PV-GS50 Mini-DV Camcorder

The primary goal of any videographer should be to produce a crisp, clean video with just the right balance of color. Camcorder resolution is the key to achieving this goal.

Higher pixel count usually indicates higher resolution. Most digital camcorders record at 500 or more lines of horizontal resolution (compare this to VHS, which has only 250 lines of horizontal resolution!) MiniDVs additionally boast of a 450,000 to 680,000 pixel resolution, which increases the sharpness and color quality of the image. Keep in mind, however, that more pixels doesn't necessarily translate to higher quality. In some camcorders, a high number of these pixels are compromised by image-stabilization features (see more about image stabilization below).

CCD (Charged Coupled Device)
A 1CCD camcorder is perfectly acceptable for most consumers, it has only one sensor to translate the entire image into discernible electrical pulses (pixels). For more professional film making, you may want the sharper image and more faithful colors provided by "3-chip" (3CCD) technology. A 3CCD camcorder employs three image sensors-one for each primary color of red, blue, and green. These three color-specific sensors are able to more faithfully translate the image-resulting in a higher level of color precision and a wider contrast range. The wider contrast range allows for a sharper image in low-light conditions when a 1CCD camcorder might give blurry or faded results. The only drawback of 3-chip? You'll pay dearly for this extra level of quality.