DV and HDV Camcorder Buyers Guide

A good article from Videomaker Magazine. From the movie making section:

To create high-quality commercials, music videos, feature-length films and more, many filmmakers and videographers -- whether recent film school graduates or seasoned camera professionals -- have begun to consider the recent HDV trend. Although a relatively new format, HDV entices moviemakers because it stores 16:9 high-definition video on regular DV or Mini DV tapes. With HDV, prosumers can now achieve professional quality of expensive HD cameras for under $5,000.

As with any fairly new technology, however, the HDV format is still experiencing growing pains. While the image captured via an HDV camcorder can indeed look sensational, variables like contrast, exposure and shutter speed can prove problematic. In addition, HDV compresses video in an MPEG-2 requiring a non-linear editing system that specifically accepts HDV.

HDV users cannot simply aim, shoot and expect to edit on their old computers. Oftentimes, they must embrace cinematic lighting techniques, use neutral density and low-contrast filters and find compatible editing systems. Although major players such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro and Sony's Vegas Video currently support HDV editing or incorporate HDV-specific plug-ins, the longer you wait to invest in an HDV camera or HDV editing system, the more equipment and software choices will be available to you. As with DV, technology will continue to improve, even as prices decline.

In the meantime, Sony and JVC both offer HD camcorders that provide manual focus, iris controls, advanced audio options and optical zooms. The Sony HVR-Z1U ($5,950) supports a 1,080-line, interlaced-scan resolution, allows you to switch between HDV and DV recording, utilizes an optical stabilizer and contains 3 1/3-inch, 1.1-megapixel CCD imagers. For almost half the price, the JVC GR-HD1 ($3,500) also provides optical stabilization and a DV mode as well as a 1-CCD progressive imager, cinematic effects and in-camera transitions.

Many filmmakers, however, prefer 3-chip camcorders that offer a 24p-frame rate, which can mimic the look of film. Until an HDV camcorder can truly provide this preference, you might consider the Panasonic AG-DVX100A ($4,000) or the Canon XL2 ($5,000). Both provide an optical stabilizer, adjustable 4:3 and 16:9 capture modes, a FireWire interface for digital transfer, XLR audio inputs, manual audio levels and built-in color bars. Also, while the Panasonic provides cinematic gamma controls, the Canon offers an interchangeable lens system.

RELATED: HD Cameras Compared, DV Cameras Compared