Some ways you know it has good quality?

Question

What are some ways you know your video camera will deliver very very clear quality. EX: such as the size of screen makes it clearer, Less compact cameras deliver better quality.

Answer 1

Large lens

Large imaging chip total surface area

Records to miniDV tape

Has a Mic-in jack (or 2)

Low end:

Canon ZR800, 900, 930

Mid range:

Canon HV20, HV20, Sony HDR-HC7, HC9

High:

Sony VX2100, Canon GL2, Sony HVR-HD1000

OMG:

Canon XHA1, Sony HDR-FX1, FX7, HVR-V1U, Z1U, Panasonic DVX100/A/B, HVX200

And they get better and more expensive beyond this.

Answer 2

I  agree with Nu'uanu that those are useful indicators, but the only way you can *know* is by looking at the video.  The requirement to put good cameras in mobile phones is driving the development of better / smaller lenses and imaging chips, so the rules keep changing.   Price isn't much of an indicator either - people get seduced by the idea that newer means better and will pay a premium for it.  Even magazine reviews need to be treated with caution - the manufacturers spend a lot of money advertising in those mags and the editors don't want to risk losing it.