Streaming Learning Center

I just spent about a month with the Canon EOS 7D, specifically to evaluate its HD video shooting capabilities. The results were very impressive, with amazing depth of field, and relatively low noise in low light situations. You can read my review here.

Click over to the article to see some of the sample videos I shot with the 7D.

In stark contrast to earlier generations of AVCHD camcorders, by design and feature set, the AG-HMC150 is the first camcorder targeted squarely at the professional market. This is the first AVCHD camcorder that I've tested that looks, feels, and works like a truly professional camcorder. During the camcorder's month-long stay, I filmed an informal concert at a local dinner theater and several events around town, including a meet-and-greet for America's Got Talent finalist and local celebrity Alexandra Pyles. Read all about it by clicking over to the main review.

Panasonic's AG-HPX170 delivers groundbreaking new usability features in several key areas, along with excellent color and relatively noise-free video. While the lack of a tape drive makes the camcorder about 20 percent lighter than the popular AG-HVX200 that precedes it, the HPX170 thereby limits you to P2 storage. This is fine for ENG, indie films, and other similar productions, but solid-state media can get pricey and/or inconvenient for event or long-form production shooters. For the record, the camera will retail for $5,695 with a 16GB P2 card, Barry Green's new HPX book, and a very generous five-year warranty. Click to the main review to read all about it.

I've been a user exclusively of tape-based cameras since the analog days. So, beyond the implications of the AVCHD format, I was intrigued by the opportunity to test Panasonic's AG-HSC1U, because it stores all video and still images on SDHC cards. A 4GB card is included with the camera. You can find the camcorder online for well less than $2,000, with spare Panasonic 4GB cards for as low as $150 (gulp!)—although Kingston offers a card that should be compatible for around $50.