Also in this section: Introduction | High Definition Video | Camcorder types and formats | Camcorder Features | Top Ten camcorders

High Definition Video

You may be wondering why we are starting this guide by talking about High Definition. Well, the first decision you need to make is whether you will buy a High Definition or Standard Definition Camcorder.

As owners of LCD or Plasma TVs many of us in the UK now enjoy the benefits of pristine High Definition (HD) pictures.

Our old home movies don't quite measure up any more, but the good news is that High Definition Video is now within the grasp of the home video amateur.

The likes of Canon, JVC, Sony and Panasonic are all producing affordable camcorders many of which can record in glorious Full HD resolution. Capturing up to five times the detail of a standard definition camcorder and with the option to add visual effects, the home movie producer can create broadcast quality footage.

Before we get too carried away with the idea of High Definition home movies however, it is worth bearing a few things in mind.

High Definition Video Display

Yes, a number of camcorders allow you to capture High Definition footage (1080p, 1080i or 720p) but do you have the display equipment to realise the benefits. HD camcorders are compatible with 'HD Ready' TV's and you won't enjoy the benefits of the extra detail if you own an older TV.

High Definition Video Editing

If you have ambitions to edit your video footage, then a High Definition camcorder may not be the ideal solution. Apart from the camcorders themselves being more expensive, not all video editing software allows you to edit High definition footage and you might need to upgrade your PC to cope.

Camcorders using AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) compression for storage aren't compatible with all video editing software. To edit AVCHD footage requires more expensive editing suites such as Pinnacle Studio Plus 12 or Adobe Premiere Elements 7.

However, High-definition miniDV camcorders often use the HDV format, which is compatible with more video editing suites such as Windows Movie Maker HD and Apple iMovie.

You may also find that your preferred video editing software does enable you to work with HD, but may not be able to output your work to an easily viewable HD format.

Tip: If you can afford it, go for an HD Camcorder. Even if you don't have an HD Ready TV, you will almost certainly get one in the future and you might regret not have some glorious HD footage to display.

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