AVCHD Camcorders

AVCHD camcorders record directly to files on SDHC memory cards. For the longest time the only way to get acceptable video resolution and quality was with tape. AVCHD is a codec developed by Soyn and Panasonic, maximum bitrate for Profile v4.1 is 24Mbit/s.

Requirements

• AVCHD and SDHC
• Good low light performance
• Manual controls
• Bitrate 24Mbit/s (for greenscreen dropout)
• Under 1100 USD price point

Candidates

In order of approx. product introduction date.

2008:

• Canon HF10 (16 GB onboard + SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com - trustedreviews.com
• Canon HF100 (SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com - trustedreviews.com
• Canon HG20 (60 GB harddrive + SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com - trustedreviews.com
• Panasonic HDC-SH100 (60 GB harddrive + SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com - trustedreviews.com
• Panasonic HDC-SD100 (SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com - trustedreviews.com
• Canon HF11 (32 GB onboard + SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com - trustedreviews.com
• Canon HG21 (120 GB harddrive + SDHC) - trustedreviews.com

2009:

• Panasonic HDC-HS300 - (120 GB harddrive + SDHC) - trustedreviews.com
• Canon HF S100 (SDHC) - camcorderinfo.com
• Canon HF S10 (32 GB onboard + SDHC) - trustedreviews.com

The evolution is as following:

• HF10 → HF11 → HF S10
• HF100 → HF S100
• HG20 → HG21
• SD100
• HDC-SH100 → HDC-SH300

The most of the 2009 Canon models has a smaller cmos sensor and the low light performance takes a hit. The 2008 models are still perferred when image quality is important.

Peferred

1. Canon HF11 - Great low light and overall image quality, 32 GB onboard, SDHC
2. Canon HF10 - Same good low light and image quality, 16 GB onboard, SDHC
3. Canon HF100 - Same great image, SDHC only
4. Canon HG21 - 120 GB harddrive
5. Canon HG20 - 60 GB harddrive
6. Canon HF S100 - Too pricey but impressive image quality
7. Canon HF S10 - Also too pricey

Accessories

• SDHC memory cards
• Extra battery
• Wide angle lense
• UV filter
• External microphone