HD Video Buying

Your HD Camcorder buying decision is primarily a decision based upon what Media Storage Type suits your needs;

Tape

The HDV recording format is used to store footage on mini DV Tapes which store a full hour of high definition footage. MPEG2 is the compression 'codec' which enables HDV to achieve a much higher compression ration than standard definition video.

Pros: Very easy to use, especially if you are a seasoned camcorder enthusiast; tapes are very reliable; recording times are long.

Cons: MPEG2 is an old format which may be replaced in the near future.

Best for: Beginners who want a tried and trusted route into HD video. Those who are comfortable with their existing camcorder's operation and want the transition to the new technology with minimal fuss; Those who want to record lots of footage reliably.

Best buy: Canon HV20

With a stylish, compact design and simple operation the Canon HV20 makes a good HD Camcorder for the beginner or occasional video enthusiast. HD video quality from such a small unit is stunning.

DVD

The AVCHD recording format is used to store footage on 8cm discs. MPEG4 is the compression codec which allows AVCHD to store HD video with around twice the efficiency of MPEG2.

Pros: Format is easy to use; Small discs are a convenient storage method; Random access to footage (i.e. no rewinding/forwarding tapes).

Cons: 8cm disc only store 20 minutes of HD footage.

Best for: Those who want to shoot short bursts of footage with a simple compact method of storage.

HDD

The AVCHD recording format is used to store footage to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The beauty of the format is that consumers feel comfortable with the idea of storing data on a Hard Disk, and the storage capacities are simply enormous.

Pros: Huge storage capacities.

Cons: Concerns over Hard Drive fragility.

Best for: Consumers who are planning to shoot a large amount of footage, and can appreciate and make use of the synergy between Hard Drive configuration between this HD storage media and their PC.

Card

Flash memory is familiar to most digital still camera users as the small removable card that stores photos. With Card HD video recorders the concept is extended to a non-removable or 'solid state' flash memory in place of a Hard Drive. The main advantage is that there are no moving parts and the camcorders using this technology are more compact.

Pros: Pocket sized camcorders (just).

Cons: . Storage capacity is increasing but still relatively low.

Best for: . Occasional camcorder users who want a neat and convenient way to shoot HD footage.