focus options can be ideal for low light or
when focusing on a subject against a landscape. Being
available on most video cameras, the manual focus
control can be found as either a ring on the lens
or as a dual button system on the body.

Most video cameras these days will provide a tilting
feature in the camera itself, although this feature
should be avoided unless you don’t intend to edit
the video on a computer. The title effects on
many cameras are quite limited and cannot be
removed afterwards.

Almost all new high definition video cameras will
use a rechargeable Li-ion battery, even though a
spare battery might be useful as the batteries are
unique to each camcorder maker and normally each
model.

Most of the latest cameras allow you to capture
digital still images onto a removable flash memory
card. The most popular media is SD or MMC, but
Sony and Samsung cameras often capture to a memory
stick.

If your video camera doesn’t offer still image
capabilities, you can always perform a capture of
the screen in your editing program. Always remember
that the image resolution when capturing a still
this way will always be 640X480, which is actually
less than 1 MB, or Mega Byte.

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Sany Xacti VPC-HD1

This digital HD media camera is small, elegant, and
also lightweight. The Sanyo Xacti will beautifully
capture your memories in high definition. The
stylish vertical design offered by the camera will
make it easier for you to keep an arm steady while
you shoot.

2.2″ color OLED
The 2.2″ flip out organic light emmitting diode
screen will offer easier viewing of your recordings,
even in bright sunlight.

Video and pictures
The Xacti will simultaneously shoot 5.1 megapixel
still images and high definition video clips. The
HD1 can also record over 21 minutes of 720 pixel
HD video on a single 1 GB SD care, or well over 42
minutes on a 2 GB card.

MPEG 4 format
The HD1 utilizes the high quality MPEG 4 recording
format which will deliver amazing video clarity and
detail. With the files being conveniently small,
you have the ability to record long, high quality
video clips.

Start up
When you close the LCD screen, the camera will go
into standby mode. Open it back up, and you are
ready to shoot in as little as 2 seconds! The
camera also records straight to SD flash memory
cards, so it will skip the long process of getting
the tape deck started.

Image stabilizer
The image stabilizer will accurately distinguish
between the unintentional camera shake and
deliberate camera movement from pans or tilts. It
will then compensate for the camera shaking to
give you more natural results when you shoot.

Zoom lens
The highly effective and bright 10x optical zoom
lens witha maximum aperture of f/3.5 will allow you
to get up close to the action. Coupled with a 10X
digital zoom, it will give you up to 100X of zooming
capabilities.

Scene modes
You can create breathtaking pictures with the HD1
by selecting the best suited mode to the subject.
The scene selection mode will work for both still
images and video. The modes to choose from include
sports, portrait, landscape, fireworks, and even
night view.

Easy playback
You can share your pictures and video clips with
family and friends in a snap. Multiple connections
will allow for easy television playback, dubbing
to a VCR or DVD recorder, transfer to a PC for DVD
creation, editing, or just posting on the internet.

With everything the Sanya Xacti VPC HD1 has to
offer, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a HD
video camera. You can do many things with this
camera, other than taking pictures or making videos.
If you’ve never experienced a HD video camera, the
Sanya Xacti is certainly one of the first ones you
should check out.

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JCV HY-HD100

At first look, the JVC HD100 looks like any other
high definition camera with a lot of switches, dials,
and places to plug in peripherals. In operation, it
functions like an old regular video camera. You
don’t really need to do anything special to make a
high definition recording, just press a button –
although there are differences.

One of the things that makes this camera so nice and
unique is the amount of control you have over pretty
much everything you record. JVC really outdone
themselves here, as you can record all of your settings
on a SD memory card and save them to move on to
another JCV camera, which will save you a lot of time.

Another amazing feature enables the video camera to
automatically record to a hard disk while at the same
time recording to a tape. Recording directly to a
hard drive will save you a lot of time in the editing
process, as you can immediately begin using your
video without having to capture tape to your computer,
which can only be done in real time.

Surprisingly enough, the camera is very easy to use
either mounted on a tripod or on your shoulder. The
shoulder pad is a nice addition, being thickly padded.
To make things even better, the camera is very light.

When it comes to the quality, the GY-HD100 needs to
be seen to be believed. HD video is intended to look
like real life. There is an extended gray scale, a
heightened sense of color – and the resulting detail
is simply incredible.

HD at this incredible level has 720 X 1028 lines of
progressive video, which means that the video is shot
in one entire frame at a time. Also, it can be
recorded at 24 or even 30 frames per second.

The 24 fps resembles film and if you plan to convert
to film, it’s a great way to shoot – as you can
quickly and easily go directly to film. The 30 fps
has more data per second, although it is not
appropriate for making a film project.

If you want to experience HD without spending over
70,000$, then the JCV GY-HD100 is more than worth
your time and money. Even though it doesn’t record
uncompressed HD video, it does record a picture
that is far superior to the standard picture you get
with an average everyday camera. HD is rapidly
becoming the future, and with the GY-HD100 – its here
and now.

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Finding Your Format

It’s quite impossible to choose a camera without
knowing which format best fits your needs. Below,
you’ll find many of the most popular formats.

DVCPRO HD
Based on the standard definition of DVCPRO format,
the DVCPRO HD from Panasonic uses a data rate of 120
MBps and intraframe compression, both of which will
provide strong protection from generational loss.

The DVCPRO HD also has supporting cameras and decks
that use FireWire I/O, which is a very important
feature for keeping an eye on your bottom line. The
cost of the equipment is a bit pricey, as it can
cost upwards of 80,000$.

HDCAM
The HDCAM format from Sony is based on DigiBeta and
can record in 24p, 25p, 50i, and even 60i. It
uses a high data rate of 140MBps, which produces a
great looking picture with few glitches. Because
of the very unusual 17:6:6 color sampling scheme,
the color detail is half of DVCPRO HD. The
picture is top of the line, proving to be among the
best available on the market.

HDV
There is quite a bit of buzz surrounding HDV as
the newcomer to the high definition marketplace.
With high compression rates, HDV has enabled
high quality shooting and editing with low cost
tools, including the convenience of high
definition video to Mini DV tape. This has also
helped to open up the HD field to a wide
variety of videographers and producers who
would never have even considered going high
definition otherwise.

The biggest drawback to going the HDV route is
also the greatest strength – high compression.
Both audio and video can suffer dramatically
from too much compression. The audio in theory
isn’t up to CD quality, although some users
report that they are perfectly happy with it.

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Sony CMOS Sensor

Beginning with their adoption of cellular phones back
in 2002, Sony’s CMOS sensors for megapixel class
camera cell phones, and digital high definition video
cameras have become widely used in commercial products.

The greatest strength of the CMOS sensors is that
by including both digital and analog circuits on
the same chip, their readout speed can be made much
faster than the CCD. Sony is now developing high
speed CMOS sensors for digital cameras that will
provide continuous imaging from all pixels at an
amazing frame rate of 60 frames.

Here recently, the trend towards higher pixel counts
in consumer digital cameras have continued, and now
it’s possible to take high resolution still images
conveniently. Until now, Sony focused efforts in
the image sensor area on increasing the pixel count
and improving the characteristics of the pixels to
achieve high resolution imaging that everyone
loves about high definition video cameras.

Sony is also aiming for an image sensor that will
be able to capture and express surprise and emotion,
and is now putting efforts into a CMOS sensor that
can do just that.

Even through image quality will improve as you
increase the amount of information you capture, until
now, the still image quality of pictures has been
improved by spatial resolution increases. The
amount of information however, can be increased
not only by spatial resolution increases, but also
by increasing the amount of information in the
time direction as well.

If anything can be said about Sony technology, it
would be to never doubt it. Sony creates very amazing
products, and are among the leaders in camera
technology today. The CMOS sensor is just another
step for Sony in the world of high definition video
cameras, making it something you can’t go wrong with.

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