Comparing High Definition Camcorders
Introduction -- Comparing high definition camcorders before making any purchase is a smart idea. Just like anything else you want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want, especially when you will be spending a decent amount of money. When you are comparing camcorders you should know that they may be referred to in many different ways. Hi definition camcorder, HD camcorder, and hi def camcorder are some of the names used for this camera. A few things you may want to compare are the technology, the price, the size, the quality, and the resolution at which it records.
Comparing the Sony High Definition Camcorder With JVC's Offerings
In September 2004 Sony announced the unveiling of its high definition camcorder, which greatly accelerated the growth of this particular segment of the electronic home entertainment market.
This new high definition camcorder was called the HDR-FX1 which used 1080 lines horizontal resolution with a frame rate of 60 interlaced frames per second and recorded to standard MiniDV tapes. The high definition camcorder specifications were in agreement with other manufacturers such as JVC, Canon and Sharp. In addition, the high definition camcorder has supporting software for video editing from such heavyweights like Apple and Adobe.
The Sony HDR-FX1 camcorder was the first in terms of technology but the HDR specifications are derived from compression standards first introduced by JVC camcorder HDV specs. JVC's first camcorder known as the GR-HD1 which the consumer could use before Sony camcorders had entered the market, also had a companion camcorder known as JY-HYD10U which was based on the technology used in all of JVC's professional line of camcorders.
The difference between the JVC and Sony high definition camcorders is in the way that shooting is done. With JVC camcorders, shooting was done with 720 lines of resolution at a rate of 30 progressive frames every second, whereas the Sony camcorder shot at 1080 lines of resolution at 60 interlaced frames every second. However, both rates contain the same amount of information, where JVC offers progressive scanning and Sony offers a higher resolution picture.
The two brands have the same method of compressing information into a MPEG2 signal, which can then be saved on standard MiniDV tapes. In addition, both brands also can record standard DV signals as well as HDV signals. With the HDR-FX1 comes three 1/3 inch 16:9 1.12 Megapixel gross CCDs, with each CCD measuring 960 x 1080 pixels and the pixels themselves are oblong and not square thus allowing the camcorder to shoot 16:9 aspect ratio video.
The expected street price of the Sony HDR-FX1 should be approximately $3,500, which is about a thousand dollars less than when the first MiniDV camcorders were introduced and at this price, Sony can begin competing with professional models offered by other brands. Added to the competitively priced Sony high definition camcorder is the fact that its new real time HD codec engine can code and decode the HDV signals.