I normally use MiniDV or DVCAM for video, but I really need the convenience of a hard disk-based camcorder. Is MPeg-2 the only option, or can I save as MPeg-1? Can I save the audio as uncompressed WAV? Nick Wood
There isn't a simple answer because different camcorders offer different options, and conventions are still being established. Most hard disk-based camcorders can record MPeg-2 while some can record MPeg-4/H.264 and other formats. Some, including a lot of JVC models, can record MPeg-1, but this may be labelled as an economy setting (where MPeg-1 is essentially Video CD). Sound is normally recorded as MP2 or MP3. There may well be some that offer WAV recording, but hard drive cameras have usually compressed things pretty heavily to make the best use of the limited storage space and bandwidth.
If you really want WAV sound, the pro approach would be to record it separately, but you just said goodbye to convenience.
Currently, the leading manufacturers seem to be pushing AVCHD (a Sony and Matsushita trademark) for camcorders. AVC is one of the two formats used for Blu-ray movies. Presumably this makes sense if you have suitable editing software, a BD burner, Blu-ray player and a high-definition TV set. If not, I assume you use a PC to convert it to something DVD-compatible. Anyway, AVCHD allows for Dolby AC-3 and Linear PCM sound, but in all cases, check the actual features before buying.
