Handheld digital video camera

1. How does it work?

Digital video cameras come in two different image capture formats: interlaced and progressive scan. Interlaced cameras record the image in alternating sets of lines: the odd-numbered lines are scanned, and then the even-numbered lines are scanned, then the odd-numbered lines are scanned again, and so on. One set of odd or even lines is referred to as a "field", and a consecutive pairing of two fields of opposite parity is called a frame.

A progressive scanning digital video camera records each frame as distinct, with both fields being identical. Thus, interlaced video captures twice as many fields per second as progressive video does when both operate at the same number of frames per second.

Progressive scan camcorders are generally more desirable because of the similarities they share with film. They both record frames progressively, which results in a crisper image. They can both shoot at 24 frames per second, which results in motion strobing (blurring of the subject when fast movement occurs). Thus, progressive scanning video cameras tend to be more expensive than their interlaced counterparts. (Note that even though the digital video format only allows for 29.97 interlaced frames per second [or 25 for PAL], 24 frames per second progressive video is possible by displaying identical fields for each frame, and displaying 3 fields of an identical image for certain frames.

source of image above: http://www.viewpoints.com/images/review/2008/8/17/1199835231-60736_full.jpg

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_video


2. Who are the leading providers for the said device?

Sony, Panasonic, JVCimage from: http://edge100.dealsdirect.net/images/products/12326/1/product1_12326.jpg

3. How does it differ from other similar devices?

• Digital Cameras that can record videos vs. Hand held digital video cameras

While some digital cameras are offering 720p video recording, very few can match the higher quality 1080p video recorded by even mid-level camcorders. Standard definition camcorders will capture video at a higher bit rate than a digital still camera. A camcorder lens will typically offer a far more robust zoom, giving you greater magnification. While there are a number of long zoom still cameras on the market, they still can’t touch the 30x or 60x lenses available on some camcorders.

Digital still cameras record video to flash memory cards. Digital camcorders can record to memory cards as well, but they can also store video to internal hard drives that offer much more recording time than even your highest capacity flash memory card. You can also record your video straight to DVD for the convenience of easy playback on DVD players.

Source: http://camcorders.about.com/od/camcorders101/a/Camcorders_vs_Cameras.htm


4. What is the device used for?

A digital video camera or a camcorder is an electronic device that combines a video camera and a video recorder into one unit. Starting from early 2000s tape as storage media is being gradually replaced with tapeless solutions like optical disks, hard disk drives and flash memory therefore becoming digital.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camcorder


5. Are there other possible uses for the device aside from what it is designed for?

There is a process that can convert VHS videos into digital format that can be stored into a DVD through a digital video camera. It consists of playing the video through your VCR, and capturing it with your digital camcorder. Once captured on the digital camcorder, you'll have to transfer it back into your computer to edit it, then burn the DVD.

This may not be the fastest way to do this, but it's definitely the cheapest way if you already have a VCR and camcorder. Having a DVD camcorder will cut down on this process, since you can record straight to DVD.

Source: http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/hughes/915