1. High definition (HD) is no longer the future. It’s here. With so much new terminology it is
frustrating for consumers to make sense of it all. Codecs, media, formats, compression
types—it’s all a mess of confusion. This article is meant to help you understand what’s going
on in the world of HD camcorders so that you can make sense of it all and make an informed
decision on your next purchase. Technically speaking, high definition (HD) is any video with a
much higher resolution than the previous format, standard definition (SD). Digital
camcorders that record SD video have been around for quite some time now, with most of
them producing video at a resolution of 720 x 480. This means 720 lines of horizontal
resolution and 480 lines of vertical resolution. Many SD camcorders allow video to be
recorded in either widescreen (a 16:9 aspect ratio) or traditional (4:3 aspect ratio), but the
actual resolution of the recorded image usually remains at 720 x 480.
With the increasing popularity of HDTVs, camcorders that record only standard definition
video are becoming less and less popular each year. In their place are HD camcorders,
almost all of which record Full HD video at a 1920 x 1080 resolution. There are some
camcorders that record HD video at a lower resolution of 1280 x 720, but this resolution is
usually reserved for cheap, ultra compact camcorders.
For the sake of brevity, these two HD resolutions are often referred to by just their vertical
resolutions, for example: 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. The chart below attempts to illustrate the
relative size of the different video resolutions.
That's easy to understand, right? Full HD 1920 x 1080 video is the highest recording
resolution available on consumer camcorders today. 1280 x 720 video is still HD, but it
doesn't record with nearly as many pixels. Standard definition video is even smaller, with its
total resolution being six times smaller than that of 1920 x 1080 video.
But what's the deal with those little letters we put after righting the abbreviated resolutions
of 1080i and 1080p? Since video incorporates motion, there is an extra element when you
talk about video resolution. The "i" stands for interlaced and the "p" stands for progressive,
both of which are different methods for recording video.
With interlaced video, camcorders split up horizontal rows of resolution into odds and
evens. First one set is refreshed, and then the other set. Each of these "fields" is refreshed,
back and forth, each at 30 times per second. It happens fast enough that the human eye
usually can't see the slight lag time. However, when you pause a interlaced video clip, you'll
see a distinct jugginses.
With progressive video, the entire image is refreshed at the same time, 30 times per second.
Qualitatively, this tends to produce smoother motion, and is often preferred for sports
shooting, because freeze frames will not have the same jugginses that 1080i produces.
Most high-end HDTVs support 1080p resolution, although there are some that only support
a maximum of 720p. Consumer camcorders, however, is just beginning to offer 1080p
recording, with nearly all of them offering 1080i recording only. It is common to find lower-
quality 720p recording options on HD camcorders as well.

2. There are a few consumer camcorders that allow you to record either HD or SD video, but
these models are far less common than you'd expect. Most Sony HD camcorders offer SD
modes, but you are likely to not find SD options on camcorders from Canon, JVC, or
Panasonic. If SD recording is a feature you require, make sure you consult the full camcorder
specs to make sure the camcorder you're checking out has it as an option.
Is now the time to buy an HD camcorder?
The short answer is yes. If you're in the market for a new camcorder, chances are you
already own an HDTV or have regular access to one. HD is so much in demand right now that
most manufacturers don't even focus on new SD camcorders anymore. Shooting HD means
you're recording in the highest-quality available in the consumer market, so you are future-
proofing your memories for as long as HD exists. The only reason not to go with HD would
be if you don't own or don't plan on owning an HDTV in the near future, or if you're ultimate
goal is to create and edit low-quality videos. SD video is easier to edit and upload to the
internet than HD, but even those caveats are falling by the wayside now that sites like
YouTube support Full HD content.
Compression Types: Consumer HD camcorders record video digitally, so they use video
compression systems to keep file sizes from being outrageously large (they're still very big,
though). Here are some of the most common compression types you'll find on today's HD
camcorders:
AVCHD - Introduced in 2006, AVCHD has exploded in popularity and is now the most
common compression system for consumer camcorders. It is used on HD camcorders from
Sony, Panasonic, JVC, and Canon, as well as on numerous DSLR cameras that record video.
AVCHD once suffered from compatibility issues, but things have gotten better each year.
Still, playing AVCHD clips on a computer can be a bit of a hassle as certain operating systems
do not support the files. If this is the case, you must import the AVCHD clips using editing
software (like the software that comes with your camcorder) before you can playback your
clips. The clips do playback fine on your camcorder, however, and they look great when
viewed on an HDTV. Another setback of AVCHD is that it does not allow for 1080p recording,
which is why most consumer camcorders only record 1080i or 720p.
MPEG-4 - This format is used by some Samsung and Sanyo camcorders, as well as many ultra
compact budget camcorders (like the Flip). What makes things confusing is that MPEG-4 is
the same codec used in AVCHD compression, so the two are very similar. The difference is
AVCHD compression includes a variety of extra information for media presentation, which is
why the clips are larger and full of more information. MPEG-4 clips can usually be dragged
right from the camcorder onto your computer for playback—no importing process or special
media players are required.
HDV - This is the oldest consumer high definition format and it is quickly fading into
obscurity. Today's consumer HDV camcorders only record in 1440 x 1080 resolution, then
stretch the footage to 1920 x 1080 for playback. Camcorders using HDV compression also
only record to MiniDV tape, as the format is not compatible with non-linear media.

3. MPEG-2 - Usually reserved for camcorders that record standard definition only, MPEG-2
variants are also employed on certain professional HD camcorders. When used for
compression with SD camcorders, the MPEG-2 clips are usually saved with an MOD file
extension. Just like AVCHD clips, these files may have to be imported using editing software
before they can be played back on your computer.
A night vision camcorder is becoming more and more popular for those people who are
looking to invest in a camera to record themselves and family. Not only are these popular
with people looking to save those special moments like birthdays, family get together and
graduations more and more people are using these when hunting or searching for a
particular item at night. They are fantastic to take on camping trips especially if you plan to
do a bit of late night fishing, being able to see what you are doing on the camcorder makes it
a lot easier when attaching those lures to your line.
You should be able to purchase a night vision camcorder from your local electronic store but
you should first determine what your camcorder is going to be used for. Is it going to be
used around the home with family or do you plan on using it in a semi professional
production? Generally the more features your camcorder has, the more it will cost. Some
camcorders used in professional products can easily sell for close to $10 000.
However if you are just looking for a night vision camcorder for general use then there are a
lot of options that you can look at. While I can’t give you specific models due to the fact they
evolve so quickly now that this information will become redundant I can give you some tips
on what to look for.
Battery life is a big plus; you don’t want your batteries draining fast so make sure that your
camcorder has a long battery life. With regards to the night vision, the night vision image will
probably be your biggest factor and the only way to see what it is like is to give it a little test.
Ask the salesman for a dark spot in the shop and turn on the night vision function. The image
should not be too grainy and it should be clear.
Another option instead of buying a night vision camcorder is to purchase a night vision add-
on. This simply attaches to your camcorder and provides a light that is invisible to human but
the camcorder can actually pick up the infrared light which gives the camcorder the ability to
“see” in the dark. One drawback of these however is that they are usually powered by the
camcorders battery and can quickly wear it down. On the plus side however is that they are
very cheap and can be purchased online for less than $40. One of these may be an option if
you don’t want to buy a whole night vision camcorder.