High Definition Video Cameras

Category Archives: High Definition Video Cameras

High Definition Has Arrived

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.

JVC And The First High Def 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

The GR-HD1 is was the first digital 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.

Looking At High Def Cameras

If you’ve been looking for a high definition video camera, 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 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.

Panasonic High Definition

With the growing popularity of the variable frame rate

VariCam HD Cinema cameras, HD production is on the verge of changing HD video cameras as we know it. The low cost 24p editing and finishing on the desktop, is what Panasonic likes to call a VariDigm shift.

It all starts inside of the camera. The AJ-HDC27 from

Panasonic replicates several of the key features of film based acquisition, which includes 24 frame progressive scan images, time lapsed recording, and a wide range of film rates for amazing camera effects. The VariCam also comes with CineGamma software that permits Panasonic’s HD Cinema camera systems to match the latitude of film stocks and effects.

Sony BRC-H700

The Sony BRC-H700 high definition video camera is designed for a variety of remote acquisition applications, especially in television production for recording programs and for use as a weather or even traffic camera.

The PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera can display images onto a large screen in auditoriums, teaching hospitals, sporting events, trade shows, and even concerts. This unit is also ideal for distance learning applications in which clear high definition images need to be projected onto electronic white boards during a presentation or other function.

The Sony BRC-H700 also features three 1/3 inch HD

Ccds with 1.07 megapixels, delivers accurate color reproduction, and is ideal for taking pictures or videos in low light environments.

Sony CMOS Sensor

Beginning with their adoption of cellular phones back in 2002, Sony’s CMOS sensors for megapixel class camera cell phones, and digital high definition video cameras have become widely used in commercial products.

The greatest strength of the CMOS sensors is that by including both digital and analog circuits on the same chip, their readout speed can be made much faster than the CCD. Sony is now developing high speed CMOS sensors for digital cameras that will provide continuous imaging from all pixels at an amazing frame rate of 60 frames.

Here recently, the trend towards higher pixel counts in consumer digital cameras have continued, and now it’s possible to take high resolution still images conveniently. Until now, Sony focused efforts in the image sensor area on increasing the pixel count and improving the characteristics of the pixels to achieve high resolution imaging that everyone loves about high definition video cameras.

Sony HDW-F900 HD Cine Alta

The Sony HDW-F900 Cine Alta is a ground breaking digital HD camera that extends both the digital heitage of the company and it’s unrivalled experience in the art of imaging. The physical resemblance of the HDW-900 to the very successful Digital Betacam 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 video camera offers a new and important alternative to 24 frame film origination for major television productions and even commercials as well. The HDW-F900 is already known as the digital movie camera, ideal for exploring new horizons in the making of digital movies.

Sony HVR-A1E

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 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

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 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.

Sony New HD Camera

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.

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.

The HDW is the top of the line camcorder from