Want to become a serious video
professional? Perhaps you want to make a feature film, or shoot wedding videos
as a business.
Most professionals rely on higher end digital video cameras that
come with 3 CCDs. CCD's, or charged-coupled devices, control how an image is
captured into your video camera.
More CCD's will ensure better picture quality -
but a heftier price tag.
Here's my round up of the top ten
3-CCD camcorders in the market today.
The Sony DCR-VX2100
builds on the proven video capabilities of the Sony DCR-VX2000. The VX2100
offers a 12x optical zoom, along with a 2.5 inch LCD display. I like the
addition of a Hybrid LCD Panel for monitoring recording and playback - it
provides a very bright picture even under a strong sun. The new dark gray
camera body also looks superb.
The Panasonic AG-DVX100A
is an upgraded version of the Panasonic AG-DVX100, a 24-frame video camera
which allowed one to shoot low cost video with film-like results. The
AG-DCX100A is offers higher image quality and more functions than its
predecessor, along with a 10x optical zoom and a large 3.5 inch LCD screen.
The Sony HDR-FX1 is the
world's first consumer high definition camcorder, allowing you to play and
record interlaced high definition video at resolutions up to 1440 x 1080.
The three chip Advanced HAD CCD system, 12x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens,
image stabilization features and the huge 3.5 inch swivel LCD screen make
this an extremely attractive buy.
The Canon XL2 camcorder
brings a host of performance and convenience features previously unseen in
its class. A powerful 20x optical zoom, 2 inch LCD screen, Canon Super
Range Optical Image Stabilization, dual aspect ratios, various frame rate
capabilities, image gamma and remote computer camera control - all this and
more in this highly rated camcorder.
The JVC GY-DV300 is a
very high quality 3-CCD camcorder that boasts 12-bit A/D, 24-bit digital
signal processing and high-quality MiniDV recording. It also has a 14x
optical zoom together with a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Of particular interest is
the 'StreamCorder' technology which allows you to easily distribute
your videos in real time over the Internet or intranet.
The ever popular Canon
GL2 is equipped with a 20x optical zoom lens, 100x digital zoom as well as
an ample 2.5 inch LCD screen. The feature set in the GL2 attracts both
newscasters and filmmakers - including a L-series Fluorite lens, optical
image stabilization, three shooting modes and a built-in analog- digital
converter. Very attractive camcorder for beginners and experts alike.
The Sony DCR-VX2000E is
one excellent camcorder. Combine excellent
image quality, great low-light performance and an accurate autofocus - an we
have a real gem here. It comes with a 12x optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch foldout LCD.
A minor complaint is is that the focus ring doesn't override autofocus. Its
a small issue though - this prosumer model delivers video that rivals that from a professional camera.
The JVC GZ-MC500
comes with a 10x optical zoom and a 1.8 inch LCD display. The main selling
point of this camcorder is that it records direct to a microdrive removable
hard disk. JVC proprietary Megabrid imaging engine separately
processes video and still signals, providing quality for each. There's also
the unique rotating grip design - which gives the user stable single and two handed shooting
positions.
The Sony DCR-HC1000 is a hot favorite amongst
3-CCD camcorder owners. From a feature and function point of view, it’s one
of the best models I’ve seen. With a 12x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD, Carl Zeiss optics and a progressive
shutter, the DCR-HC1000 delivers outstanding
digital video. I also like the amazingly compact design, multi-angle grip
and the 4 channel surround sound audio support.
Featuring a 10x optical zoom and an ample 2.5 inch LCD display, the
Panasonic PV-GS250 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but
isn't short on innovative features. The Leica Dicomar lens is a real plus, known for its ability to
capture the most delicate video details. Other nice features include a Macro
Zoom feature, great image stabilization, as well as a manual focus ring.
Conclusion
Which camcorder to choose, you
ask? Hmmm .... for those who have just crossed into professional videography,
the best choice is the Sony DCR-HC1000. Once you progress and become better, I'd choose to upgrade
to the Canon GL2, Sony DCR-VX2100 or Panasonic AG-DVX100A .
If you're into high definition video, then the Sony HDR-FX1 is a clear
choice.
Remember, it is ultimately up to you - these
are my recommendations only. Check with professional videographers in your area
to see what models they use.
How
To Create Web Video
If you've always wanted to create your own web
video, you may want to take a look at a tool called V2F.
V2F is powerful program that takes your video file, compresses it and converts it to Flash. It then creates the HTML that you need to put on your web site to display the web video.
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How
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