AVCHD Camcorders

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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 product introduction date.

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 - Great image quality, SDHC
  4. Canon HG21 - 120 GB harddrive
  5. Canon HF S100 - Too pricey but impressive image quality
  6. Canon HG20 - 60 GB harddrive

Accessories

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