The development of camcorder technology back in the 1980's revolutionized video and brought video production to the "masses". Since that time, the camcorder has evolved from a huge, clunky device used only by television broadcast producers to a pocket device used by many to capture family memories. There is still a lot of confusion about camcorders as they evolve, leading to a maze of format and media choices. The information below will introduce you to the technology of camcorders yesterday and today.

What is a camcorder?

The term "camcorder" comes from the combination of the words "camera" and "recorder". This refers to a device that was developed sometime after video was being recorded by using a video camera attached to a separate video cassette recorder.

A camcorder is a device that records images in a manner that is similar to that of a digital camera. In reality, digital video is simply a series of still digital photographs played in rapid sequence to create the illusion of movement.

Technically, that series of images is captured by collecting light from a subject and focusing it on a photosensitive substance layered on a chip (CCD or CMOS) inside the device. In an old movie camera, that substance was film. With camcorders, it’s a light-sensitive imaging sensor (or multiple sensors), which converts the light into electric signals.

The camcorder then internally converts the electronic signals into video data, which it stores in one of a variety of media formats—miniDV tape, DVD disc, hard drive, or memory card. Audio is also captured and recorded to the same media at the same time the video is being recorded by the camcorder. The audio must be recorded simultaneously, so the picture and sound remain synchronized.

Analog or Digital?

The analog video recording process involves recording data as electrical waves onto a ferrous metal coating that exhibits magnetic characteristics. This coating is placed on a plastic tape contained in a plastic case or "cassette". The problem with analog recordings is that as they collect data it is sometimes accompanied by background noise. This "hiss" or noise issues can be related to video connectors, the use of cables or moving parts in the tape transport mechanism that turns the tape and moves it across the recording heads.

Analog's main advantage over digital media is its durability. Analog recordings on analog tape remain reusable up to twenty years and can be restored even after suffering significant degradation.

However, the majority of new camcorders rely on digital technology to record video images and sound. This is accomplished by converting the video images from the sensor into "binary" data. This binary data is simply recorded as a series of numeric code that is translated into pictures and sound. The video data files are usually written to digital media and can be edited on a computer.

The primary issue with digital technology is that it is an all or nothing technology. Media that is corrupted or damaged does not allow the data to be saved in some cases and the video may be lost forever. However, the primary advantage of digital media is its ability to be easily stored, edited and transferred. Even better, when the data is copied for editing or duplication, there is no loss of quality at all. This is not true with analog video. Everytime a tape is copied, the quality gets worse and worse with each generation.

Standard Definition Camcorders

There are two basic standards for camcorders. These standards refer to the "aspect ratio" and resolution of the images that they record. The "aspect ratio" of an image is the ratio of the width of the image to its height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon. For example, the aspect ratio of a "standard definition" camcorder is 3:4. This corresponds to the aspect of older tube based standard definition television monitors. Refer to the chart below:

	The 4:3 ratio for standard television has been in use since television's origins and many computer monitors use the same aspect ratio.
	An aspect ratio of 3:2 matches the aspect ratio of a standard 4x6 inch print.
	16:9 is the international standard format of HDTV, non-HD digital television and analog widescreen television.
	1.85:1 is the aspect ratio for US theatrical films originally shot on actual film.
	2.39:1 is an aspect ratio used in cinematic films, with the image 2.39 times as wide as it is tall. The format comes about from using anamorphic lenses with standard 35mm movie film.

Standard definition camcorders are capable of recording anywhere from 230 lines (VHS - analog video) to 525 lines (MiniDV tape - digital video). This means that a standard television cannot even display all the lines recorded on a digital Mini DV video camcorder. However, when we compare that to a new 720 or 1080 line HD television, it is not enough lines to give a good, clear picture or image.

Standard definition camcorders are the type of camcorder currently used by most videographers. Since High Definition (HD) television is comparatively new, many cannot afford or have not yet upgraded to high definition video. Cost is a major factor. This should change rapidly with the substantial drop in HD television prices. However, for the time being, standard definition is the most widely used standard.

Standard definition video also has some other advantages related to the technical aspects of file storage and video editing. A very large amount of standard definition video will fit on most types of video recording media. This means capture and storage of standard definition video is very economical. Since the files are smaller than HD files, they are also easily edited on basic home computers without a lot of memory or large hard drives.

High Definition Camcorders

High definition is a display technology offering higher video resolution, typically at 720 lines or 1080 lines. Movies, television and video games are all increasingly offered in high definition formats, with the Blu-ray disc now becoming the high capacity optical disc storage format for high definition movie media.

In television, HDTV is a digital television broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems broadcasting in standard-definition or SDTV. With the advent of high definition broadcast television and the prices dropping for high definition televisions, the demand for high definition camcorders is expanding. Originally, high definition camcorders were only available in professional level camcorders. However, the development of new file compression formats have expanded this format to the forefront of consumer video. Prices for high definition consumer pocket video has actually dropped below $100!

High definition files can be stored on the same digital media as standard definition, but since high definition files are so large, you cannot save as much video on the same media. Therefore, the cost of digital media for high definition is a bit more, since it requires high capacity memory cards which are still fairly expensive.

Where the real issue comes into play is the editing of high definition files. Since the files are so large, there is a tremendous amount of computing power required to edit the newer format high definition files. Investing in a high definition camcorder may also require the upgrading of memory and storage on your computer or the replacement of your computer with a whole new system.

High definition camcorders currently come in two different recording formats — HDV and AVCHD. AVCHD is an advanced video codec that is more efficient at storing HD video due to very high compression. AVCHD is also typically saved to memory cards, built-in hard drives and flash memory drives. This format is also capable of recording "full HD" (1920 x 1080).

HDV, on the other hand, typically offers a superior picture in terms of less compression used to save the file. However, most HDV cameras use sensors only capable of recording 1440 x 1080 video. This is not truly considered "full HD". However, it is still high enough resolution for broadcast quality.

HDV is primarily recorded on MiniDV tape. This is still the preferred format by professionals. It is easier to edit on mid level computer workstations and MiniDV tapes also serve as a way to store the video without having to purchase additional hard drives.

Finally, the major difference between standard definition and high definition camcorders is the breathtaking images the high definition camcorders can produce. Many videographers will be hard pressed not to upgrade to keep up with the demand in the industry for these high quality images for television commercials, events and weddings. Even online web video is now offered and viewed in high definition. The harder decision is which HD format to choose.

Camcorder Formats

Most analog formats are basically considered obselete. These formats would include 3/4" U-matic,VHS, Beta, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi-8 and Digital 8 (a hybrid format). These were all tape-based formats.

Although there are still both standard definition formats and high definition formats that use tape, the newer formats rely primarily on digital storage devices that do not use tape.

The table below outlines the basic camcorder formats available, the primary storage device or media and the primary file format the video is created in:

Mini DV camcorders

MiniDV tape-based camcorders are one of the oldest forms of digital video. However, "Digital 8" was a hybrid 8mm analog and digital format developed by Sony that was around about the same time. It never survived but MiniDV is still hanging in there. Currently, every major camcorder manufacturer offers at least one MiniDV model, but support for the tape-based format is beginning to fade. However, Mini DV tapes for this format (as well as the HDV high definition format) will continue to be manufactured for several years to come, so you should still be able to get a good amount of use from these cameras in the foreseeable future.

MiniDV camcorders are currently one of the most affordable digital camcorder format on the market for the quality of video you receive (you can actually pay less than $200 for a decent consumer mode).

Higher cost "HDV" (high definition camcorders that use MiniDV tape) models are also available, though these are obviously a lot more expensive (in the range of $1000) since they are considered "prosumer" models. A "prosumer" model means it is better than a consumer model but has significantly less features than a professional model. This format insures that MiniDV tape should still be around for some time.

DVD Camcorders

DVD camcorders are a popular choice with entry-level users due to their ease of use. Most camcorder manufacturers offer at least one DVD-based model in their current line-up.

As the name of the format implies, DVD camcorders record video directly to small 8cm (approximately 3 inch) discs which can then be played on your home DVD player. This makes them a convenient choice if you want to quickly enjoy your home movies with minimal fuss (there's no need to connect with cables or edit with computers first). You just remove the DVD from the camcorder and put it in your home DVD player.

One disadvantage of DVD camcorders is that they are not well suited to video editing. While it is possible to transfer DVD footage to a computer, it can be a complicated process. One of the main drawbacks is that DVD camcorders must record in a highly compressed file format using extensive MPEG compression. This means that the recorded video is already poorer quality than a MiniDV camcorder. It is possible to use certain manufacturer's software to get the video onto your computer for editing, but the resulting edited files are usually even poorer in quality after the editing process.

Some newer DVD camcorders record in high definition, using the newer AVCHD recording format. However, you will need a Blu-ray disc player or other compatible device to view these movies on your TV. The recording media for these is also quite expensive.

 HDD Camcorders

HDD camcorders utilize small, non-removable hard disk drives to store and record video. Bear in mind that HDD stands for "hard disk drive", not "high-definition". Most hard disk-based camcorders record in standard-definition format.

Hard disk–based camcorders quickly became one of the best-selling camcorder formats on the market. This was due to the advertising by manufacturers that sold the concept of no longer dealing with removable media like tapes and memory cards.

Hard disk–based camcorders offer anywhere between 12GB and 240GB of built-in hard disk storage space, depending on the cost of the device. One of the obvious advantages is that you don't need to carry around recordable media, such as tapes or DVDs. Not only is this more cost-effective, but it also makes them more user-friendly for beginners (all you need to do is turn the camera on and shoot).

One disadvantage of the HDD format is that you can't add additional storage space. Plus, if you happen to break your camera, any footage stored on the hard drive could be gone forever. If you haven't recently backed up your footage, this could result in hours of lost memories. Also, if you do not regularly transfer your video files to your computer, you may not have any drive space left to record on. This forced many users to constantly have to hook up cables to their computers to download, save, organize and archive family videos. This also forced users to have to become computer savvy and they also may have had to upgrade computers and computer drives, resulting in hidden costs of ownership.

 Solid State (Flash) Memory

Removable solid state (flash) memory is currently the new standard for video storage in the camcorder industry. All manufacturers are now producing at least one version of this format. Solid state memory is the same memory that you now probably carry around with you on your "flash" drive. Solid state memory is basically manufactured in two forms. The first form is removable flash memory cards that are also being used in digital cameras, media players and GPS units. The second form is a non-removable built-in solid state drive that basically replaces the hard disk drive in a camcorder. The solid state drive is preferable to the hard disk drive since it has no movable parts to wear out and operates in complete silence. Since a major drawback to many camcorders that use tape, DVD media or hard drives is the noise that these devices and media produce, this is a major technological breakthrough in audio quality as well.

Flash memory's benefits over digital tape and DVD are numerous, including the ability to quickly move your video files from your camcorder to your computer. This is much easier with removable media cards as opposed to built-in solid state drives. The solid state flash memory card is simply removed from the camcorder and inserted in the media drive of the computer. This enables editing to begin taking place immediately without having to connect cables to transfer files over Firewire (on an IEEE 1394 port). Files can also be transferred to your computer quickly and easily for storage on external hard drives, back-up and archiving of important video files for family and clients.

Solid state drives consume less power contributing to longer battery life and longer recording times. One of the largest improvements in this technology is the impact on the size of camcorders. Solid state memory is responsible for the explosion of popularity of extremely compact pocket camcorders.

Removable flash memory comes in a variety of types, depending on the camcorder manufacturer. The main types are SD/SDHC (used by Canon and Panasonic), Micro-SD (JVC) and Memory Stick (Sony). They all basically do the same thing, although SDHC cards are more widely supported. Sony has also recently made a move to support not only their proprietary Memory Stick, but have installed dual card slots to use SD/SDHC cards as well. Dual slots are also starting to appear on camcorders to allow longer recording times without the need for built-in flash memory solid state drives. This helps keep camcorder prices one to two hundred dollars cheaper as well.

Hybrid Camcorders

The hybrid format refers to any camcorder that allows the recording of digital video on more than one type of recordable media. This originally was primarily accomplished by using both a hard drive based storage system with a flash memory card slot as well. Noise from the hard disk drive was sometimes captured along with the video causing a drop in popularity for this technology for video producers. Howevr, the quality is usually more than acceptable for home and family video recordings.

These days, every manufacturer is producing primarily hybrid camcorders. The most popular configuration combines a solid state flash memory drive and a media slot for SD/ SDHC flash memory cards. This eliminates the noise issues associated with hard disk based models and still allows the expandability of memory cards for more recording space and portability for moving files to a computer.

Hybrids are the fastest growing segment of the camcorder market. It is also due to a move towards High Definition video and camcorders. Since these HD camcorders primarily record AVCHD, highly compressed video, large amounts of video can be stored on small to medium solid state drives and economical SD / SDHC memory cards.

It is definitely an exciting time to be working with video. We have come a long way in the past thirty years. The main drawback or obstacle right now is not in camcorder technology, but in the computer software and hardware that is required to do high definition video editing. However, it will only be a short time until those obstacles are once again, simply a memory.

This concludes the section on "Introduction to Camcorders".