What are HD Camcorders?

There are two types of formats for consumer HD camcorders. The first utilizes what is known as HDV, or high-definition video format and records signals to standard MiniDV tapes. The second uses what is known as the AVCHD format, or advanced video codec high definition. This has more versatility when it comes to recording.

Until recently, HDV was the primary type of HD camcorders. AVCHD videos are usually recorded to internal hard-disk drives, DVD, or, most common today, removable flash media. Although many experts think HDV has superior image quality compared to AVCHD, the HDV's reliance on recording to MiniDV tapes as well as the format lack of ability to deliver the "Full HD" 1920 x 1080 image resolution has led to its decline.

Most of the new HD camcorders now being  introduced use the AVCHD format. Reviews show that this format also makes video files smaller and easier to work at the same time as preventing significant loss in image quality. And AVCHD is capable of recording the full HD resolution.

Maybe the most obvious benefit of the new HD camcorder format is the switch that is allowed from cassette tapes to now tapeless methods of capturing video. Recording videos to a removable Secure Digital flash memory card or an internal hard-disk drive allows for both easier management and transfer of video clips and longer recording times. HD camcorders are also lighter and smaller than standard camcorders, which makes them easier to use and carry.

The AVCHD format was developed by Panasonic and Sony, so it is compatible with the Blu-Ray DVD players. It allows users to burn their HD videos to a standard DVD or Blu-Ray disc for playback. Standard DVD discs do however have limited storage capacity and can only hold 15 minutes of HD video. By comparison, HD camcorders can record your video directly to an 8 centimeter Blu-Ray discs, which can currently hold up to an hour of HD content.

Still, one hour of a recording on a disc is not much when you compare that to the capacity of hard disk drive based camcorders. For example, the Sony HDR-SR12 contains a high capacity 120-gigabyte hard-disk drive, known as HDD, that can hold up to 14 hours of high definition video at its highest quality setting. Another example is the less expensive Canon's HG10. But it only contains a 40GB HDD and offers “just” five hours of high definition video capacity.

Flash memory storage still has advantages that make it a worthwhile option, though it cannot quite compare to the capacity of HDD. Reviews show that flash memory is less susceptible to damage and very durable in comparison to HDDs, which do have moving parts in the hard drive.

These HD camcorders with flash memory storage use SDHC, otherwise known as Secure Digital high capacity cards, which allow for more video storage than the standard Secure Digital cards which you may be  familiar with from your digital camera. While these standard SD cards can be used in all types of SD devices, SDHC cards in HD camcorders can only be used in newer products that are designed from the get go to read them.

Another example is Canon's new Vixia HF10 AVCHD camcorder, which uses flash-memory. It combines 16GB of internal memory, which can generate over two hours of HD recording.

Panasonic's HDC-SD5 does not have any built in flash memory, but it can record about 10 minutes per gigabyte on an SDHC card. The highest capacity SDHC card currently available is 16GB, which will cost you about $100. 

High definition is the new frontier of home video recording. HDD camcorder reviews will help you navigate this new world. HD video recording is no longer just for a blockbuster movie or the Super Bowl. It can now be used at family get togethers’, anniversaries, weddings, or your kids school play. HD Camcorders are now a realistic option for everyone.