HD Video Format

To understand High Definition (HD) Camcorder Recording Formats, we need to understand a little more about High Definition and a little more about Storage Formats.

High Definition

Conventional CRT TVs use 576 lines to display an on-screen image. Compare this with two of the more widely used HD formats, 720p and 1080i.

720p ("p" stands for progressive) is an image comprised of 1280 lines along the horizontal by 720 vertical lines (1280 x 720). It shows the whole image in a single frame – that is, progressively.

1080i, with 1080 lines along the horizontal, is displayed as two fields that are interlaced. You get a bit more detail with 1080i but the interlaced image is not as smooth as a progressively scanned one.

HD Camcorders come in 720p and 1080i flavours, and are usually able to shoot footage in just one of these formats. Whichever standard you choose, you are guaranteed footage that has to be seen to be believed. The level of detail and image sharpness will leave you wide-eyed and wondering how you lived with your old camcorder's quality.

HD Recording Formats

HDV (High-Definition Video) was originally developed in 2003 as a joint venture between Sony and JVC, with support from Canon and Sharp.

Camcorders using the HDV recording format use one of two HD formats, 720p (1280 x 720) or 1080i (1440 x 1080).

The HDV format records to the familiar mini DV tapes using MPEG2 compression which allows a full hour of footage.

AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) was developed in 2006 by Sony and Panasonic as a next generation recording format. Unlike HDV, it features a more efficient compression process MPEG4 (HDV uses MPEG2).

AVCHD can record to Hard Disk Drive (HDD), 8cm DVD, SD Memory Card or Memory Stick.

Next Step

An understanding of High Definition and HD Camcorder Recording formats is useful background information, but your buying decisions are much more closely related to the Recording Media which best suits your needs.

These Recording Media include Tape, DVD, HDD, Card and are discussed in the next section ...