| To begin with HD pocket video cameras are | | | | certain that the audio captured is in stereo if you |
| different from a regular pocket video camera. HD | | | | plan to use the captured video for a quality |
| stands for High Definition and this indicates that | | | | exhibit. If sound is not that critical to you then |
| the video which these devices can capture is high | | | | you can opt for a mono version, but consider |
| definition video. | | | | that the experience will not be a genuine when |
| High Definition video can be captured and | | | | viewing on your home computer HD monitor or |
| displayed in many formats. HD Pocket cameras | | | | HD TV. |
| currently capture video in 720p and 1080p modes, | | | | Lens Zoom |
| although this is certain to change and increase | | | | Many do not realize the difference in optical zoom |
| over time. | | | | and digital zoom. Optical zoom actually is a much |
| Video mode Frame size in pixels (W×H) Pixels | | | | higher quality and will render a much clearer |
| per image1 Scanning type Frame rate (Hz) | | | | picture when at the maximum focal length. You |
| 720p 1,280×720 921,600 | | | | will pay more for a HD pocket camcorder that is |
| Progressive 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, | | | | capable of 2X or greater because of the |
| 30, 50, 59.94, 60 | | | | complexity and quality of the glass in the lens. |
| 1080p 1,920×1,080 2,073,600 | | | | Digital zoom renders the image as the processor |
| Progressive 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, | | | | interprets the image as increased focal length. |
| 59.94, 60 | | | | So this is not a true zoom function and is not |
| If you do not have a TV or computer monitor | | | | really usable at longer focal lengths, you should |
| that is capable of displaying HD video, you will not | | | | clearly focus on a pocket camcorder that utilizes |
| realize the clarity and difference from standard | | | | optical zoom rather than digital. |
| definition video. This should be considered when | | | | Frames Per Second |
| purchasing an HD pocket video camera. | | | | Some cameras may allow you to acquire video at |
| The higher the resolution the more memory will | | | | a frame rate of 24 fps (frames per second) |
| be consumed even for shorter videos. Larger HD | | | | which is a very efficient standard. This allows for |
| videos will also require more computation power | | | | quality motion with little or no jitter in playback |
| (computer and video CPU) in order to perform | | | | but with reduced file size. This may be a major |
| post processing with the video. However, the | | | | factor in recording and battery life so keep a |
| results from an HD video are significantly clearer | | | | sharp eye for the details of this specification. |
| and more vibrant than standard definition. | | | | 30 fps is a standard that is very common and |
| Considering that many HD pocket video | | | | produces a slightly better quality transition in fast |
| camcorders are lightweight, compact, and some | | | | paced video capture. This is barely noticeable by |
| are even waterproof and can capture video under | | | | the human eye and does trade the quality of this |
| water these camcorders offer many benefits | | | | format for memory storage and battery life. |
| above bulkier and heavier full size camcorders. | | | | Viewing Screen Size |
| However, there are many other factors to | | | | You may be particular about the video that you |
| consider prior to making a purchase as you | | | | capture and that it looks the way you want it |
| certainly do not want to incur post sales regret. | | | | without post processing. This is where having a |
| HD Recording time | | | | larger viewing screen for playback will come into |
| Generally you will want at least 30 minutes of | | | | consideration, but again there is a trade off for |
| battery life when recording and if possible 60 | | | | battery life and the bulkiness / size of the pocket |
| minutes. This will depend on the type of batteries | | | | camcorder. Remember to keep your focus that |
| and how much power the device consumes. So | | | | you are intending this to be as portable as |
| make certain you compare this specification. | | | | possible and you will logically be limited on how |
| Memory Storage | | | | large your viewing screen can be. anywhere from |
| Your new HD pocket video camcorder should | | | | at least 2 inches to 3 inches should be sufficient, |
| allow you to store as much as 120 minutes or 2 | | | | however anything smaller than this will be difficult |
| hours of HD video. Depending on the quality you | | | | to make out any details until you process the |
| capture (see above) this may be reduced. You | | | | video on a larger screen. |
| should be able to capture at least 120 minutes at | | | | In conclusion HD Pocket Video Camcorders are a |
| 720p if the cameras technology compresses the | | | | very innovative technology that has only recently |
| video in an efficient manner. Solid state memory | | | | became affordable to general consumers. There |
| should be a standard of 8 GB and possibly | | | | are many choices to choose from but consider |
| expandable up to 32 GB if you deem this to be | | | | that just because a model is popular does not |
| necessary. | | | | mean it is the best deal for your money. Take |
| Sound and Microphone | | | | some time and choose your video camera wisely |
| Local playback sound is not as critical as recording | | | | and you will be certain to enjoy all of the |
| sound and even though when you view your | | | | moments that you had wished you had on video |
| captured video from the recorder it may play | | | | that you now can capture in HD quality. |
| from one speaker (mono) you will want to be | | | | |