HD Camcorders: What To Look For

Camcorders differ by recording medium, file types

Like standard-definition camcorders, HD camcorders can record to different media. Each type has its pros and cons:

• Flash memory: lightweight, but cards can be expensive. Camcorders that record to flash memory (SD or SDHC cards, Memory Stick media and/or internal flash memory) are the smallest and lightest HD camcorders on the market; the smallest are no bigger than an iPod. A typical internal flash-memory camcorder might have 32 GB of built-in flash memory, and it will store three to 12 hours of footage before it must be downloaded to a computer. Some camcorders record only to memory cards; an 8 GB memory card can be had for $20 and will store one to three hours of footage. If you're away from your computer -- on vacation, for example -- you might find yourself filling up a lot of memory cards. Many HDTVs include a memory card slot that will allow you to play your movies directly from the card.

• Hard drive: longest recording time, but most expensive. The most expensive hard-drive camcorders come with 240 GB of storage -- enough to record 29 hours of best-quality HD video -- but smaller 60 GB models can be found for under $700. There are no tapes, DVDs or memory cards to juggle (although the newest models usually do accept memory cards). You can plug your camcorder into your computer, and then drag and drop your video for editing. To play your movies, you can either hook up your camcorder to your TV or burn footage to a disc.

• MiniDV: excellent video quality, but older technology. MiniDV camcorders record to small tapes. The tapes cost about $3 each and hold 60 to 90 minutes of footage. This type of camcorder compresses footage the least, so MiniDV camcorders have traditionally offered the best video quality. However, you must hook up your camcorder to your TV -- or transfer your footage to a computer and burn it to a DVD -- to play your movies. Transferring footage to a computer is extremely slow, because it happens in real time (an hour-long tape takes an hour to transfer). Most experts say other formats have now caught up in terms of quality, and few new camcorders use tapes.

• Miniature DVD discs: easy to share, but short recording time. Camcorders that record directly to DVDs make it easy to pop your movie into a DVD player and watch it immediately. It's also easy to transfer your footage to a computer for editing. The discs are small, at 3¼ inches wide, and can cost less than $1 each. You can usually fit only 20 to 60 minutes of footage on a one-sided disc, but the more you compress the video the worse the picture gets. The major camcorder brands have all dropped DVD models from their new HD lineups, although you can easily find previous years' models for sale at a discount.

High-def camcorder shoppers will run into two main recording formats: HDV or AVCHD. Most new camcorders record in AVCHD.

• AVCHD. If you buy a regular-sized camcorder that records to anything but tapes -- DVDs, flash memory or hard disk â€" you'll be recording in Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD). When this format first hit the market in 2006, its video quality wasn't great. AVCHD compresses video using MPEG-4, which allows a lot of high-definition video to fit on a small amount of memory, but it has traditionally degraded the video in the process. However, that's changing. Experts are now sufficiently satisfied with AVCHD that they no longer recommend tape-based camcorders more highly.

• HDV. If you buy a camcorder that records to MiniDV tapes, you'll be recording in high-definition video (HDV). This format uses MPEG-2 compression to fit the video on the tape. Few new camcorders use tapes.

Here's what the experts say to look for when buying a high-definition camcorder:

• HDV camcorders that record to tapes are on their way out. Although HDV traditionally records better video and allows finer editing, very few new HD camcorders use this format.

• Camcorders that record to flash memory are the most compact. However, some reviews say these can actually be too small to hold comfortably.

• A long optical zoom helps you compose your shot. Most HD camcorders top out at 10x or 12x. Digital zooms can extend things farther but are of limited value, especially when recording HD, as they tend to pixilate images (cause them to become blocky and lose detail). With a zoom, optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake, which can be especially noticeable in HD footage. Even so, using a tripod is a good idea for long-zoom shots.

• Most HD camcorders take good still shots. Most reviewers agree that a digital camcorder is no substitute for a dedicated digital camera. But HD camcorders have imagers with a lot more pixels than standard-definition camcorders and do a better job of capturing stills.

• Sharing HD video remains a problem. For most, the best way to play back HD footage is on the camcorder itself or by hooking up the camcorder to a TV. Additionally, many Blu-ray players -- but not all -- can play AVCHD video burned to a DVD, but regular DVD players cannot. All Blu-ray players can play AVCHD video burned to a writeable Blu-ray Disc. Even when video-sharing sites (like YouTube) accept HD video, reviews say the quality still doesn't look great on the screen.