Finding Your Format

It's quite impossible to choose a camera without knowing which format best fits your needs.  Below, you'll find many of the most popular formats.

DVCPRO HD
Based on the standard definition of DVCPRO format,the DVCPRO HD from Panasonic uses a data rate of 120 MBps and intraframe compression, both of which will provide strong protection from generational loss.

The DVCPRO HD also has supporting cameras and decks that use FireWire I/O, which is a very important feature for keeping an eye on your bottom line.  The cost of the equipment is a bit pricey, as it can cost upwards of 80,000$.

HDCAM
The HDCAM format from Sony is based on DigiBeta and can record in 24p, 25p, 50i, and even 60i.  It uses a high data rate of 140MBps, which produces a great looking picture with few glitches.  Because of the very unusual 17:6:6 color sampling scheme,
the color detail is half of DVCPRO HD.  The picture is top of the line, proving to be among the best available on the market.

HDV
There is quite a bit of buzz surrounding HDV as the newcomer to the high definition marketplace. With high compression rates, HDV has enabled high quality shooting and editing with low cost tools, including the convenience of high definition video to Mini DV tape.  This has also helped to open up the HD field to a wide variety of videographers and producers who would never have even considered going high definition otherwise.

The biggest drawback to going the HDV route is also the greatest strength - high compression. Both audio and video can suffer dramatically from too much compression.  The audio in theory isn't up to CD quality, although some users report that they are perfectly happy with it.