CamInfo Selects 2007by CamcorderInfo.comPublished on Oct 30, 2007 10:30 AM |
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| The Best Camcorders of 2007 | |||
| Best Under $1000 | Best Under $800 | Best Under $600 | Best Under $400 |
| Canon HV20_ | Panasonic SDR-H200_ | Sony DCR-HC96_ | Panasonic VDR-D230 |
| Best Under $300 | Best MiniDV | Best Low-End DVD | Best High-End DVD |
| Panasonic PV-GS85 | Sony DCR-HC96 | Panasonic VDR-D230 | Sony HDR-UX7_ |
| Best Low-End HDD/Flash | Best High-End HDD/Flash | Best HDV | Best High Definition |
| JVC GZ-MG155 | Canon HG10 | Canon HV20 | Canon HV20 |
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Most Innovative
Pure Digital Flip Ultra |
Camcorder of the Year
Canon HV20 |
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It’s that time of year again. As the leaves fall and a cool wind chills the evenings, we harvest the year’s camcorders and tell you what’s worth buying for the holiday season.
2007 was ultimately the year high definition finally came into its own. No longer merely a luxury item for early adopters, the sales of HDTVs, HD video players, and the rest of the HD ecosystem finally created a bedrock for consumer-generated HD video. At least five times as many consumer HD camcorders were released this year compared to 2006. Though still too high to rightly be called “cheap,” prices have dropped steadily, and several models can be found for less than $1,000. HD has also shed the reputation of being too complicated. Several of this year’s best models put priority on ease of use and auto controls.
On the flip side, we’re sorry to see standard definition withering on the vine. Despite being the only viable financial option for a large portion of the population, standard definition camcorders are becoming commodity items. The prices will continue to fall, but manufacturers have all but abandoned further research and development. 2007 standard definition models were, by and large, simply 2006 models with a fresh coat of paint and a new name. There were a few bright spots in an otherwise darkening sky, however, and we have granted awards accordingly.
Without further ado, here’s the best of 2007.
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Best Under $1,000 | |
| Canon HV20 | ||
| Full Review | ||
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If you’re willing to spend close to $1,000 dollars, there’s almost no compelling reason to buy standard definition. Even if you don’t have an HD setup now, you will in the near future. Shooting in HD is the best way to future-proof your most important memories. If these reasons are not enough, you can always hedge your bets and find a camcorder that shoots in both standard and high definition. Thus we have the winner in this category: the Canon HV20. You’re going to read a lot more about this camcorder as the awards progress, so we’ll just say this: the HV20 has the best looking picture we’ve seen all year, and serves the needs of almost any type of shooting a consumer is likely to come across. The fact that it can be purchased for less than $1,000 is remarkable, and only one of its many compelling features.
The Panasonic SDR-H200 offers an amazing level of flexibility for its price range, and should fit the standard definition shooting needs of almost any consumer. The 3-CCD camcorder is a hybrid model, recording to both an internal HDD and removable SD/SDHC memory cards. It offers excellent video performance and the ability to capture more than seven hours of footage in the highest quality. The Panasonic SDR-H200 handles like a champ, with a rear-mounted joystick and smart menu structure. The SDR-H200 also provides more extensive manual controls than any competitor. Sleek style, an incredible battery life, and optical image stabilization are all part of the package. At $100 less than the top DVD models from Sony and Canon, the SDR-H200 is the way to go.
Best Under $800
Panasonic SDR-H200
Full Review
The under-$600 price point encompasses entry-level HDD, mid-grade DVD, and top-of-the-line MiniDV camcorders, so it’s only natural that the Sony DCR-HC96 (MiniDV) takes the cake. MiniDV continues to offer the highest video quality for the dollar, far exceeding that of most DVD and HDD camcorders. With a single 1/3-inch chip, the DCR-HC96 produces the most outstanding video in its class. The DCR-HC96 also includes a hot shoe and a docking station with USB, FireWire, DC-in, and AV-in and out terminals. One of the DCR-HC96’s trade-offs is the 2.7-inch touch screen LCD, which pales in comparison to most Panasonic, JVC, and Canon joysticks for manual adjustments. On the plus side, the DCR-HC96 exhibits excellent auto response and is equipped with Easy mode for beginners. Great video quality, classic Sony ease of use, and long record times crown the DCR-HC96 the victor in this race.
Best Under $600
Sony DCR-HC96
Full Review
Most camcorders within this price range are either DVD or MiniDV models. The MiniDV format is coming to a rapid close, and there’s not much to choose from – certainly no standouts like last year’s Canon Elura 100. The best MiniDV buy we found is actually less than $300 (see the next award category). The Panasonic VDR-D230 offers the most manual controls of any competitor, including gain, shutter speed, and aperture. This is also the only camcorder to offer optical image stabilization at this price point. The VDR-D230 handles like a pro, touting a rear-mounted joystick for one-handed camcorder operation and an intuitive, user-friendly menu structure to make navigation less daunting. Sony might excel in ease of use, but the Panasonic VDR-D230 lets you grow as a shooter.
Best Under $400
Panasonic VDR-D230
Full Review
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Best Under $300 | |
| Panasonic PV-GS85 | ||
| Full Review | ||
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2007 is a grim year for the MiniDV format, and a carry-over from 2006 proved to be the best bang for the buck. The DCR-HC96 is the most well rounded MiniDV camcorder in the lot. Among the competitors, this camcorder’s video performance proved to be the most balanced between bright and low light. Although the Panasonic PV-GS320’s three 1/6-inch CCDs cranked out a beautiful image, it was the DCR-HC96’s single 1/3-inch chip that provided superior performance in low light.
Best MiniDV
Sony DCR-HC96
Full Review
Sony continues to cater best to the broad spectrum of point-and-shooters. One press of that friendly blue Easy button shifts the DCR-HC96 into autopilot, allowing the shooter to concentrate on the moment of the shot, rather than be bogged down by a slew of manual adjustments. The DCR-HC96 is a star in the handling department, as well, boasting a compact, ergonomic body with a comfortable grip. It's also one of the last surviving camcorders to offer analog-to-digital passthrough. For commendable ease of use, portability, and video performance, the Sony DCR-HC96 is king of the MiniDV block this year.
Honorable Mention: MiniDV
Panasonic PV-GS320
The PV-GS320 is no slouch by any means. Its performance in bright light is among the best in its class. In addition, the PV-GS320 carries on Panasonic’s legacy of employing the most robust gamut of manual controls on the market. With independent aperture and shutter speed, gain, and more, how could a power shooter complain? In addition, the PV-GS320 employs a rear-mounted joystick, which is superior to the DCR-HC96’s finicky LCD touch screen control. The PV-GS320 is also equipped with optical image stabilization and handles solidly. On the downside, the PV-GS320 suffers in low light and sports a cold accessory shoe, while the DCR-HC96 flaunts a hot shoe.
The Sony HDR-UX7 is unusual for a DVD camcorder, but is undoubtedly the most powerful on the market. Typically, DVD camcorders are aimed squarely at the point-and-shoot crowd, particularly new parents who want simplicity and the ability to pop finished DVDs right into their home DVD players. Sony has simplicity covered thanks to its ubiquitous Easy mode. However, the UX7 records in the AVCHD format, which enjoys very little compatibility with older home electronics. What’s more interesting, and perhaps vexing to some, is that the UX7 offers the best manual control and handling of Sony’s seven high definition camcorders this year. The features read like a checklist of what to include in a great camcorder: a large control knob for multiple manual controls, optical image stabilization, a 3.5-inch LCD, a mic jack, a headphone jack, zebra patterns, a 5.1-channel built-in mic, and an active accessory shoe. A lot of people probably lamented that these features are packed into a DVD camcorder that can only hold 15 minutes of footage per disc (in the highest quality on a single-sided disc), but the complete package easily makes the Sony HDR-UX7 the most powerful DVD camcorder on the market.
Best High-End DVD
Sony HDR-UX7
Full Review
Honorable Mention: High-End DVD (Standard Definition)
Sony DCR-DVD408
Sony does DVD right. The DCR-DVD408 is essentially a repackaged DCR-DVD505, a 2006 camcorder we loved. The DVD408 is our favorite this year, though it’s not the top-of-the-line model. The DCR-DVD508 is the top model, but Sony did a little too much tinkering for its own good. The DCR-DVD408 has a 1/3-inch CMOS chip with 2,100,000 pixels. The DVD508 has a 1/2.9-inch chip with 3,200,000 pixels – that’s a 3 percent increase in surface area but a 52 percent increase in pixel density. The smaller, more densely-packed pixels significantly increase noise and reduce sensitivity in low light. The HDR-UX7, our winner in this category, actually uses the same 1/2.9-inch chip, but its high definition compression is better equipped to stave off the deficiencies.
In addition to better video performance, the Sony DCR-DVD408 also offers an active accessory shoe, a 5.1-channel internal mic, sturdy construction, and a decent viewfinder that beats the Canon DC50. True, if you choose the DVD408 over the DVD508, you’ll miss out on optical image stabilization. As always, it features that charming Sony ease of use and touch screen menu. We’re not always fans of the touch screen, but it seems appropriate for family-targeted DVD camcorders. It beats the Panasonic VDR-D310, which is a little complicated for beginners. Overall, the DCR-DVD408 seems hard to beat.
This category is one of the most difficult to judge. Consumers are greeted with a plethora of DVD camcorders in the under-$600 price range, many of which are indistinguishable from one another. Also, despite DVD camcorders being targeted primarily at families and the ease-of-use crowd, a camcorder that lacks proper manual controls is useless when shooting in less than idyllic conditions. The best camcorder is the one that finds a balance between ease of use and flexibility.
Best Low-End DVD
Panasonic VDR-D230
Full Review
We chose the Panasonic VDR-D230 for its handling, manual controls, and perks, including the highly effective optical image stabilization (OIS) and 32x optical zoom. No other competitor features OIS at this price range, in addition to independent aperture and shutter speed, gain control, and a rear-mounted joystick. True, Panasonics have a higher learning curve than most manufacturers’ camcorders, but one good day of shooting with the manual in hand should set you on the right path. The VDR-D230 also sports a rugged, balanced construction that should weather well over time.
Honorable Mention: Low-End DVD
Sony DCR-DVD308
Loyal Sony fans will most likely spring for the DCR-DVD308, which offers stellar ease of use and solid handling. The DCR-DVD308’s touch screen LCD is great if you don’t plan on using manual controls, which are sparse. This camcorder is an autopilot champion due to Easy mode, and users who are uncomfortable behind the wheel may find themselves never leaving its confines. The DCR-DVD308 also includes a hot accessory shoe for an external mic or video light.
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Best High-End HDD/Flash Memory | |
| Canon HG10 | ||
| Full Review | ||
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The HG10 is not perfect, mind you. The 24P mode that was such hit on the HV20 proved virtually unusable here due to a stuttering problem. Also, AVCHD footage is still painful to work with, but no more so than any of the competitors in this category. We’re hoping that as the codec matures, Canon will continue to push the bit rate and help AVCHD achieve its full potential. For now, the HG10 does as well as you’ll find anywhere.
Honorable Mention: High-End HDD/Flash Memory (Standard Definition)
JVC GZ-MG555
JVC has been in the HDD category since the beginning, so it must be painful to watch other manufacturers swoop in and supplant them with camcorders that are generally on par with or better than JVC’s own. But this year, we think JVC deserves honors for its GZ-MG555. Rather than outfitting its top Everio camcorder with three small chips, JVC opted for a large, single chip approach. It proved to have big dividends for low light performance, which had been an issue in the past. Sony’s DCR-SR300 produces a sharper picture, but JVC has always offered a better manual control suite. This year, it was able to parlay that into a killer combo with improved performance and great handling, which includes an external mode dial and joystick. Sony holds firm in the best ease-of-use camp, but our best overall pick is JVC.
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Best Low-End HDD/Flash Memory | |
| JVC GZ-MG155 | ||
| Full Review | ||
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The GZ-MG155 ships with a docking station that features a slew of connectivity options, including S-Video, composite-in/out, DC power, FireWire, and USB ports. The GZ-MG155 is exceedingly portable and can even fit inside a large pocket. Transferring files to your PC is not as intuitive as with the DCR-SR42, nor is the menu structure, but the GZ-MG155 is a lot of camcorder for your money.
Honorable Mention: Low-End HDD/Flash Memory
Sony DCR-SR42
Coming in a close second is the Sony DCR-SR42. Last year’s DCR-SR40 won this title, but the DCR-SR42’s smaller 2.5-inch LCD makes the touch screen menu very difficult to operate. Limited connectivity compared to the GZ-MG155 and rudimentary manual controls keep this camcorder from winning a best-in-class award. The DCR-SR42’s video performance is almost on par with the GZ-MG155’s, and the camcorder is more user-friendly, which is a viable draw. Strict point-and-shooters may still want to consider the DCR-SR42, while those looking to grow as videographers will want to invest in the JVC GZ-MG155.
The selection of HDV camcorders expanded this year, but don’t expect it to grow much larger. While it remains the dominant HD format in the $2,000 to $8,000 pro and prosumer range, consumers in the $2,000-and-under range are frequently opting for non-tape media – that generally means the AVCHD codec. If you can accept the limitations of tape, you will be rewarded with outstanding video quality. HDV has easily outpaced AVCHD in every performance test this year. The best of all was our winner in this category, the Canon HV20.
Best HDV
Canon HV20
Full Review
The Canon HV20 produces exceptional video with strong, accurate colors, crisp edges, and great resolution. Sony’s HDR-HC7 is a good runner-up and packed with features, but has a distinct “video” look to it the HV20 manages to avoid. The Sony HC7 also lacks any sort of focus assist tool, which makes manual focus difficult. The Canon HV20’s killer app proves to be its true 24P mode, which not only looks good but does wonders for its low light capabilities.
What do we say here that we don’t cover in our massive article, The Great HD Shootout? Four contenders entered the ring, but only one remained standing. The Canon HV20, the Sony HDR-HC7, the Panasonic HDC-SD1, and the JVC GZ-HD7 were all considered in the competition. We also considered the Canon HG10 for this end of the year roundup. The extensive testing did not lie – the Canon HV20 proved to be the best high definition camcorder. All four camcorders have their merits: the Sony HC7 has a great feature set; Panasonic’s SD1 is compact and delivers great color; and the JVC HD7 offers superior handling, a professional look, and the best focusing system of any consumer camcorder. But only Canon’s HV20 has the complete package. The winner of the Best High Definition camcorder must offer the sharpest image, the strongest, most accurate colors, and the right set of tools to get the shots you need. The Canon HV20 delivers.
Best High Definition (All Media)
Canon HV20
Full Review
High definition wasn’t the only technological shift that happened in camcorders this year. 2007 continued to see the prolific rise of user-generated internet video sites like YouTube, Revver, and Metacafe. Camcorder manufacturers have been slow to pick up on this, or at least failed to see how they could service that market. Digital still camera manufacturers were smarter and began packaging a lot of “YouTube-ready” features, for better or worse.
Most Innovative
Pure Digital Flip Ultra
Full Review
One dark horse of a company, however, saw the gap between the camcorders these huge companies were making and the needs and budgets of the people actually shooting. That company, Pure Digital, rolled out the Flip camcorder last year. The Flip, which retailed for less than $150, was a tiny, bone-simple camcorder that took exactly what was needed: low-resolution video that was easily outputted to a computer for upload.
This year, Pure Digital took another step forward. The Flip Ultra features an internal software bundle for editing and uploading to any major Internet video site. Simply plug the Flip Ultra into a USB port and follow the step-by-step instructions. The process could not be simpler, answering the prayers of thousands of frustrated camcorder owners.
Honorable Mention: Most Innovative
JVC GZ-HD7
While Pure Digital stripped away features in order to make the ultimate consumer camcorder, JVC attempted the opposite approach. The GZ-HD7 is about as close to a professional camcorder as you can find in the under-$2,000 category this year. Its first high definition model in the HDD Everio series, the HD7 features the best handling we’ve seen all year: a solid grip, a big focus ring, a lens hood, a powerful manual control suite, and a joystick-operated menu. It also offers the best focus assist tools of any HD camcorder this year.
That said, the GZ-HD7 has some significant flaws that prohibited us from giving it the seal of approval. One obstacle is the MPEG-2 Transport Stream video format. JVC refused to be part of the AVCHD crowd and forged its own path. While the middle quality setting is compatible with any editing software that reads HDV, the highest quality setting — the one in which you would want to shoot — enjoyed much less compatibility. And after all the work JVC put into developing its own codec, the video looks worse than most AVCHD camcorders. The other major impediment is its price. While the majority of the consumer HD camcorders hover around $1,000, the GZ-HD7 retails for a whopping $1,600. It’s a dilemma: the HD7 is too expensive for most consumers, but doesn’t produce the quality of a pro camcorder. Nevertheless, JVC deserves commendation for attempting to deliver the ultimate consumer HD camcorder. We just couldn’t afford it.
Camcorder of the Year
Canon HV20
Full Review
Two years ago, Camcorder of the Year was awarded to Sony’s first consumer HD model, the HDR-HC1. It was exciting, and certainly novel – not necessarily something to buy yet, but good to keep an eye on. Last year, a few more HD camcorders trickled out, including the introduction of the AVCHD format. Still, HD felt more like an experiment. This year, HD became a necessity. If you didn’t buy HD, you certainly considered it.
More than twenty HD camcorders were released in 2007, many of them worth investigating. Prices finally started to fall below the crucial $1,000 mark. Yes, HD is here, and standard definition is — cue the music — so much dust in the wind. We report, not without some sorrow, that not a single standard definition camcorder was short-listed for Camcorder of the Year. Outside of a few innovations in the low-low-end, standard definition camcorders have become something of a commodity. Most 2007 models were simply repackaged 2006 models with a small price cut.
The Camcorder of the Year award goes out to the camcorder that achieves the perfect balance of performance, price, and features. This year, that camcorder is the Canon HV20. Under extensive testing, the HV20 proved to produce the absolute, hands-down best-looking video of any camcorder this year. Though Canon implemented the same great imaging system in two AVCHD models, the HV20 proved HDV compression is still far ahead of AVCHD in terms of motion rendering and sharpness.
One of the most compelling features of the HV20 is its ability to shoot true 24P video. Not only does this provide an aesthetic look sought after by many low-budget filmmakers, but it more than doubles the camcorder’s sensitivity in low light. Though the 24P feature is present on Canon’s two AVCHD camcorders, the HV20 is the only one that can render it without excessive stuttering.
The Canon HV20 does not have the best manual control package of the short-listed camcorders – that honor goes to the Sony HDR-HC7. However, Sony neglected to offer any sort of focus assist tool, and good manual focus is crucial when shooting HD since flaws are greatly magnified. The HV20 also has a cheap construction and mediocre zoom toggle – factors avid videographers will need to consider.
In the end, video quality trumped any issues we had with the Canon HV20. The camcorder is well-deserving of the Camcorder of the Year award, particularly in light of the fact that we’re seeing a strong shift in the market toward consumer-friendly media and away from video quality. Until AVCHD can be improved upon, we sincerely hope Canon and other manufacturers continue to develop camcorders for the HDV format. The HV20 is proof-positive that audiences still respond to quality.
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