Why Buy a High Definition Camcorder

High definition electronics are the wave of the future. HDTV sales are through the roof and Blu-ray has officially won the high def media war. High definition camcorders’ prized feature is their ability to record in high definition. HD camcorders can record more than twice the resolution of standard digital camcorders creating a cleaner, crisper and clearer image with every frame.

Many camcorders will use the same mini DV tapes that you already have, while others will use some sort of internal memory or hard drive.

The cost of high definition camcorders has decreased dramatically. Just a few years ago, a high definition camcorder would have cost over $3500. Now, you can easily find one for under $1000.

In this site, you’ll find articles related to camcorders, as well as comprehensive reviews and a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision on which camcorder is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS — We do the research so you don’t have to.

What to Look for in a High Definition Camcorder

Obviously, you are buying an HD camcorder for its resolution capabilities. There are other things to consider as well.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate HD camcorders:

  • Resolution: Probably the biggest factor in determining picture quality is the CCD. Look for a large CCD with high resolution. Also, cameras with 3 CCDs will produce a better image than cameras that use a single CCD.
  • Image Stabilizer: A good image stabilizer will help those with jittery hands and aid in keeping the picture steady while zoomed in. Optical stabilizers are better than digital ones.
  • Battery Life: You’re high definition camcorder won’t do you any good if the battery is dead. The best camcorders will use long life lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries.
  • LCD Screen Size: It is much easier to record while looking at a large LCD screen. Look for camcorders with larger LCD screens that are bright and easy to see in sunny conditions.
  • Low LUX rating: Let’s face it. You won’t always be filming outside in the sunlight. Look for a camcorder with a low LUX rating.
 
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HDV Camcorder Review

Watch Your Home Videos Like Never Before
You have a brand-new high definition TV and Blu-ray player to make all your movies absolutely stunning and crisp. Don’t you wish your home movies could look as good? HD camcorders allow you to capture all your memories in the stunning clarity of high definition.
Rank #1#2#3#4#5#6#7#8#9#10
Excellent score   Excellent
Very good score   Very Good
Good score   Good
Fair score   Fair
Poor score   Poor
Canon VIXIA HF S10 Sony Handy Cam Hdr-hc1 Sony Handycam Hdr-hc5 Sony Handycam Hdr-hc3 Sony Hdrfx7 Jvc Everio Gzhd7 Hdv Sony HVR-A1U Sanyo Xacti Vpc-hd1 Sony HDR-XR520V Sony HVR-Z1U
Canon VIXIA HF S10 Sony Handy Cam Hdr-hc1 Sony Handycam Hdr-hc5 Sony Handycam Hdr-hc3 Sony Hdrfx7 Jvc Everio Gzhd7 Hdv Sony HVR-A1U Sanyo Xacti Vpc-hd1 Sony HDR-XR520V Sony HVR-Z1U
Reviewer Comments Read Review
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Lowest Price Buy Canon VIXIA HF S10 HF10
$909.00
N/A Buy Sony Handycam Hdr-hc5 HDRHC5
$999.99
Buy Sony Handycam Hdr-hc3 HDR-HC3
$670.00
Buy Sony Hdrfx7 HDRFX7
$1,749.00
N/A Buy Sony HVR-A1U HVRA1U
$1,749.00
Buy Sanyo Xacti Vpc-hd1 VPC-HD1
$233.00
Buy Sony HDR-XR520V HDRXR520V
$1,413.99
Buy Sony HVR-Z1U HVRZ1U
$3,899.00
 
Overall Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good
Ratings
Features Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good
Expert Reviews Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Poor Excellent
User Reviews Very Good Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent Good Poor Excellent
View Specifications Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!
View Screenshots           
Features
CCD Resolution 8.59 Megapixels 2960K pixels 2.1 megapixels 2200K pixels 1.12 megapixels 1670K pixels 1080K pixels 5.1 megapixels 12 Megapixels 1080K pixels
LCD Screen Size 2.7 in. 2.7 in. 2.7 in. 2.7 in. 3.5 in. 2.8 in. 2.7 in. 2.2 in. 3.2 in. 3.5 in.
Battery Life 2 hrs. 1.75 hrs. 1 hrs. 80 min 1.75 hrs. 1 hrs. 5.33 hrs. 1 hrs. 2 hrs. 1.75 hrs.
CCD Size 1/3.1 in 1/3" 1/3 in 1/3" 1/4" 1/4.5" 1/3" 1/2.5" 1/2.7" 1/3"
Image Stabilizer Check Mark Check Mark Electronic (Super Steady Shot) Check Mark Optical (Super Steady Shot) Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Optical Zoom 12 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 20 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 12 x 10 x
Still Camera Resolution 2.76 2 2 2 1.2 megapixels 2.07 3.15 5.03 12 megapixels  
Low Lux Rating 0 lux 0 lux 0 lux 5 Lux 4 Lux 7 Lux 7 Lux 7 Lux 0 lux 3 Lux
Night Mode Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark      Check Mark  
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 year warranty 90 Days 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year
Camcorder Depth 5.4 in 7.5 in. 5.4 in. 5.5 in. 12.75 in. 7.5 in. 7.52 in. 1.42 in. 5.4 in 14.38 in.
Camcorder Height 2.6 in 2.75 in. 3.2 in 3.2 in. 6.25 in. 3.2 in. 4.06 in. 4.69 in. 3 in 7.13 in.
Camcorder Weight 0.75 lb. 1.5 lbs 1.2 lb. 1.2 lb. 3.63 lb. 1.5 lb. 1.48 lb. 0.46 lb. 1.17 lb. 4.25 lb.
Camcorder Width 2.8 in. 2.88 in. 3.15 in. 3.2 in 5.75 in. 3.5 in. 2.8 in. 3.15 in. 2.8 in. 6 in.
Camera Flash   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark     Check Mark Check Mark  
CCD Quantity Check Mark    Check Mark 3 3   Check Mark Check Mark 3
Digital Zoom 200x 120x 80 x 80x   200x   100 x 100 x  
Focal Length 4.5 - 54 mm 51 mm 51 mm 5.1 - 51 mm 37.4 - 748 mm    63 mm 5.4 - 54 mm 4.5 - 54 mm
Memory Card slot SD Memory Card 16 MB Flash - Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo 1 x Memory Stick Duo   Memory Stick SD Memory Card Memory Stick  
Viewfinder   Color   Color Color   B\W   Color Color
 
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Lowest Price Buy Canon VIXIA HF S10 HF10
$909.00
N/A Buy Sony Handycam Hdr-hc5 HDRHC5
$999.99
Buy Sony Handycam Hdr-hc3 HDR-HC3
$670.00
Buy Sony Hdrfx7 HDRFX7
$1,749.00
N/A Buy Sony HVR-A1U HVRA1U
$1,749.00
Buy Sanyo Xacti Vpc-hd1 VPC-HD1
$233.00
Buy Sony HDR-XR520V HDRXR520V
$1,413.99
Buy Sony HVR-Z1U HVRZ1U
$3,899.00
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