Digital cameras have become very
affordable with broadcast quality cameras starting at under $1,000. The
very best cameras cost over $100,000. Essentially, there is a camera for
every budget. When looking for a camera, consider the features
previously discussed:
CCD
In video cameras, the image is focused on
a flat electronic chip called a
charged couple device (CCD). The
purpose of the CCD is to convert light into electrons for recording. Consumer video cameras use one CCD.
Professional cameras use three, with each chip controlling one of the three
primary colors: red, green, and blue. Chips vary in size from 1/2" to
2/3" square.
Three chip cameras offer superior
color rendition and are the standard for serious filmmaking. Do not
underestimate one chip cameras, however. Their image quality surpasses
that of good analog cameras from just a few years ago. One chip cameras
are fine for educational purposes and documentary applications where a
tiny camera is needed.
Tape Format
The most popular tape formats are
listed below, from highest to lowest resolution. Keep in mind that even
Mini DV is broadcast quality with only a 5:1 compression ratio:
-
4k (Red Digital Cinema)
-
2k (Silicon Imaging)
-
HDCAM SR (Sony)
-
Varicam HD (Panasonic)
-
Digital Betacam (Sony)
-
Digital-S/ D-9 (JVC)
-
DVC PRO (Panasonic)
-
DVCAM (Sony)
-
DV (Mini DV)
See: Comparison of Formats.
Storage Cards
The industry goal is to replace
videotape with nonlinear media such as removable cards and hard drives.
Removable cards are particularly desirable because they offer
the following advantages:
-
No moving parts - The cards are small, rugged, and
solid-state. Because there are no moving parts, they are vibration and shock
resistant.
-
No tape related problems - Cards have none of the problems associated
with tape, such as dropout.
-
Simplified work flow - When you
are ready to edit, just take the card and plug it into your
computer. Each shot is in the form of a file, so you transfer
the files as you would any computer file. There is no "capturing" of
video, which is time consuming.
-
Multi format - Perhaps the most
amazing aspect of storage cards is that they can record any format
as long as the camera supports it and the card has a large enough
memory. Current cameras can record Mini DV through DVC Pro 50.
In early 2006, Panasonic introduced the
HVX200 camera which records on removable cards, called P2 cards. This
appears to be the death knell for tape stock. This camera has
almost every conceivable feature: HD, progressive scan, interlace, variable frame rate,
16:9 CCDs, removable storage cards, tape transport, and multi-formats (supports Mini DV, DVC
Pro and the high end DVC Pro 50). All for $6,000!
Standard vs. High
Definition (HD)
Resolution is the visible detail in the video image. It is
measured by the number of horizontal scan lines that make up each frame
of video.
In the US, video images contain 525 lines
(NTSC). In most Europe countries, video images contain 625 lines (PAL).
This is standard definition video.
Although much hype has been made about high
definition, the
concept itself is simple. Technically, anything that breaks the above
standards could be called high definition. The most common HD resolutions are 720p and 1080i
lines.
In 2007, the first
ultra HD
camera was introduced featuring an amazing 4,520 lines of horizontal
resolution.
Here are links to some of the most popular
DV cameras being used today, by manufacturer:
SONY
Sony
Mini DV - VX2100 (Mini DV)
Sony
PDX10 (Mini DV/ DVCAM)
Sony
Mini PD170 (Mini DV/ DVCAM)
Sony
HDR-FX1 (HDV, 24p)
Sony HVR-Z1 (HDV, 24p)
Sony
Digital DVW790 (Betacam)
Sony
HDW-F950 (HD, I/P)
PANASONIC
Panasonic DVX100B (24p)
Panasonic HVX200 (HD, 24p, P2 Card)
Panasonic SDX900 (DVC PRO 50)
Panasonic
VariCam (HD, I/P)
CANON
Canon GL2 (Mini DV)
Canon
XL2 (24p)
Canon
XL H1 (HD, 24p)
JVC
JVC
DV5000U (Mini DV)
JVC
GY-HD 100U (HD, 24P)
JVC
DY-90U (Digital-S, D-9)
RED DIGITAL CINEMA
The Red
One (4k)