If you’ve been looking for a high definition video camera (HDV), there are many out there for you to choose from. In this article, we will take a look at some of your options available in each of the different formats.

HDV

JVC, Sony, and Canon all produce HDV cameras of various stripes and abilities. The JVC HD100U shoots 720p, offers a true 24p frame rate, and provides a professional looking form factor, along with sporting the ability to change out lenses.

The popular HDV cameras:

The two popular HDV cameras from Sony include the HDR-FX1 and the HVR-Z1U. Both of them shoot only 1080i and provide 24p. The XL h1 is Canon’s entry to the HDV roundup. It provides HD SDI output and gives you the option of interchanging lenses. Like Sony, it shoots 1080i without true 24p capabilities.

All of these cameras are 3CCD models and all sport level professional XLR audio inputs, with the exception of the HDR-FX1. Sony also offers single chip HDV cameras. The consumer HC1, which is actually a miniature version of the FX1 is an excellent camera.

The amazing company of JVC (Victor Company of Japan) released the first high definition video camera for consumers back in 2003. The GR-HD1 high def camera was the first digital video camera in the world to record and play back high definition images.

By utilizing a newly developed 1/3 inch type 1.18 million pixel progressive scan CCD and JVC type processing, the new camera records and plays back 750/30p digital high definition and 525p progressive wide screen images to mini DV tape.

Features of JVC’s high definition video camera:

The GR-HD1 is the first digital high definition video camera in the world to record and play back high definition video and images. The GR-HD1 records digital images to mini DV tapes using MPEG 2 compression, recording and playing back digital high definition images while still maintaining conventional 525i DV standard recording times.

The GR-HD1 also comes with an optical 10X zoom lens and a built in optical image stabilizer. It also uses a newly developed 1/3 inch type 1.18 million pixel (1.14 million effective pixels) progressive scan CCD. Due to the JVC original signal processing circuitry and driving system, it can record muti format high quality images.

HDTV or high definition television normally refers to any video system of higher resolution than the standard definition.

The original HD specifications date back to the early 1980s, when Japan first experimented with a 1025 line television standard.

Japan presented their parameters at an international meeting of television engineers in Algiers in 1981 and Japan’s NHK presented their analog HDTV system at a Swiss conference in 1983. Except for these early formats, HDTV is digital broadcast and therefore it’s introduction will sometimes coincide with the introduction of DTV, or digital television.

The signals for high definition require a high definition television (HDTV) or a computer monitor in order to be watched or viewed. High definition video will normally have an aspect ratio of 16:9. The aspect ratio of the regular widescreen film that is shot today is normally 1:85:1 or 2:40:1. The standard type of television has a 4:3 aspect ratio.

High definition television (HDTV) resolution is 1080 or 720 lines. With the contrast, regular digital television is 480 lines or 576 lines. The current quality with DVD is not high definition, although high definition systems such as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are both expected to be and ship later on in 2006.

A while back, Sony, Sharp, Canon and JVC announced the creation of a new high definition video standard for video cameras - HDV. HDV utilizes MPEG-2 image compression with a definition of 1080 lines and a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Shortly after that, Sony opened the door to high definition by creating the first HDV camcorder, the HDR-FX1. This release was on par with the launch of the first DV camcorder in 1995, which at the time was a giant step forward for image quality, marking the break from traditional analog.

At the time, consumers were moving from the Hi8 format to DV, which featured much better image quality, along with the ability to transfer to a computer without any degradation of signal. With HDV, the resolution of camcorders can be doubled, from 576 lines to 1080. The compression method is no longer DV, but MPEG 2 instead.

HDV formats:

HDV exists in two formats - 1080i (interlaced) and 720p (progressive).

HDV 1080i camera: With interlaced, the video camera records 1080 lines in interlaced images, which is half images of 540 lines each that are displayed 60 times per second.

At first look, the JVC HD100 looks like any other high definition camera with a lot of switches, dials and places to plug in peripherals.

In operation, it functions like an old regular video camera. You don’t really need to do anything special to make a high definition recording, just press a button -although there are differences.

The features of HY-HD100:

One of the things that make this camera so nice and unique is the amount of control you have over pretty much everything you record. JVC really outdone themselves here, as you can record all of your settings on a SD memory card and save them to move on to another JCV camera, which will save you a lot of time.

Another amazing feature enables the video camera to automatically record to a hard disk while at the same time recording to a tape. Recording directly to a hard drive will save you a lot of time in the editing process, as you can immediately begin using your video without having to capture tape to your computer, which can only be done in real time.

If you own a camera, as millions of us around the world do, you’re probably aware of the fact that there are many to choose from. The cameras of the past were black and white, enabling you to take a black and white photograph that printed out from the camera right in front of your eyes.

Evolution of cameras:

From then, cameras evolved. Digital cameras came out later on, which the ability to put them on your computer or even take your camera card to a local store and have the photos printed out on professional paper. Over the years, cameras have evolved in so many ways that it isn’t even funny.

The birth of HD cameras:

These days, high definition video cameras are dominating the market. They are relatively new and quickly catching on, giving you so much you can do with your camera. Unlike the past, cameras are now capable of capturing full videos as well, proving that they are indeed capable of capturing any memory you can possibly imagine.

When Sony first unveiled the H3 to the market, it staged none of the over the top glitz or glamour many expected.

Held at a tiny theater inside a Sony office in Tokyo, the event barely even resembled a minor product launch.

Sony’s grip on the camera market:

Although many don’t think of Sony as a camera maker, the company is number 1 in video cameras, holding on to well over 40 percent of the market. Sony is a leader in many other industries as well, with cameras helping to add the icing to the cake.

Sony’s top camera models:

The HDW is the top of the line camcorder from Sony. The Sony HDW 900 is capable of recording and playing back 1080 progressive at 23.98 or 24, 25, 29.97, or 30 frames per second. It can also play back 50 or 60 fields per second at 1080 interlaced.

Sony accessories:

The Sony camera also offers a memory stick setup system that memorizes various parameters and enables instant recall. Once you set the camera up for the first time, it will remember the settings then go right back to the previous parameters at the touch of a button.

The Sony HVR-A1E boasts an incredibly small size, and providing the 180i standard, the camera offers you a host of advanced features for professional use.

The Sony HVR-A1E uses technology such as CMOS, the camera is an ultra compact camcorder that is capable of providing HDV in the full 1080 line resolution.

By building on the affordability of HDV, the Sony HVR-A1E providers you with a migration path, from standard definition, while retaining the qualities of the popular DVCAM range such as ease of use and multiple connections.

The Sony HVR-A1E is ideal for situations in which space is limited. The camera also broadens the range of HDV tools available for professional users, as it really does deliver HD for everyone.

Affordability of Sony HVR-A1E:

The Sony HVR-A1E really means that high definition is for everyone. Through the HDV format, this camera allows you to capture HD pictures on a standard DV cassette, providing both a cost effective format and full 1080 line resolution.

The Sony HVR-A1E also offers you the ability to choose the most appropriate recording format for your production. With this camera, you are able to switch between HDV, DVCAM, and DV recording which give you full flexibility to record in standard or HD mode. You can also take still pictures as well, which adds to the list of already impressive features.

The Sony HDW-F900 Cine Alta is a ground breaking digital HD camera that extends both the digital heritage of the company and its unrivalled experience in the art of imaging.

The physical resemblance of the Sony HDW-F900 to the very successful Digital Beta cam is intentional, although there are some subtle but very relevant changes that help to further enhance operational familiarity and ease of usage.

Because of the outstanding picture quality and flexibility, this Sony HDW-F900 video camera offers a new and important alternative to 24 frame film origination for major television productions and even commercials as well. The Sony HDW-F900 is already known as the digital movie camera, ideal for exploring new horizons in the making of digital movies.

What really separates the Sony HDW-F900 from other HD video cameras is its ability to capture and record digital high definition pictures - at 24 progressive frames per second, just like a conventional film camera.

The moving pictures are digitally imaged in accordance with the common image format standard, which will specify a sampling structure of 1920 active pixels horizontally by 1080 active pixels vertically. What makes the Sony HDW-F900 so exciting is that along with recording at 24p, it is also switchable to record at 25p, 30p progressive scan, and also at 50 or 60 Hz interlaced.

Even though you may think high definition video is just for your television, it isn’t. You can get that very same quality on your home movies as well. You can turn your home movies and precious memories into works of art with HD.

Amateur home video producers alike will truly love the high quality of HD. With HDV (high definition video), you can record superb high definition video onto a digital video tape.

Benefits of Sony HDV:

You don’t really need to understand how Sony HDV works to truly appreciate the benefits. All you need to do is spend a few minutes watching a video recorded on a Sony HDV video camera and you’ll see everything you need to know.

If you already know about Sony HDV, there are many more reasons as to why you should pick HDV video cameras:

1. The amazing picture quality of HD is no longer limited to Hollywood and professionals. You too can now use Sony HDV technology to capture the important memories of your life with life like color, vivid contrast, and amazing HD video.
2. Sony HDV recording offers low noise, high accuracy, rich, and very vivid color.