Posted on: Tuesday, June 12, 2001
Wired In
Digital camcorders deliver better video, sound
By Edward C. Baig
USA Today
Digital video machines deliver smashing videos with a distinct, high-impact commercial feel, far superior to the pictures produced by conventional VHS camcorders or even the improved S-VHS and Hi-8 variety.
In techie terms, the DV cameras are capable of about 500 lines of horizontal resolution (a measure of clarity), compared with just 240 lines for standard VHS. The cameras also boast top-notch CD-quality stereo sound.
The tradeoff is that DV models still command a premium over their analog cousins, though the gulf is narrowing. More than four years ago, the first digital marvels were aimed at the top tax brackets and cost $4,000-plus. Entry-level DV models can be bought these days for $600, and average prices overall have dropped nearly $200, according to NPD INTELECT, a market research firm.
Consumers are starting to take notice. NPD said digital video sales climbed 44 percent in the first three months of 2001 vs. the same period a year ago; analog sales rose just 8 percent.
Movies are recorded onto digital video cassettes, which cost about $15 for a pair of 60-minute tapes. When you're finished gathering raw footage, you can transfer video files for editing to a computer via an IEEE 1394 connection, marketed under the names FireWire or iLink. Because video is captured digitally, it renders accurate color images that are not subject to the degradation that occurs when analog recordings are repeatedly copied.
The models tested represent two ends of the digital class — JVC GR-DVP3 and Sharp Viewcam VL-WD450U.
JVC's $1,699 entry is ultra-compact and light; the Sharp, at $950, is a bit oversized for a MiniDV camcorder. In addition to video, both machines can take digital stills on removable memory cards.
JVC weighs less than a pound and (with a bit of a bulge) could fit in the pocket of a pair of blue jeans. Despite its size, the camera doesn't scrimp on features. The JVC sports a 10X optical and 200X digital zoom. A foldaway 2-inch color LCD display frames images while you're shooting and lets you admire your handiwork afterward.
A USB port for transferring images to a PC and an S-Video output for TV reside on a small docking station that screws onto the bottom of the camera. A Night-Alive feature lets you shoot in the dark in color, and you can apply a variety of included sound effects (cheering, siren, fanfare, etc.), video effects (twilight, snow, classic film) and scene transitions (mosaic fader, corner wipe) while shooting or during playback.
It was hard not to be seduced at first by the JVC's small size. But though JVC brags about its easy one-hand operation, using it can be a bit awkward.
You clumsily must turn a dial and press a tiny button at the same time to power up the camera and change from playback, automatic and manual settings. Keeping the camera steady was a chore while shooting via the monitor, particularly whenever zooming in on a subject, even with electronic image stabilization.
Framing images through the bright color viewfinder proved easier. By pressing a button, you can insert a still picture into your video; individual shots are captured on a Secure Digital memory card. JVC supplies Windows software for editing and creating digital albums.
It's easy to appreciate the JVC after carrying around the bulky Viewcam — no way the Sharp can fit in your pocket.
But when shooting videos, the Sharp was simpler to deal with, and the quality of the videos was a notch better, especially in shadows. The Sharp sports a powerful 26X optical and 780X digital zoom, though at the higher reaches the picture quality is greatly diminished.
You can shoot at night with a Super Cat's Eye feature; images turn monochrome. And a standard "zoom microphone'' is a neat idea that lets you eavesdrop on a conversation when you zoom in on subjects. Such a mike is an option with the JVC. Digital stills are stored on a memory card.
You can flip the LCD around so your subjects can admire their own mugs; when doing so, you can still peek at the action via the viewfinder. On the downside, navigating the menus on the camera was no picnic.
But while the prices are a bit steep, both models deliver boffo images, and in the end that counts the most.
