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General discussion

Video quality of the camcorder

by arshad26 Apr 8, 2005 1:42AM PDT

I have been researching for one month to purchase a digital camcorder. In the features of different brands, quality of still picture is mentioned but they dont tell about video quality. I called brand name companies but their Reps and even tech support Reps couldnt answer my questions, they have to go for research while they put me on hold for long, the same I can do on my computer.
I dont know that higher Megapixel feature gives a higher quality of video or that gives a great still picture only. If I know that Megapixel is only for still pictures so I dont have to spend double on 3 megapix camcorder because I already have a digital camera and I'll not use my camcorder for still pictures.
I dont know what specifications give a high quality of video; high resolution (but where it comes from), 1/3CCD, 3CCD, higher gross pixel, actual video pixel,3 megapixel,better lens (what kind) or all of them. If some of mentioned above or all give high quality video, what I should look in 'Specifications' given by the manufacturer. Should i look for higher megapixel or a bigger CCD for example 1/3"CCD or/and 3CCD.

I just want to buy that camcorder which gives me high quality of video. I chose Panasonic PV-GS250 (with three 1/6CCD 740x3 pixels,540 reslution), Sony DCR-DVD403 (offers 1/3 HAD CCD,3310k gross pixel and 2048k actual video, 530 resolution) and a Canon 400 (1/4.5" CCD 1.3 megapixels,effective 690k,525 resolution)or Canon ZR300 (1/6' CCD 680k pixels effective 340k 525 resulution).

I dont know which one I choose to buy; Pansonic PV-GS250 or Sony DCR-DVD403 or some other one for a high quality of video. I cant afford high definition one that is sony hdr-fx1 costs around $3700.

Can anyone help me to know that what features give a high quality of video and which camcorder I should buy one of mentioned above or any other you know better. I'll be grateful.

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Recently discussed.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 8, 2005 2:41AM PDT

Here's the short version of a recent discussion in this very forum.

-> You have NTSC and PAL. These are standards. If you get a NTSC/PAL camcorder, there's your quality ceiling. Want more? Look into DVPro or HD Camcorders.

Bob

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All of those things
by tomh Apr 8, 2005 4:01AM PDT

Generally, the higher megapixels don't necessarily mean better video quality. Larger CCDs usually mean better low light capability. 3 CCDs mean better color reproductions.

I'd go with the Panasonic GS250 out of those you mention. It will be great video quality outdoors; indoors all of these consumer cams will be lacking unless you get something like a Canon GL2 or Sony VX2100.

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Video quality of the camcorder
by jcrobso Apr 8, 2005 4:36AM PDT

The video picture quality of most MiniDV camearas is very close. Yes 3 CCDs have better color saturation.
The biggest difference is the opticial lens, the bigger the opticial zoom the better the camera. So a 20x opticial zoom is MUCH better than a 10x opticial zoom. The camera that has the best opticial lens wins.
For the most part digital zoom is not very good.
Analog to digitial pass though is a VERY good feature.
DVD cameras are still not as good as Mini DV, maybe next years models. Go to a store where you can get your hans on them and see if it is easy to use. John

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Some very important aspects of actual quality of videos
by monayem Apr 13, 2005 1:16PM PDT

Actually, most people are probably very happy with the crispy quality of their videos when they play their (Mini)DV tapes from their camera on to a TV set or computer monitor. But, most people are disappointed at the quality of the video they see after burning them on a DVD,VCD etc. Therefore, as far as a consumers interest is concerned, their question of quality often revolves around the final quality they will end up after making the DVD/SVCD/VCD disc. As far as the final quality of video on disc is concerned, the computer, the software, the codecs, and their complex options and their order, used in the tranferring, sorting, editing, burning process- all these are at least equally important as the video camera (including lighting & video skills) itself. Most often than not, the poor consumer video qualities are the result of poor transfer and editing options, quality of codec and options and their oder used in the compression process, and choice of video format and options. There is no simple way out other than knowing the detail and complex technicalities of these thorny post-production art to get videos on cds similar to as-seen-on-tv or dv. Simply looking for a great camera alone is probably of no help if you want to disregard the editing and compression aspects.

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