Video Camera Review

For a very competitive price, this handycam right here packs many elements and is a full featured camcorder. It's called the Panasonic SDR-H60.

Although it's still just a standard definition hard drive camcorder, it is still Panasonic's number one single-chip. It has a 60GB hard drive which provide enough space for you to record 14 hours of high quality videos and you can make it low quality videos and you get 54 hours. Want more? Record with MPEG2 format using an SD or SDHC memory card! Yes, the place is already there for you to insert it.

The Panasonic SDR-H60, measuring about 67mm x 70mm x 116mm and weighing about 341 grams, is not the lightest among camcorders in its category; nor is it the best-designed camcorder. In design and sleekness, the Samsung SC-MX20 or the Everio GZ-MG330 from JVC can outclass the SDR-H60 easily. The SDR-H60 has a basic design and a standard feel to its body.

With a price range of about $455-$500, this camcorder packs many features like the 50X optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilization and comfortable handling it seems nothing can beat the SDR-H60 at its price range. Although it is a very good camcorder, it still needs some improvements. It is not the best camcorder in low light performance – producing grain and a significant amount of noise – and it’s not the best in overall video quality, either.

The SDR-H60’s built-in mic is ideally located at its front panel and strategically located to keep away from prying fingers. The mic performs average, and if you need to use professional audio this is not the camcorder for you. It doesn’t have a mic input that will provide you with versatility in your video taking.

Although not the smallest, this camcorder is very comfortable to hold and most menus and control are easy and conveniently grouped together. This camcorder distributes its weight evenly, which makes one-hand operation easy even at its size. If you’re the type who loves versatility in features and want a more compact body, you can check the Panasonic SDR-S7 – it doesn’t have a hard drive. It records in SD and SDHC instead.

The 50X zoom on this unit is easily the most powerful zoom, not only in its category, but also in the camcorder market in general. The powerful zoom makes telephoto shots easier. Although at this maximum range, video quality might suffer greatly even with the slightest camera shake.

The standard-definition SDR-H60 camcorder runs on a 1/6 inch CCD image sensor with 0.8 megapixel resolution. This is significantly low, compared to High Definition videos with effective pixels of 3 megapixels and up. However, the SDR-H60 compensates for its lack in megapixel power with its good performance in image processing. The processing capability of this camcorder is so effective that it can produce vivid colors and great color performance that can be better than some of the other camcorders in its price range; it is not the best in its class with a lot of visible noise eminent in low light conditions or even in bright light.

With average video quality, it is surprising that the SDR-H60 outperforms its latest sister, the SDR-H200, in this category. The SDR-H60 with a single image sensor performs surprisingly better in color vividness than the more sophisticated SDR-H200 with its 3-CCD image sensors. The upgraded SDR-H200, having three CCD sensors each about the size of HDR-H60’s single image sensor, performs better in sharpness and has significantly less noise in its videos. The SDR-H60 however produces more vivid color images than the SDR-H200.

In comparison to Sony’s DCR-SR85, one of the SDR-H60’s competitors, the SDR-H60 performs less satisfactorily even at $200 more. Sony outclasses this Panasonic model easily in the video quality department, and with a lower price, it seems like the best option if you choose based on video quality.

The camcorder has a 2.7 inch LCD viewfinder with 123,000 pixels. This camcorder’s LCD flares and glares noticeably, and its low resolution makes focus and close-ups problematic. The LCD performs the same as of those in this price range, so you have no comparison.

The battery for the camcorder can last for about 2.5hrs with extensive use. The user is unable to upgrade to a larger capacity battery; this is a major drawback for enthusiasts who wants to extend the camera’s capability to record longer videos. You also notice another drawback when you charge the battery. It proves to be a little inconvenient when you can’t charge and use the camera at the same time.

For its still image performance, the camcorder primarily records to the internal 60GB hard disk drive. All pictures and videos can be recorded to the SD SDH card should the memory become full.

The SDR-H60 has very limited still image capture ability. It records in JPEG formats with two options (640×480 or 640×360) for resolution. Resolution is poor, considering that some camcorders can offer 5 megapixels or more compared to a very low 0.3 megapixel max for this camcorder.

For Image stabilization, the SDR-H60’s performance is satisfactory for its price and more than expected from a camcorder at this price range. The Panasonic SDR-H60 can eliminate about 70-80% of the normal hand shake, and considering its price, this is a very good performance.

Handling is always one of Panasonic’s strong traits, and this camcorder is no different. However, take the time to learn to navigate effectively thru the menus and settings without any hassle. Some of the menus might read cryptic for new users; but with time and familiarization, everything will work easily, as menus and functions are grouped accordingly.

Compared to its upgrade, the SDR-H200 (10x zoom and 30GB storage), the SDR-H60 is a better option (50x zoom and 60GB storage), with the SDR-H200 edging the SDR-H60 only in the video sharpness category, and the SDR-H200 is $150 more expensive.

However, if you want the best in this category, the Canon FS11 (16GB storage) is the camcorder of choice and sells at about the same price and capable of producing much clearer and more satisfactory video quality than any other camcorder in its class.

For a Standard Definition camcorder, the Panasonic SDR-H60’s performance is acceptable but definitely doesn’t sweep anybody off their feet. However, it’s ideal for people who love to go full automatic. It performs fast and at its best in this mode. Although this camcorder packs many manual options, this may prove very difficult and challenging to many to the point that it becomes complicated. However, with the 50X zoom and the 60GB storage space it’s a good catch for its cheap market price.

image source: thecamcorderreviewcom

Nowadays, new technology always brings new meaning, also to video recording. The Sanyo VPC-FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder, for example, is another state of the art video camera. It runs on a full HD mode of 6 fps, and captures smooth motion and clear videos. It uses CMOS technology by Sanyo, making it have the ability to capture bigger frame rates.

Taking pictures makes it a breeze with its sequential shooting of up to 12 frames per second. The 3 inch LCD monitor worked out an enjoyable video playback.

Although, you still have to use a glide cam or a steady fixed position apparatus when zooming. Another feature is that you can take still photos during playback or even during recording. Still photos taken are good for printing with 8 megapixel resolution which you can still interpolate to up to 12 mega pixels. The Sanyo VPC – FH1 also features a 12 Subject Face Technology that allows and optimizes focus on the subjects. The VPC- FH1 also features 16x Advanced Optical Zoom for video which increases the view into at least 44mm. The photo zoom capability is 10x Optical Zoom with an F=35.7-357mm range (35mm equivalent). Zooming capability sports a 10x optical zoom (photos)/16x optical zoom (video).

With its compact design, the Sanyo VPC – FH1 HD 1080p perfectly fits the palm and only weighs 3.4 pounds. It has easy to navigate menu just right for beginners and non professionals. Its style and performance works hand in hand. Storing your recording is also a breeze. You can either transfer your video or photo files directly into I-tunes and import them on a video capable I-pod or use the drag and drop feature on your computer. It comes with a 16-GB SDHC memory card which allows up to a maximum of 11 hours on a standard format and roughly 1 hour and 28 minutes on full HD video mode.

As for the Audio, the Sanyo VPC – FH1 HD 1080p has noise reduction feature that can be used on HD. It produces great quality videos better than actual HD TV programs. If you want to make your videos more professional sounding, you will have to use a separate audio recorder since it has no external audio input. Putting the camera on standby mode is easy and allows you to shoot another video quickly so you will never miss an important shot. With tapeless design, the FH1 eliminates the need to queue up a video tape, allowing it to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds.

Features Summary

• Built-in still photo flash; High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)
• Capture video and stills to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• Capture Full 1080p HD video (60fps) and up to 8-megapixel still photos
• 16x advanced zoom for video; 10x optical zoom for photos
• Face Chaser technology (can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos)

Please welcome this cool looking camera. It's from Sony, version HDR-XR520V, selling for about $1500, very suitable for you travelers because it has new added feature. So what's new? It's the built-in GPS mapping system!

What's more? The HDR-XR520V is a worthy addition to Sony’s camcorder family, because it has sharp video quality and a 240 GB hard disk drive, and lots and lots of professional features. This camcorder appeals to the advanced tourist crowd, rather than the budget filmmaker brigade, because of the design of external controls.

The HDR-XR520V can record 1920×1080 High Definition video and store to a 240GB non-removable hard disk drive or Memory Stick Pro Duo Media, which sells separately.

It has 150x digital zoom with 12x optical zoom G Lens 5.5-60.0 mm focal distance with F1.8-3.4 aperture, 1/3.15″ ClearVid, 1/2.88″ Exmore R CMOS sensor with Exmore-R technology, and Exmore-R sensor. The new sensor as well as improved processing improves low light performance, reduces noise and offers a clearer picture than previous Sony models.

This camera has a power consumption of 4.4 watts and requires a 7.2 volt battery pack.

At full zoom, the LCD panel still lacks a great deal of physical information, but its accuracy is perfect. The Sony HDR-XR520V’s 3.2-inch wide LCD provided the nicest looking picture with its 921,600-pixel display. Not only does the HDR-XR520V offer the largest monitor on the market, but it’s also the only LCD with full touch-screen operation. The touch screen is responsive and can calibrate the sensitivity of your touch.

Users prefer the LCD to the viewfinder in most shooting environments, because it surpasses any other manufacturer’s monitoring capabilities. Its competitor, the Panasonic HDC-HS300 has a hybrid touch screen LCD, but the lower screen resolution and 2.7-inch size simply couldn’t handle adult-sized fingers. Canon Vixia HF S10 offers a 2.7-inch joystick-manned LCD.

Unfortunately, the Sony HDR-XR520V has limited manual controls compared to the Canon Vixia HF S10 and Panasonic HDC-HS300. It doesn’t even have independent shutter control. It has Exposure, Auto Exposure Shift, White Balance Shift and Focus control. You may adjust these with the Cam Control dial. The HDC-HS300 delivers aperture, gain and true 24p control while the HF S10 displays three different frame rates, Cine mode and Shutter Priority.

Menus are also accurate, though Sony needs to improve its layout. A new user can get lost easily in its confusing menus. It may take a while to grow accustomed to the HDR-XR520V’s menus, unlike its competitor, the Canon Vixia HF S10, that has a self-explanatory menu. The Panasonic HDC-HS300’s menus are also highly spontaneous and easy to access.

For the most part, AE Shift takes care of the unnecessary highlights in bright light, and since the HDR-XR520V’s low light performance is so impressive, there is no need to work with any exposure control in low light condition.

With multiple frame rates, gain control and Cine mode gamma shift, the Sony HDR-XR520V would easily exceed the Canon HF S10 As it stands, the HDR-XR520V is more of a top tourist cam rather than a budget film camcorder.

Screen icons also double in size for better touch screen accuracy and vision, and Easy mode is convenient for old folks and beginners. This Sony HDR-XR520V has Face Detection for Photo and Video modes and Smile Shutter solely for Photo mode. However, the Face Detection feature works well at a moderate distance, but is a challenge up close. You can set the Smile Shutter to the sensitivity of the detection, and in most scenes, it proves itself accurate.

The large 240GB hard drive bulks up on the right side of the camcorder, but it doesn’t make the camcorder too big, and it still fits in your hand comfortably. The camcorder has a traditional Sony hand strap that is adjustable and sturdy. It has two sections of ports here — a headphone jack and microphone jack. These jacks are behind a pop-out port cover near the back, and a port cover near the front slides open to reveal an AV-output, USB port, and an HDMI output.

You can record sound only in 5.1 Channel Surround or 2 Channel Stereo. The Canon Vixia HF S10 offers an onboard level control that you can adjust with a joystick, while the Panasonic HDC-HS300 allows you to monitor each individual mic and adjust levels on a 5.1 Channel Surround sound map. There’s nothing special about any built-in camcorder microphone, and you should have an external shotgun mic to provide higher-grade sound quality. The HDR-XR520V has an accessory shoe – Active Interface Shoe – on top for mounting mics and video lights but they are only compatible with Sony brand products. Buy it from a Sony store, or find a third party adapter.

The XR520V resembles a miniature HDR-SR12 without the mode dial. It’s impressive that Sony is able to produce a slimmer camcorder and still double the size of the internal hard disk drive. The button layout and design is also different on the HDR-XR520V. Instead of a mode dial to switch between still and video mode, the XR520V uses a small mode button. It also has an electronic viewfinder. The LCD cavity includes a number of buttons – power, playback, display, easy, and DVD burn. There are also two sliding switches – one turns GPS on/off and the other selects low light modes, namely standard, low lux, and NightShot.

This camcorder has the largest capacity available in the camcorder world, but an almost 30 hours of continuous recording time in the highest quality could be a little excessive. Most editing programs now support AVCHD, so it will not be a huge problem, but you may need a powerful computer with plenty of disk space capacity.

HDR-XR520V is easy to use and has a massive storage for good video quality but you should include at least another $300-400 for its accessories. The included battery is functional but you still should have an extra battery pack while traveling, and it is also proprietary.

As far as overall design and features are concerned, the HDR-XR520V is a very good choice.

The popularity of Flash camcorders and Hard Drive camcorders is rapidly increasing, and they are begining to take market share from traditional tape based camcorders. The question is which one should you buy? It’s a tough decision because Hard Drive and Flash camcorders have so much in common that there is really very little different about them. They both offer instant access to the video that you’ve recorded, High Definition (up to 1080P) recording, great accessibility from your computer, and many more features. In fact, most manufacturers use the same optics and electronics to produce a HDD version and Flash version of the same camcorder, so the only real difference between the two is where they store their video and the implications that has on how you use the device.
Hard Drive Camcorders

Hard disk camcorders generally offer the most built-in recording capacity, which at first glance sounds like a good thing. Unfortunately the hard disks in current camcorders don’t offer a lot more storage than the largest memory cards (40-60GB vs 16-32GB). For that little extra space you make some significant tradeoffs.

* Maximum Recording Capacity: Once the hard drive is full, you are stuck. You need to delete, download, or just stop recording. The hard drive capacity is a fixed limit on how much you can record. Unlike with tapes and memory cards, if you run out of space on vacation, you can’t just buy more.
* Physical Size: That hard drive has to fit somewhere, so you usually get a big lump on the side of your camcorder to hold the hard drive. This generally increases the size of the camcorder 25-35%. If you have small hands, this might make the camcorder more difficult to hold.
* Weight: The hard drive increases the weight of the camcorder, not just the size. A typical hard drive can add 20-25% additonal weight to the camcorder.
* Battery Life: Writing video to the hard drive consumes a lot more power than just writing to flash memory. Remember that hard drives are physical devices that have to spin at very high RPMs. The result is either less battery life or more weight because of a bigger battery.
* Cost: A hard drive costs a lot more as a component than a memory card reader, so hard disk camcorders are often $100+ more expensive than their flash siblings.
* Durability: The more moving parts a devices has, the more likely one of those components will break. A spinning hard drive is more likely to fail when dropped than a memory card with no moving parts.
* Environmental Factors: Hard drives may not operate correctly when subjected to significant vibrations (such as a loud concert), or at very high altitude due to air pressure (typically above 10,00ft).

Theoretically a hard disk should have one big advantage over memory cards, a significantly lower $/GB. Unfortunately the 40-60GB drives in most hard disk camcorders aren’t any cheaper than memory cards. With a 500GB drive, the hard disk would be almost 10x cheaper than 500GB of flash memory cards. These are pretty big trade-offs for getting a few extra gigabytes of storage, especially since the size of hard drives included with hard drive camcoders is so small compared to modern portable hard drives.
Flash Camcorders
Flash camcorders have two major trade-offs. The limited size of a flash card, and the cost of buying additional flash cards. But other than that, they have a lot going for them. Flash camcorders are smaller, lighter, cheaper, have a longer battery life, have removable storage, and are just plain cool.

* Maximum Recording Capacity: Even though the maximum flash card size is about 16GB, once that flash card is full you can swap it out for an empty one. Alternatively you can copy the card onto a portable video storage device with up to 500GB of storage space, then reuse the same flash card again.
* Physical Size & Weight: An SDHC is significantly smaller than a hard drive (32 mm × 24 mm × 2.1 mm). You definately won’t notice any extra space or weight taken up by the card reader.
* Battery Life: Writing video to a flash card does not require any mechanical energy, and so it consumes a lot less power.
* Cost: A flash card reader costs a dollar or two as a component, much less than an expensive hard drive.
* Durability: Flash cards are solid state devices, and have no moving parts, so they are not likely to break over time.

If you plan on using the camcorder around town, and will be able to download the video fairly soon after you record it, then you might not run out of space. For some people 16GB of memory will be enough, but if you want to record more than an hour or two of video, then you should think about getting additional memory cards or a portable video storage device. If you are planning on taking the camcorder with you on a long vacation, then you will need to consider a portable video storage device.
Portable Video Storage Device
Fortunately there is a way to get cheap high capacity storage, and still get all the benefits of a flash camcorder; buy a Portable Video Storage Device (like the MoFoto) for your flash camcorder. Using a Portable Video Storage Device lets you offload the contents of your memory card onto cheaper hard disk storage. MoFoto has a 500GB hard drive which dwarfs the 40GB and 60GB drives found in most HDD camcorders. With 500GB, you get an additional 40 hours 1080P High Definition recording time, and nearly a week of standard definition recording time. Seperating storage from the recording device means you can keep that extra weight in your bag until you need to use it, so it doesn’t add to the weight of the camcorder. Portable Video Storage Devices provide more of the benefits of the HDD camcorder to the owners of flash camcorders. It is truly the best of both worlds.

The Samsung SC-MX20 is an upgrade of the SC-MX10 model. Price range for this model is at $200 – $350. Like its predecessor the SC-MX10, it is also equipped with a single 1/6 inch CCD sensor with a great 34X zoom lens. Ideal for beginners with its properly streamlines menus that are strategically grouped together, intuitive manual controls and a swivel grip that is fun to use are all great qualities for this camcorder. However, this camcorder performs below par where it matters – taking videos.

Measuring at 66mm x 61mm x 124mm and weighing about 272 grams (0.6 lbs), this camcorder is light and easy to grip. Its body design is very similar to the SC-MX10. It has a classier feel to it, compared to the MX10, with its lens placed in a more distinctive cylindrical housing consuming the entire front of the camera. Its small size and portability make it ideal for travel. It owes its advantage in size and weight to its use of SD/SDHC memory cards as recording media, eliminating the extra weight and size of a hard disk like other camcorders.

The Schneider-Kreuznach lens has an aperture of f/1.5 – f/4.3 and a focal length of 2.3 – 78.2mm. The camcorder is fitted with a standard-sized 30.5mm filter for additional accessories like fisheye lenses and others. It also features a manual, non-detachable lens cover – a cross between the separate lens cover (that can be lost) for the MX10 or the automatic cover (that can fail) for the HMX20.

The camcorder compresses video in MPEG-4 AVC format, contrary to the AVCHD format that high definition camcorders by Panasonic, Sony, Canon and JVC favor. When taking videos, the camcorder offers three quality options that record at 720×480 and 1 option that records at 640×480. For the 720×480, there is the TV Super Fine (5mbps), TV Fine (4Mbps) and TV Normal (3mbps) and for the 640×480 the Web & Mobile setting (2mbps).

The camcorder records to SD/SDHC memory cards inserted in the camcorder’s built-in memory slot. It can record up to 23mins of TV Super Fine (best quality) videos in a 1GB card, 30mins of TV Fine quality, 38mins of TV normal quality and 57mins of Web & Mobile quality. The latter two settings are not advisable, though, as it produces terrible, grainy videos. Use the best quality.

One of the advantages of its design lies in the location of its microphones. The built-in microphones sit at both sides of the lens. Most camcorders have the built-in mics on the front and top of the camcorder, making them susceptible to wandering fingers when filming.

In tests, the SC-MX20, does not show the impressive video quality, even at its best quality (TV Super Fine), of its sister model the SC-HMX20. This camcorder performs poorly with color in both bright and low light conditions. You can also see “noise” in any lighting environment. The best option when shooting videos with this camcorder is auto mode.

The camcorder has an Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) like that of its big sister, the HMX20. Most camcorders in its category (from Panasonic and Sony) feature an Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that is superior to the camcorder’s EIS.

The camcorder also features an automatic focus capability for those users who want it. Unfortunately, the camcorder is unable to decide where to focus, causing a big possibility that you might lose an excellent scene. The disappointing zoom functions at a single, non-variable, fast speed. Zoom control is available through two options, either with the use of the toggle or the directional pad – that will depend on your preference as both offer the same control. Focus on the SC-MX20 is not very impressive, and you view focus control through the LCD display. White balance has the following options: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Tungsten and Custom.

This camcorder’s 2.7-inch LCD screen easily flips out from the left of the camera, ready for use. It doesn’t have the touch-screen capability found in Sony and Samsung units. It also doesn’t have a viewfinder as an alternative to use as guide when recording videos. This might be make recording outdoor or under the sun inconvenient as this can cause glaring in the LCD view, making it useless as a guide while filming.

Battery performance for the SC-MX20 is average, lasting about 3.5hrs with extensive use. One disappointment in its engineering design is the battery compartment. The battery lies in the body of the camcorder, so you won’t have an option to upgrade to a higher capacity battery for extra long recording time. To record long videos or when in long vacations, buy a spare battery, and keep it charged.

In addition, this camcorder cannot take still pictures. It also cannot extract still images from video clips. This is a true disadvantage when you want to take still pictures as part of your souvenirs. Other brands may have a low-resolution still image capability (at 1 megapixel or less), but at least they give you that option.

The SC-MX20 compares well to the JVC GZ-MS100. Similar in weight and capabilities, the SC-MX20 edges the JVC camcorder in ease of use and portability, and the JVC edges out the SC-MX20 in low-light video performance. Both record in SD card only and perform in standard definition.

If you are a user who is after good video quality at this standard definition and card-recording-only category, then you should check the Canon FS100, selling at about $250, which has a more superior video output that the SC-MX20.

Although the variety of the SC-MX20 gives it a look of elegance with a choice of White, Black, Red or Blue accents, in terms of overall performance, this camcorder just cannot keep up with its competitors at its price range.

With a $3199-MSRP, the Sony HDR-FX1000 is a new version of HDR-FX1. This handheld camcorder contains enough manual controls and features. However, if you’re a professional videographer, you’ll likely be disappointed with its lack of precise controls and design. It’s not a shoulder-mount, and it doesn’t have the stability and comfort of a larger body.

On the good side, it is equipped with several facilities for the active videographer. It performs surprisingly well in some video performance tests. This camcorder records HDV to MiniDV tape, which is another advantage, because tape is cheap, and HDV is easy to edit. Moreover, MiniDV tape brings ease for pro-level camcorders. You don’t need to bring the camcorder along whenever you want to transfer your data to a computer. Therefore, if you care more about image quality than the ability of manual controls, this may be the camcorder for you.

The FX1000 could prove valuable for getting unique angles that shoulder-mounts can’t, and its 3.2-inch, 921,000-pixel LCD works well for that very purpose. In addition to the LCD, it has a 0.45-inch electronic viewfinder with an approximately 1.3-megapixels.

For those moving up to professional equipment for the first time, be prepared for its significant weight of 4 lbs 9 oz. For some, it’s not too heavy, it’s not too light and it feels easy to shoot with. Compared to high-level pro camcorders, the HDR-FX1000 looks like a baby, and it may feel like a baby, too. It may sound light but all throughout the day, that is, an all-day shoot, it can still get rather heavy.

Many of the buttons are small and hard to access without positioning your fingers properly. Adjusting the controls in the middle of a shot without looking at them can be very inconvenient.

HDR-FX1000 has a built-in stereo mic, a single 1/8th-inch stereo input, a cold accessory shoe and some external audio controls, but there’s no XLR input, and the button layout for some controls clearly needs improvement.

The HDR-FX1000’s NP-F570 included battery is not as impressive. It lasted only about 152 minutes, but Sony, of course, sells batteries for the FX1000 with longer battery life. The Canon XL H1A can last up to twice as long as FX1000 can. Hence, you don’t have to spend more for back-up energy. Otherwise, most FX1000 users would need an extra battery pack for longer hours of interviews or movies.

In bright light, the color accuracy is decent, but not outstanding. The “grain” increases with brightness. The noise levels are also fine, but FX1000 offers no manual noise reduction controls. However, the video resolution is impressive in bright light. This outperforms the Canon XL H1A. In low light, the color and noise performances are equally remarkable. However, the sensitivity – the amount of light required for a bright image – is not as good.

In comparison to the Canon XL H1A, the Sony HDR-FX1000 only underperforms the former on battery life and low light sensitivity.

If you prefer better audio options, more connectivity choices and a set of notable CMOS sensors, you can leap for the professional Sony HVR-Z5U. It is nearly identical in construction to the FX1000 for an additional $1750.

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is similar in size to the Sony HDR-FX1000 and HVR-Z5U but a bit pricier. It can also record video in MiniDV tape as well as P2 memory cards but this is expensive.

By far, it’s not a consumer camera. It’s perfect for video production students with its excellent low light performance and great picture quality. It has good lens range, great LCD screen and easy workflow.

In the deeper menu, although some options seem complicated in the long list of settings, the menus are well-organized and broken down into six sections – Camera, Audio, Display, Connectivity, Memory and Others.

On the other hand, a novice could not operate this camcorder to its full potential. Yes, it does a good job in manual mode, but you really need to use manual controls and play with the picture profiles to maximize its advantage.

Sony should not make unneeded changes. The left side of the camera is cluttered and confusing. Many of its manual controls are hard to access and operate. Sony moved the scroll wheel to the side, where it has too many buttons, and it makes it hard to maneuver. It’s also difficult for larger fingers to get a good grip of the scroll wheel. Nevertheless, the wheel has one good design – simply push it to make a selection.

Its proprietary multi-AV cable doesn’t allow you to use generic cables. Likewise, you can only use Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick cards for still images.

Some may find a mistake in not having an XLR input for HDR-FX1000, but others don’t have any trouble with the built-in mic. It’s excellent with meters and headphone jack. It can still pick up very small noises, and the output is great. However, if you’re truly that concerned about pro level audio quality output, then you can record to a separate audio device and not use tape audio.

The other drawback this camcorder has is the location of the cold shoe in relation to the LCD screen – right in front of the LCD. It blocks your ability to close or open the LCD if you have a mic or light. This could present a problem if you want to conserve your battery life especially when you’re filming a 3-hour movie.

Overall, the HDR-FX1000 is a good camcorder for enthusiasts, student filmmakers and pros who look for a budget-friendly cam. It may be hard to use, and it can’t do everything that professional camcorders can, but it’s not a bad product. For what it lacks in audio preferences, it makes up with its manual controls and compact size. The HDR-FX1000 can be a good choice if you’re looking for a professional-quality video at a very friendly price.

VIXIA HF S10 has a lot in common with its sister model, the HF S100. The only difference between the two is that HF S100 lacks a built-in memory. HF S10 is designed for people who require a professional camcorder at a reasonable price.

VIXIA HF S10 is Canon’s flagship consumer flash memory camcorder. One of its better features is the professional quality 10x HD Video lens that captures perfect pictures comparable to those taken from a professional camera. It delivers pictures that are crisp, clear, and with the least flare and ghosting. It is a dual memory camcorder, which means that you can capture video on both the camcorder’s internal flash memory (32GB) and directly to an SDHC Memory Card, giving it the capacity to store up to 24 hours of video. However, there is a catch here, in case one of the cards runs out, while you are shooting, you will have to manually change the card to continue recording, which may cause loss of important recording material. It does not have to wait for moving parts, and hence has a fast response time; you only have to press the record button and you are good to go. It has a descent battery life for a camcorder of its class, but the time to recharge is considerably less. The camcorder is shock resistant, thanks to the flash memory.

VIXIA HF S10 has a 1/2.6-inch, 8.59-megapixel HD CMOS image sensor that captures High Definition videos of 1920 x 1080. One of the added advantages of this camcorder is its ability to deliver brilliant results in low light conditions, thanks to the CMOS censor. The pictures have richer and true-to-life colors. It features DIGIC DV III processor, which renders high quality images to both, video and stills. The image processor does a brilliant job. You can shoot digital photos continuously and process the images faster to the memory card. It also has the ability to record and output images at 1920 x 1080, although a higher SDHC memory card is required for this. It has a 24Mbps recording capability for the best AVCHD videos with high clarity. It features SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, which delivers steadier and clearer images. It also corrects camcorder shake and gives a very steady looking effect to photos taken from long focal distances. The videos look pretty descent with few blown-out highlights. The audio too, is impressive.

It weighs a little over a pound and is quite comfortable in the hands, with 2.8-inch-by-2.7-inch-by-5.4-inch dimensions, but may not be featherweight. Its typical large size makes it even more comfortable in the hand. On the negative side, shots captured outdoors have a little purple fringing. There also seems to be a color shift in red and blue. It features an Instant AF that helps focus faster. It also has a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD. The lens cover in this camcorder is made of plastic and rattles when closed, making an irritating sound. Its connectors, as the USB and mini HDMI placed beneath the grip, make it difficult to hook up wires as the grip comes in the way. Similar to the Sony HDR, HF S10 has a custom dial that can be assigned to the functions most used, making it easier to operate the camcorder.

One of the biggest setbacks with HF S10 is the lack of an eye level viewfinder. This aspect can drive consumers away from this camcorder. The HF S10 gives you better shutter speed of 1/8 to 1/2000 second and aperture options ranging from f1.8 to f8. With the two, you have more control in your hand. The menu lets you choose the font size. Because of the LCD being the size that it is, it may be difficult for some to read the screen.

The fact that the camcorder has the capability to capture video with up to 900 lines of resolution brings it on par with professional broadcast cameras. It can capture very detailed videos. The menu design for HF S10 is rather simple and intuitive. It is easy to navigate through the menu with the joystick.

The VIXIA HF S10 has top-notch features like Advanced Auto Exposure System, designed to provide accurate exposure settings in a wide variety of lighting conditions. You may want to use the 24p Cinema mode to get a movie-like look. You may use it with the Cinema setting to change the colors and tonal quality of the video or the two, used independently. It has a 30p Progressive mode to get a standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i. For footage on the internet, you may choose to capture video at 30p. This particularly comes in handy for sports or action shoots.

Overall, the HF S10 is a good deal and it features some of the top-notch technologies found in only high-end professional camcorders. It has the potential to deliver better quality videos and stills. Its sister model, the HF S100 may be a better choice for some, due to the difference in their prices and the fact that both have the same features. It seems to be one of the top most entries on the list of state-of-the-art Flash Memory Camcorders.

The nationwide transition from analog to pure digital TV has again been delayed (sigh!), analog is dead, and not even an act of Congress can resuscitate it. If you’ve been waiting for prices to come down to go high-def with your home movies, we’re pleased to tell you that you easily can get started with full HD video recording for well under $1,000. Even a step up to more sophisticated models with hefty built-in storage won’t break the bank.

As with digital photography, there’s a lot of jargon that you’ll want to decipher before you make a buying decision. Here’s a look at the most important terms with which to be familiar, and a sampling of some of the latest, hottest cameras for home videographers.

Recording Media
The trend in digital camcorders today is toward removable flash media—SDHC, specifically—as the primary recording medium. In many cameras, this is augmented with built-in storage in the form of either a hard drive or flash memory. The advantage to using removable SDHC cards is that you can carry several with you and expand your recording time as needed. They’re small, and relatively inexpensive, with the price-per-gigabyte dropping. All of the models we’ll look at here incorporate removable media as a recording option.

Other models feature recording directly to discs such as DVD and Blu-ray. Others still use digital MiniDV tape, an older technology that remains in the marketplace for consumers who are comfortable with tape and want to keep copies of the raw footage on a shelf rather than on their computer’s hard drive.

Low-Light Capability
With ISOs from 50 to 3200 (1600 for videos) and 3D noise reduction that takes into account signal noise from the preceding frame in video shooting, the HD2000A has good low-light shooting capability.

Compact, Ergonomic Body
The HD2000A measures just 3.5x2.1x4.4 inches and weighs only 11 ounces ready to shoot. Its unique shape handles comfortably for both video and still shooting.