Professional Video Cameras
Going digital with recording technology

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After searching through the amateur digital video cameras, did you find they didn't quite have what you were looking for? Do you need a digital video camera or camcorder that needs a bit more oomph than an amateur digital video camera can offer? If you answered yes to either question, maybe it is time to investigate the benefits and features of purchasing a professional digital video camera or camcorder for your use.

Does your next digital video camera have to be reliable, stable, affordable or all three? Deciding which features is a necessity for your needs will determine which professional digital video camera is the right choice for you. The two industrial leaders in digital video camera is Sony and Canon, but other big names such as Panasonic and JVC have a couple of their own professional digital camcorders to enter into the fray.

The JVC GZ MG77 Hard Disk Camcorder is a digital video camera offering a sleek, slimline design with afford pricing for the professional user needing more than an amateur camera but can't afford the price of some of the higher quality digital video camcorder. The great concept behind this affordable, professional camcorder is the hard disk drive. Instead of requiring a memory stick, this digital video camera comes with an internal 10GB hard disk drive allowing for up to 37 hours of recording – no fuss, no tape, no disc required.

The widescreen 2.7” LCD monitor adds lots of viewing capabilities to this top of the line camcorder. USB connection allows for direct PC interfacing for easy downloading, editing, and/or displaying of those favourite movies. The 10x optical zoom and the 300x digital zoom increases those special head shots, and all these features are available at the touch of a finger. At approximately £525, the professional will find a lot of features both needed and wanted.

Of course there are those professionals that only want the best of the best. For those photographers demanding excellence and perfection, the Sony DSR PD170P Compact DVCAM camcorder combines a sleek design with the newest technologies. The advanced technologies offering HAD CCDs 1/3in allows for an impressive two differing scanning modes – interlaced for video and 480 progressive for still makes this a professional camcorder worth taking a look at.

High quality acquisition and increased resolution have combined to develop a more sensitive digital video camcorder with less noise interference and vertical smear. The format for recording can be either DV Cam or MiniDV. Of course, the top shutter speed of 1/10,000 seconds adds to the features of this exquisite camcorder made specifically for professionals with a price tag of approximately £2,800. Let's not forget this belongs in the Sony family of top quality electronics.

Finally, no one could possibly mention professional grade digital video camcorders without mentioning the Canon DM XL2 3CCD camcorder. This is a nice professional grade camcorder offering 20x optical zoom, MiniDV recording format, and a top shutter speed of 1/16,000 seconds. The interchangeable lens system is perfect for the pro, and pro quality can be 4:3 and 16:9 while recording. The flourite lens also comes with 2 neutral and independent density filters.

Not only is the video professional grade, but the audio has four channels with two built in XLR connectors, BNC video output, and phantom power. With 880,000 progressive pixel scan CCDs, this impressive camcorder gives the professional total control over the image and recording. The price tag of approximately £3,250 makes this a definitive digital video camera for the professional in all of us. Of course, with a name as traditional as Canon, who would expect anything less than total perfection?

Choosing a professional camera is not always an easy task, but by knowing what you can expect compared to what you require of a digital video camera will save you time, money, and frustration in the future. Not all digital video camcorders are made alike, but all do have features you would probably appreciate. The trick is finding that one camera that offers the most benefits, the best service, and the preferred quality you demand of your professional digital video camera.