Hello r2,
Thank you for your question.
AS with most photographic products, you eventually find that the
resulting quality differences are due to the quality of the lens. You
will find some differences in electronics, and definitely differences
in features, but lens quality is of paramount importance for your
ultimate image.
We'll take a look at recommendations and reviews in a moment, but I
want to point out a very important consideration with digital
camcorders. As noted by CNNMoney in this article:
http://money.cnn.com/2002/11/12/pf/saving/techguide_camcorders/
How to buy a digital camcorder
What to consider when shopping for a camcorder, plus three picks for
various budgets.
December 3, 2002: 5:12 PM EST
By Brian L. Clark, CNN/Money Contributing Writer
"...Many of today's digital camcorders have the ability to shoot still
photos. Plenty of folks appreciate having one camera for both
functions. But I want the option of being able to blow prints up to
8"x10". And since most shoot still images at less than 2 megapixels,
that won't work. Digital video cameras also come with optical and
digital zooms. As is the case with digital still cameras, a good
optical zoom (10x or better) is best..."
Digital zooms use less of the picture information and do not produce
the quality of optical zooms. If image quality is critical, avoid
digital zooming and the attraction the specs appear to offer. In
addition, a dedicated still digital image camera will produce much
better prints than available from still frames of digital camcorders.
Unfortunately, none of his three recommendations are on the Apple
list.
NexGen Cinema makes the following simple and accurate statements for
video quality:
http://www.nexgencinema.com/Video%20Info.htm
"Most people do not understand various aspects of video quality.
Below is an explanation of the video quality you can expect from
various A/V equipment.
Video Cameras
1. Best - Digital Video Camera, 3 CCD Chip Video Camera (I.E. Canon
GL1, Sony VX2000)
2. Good - Digital Video Camera, 1 CCD Chip Video Camera (I.E. Sony
Digital 8)
2. Mediocre - Hi 8mm Video Camera, 410 LOR
3. Outdated/Obsolete - 8mm, VHS, VHS-C ..."
We are excluding choices 3 and 4 here, but it is important to note
that 3 chip cameras will produce more accurate color and more
professional images.
They continue:
"...A 1CCD camcorder is perfectly acceptable for most consumers, it
has only one sensor to translate the entire image into discernible
electrical pulses (pixels). For more professional film making, you may
want the sharper image
and more faithful colors provided by "3-chip" (3CCD) technology. A
3CCD camcorder employs three image sensors-one for each primary color
of red, blue, and green. These three color-specific sensors are able
to more faithfully translate the image-resulting in a higher level of
color precision and a wider contrast range. The wider contrast range
allows for a
sharper image in low-light conditions when a 1CCD camcorder might give
blurry or faded results..."
You will find many experts that echo the statements above as regards
zoom lenses and 1 vs 3 chip. And since you did not mention any budget
constraints in your question, I have assumed that quality rather than
price is your ultimate goal. Consequently, I will eliminate all 1 chip
cameras and concentrate on the three chip with highest quality and
most usable zoom range lenses.
You also did not mention where you are located, so I will also assume
in the USA and therefore eliminate all of the PAL, or European video
standard cameras as they may not be compatible with other equipment
you may choose to purchase in the future.
You also did not list size as an important consideration. So I focused
on quality as you requested.
Canon -
Without a doubt, the finest Canon camera on your list is the XL-1S,
and perhaps the finest on the list from any manufacturer.
http://www.canondv.com/xl1s/index.html
"Canon's XL1S makes it possible to truly customize your shooting
experience. Its unique open architecture design, full manual control,
and extensive list of dedicated accessories allow the camera to become
an extension of your creative spirit. Superior image quality and
pro-oriented features make the XL1S ideal for those with
discriminating taste."
Features
Digital Video Format and IEEE 1394
Interchangeable Lens System
3CCD
Read more about the complete feature list here:
http://www.canondv.com/xl1s/f.html
The 3 CCD and interchangeable lens system, plus the quality of Canon's
lenses make this the unsurpassed choice from your list. B and H photo,
a very reputable dealer, has this online for $3,299 PLUS lenses and
accessories.
None of the JVC or Panasonic cameras mentioned in the Apple list come
close to approaching the quality of the Canon XL-1S.
Sony
DCR-VX2000
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=sPnuaM151lbuaPMEqDDkY4J2XVCmeA3vDzg=?ProductID=6zsKC0%2eNByYAAAD0_Uy3txA8
"Once you pick up the Sony DCR-VX2000 MiniDV Handycam® Camcorder, you
will not put it down! Never went to film school? Here's your chance to
create the films you've always dreamed of making. Start filming now
and enjoy features like a 3-CCD imaging system, aspherical 58mm lens,
and a manual zoom ring for extremely accurate and detailed videos. You
could be the next independent filmmaker to make it big. Just remember
it all began with Sony. Kit includes the DCR-VX2000 with FREE
LCS-KITF330."
Partial features:
Imaging Device3 X 1/3", 380k Pixels Progressive Scan CCD (Advanced
HAD)Video actual: 340K Pixels X 3Still actual: 340k Pixels X 3
• F1.6-2.4
• Optical Zoom12X
• Digital Zoom48X Precision
• f (Focal Distance)6.0-72.0mm
• f (35mm Conversion)43.2-518.4mm (camera mode)43.2-518.4mm (memory
mode)
• Filter Diameter58mm
• FocusingFull Range Auto/Manual Ring
• Minimum Illumination4 Lux
• Shutter Speeds1/4-1/10,000 (in AE mode)
• Zebra Pattern100% /70% /Off
• Time CodeDrop Frame
• Advanced Data CodeRecord Date/Time, Camera Info
• ViewfinderPrecision Color (180k Pixels)
• Interval Record TimeInterval Time: 30 Sec/1/5/10 minRecord Time:
.5/1/1.5/2 Sec
Complete features can be found here:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=sPnuaM151lbuaPMEqDDkY4J2XVCmeA3vDzg=?CatalogCategoryID=qCYKC0%2eNHRwAAAD0h4O3txA3&Dept=dcc&TemplateName=item%2fsy_item_b&ProductID=6zsKC0%2eNByYAAAD0_Uy3txA8&ContentItemPage=
This camera is $2,999 retail. If price is no object, the Canon with
interchangeable lenses is definitely the better choice, though this
Sony is also an excellent camcorder.
Here are a collection of reviews on your two best choices from the
above list:
Canon XL-1S
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/review_new_xl_1.html
Canon XL1S
The new Canon XL1S kit will be available in late August
$3,945.00
Review by Larry Kausch
ProMax
http://www.epinions.com/_Canon_XL_1S__616517
Epinions collection of reviews on the Canon XL-1S
http://www.filmemporium.com/new/site/cameras/xl1sreview/index.htm
Choose the XL-1S from the drop down list
Sony DCR-VX2000
CNET
http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342639-1304-6145072.html
CamcorderInfo.com
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony_dcrvx2000_camcorder_review.htm
David Reuther
http://www.ferrario.com/ruether/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm
Epinions
http://www.epinions.com/elec-Video-Camcorders-All-Sony_DCR-VX2000
Search Strategy:
best digital camcorder image quality
canon xl-1s +review
sony dcr-vx2000 +review
I trust my research has provided you with the two best choices for
image quality. If a link above should fail to work or anything require
further explanation or research, please do post a Request for
Clarification prior to rating the answer and closing the question and
I will be pleased to assist further.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
Clarification of Answer by
clouseau-ga
on
23 Mar 2003 10:19 PST
Hello again r2,
Obviously, this now becomes a different question and I will be happy
to search the specs of these smaller form factor cameras for you. What
you will find is, to the best of my knowledge, no manufacturer has yet
produced a compact MiniDV recorder with either interchangeable lenses
or 3 chips. Consequently, what will differentiate the quality here,
most likely, is the quality of the lens and the optical zoom range.
Let's see what I can find for you.
I first looked at the new Sony models as you requested:
The DCR-VX2000 appears on this list as their top of the line and was
my recommendation previously. In checking their more compact models I
find that the DCRTRV80KITB stands out with a larger single imaging
device and more video pixels while retaining an excellent Sony Carl
Zeiss lens:
DCR-TRV80 features:
• 2.1 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager
• MiniDV Recording
• Network Capability with Bluetooth™ Technology
• Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® Lens
• 10X Optical/120X Precision Digital Zoom
• 3.5" SwivelScreen™ Touch Panel LCD Display (184K Pixels) with
Stylus
• Precision Color Viewfinder (180K)
• USB Streaming
• Digital Still Memory Mode
• MPEG Movie EX Mode
• Manual Focus/Zoom Ring
• Expanded Focus Indicator
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=YMs3EOzjUSs3HdKeo1M9G6Pyz88v9MQKEXs=?CatalogCategoryID=qCYKC0%2eNHRwAAAD0h4O3txA3&ProductID=kesKC0%2eNprYAAAD0zTi3txA8
Complete Specifications can be downloaded as an Adobe .pdf file from a
link on this page.
Sony, who invented the all in one camcorder in 1985, makes an
excellent product. I used the above listed model as a benchmark to see
if JVC, Panasonic or Canon had an equivalent or superior performing
model.
Panasonic:
There are two models now worthy of your consideration. One of their
camcorders is a three chip model, though it uses 1/6th" chips. The
camera is a little larger than most in the compact range, but is still
called a PalmCorder by Panasonic and measures 3.7 x 2.8 x 8.1 as
compared to 4.5 x 2.0 x 4.1, for example, for my second Panasonic
choice:
http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/NewDesign/ModelTemplate.asp?ModelId=16142&show_all=false&product_exists=True&active=1&ModelNo=PV-DV952&CategoryId=2688
PV-DV952
Digital Palmcorder ® MultiCam™ Camcorder with 3.5" diag. Color LCD
Monitor, Mega Optical Image Stabilizer
MSRP $1999.95
http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/NewDesign/ModelTemplate.asp?ModelId=16764&show_all=false&product_exists=True&active=1&ModelNo=PV-VM202&CategoryId=2688
PV-VM202
Digital Palmcorder® MultiCam™ Camcorder with 2.5" diag. Color LCD
Monitor, 200x Digital Zoom
MSRP $1999.95
JVC:
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1203000
Again, a little larger than most, this camcorder features a larger CCD
as does the Sony and seems to offer quality features and design:
GR-DV3000U
Manufacturer's suggested retail price: $1999.95
1.33 Megapixel CCD (1/3.6-inch CCD with 1,330,000 pixels
540 Lines of Resolution with Super High-Band Processor
4 Selectable Image Size Settings for Digital Stills
(1600x1200/1280x960/1024x768/640x480)
F1.2 Aspherical Super Bright Lens for High-Quality Images plus
Real-Touch Manual Focus Ring
200,000 pixel - 3.5" Color Polycrystalline Silicon LCD Monitor,
270-degree rotating
113,000-Pixel High Resolution Color Viewfinder
Width 3 inches (76mm)
Height 3.55 inches (90mm)
Depth 8.23 inches (209mm)
Canon:
Canon's best compact recorder model is the Optura 200MC
http://www.canondv.com/optura200mc/f.html
It does use a smaller CCD at 1/4", but is still an excellent product
and will produce excellent results, as will all of the models listed
above. Complete specs can be found here:
http://www.canondv.com/optura200mc/s.html
At some point, it will now come down to which is comfortable in your
hand and which has the feature set you most desire. The Panasonics
with 3 small CCD's *may* have a color accuracy advantage. The Sony's
with Carl Zeiss lenses *may* have a slight advantage in sharpness of
image quality. But since we have now further qualified your needs to
include smaller size, I don't believe any of these will be so superior
to the rest of the pack as to be an obvious leader in image quality.
To further pare down the choice, I would consider both parts
availability and customer service. In my experience, Panasonic does
not support their products for their usable life. I have a Panasonic
RDAT, portable Digital Audio Tape recorder that cost $3,000 in the mid
1980's. By the early 90's, I could no longer replace the power supply
for this unit. Replacement heads are available even today, but most
likely because of stock at independent dealers and repair stations
rather than factory parts support.
On the other hand, Sony support has always been exemplary in my
experience and have supported their products beyond the call of duty.
They once refunded 100% of my purchase price on a monitor past its
warranty period when it was an obvious manufacturing design error. So,
if this were my decision, I would further trim my list to the Canon
and Sony models.
I searched just a bit further for you using:
Sony DCR-TRV80 comparison OR review
Canon 200MC Sony DCR-TRV80 comparison OR review
Panasonic PV DV952 comparison OR review
GR-DV3000U comparison OR review
"digital camcorder" +comparison OR "buyer's guide"
Sony:
CamcorderInfo
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony_dcrtrv80_fi_camcorder_review.htm
SimplyDV.com
http://www.simplydv.co.uk/newsitems/sony_2003handycams.html
Canon:
BizRate
http://bizrate.com/,mpr__cat_id--11140000,prod_id--7301398,rf--wgg.html
CNET
http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342639-1304-20261707.html
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006JM2X/103-8145297-5695068?vi=customer-reviews
Panasonic:
ZDNET
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/overview/0,12069,552260,00.html
CamcorderInfo
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/panasonic_pvdv952_camcorder_review.htm
Epinions
http://www.epinions.com/Panasonic_PVDV952_Digital_Palmcorder_Camcorder_w__LCD__Camcorder_PVDV952/display_~latest_prices/pa_~1
JVC:
Epinions
http://www.epinions.com/content_79668219524
General Buyer's Guides
StoreScanner
http://www.storescanner.com/cat/Digital-Camcorders.asp
Unbeatable Camcorder Buyer's Guide
http://www.unbeatable.com/products/camcorders/CAMCOInfo.htm
MacWorld Reviews
http://macworld.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php/page_id=47/ut=cfd485044e83c2b3
I hope this additional information will be helpful for you in making
your DV Camcorder choice!
Best regards,
-=clouseau=-
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