Guide to the Best HD Camcorders

With the high-definition market booming, more and more HD camcorders have also become available in recent times. They can be found anywhere you normally would buy a camcorder or high-tech camera - an electronics store, camera store, or even some mass-merchandise retailers. The internet is a good place to both research and buy exactly what you want. Compiled below is a guide to 10 of the absolute best high definition camcorders to choose from.

Canon HG10 AVCHD Camcorder

Surely standing as one of the best high-definition camcorders on the market, the Canon HG10 is known for its high resolution (recording in 1920 x 1080), huge built-in 40 GB disk - which is more than enough space for the average user and provides no worries that come along with tapes or memory cards - and other unique features.

One of the very great things about the HG10 is its ability to search for a blank spot automatically whenever you want to record. This means never having to worry about recording over something, as you would have to be more careful with when it comes to tapes. If you end up filming something you don't want, you can also delete it in practically the same instant. The HDD Photo Grab option lets you take still images directly from recorded video and save them onto a miniSD card. Focus Assist, much like Tele Macro in other cameras, allows you to get a clear, focused image on close-up subjects. Level and Grid Markers are something else that stands out with this device - with this function activated, horizontal markers are provided to line up with horizontal lines in your shot to ensure your camcorder is level. You can also get that professional film look with the CINE setting, which changes the tone and colors to more resemble a movie in the cinema, or the 24p Cinema Mode, which changes the recording frame rate to 24p - the same as movie film. Both of those settings can be used alone or together, depending on your preference. Quick Start is great for recording things on the spur of the moment. Push the Quick Start button once to put the camera in standby mode, prolonging battery life, then press it again when ready to record and it will start filming in under a second. The HG10 also comes with a video light, which is able to light objects up to about 5 feet away. You can record video this way even in pitch darkness, with all colors and details, except with a slight downside of there being a lot of grain. This camcorder can also take 3.1 MP photos, which aren't the best quality out there, but decent enough to be able to leave your regular photo camera at home if you're taking the HG10. The fast processing of images - at five stills per second - is a great bonus to make sure you don't miss something, and the built-in flash helps you take pictures even in low light settings.

The HG10 also provides a nice 10x zoom lens, with an amazing 200x digital zoom for very far-away shots. Three pre-set zoom speeds are also included. Some of the other features are: an RGB Primary Color Filter; Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV II (provides the best quality for both images and video, reducing any noise for the clearest image possible); SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that, unlike many other image stabilization systems, correct many different types of camera motion or vibration to ensure only the steadiest of shots - whether recording video or taking pictures; a built-in electronic lens cover; advanced accessory shoe terminal that allows you to add professional accessories of your own; and a Drop Sensor function, which activates when it detects acceleration, stopping recording automatically to protect the disk drive.

Transferring pictures and video can hardly get any easier than this, with the multitude of options for taking your stored media wherever you want it to go. The built-in HDMI terminal lets you easily transfer your HD footage via HDMI cable to your HDTV. Or you can upload footage to any Windows PC via fast, 2.0 USB cable. There is also the option to burn videos onto AVCHD-compatible DVDs, which preserve the high video and audio quality and will play in Blue-Ray disc players. The HG10 also comes along with a generous software suite from Corel, to easily edit and customize your videos.

Ranging in price between $600 and $900, this small camcorder (weighing in at just slightly over a pound) is overall a great investment.

Sony Professional HVR-A1U

Far more than what the average user probably needs, the $2,300 Sony HVR-A1U uses tapes (either in the format of DV or the higher quality DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM) to record professional-standard video on. As one of the few High Definition camcorders that do use tape, the downside to this is that it is not quite as convenient as recording to flash memory. However, many users prefer to use tape, so if you're one of them then this camcorder very well may be for you.

With this device, you are able to record in the HD 1080i resolution or, if you don't wish to use high-definition quality, you can convert down to 480i. Special functions such as the Tele Macro function let you capture small objects up close, easily focusing on it where zooming in normally won't be able to. Skin Tone Detail works to make skin tones more natural and realistic, and the Backlit Compensation feature also ensures natural tones for all areas of any backlit subject of focus. There are also nice features that will make you videos resemble movie film, such as the Cinematone Gamma, which allows users to set up a gamma curve with similar tone, contrast, and color characteristics to film. The Cineframe feature changes the recording speed to 24 frames per second (fps), which is the speed of film, while video's normal speed is 30 fps. If you wish or need to shoot in the dark, the Super Night Shot function lets users record black and white video even in pitch darkness, thanks to the camera's built-in infrared light. Quick REC is to quickly start a recording without waiting for the camera to load up, useful for when you're trying to capture a video at the spur of the moment. The HVR-A1U will also shoot still pictures to a memory stick. Photos don't really turn out in the best quality, especially as there is no flash with this device, but they are okay - especially as this camcorder isn't really meant to be used as a photo camera.

There are many other specifications and features that belong to the HVR-A1U, including but not limited to: the Super SteadyShot system, which helps keep away camera shake while filming; 10x optical zoom; a built-in lens cover that opens when the camera is turned on and closes when it's turned off; and a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery that allows up to 80 minutes of recording when used at the highest quality. The camcorder uses an MPEG-1 Audio Layer II compression format, which allows two-channel recording. It comes with a built-in stereo microphone and two XLR audio input connectors if you wish to add your own professional, external microphones. Also included is a 16 MB Memory Stick Duo, but you're going to need to invest in a larger memory card, especially if you wish to record in HD. At about 1 and a half pounds, this camera is larger than most standard HD camcorders, but extremely on the small side when it comes to professional-grade.

Transferring and editing video with the HVR-A1U isn't as simple as most flash-memory camcorders. But it's easy enough with its i.Link interface that you can use to connect to a PC and is actually faster than the standard USB, or you can use the component or S-video cables that you can connect to your TV with. An HDMI output is also available, so all you need for that is an HDMI cable to connect to an HDTV and watch your captured high-definition video as it was meant to be viewed.

Sony HDR-SR11

At $1,000, the Sony HDR-SR11 is another high-end camcorder that brings you some of the best in high-definition recording. Even if you aren't quite ready for HD yet, the switchable HD/SD format gives you the option to record and play back in either High Definition or Standard Definition formats.

Many other functions and features make up this device, such as the Tele Macro function, ensuring no close-up object will ever come in out of focus again, and Dual Record which, similar to other HD cameras, give you the ability to grab still images right in the middle of filming and save it to a memory card. The Face Detection Technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the captured frame, and works to automatically control focus, color and exposure to help make people look their best while keeping to each individual's natural tone and color. The Super NightShot Infrared system allows you to take videos in absolute darkness, capturing objects up to 10 whole feet away. The Smooth Slow Record function increases the frame rate from the standard 60 fps to 240 fps, which lets you capture a few seconds of quick motion and play it back slower, for dramatic scenes or to simply analyze video for editing. The Quick On button puts the camera into sleep mode, ensuring battery longevity, and a second push of the button instantly brings it back to life the moment you need to record. Many HD camcorders don't include a manual focus, but this one does, which is very useful for the times when the auto focus can't seem to perform its best. Also included is an Easy Handycam option, for beginning filmers that don't want to deal with all of the advanced options. The HDR-SR11 also takes some of the absolute best photos when it comes to camcorders - at 10.2 MP and a built-in flash for low light settings, it's just about impossible to beat.

Other nice features include the x.v.Color system that captures twice as many rich, vibrant colors than the standard RGB color system; Super SteadyShot OIS; 12x optical zoom and 150x digital zoom; a built-in microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording that works with the zoom lens to focus recording audio on the subject of your choice; a 3.2" touch panel LCD; and a viewfinder, which is very useful for those bright sunny days where the LCD screen just won't stop glaring.

The different ways footage is stored and indexed on this device are nice and unique, with options such as the Face Index, which indexes video according to the faces detected in a scene. Searching for scenes this way is easily done by simply selecting among detected faces. The Data Index function archives video by shooting date, and the Film Roll Index saves the beginning of scenes and creates indexes that way so you can preview scenes while searching for something specific.

Several options for transferring and editing are provided, such as an HDMI terminal for connecting to an HDTV, a USB 2.0 interface for connecting to the PC, or taking the memory card itself out and putting it directly into your computer or PS3. When the camcorder is connected to your PC, you can burn video to a DVD at the touch of the burn button.

With very slight downfalls such as the lack of a wind filter and not a very informative user's manual (a better one is available on Sony's website), overall this is an amazing, compact camera (weighing a little over a pound) that, albeit expensive, is very worth the price.

Canon VIXIA HF100

This high-definition camcorder is great for advanced users and beginners alike, offering many basic features along with more complex ones to grow with. Starting around $650, it's a great price for a fully functional camera that records to the high quality resolution of 1920 x 1080.

The HF100 has many of the best features of some of the more expensive camcorders, such as the Simultaneous Photo Capture (allowing you to, with the touch of one button, capture a 2 MP still image to the memory card while taking a video), Quick Start, and Level Shot and Grid Markers to make sure your camera is level while you're shooting. It also has the 24p Cinema Mode for video with a true film-like quality, and the 30p Progressive Mode. Auto and manual focus options both exist, and there is also a mini-light that lets you capture objects in the dark up to about 5 feet away. This device also takes 3.1 MP photos - not the best quality of pictures these days, but it's decent for a camcorder, and with the built-in flash it helps in low light situations.

Also included is the SuperRange OIS; DIGIC DV II technology; 12x optical zoom and amazing 200x digital zoom; built-in electronic lens cover that opens automatically when the camera is turned on, and closes again when turned off; a mini advanced accessory shoe, allowing you to add additional accessories like a more professional video light and directional microphone, but at half the size as other accessory shoes; and a small, compact size of less than a pound.

Transferring options include using the HDMI terminal with an HDMI cable to connect to an HDTV, using a USB cable to connect directly to the PC, or taking out the SD/SDHC memory card and putting it into your computer or PS3 to upload video. Videos are all recorded in MPEG-4 or AVCHD movie formats.

This is a great camera, both in high quality and abundance of features, especially for the price you are paying. One thing that I would suggest is to invest in an extended battery, as the one that comes with it only gives you about an hour of recording time at full charge.

Panasonic HDC-SD9

The Panasonic HDC-SD9 records in high definition at 1920 x 1080 resolution. Starting around $500, it's more than a bargain price for an HD camcorder and all the bonuses that come along with it.

Certain features really make this camcorder stand out from others in its price range, such as the Focus Assist and Composition Guide Lines functions, along with its wide viewing angle of 170 degrees - both horizontally and vertically. The Color Night View option captures quality and color even in dark settings, and the Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound with a zoom mic feature of 5 microphones, all working together to capture sound in the front, sides and back and reacting with the zoom lens when in Zoom Mode. In Focus Mode, the microphone will simply just pick up sound from the subject in front of the camera. The SD9 also takes still photos, with a special, unique function known as the 25 FPS High Speed Burst Shooting that allows you to take up to 25 photos in just a second, or 72 in 3 seconds. This is handy for never missing a moment in picture taking, and simply deleting the ones you don't wish to keep. The Face Detection Technology can detect up to 5 faces at once. This camcorder, like the others, also has the Quick Start function that begins recording in less than a second from when it's activated.

The SD9 also features a 3CCD Camera System, which is what most professional broadcasting cameras use; an Advanced Media Optical Image Stabilizer to instantly reduce camera shake; an Intelligent Shooting Guide; a World Timer to quickly and easily change time zones when traveling; 10x optical zoom; and an automatic built-in lens cover. All of these features are compacted into a device that weighs less than a pound.

Transferring video and photos are easily, with the HDMI terminal to connect to an HDTV, the option to connect to a computer via USB cable (in which case you can then burn footage to a DVD at the press of a button), or just taking out the SD/SDHC memory card and inserting it into your PC or PS3 to upload media. Software to edit is also included.

There are some downsides, such as the lack of a viewfinder and a low-light performance that isn't exactly top quality, but overall you are getting much more than what you're paying for.

Canon VIXIA HV30

The HV30 uses its Full HD CMOS sensor to record in high 1920 x 1080 resollution. Offering a selection of 5 different shooting modes - DV, widescreen DV, HDV, HDV 24p (Cinema Mode for a true film look), and HDV 30p (Progressive Mode), there are enough options here for anyone, even those who don't wish to run directly towards recording in HD.

Along with recording high-quality video and audio, the HV30 also functions as a digital camera, able to take 3 MP images even in low light settings with the help of the built-in flash. The Simultaneous Photo Capture lets you take 2 MP photos by pressing the photo button while filming a video.

Many other features are included, such as Instant AF (auto focus), Level Shot Control (for helping to ensure that your camcorder is level), a built-in video light that lets you capture objects in low light settings up to 5 feet away, SuperRange OIS to help prevent camera shake from a multitude of different movements, DIGIC DV II technology, an advanced accessory shoe terminal for the option to use additional accessories, a built-in electronic lens cover that is activated when the camera is powered on or off, and 10x optical zoom. Its light weight of just over a pound makes it easy to use and carry around.

Transferring video is easy, with the HDMI terminal to be used with an HDMI cable to connect to your HDTV, a component cable to connect to a regular television, or the USB cable to connect to your PC.

This is a great choice of HD camera for its average price range of $700 - $800, but it's suggested to buy an extended battery on top of it as the included battery loses charge after about an hour - but that's the norm for batteries included with most camcorders, no matter how much you spend on it.

Sony HDR-CX7

This $750 HD camcorder is a great choice if you want the option to easily switch between High Definition or Standard Definition video recording, saved on memory stick media, among other nice features.

The CX7 also includes a Tele Macro function for shooting objects up close, Smooth Slow Record, Super NightShot infrared system that allows you to capture objects in pitch darkness up to about 10 feet away, a manual focus option, and wide-angle shooting that lets you switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect rations at the touch of a button. For beginners who don't really want to mess around with the more advanced options, the Easy Handycam button takes care of that by only leaving the essential recording options available.

This camcorder also takes decent still images up to 2848 x 2136 in resolution, and has a Dual Record option that allows you to grab 4.6 still pictures right from the video you are recording. The built-in flash helps picture quality in low light settings.

Other nice features include x.v.Color Technology, Super SteadyShot OIS for less camera shake, an active interface shoe in case you want to add extra accessories, 10x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom, and a 2.7" widescreen, touch-panel LCD that can rotate up to 270 degrees so you can view and record from just about any angle.

Transfer options include connecting the camcorder to your TV with the HDMI or component cable connections, or to your PC with a USB cable. When connected to your computer, you can easily burn video footage to a DVD with a press of the one-touch disc burn button.

The Sony HDR-CX7 isn't anywhere near the best HD camcorder out there, but even with its low digital zoom and lack of a viewfinder, it's still a good camera for the price, for both beginners and advanced users alike.

Sony HDR-UX5

At around $520, the Sony HDR-UX5 is one of the best-bargain deals - a great HD camcorder loaded with features, for about half the price as a top-of-the-line camera. This device records 1080i HD video straight to DVD, but is capable of recording video in the Standard Definition, as well.

Features included with this camcorder are Smooth Slow Record, Super NightShot infrared system, Tele Macro function, wide-angle shooting at the touch of a button, manual focus option, and the Easy Handycam button for those not wishing to be overwhelmed by the surplus of advanced options. The UX5 also captures 4 MP photos and, with the Dual Record option, snatches 2.3 MP images directly from HD video in the process of recording it. There is also a built-in flash for those times when the light settings aren't the best.

Other specifications are x.v.Color technology, Super SteadyShot OIS, ClearVid CMOS sensor, Real-Time HD codec engine, 5.1-channel surround sound for the best in audio quality to match the HD video, 10x optical zoom and 80x digital zoom (with a Digital Zoom Interpolation feature that helps keep video clear when zooming in very far), an active interface shoe for added accessories, and a 2.7" widescreen touch-panel LCD that can rotate up to 270 degrees for the ability to view and record video from almost any angle.

Many different transfer options are available, whether you use an HDMI cable or included component cables to hook up to your television, a USB cable to connect the camcorder to your PC, or simply finalizing the disc while still in the camcorder, and then playing it in a DVD player, PC, or Blu-Ray disc player.

As with all other HD camcorders, I suggest looking into an extended battery, as the one included hardly lasts an hour. Other than that, this camera is nearly perfect for the price it is at.

Sanyo Xacti HD1010

The HD1010 is a $700-average camera that completely lives up to its price. With a small 40 MB internal memory and the option for storing recorded footage and captured photos on an SD or SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB), this small HD camcorder records video in either 1080 or 1080i resolution.

This camera also happens to have one of the best Face Detection Technologies on the market, recognizing up to 12 different faces in either video or photographs. Many customizable options like manual focus and settings to adjust arpeture, exposure and shutter speed are available and extremely versatile in a way that is hard to find even in other higher-priced HD camcorders. The HD1010 is also able to take photos, including 4 MP images you can capture while recording video. There is even the great option to shoot up to 7 pictures in just one second, which is very helpful in quickly-unfolding or high-action situations.

Other features of this device include Image Stabilization (which, in this case, isn't quite as good as in certain other models), 10x optical zoom and 90x digital zoom, a 2.7" wide-screen LCD that is able to be rotated up to 285 degrees, ability to use the camera as a webcam, and the choice of 8 different video resolution and still photo resolution modes. Its 16-bit, 2-channel sound (MPEG-4 audio) also delivers some of the best audio to be paired with the breathtaking HD video.

Transferring video to other devices has become even easier, with the HD1010's docking station that is included. This provides a portal for connectivity with HDMI, component or S-video connection, which also charges the camera's battery when docked. Or you can simply connect to your computer with the USB cable. Video and images can be easily searched for and looked over with the 9-image display function, in which you can activate a continuous slideshow or even edit clips right inside the camera itself.

Aiptek A-HD+

One of the much lower-end HD camcorders on the market, the Aiptek A-HD+ (ranging in price from $140 - $170) is amazingly impressive for what you pay. This is especially great if you're new to camcorders and don't wish to invest a whole lot for your very first one. It still maintains high definition quality, recording in 1080p HD video or 780p HD video. This device comes with a 128 MB built-in memory, but you can (and will probably have to) add up to a 32 GB SDHC memory card to be able to record longer and store more footage.

The A-HD+ takes regular photos at a quality of, surprisingly for this low-cost camera, 8 MP. It also provides a Night Shot function, 4x digital zoom with Fixed Focus, a macro switch to easily focus on close-ups, and an LCD screen that is able to swivel up to 270 degrees.

This camcorder comes with the ability to connect to TV sets either through HDMI or component cables, or to your PC with a USB cable (in which you can also charge it, as another option aside from the included AC adapter) or by memory card.

Again, this is nowhere near the best camcorder available, and you shouldn't get it if you want a whole lot of the best features - some things this one is completely missing are image stabilization, optical zoom, and an external microphone and audio port. But if you're on a very tight budget or a beginner to camcorders, this is a near-perfect option.