Are high def camcorders a big thing now?

Question

I'm in the market for a new camcorder and i noticed at stores like best buy and circuit city prices are dropping ridiculously low for HD camcorders. Anybody have one that they can share their experience with? I'd like one, but do i need a super computer to edit HD sized video? I'm on a 2 gig vista laptop

Answer 1

Your computer will be fine for capturing, editing, and playing HD media.  The only issue might be how easily your video card can display that media on your computer screen.  If it becomes a problem, you just need to play the video in a smaller size.  You can test this by visiting an HD media site such as Vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/hd

Most HD camcorders record the same type of video resolutions.  The only issue will be what recording media format you wish to use: MiniDVD, Flash Memory, Hard Disc Drive (HDD), or MiniDV.  Each type has its own unique strength and limitations.  Any any choice will be fine for general home video use as long as it fits your needs and budget.  Other needs will normally require a specific recording format.  

Video recorded in HD can be played in SD whenever necessary.  If you need to play your HD video on an SD television system or other deice, your camcorder will have a setting that can downgrade the HD recording to SD on the fly as the video plays from your camcorder to your entertainment system.  If you have already captured your video to your editing program in HD, almost every editing program will easily export your movie in SD for play on SD systems.

Either way you look at it, you will be fine with purchasing an HD camcorder for an SD home.