What is the best HD Camcorder?

Question

Out of these camcorders, which is the best camera for it's price? Also, based on resolution.
JVC GY-HD110U
Sony HVR-Z1U
Sony HVR-V1U
Panasonic AG-HVX200

Answer 1

Do you even have to ask? HVX200 all the way. At least, that's my opinion. Although the JVC does have interchangeable lenses, the HVX200 is a lot more versatile and higher quality, in my opinion. I'll focus on these two, because the other two are HDV cameras, but don't have any major distinguishing factors as opposed to the JVC. Although the HD110U has the option of interchangeable lenses and looks a lot more impressive than the HVX200, it is still an HDV camera. While the HVX200 has a shorter recording time and a fixed lens, it is a great camera because it shoots in DVCPRO HD (100 Mb/s) and in a 4:2:2 color space as opposed a 25 Mb/s stream for HDV and a 4:1:1. Although the numbers aren't everything, combined with a high quality lens and camera, it will make a pretty big difference. Also, the HVX200 has a variable frame rate recording. While the HD110U can shoot in 24p/30p, the HVX200 can do that and also over- and under-crank, creating slow and fast motion effects. Yes, the P2 cards cost a lot and don't record for very long, but the HVX200 is capable of recording NATIVE 24p. Yes, that's right, not 3:2 pulldown, but actually recording 24 separate images onto the card a second. With this option, recording time can be lengthened on a P2 card, and file sizes can be drastically reduced, with no loss in quality. And as P2 cards get cheaper and hold more footage, it will be a very good option. Hope this helps!