Frank's thoughts on HDV  HDV - High Definition Video.
(High Definition Video)

• also includes complete coverage of AVCHD and XDCAM EX •

If you've come here looking for HDV, AVCHD, XDCAM EX, and other audio/video-related PDF files such as brochures and manuals, the Documentation Index is where you want to go.
Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) logo.  Currently hosting 3520 PDF files!   Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) logo.

[ Click to show/hide partial list of products included in the Documentation Index ]


On the other hand, if you've come here looking for the original Frank's thoughts on HDV Web page, please be advised that it's been taken offline due to lack of time in which to properly maintain it. However, a copy of the page as it appeared on January 25, 2008 can be found on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine Web site at the URL below. It's where you want to go if you need answers to questions such as What is HDV?, What's the HDV field order?, Who invented HDV?, What is x.v.Color (IEC 61966-2-4 xvYCC)?, What is the HDV GOP structure and how does it differ between 720p HDV and 1080i HDV?, etc. Along with HDV, the page also covers the AVCHD and XDCAM EX formats. Note that most of the links to PDF files on the Internet Archive's copy of the page no longer work — instead, use the Documentation Index link above.
http://web.archive.org/web/20080125111318/http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/

Non-PDF files that were formerly linked to from the original Frank's thoughts on HDV Web page can now be found on the Miscellaneous Files page.


The original Reader Comment Board can be accessed here (opens in a new tab/window).
HDV logo (animated).
High Definition Video - 720 Progressive logo.High Definition Video - 1080 Interlaced logo.
AVCHD logo.XDCAM EX logo.

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Please visit B&H Photo-Video for all of your pro audio and pro video needs.
You can directly search the entire B&H product inventory using the form below.

B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio

If you're in the market for an HD-video-capable DSLR,
the B&H HDSLR Guide is highly-recommended reading.

Click to read the guide.

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FRANK'S PICKS AT B&H
Cameras, Camcorders & Decks,
and Other Needful Things
Cameras
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR (Body Only)
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV (body only)
 •  16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS Sensor (27.9mm × 18.6mm)
 •  3.0-inch LCD
 •  High Sensitivity (ISO 102,400)
 •  45 Point AF System
 •  HD Video Recording at 1080p29.97, 1080p23.976, and 1080p25
 •  HD Video Recording at 720p59.94 and 720p50
 •  Dust & Weather Resistant
 •  100% Viewfinder
 •  10 fps Burst Mode
 •  Self Cleaning Sensor
Price: $4,899.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR (Body Only)
Canon EOS 5D Mark II (body only)
 •  21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor (36mm × 24mm)
 •  3.0-inch High Resolution LCD Display
 •  Live View Mode
 •  1080p30 Movie Mode (H.264/LPCM)
 •  Dust & Weather Resistant
 •  Self Cleaning Sensor
 •  Broad ISO Range (50-25600)
 •  3.9 fps Burst Mode
 •  Can be enhanced for video use with Magic Lantern firmware
 
Note: Canon free firmware update Version 2.0.4 and above includes 23.976, 25, and 29.97 video frame rates, video mode histogram display, manually-set audio recording level, and 48 kHz audio sampling rate.
Price: $2,499.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon EOS 7D DSLR (Body Only)
Canon EOS 7D (body only)
 •  18.0 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor (22.3mm × 14.9mm)
 •  3.0-inch LCD
 •  HD Video Recording (H.264/LPCM)
 •  Selectable Video Exposure + Frame Rates
 •  Dust & Weather Resistant
 •  100% Viewfinder
 •  Self Cleaning Sensor
 •  8 fps Burst Mode
 •  High Sensitivity (ISO 12800)
 
 
Price: $1,699.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon EOS 60D DSLR
  
Price (Body Only): $888.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more

Price (Body with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens): $1,139.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Nikon D90 DSLR (Body Only)
Nikon D90 (body only)
 •  12.3 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Sensor (23.6mm × 15.8 mm)
 •  3.0-inch 920,200-Dot Color LCD
 •  720p24 HD Video Recording (Motion-JPEG)
 •  Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
 •  11-Point AF System with Face Priority
 •  One-Button Live View
 •  Built-In Image Sensor Cleaning
 •  4.5 fps Burst Mode
 •  GPS Geo-Tagging with Optional GP-1
Price (Body Only): $899.95    ...more

Price (Body packed with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens):
$1,199.95    ...more
Nikon D700 DSLR (Body Only)
Nikon D700 (body only)
 •  12.1 Megapixel Full-Frame FX-format CMOS Sensor (36.0mm × 23.9mm)
 •  3.0-inch 920,200-Dot Color LCD
 •  Live View
 •  51-point Auto Focus System
 •  ISO 6400 Sensitivity
 •  Dust and Water Resistant
 •  Self Cleaning Sensor
 •  5 fps Burst Mode
 •  Hi-Speed USB, NTSC/PAL Video, & HDMI Video Output
Price (Body Only): $2,349.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Nikon D7000 DSLR (Body Only)
Nikon D7000 (body only)
 •  16.2 Megapixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor (23.6mm × 15.6mm)
 •  3.0-inch 920,200-Dot Color LCD
 •  1080p23.976, 720p23.976, 720p25, & 720p29.97 H.264 Video
 •  39-point Auto Focus System
 •  Full Time Auto Focus and Live View for Video Capture
 •  Twin SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slots
 •  Up To 6 FPS Burst Shooting Mode
 •  Stereo Mic Input and HDMI Output Jacks
 •  Hi-Speed USB, NTSC/PAL Video, & HDMI Video Output
Price (Body Only): $1,199.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more

Price (Body with Nikon 18-105mm DX VR lens): $1,499.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Panasonic DMC-GH2 Digital Camera with 14-140mm Lens
Panasonic DMC-GH2 with 14-140mm Lens
 •  16.05 Megapixel Live CMOS Sensor (17.3mm × 13.0mm)
 •  Micro Four-Thirds System (not Single Lens Reflex)
 •  iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
 •  3-inch 3:2 Aspect Ratio 460k Dot Free-Angle LCD Panel
 •  Mega Optical Image Stabilization
 •  AF Tracking
 •  3 to 5 fps Burst Mode
 •  1080p23.976 @ 24 Mbps & 1080i59.94 @ 17 Mbps AVCHD Video
 •  Stereo Mic Input, HDMI Output, & USB 2.0 Jacks
Price: $1,499.95    ...more
Sony DSLR-A850 DSLR (Body Only)
Sony DSLR-A850 (body only)
 •  24.6 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor (36mm × 24mm)
 •  3.0-inch TFT XtraFine (921,600 pixels) LCD
 •  High Sensitivity (ISO 6400)
 •  Dual Noise Reduction Processing
 •  SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
 •  9-Point Auto Focusing & 40-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering
 •  3 fps Burst Mode
 •  CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Card Slots
 •  HD Viewing with HDMI Output
Note: Also available is the DSLR-A900 with 100 percent viewfinder coverage and 5 fps burst mode for $2,699.99 + Free USA Shipping.
Price: $1,999.99 + Free USA Shipping    ...more

Camcorders & Decks
Canon HV40 DV/HDV Camcorder
Canon HV40
 •  Switchable HDV / DV Mini Cassette Tape Recording
 •  2.96 Megapixel 1/2.7-inch Full HD CMOS Sensor
 •  Canon 10× Optical Zoom High Definition Video Lens
 •  SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
 •  2.7-inch Wide TFT Color LCD Panel & 0.27-inch TFT Color EVF
 •  miniSD Card Slot for Still Image Storage
 •  Advanced Accessory Shoe
 •  Standard Definition Analog-to-Digital (DV) Pass-through Mode
 •  Microphone Input, USB, IEEE 1394 FireWire, & HDMI Connections
Price (NTSC Model): $649.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more

Price (PAL Model): $1,069.00    ...more
Canon TL-H43 43mm 1.7× Telephoto Converter Lens
Canon TL-H43
 •  For Use with the Canon HV20/HV30/HV40 DV/HDV Camcorders
 •  Zoom Through
 •  3 Elements in 3 Groups
 •  Front and Rear Lens Covers Included
 •  Includes Lens Pouch
 •  1-Year Limited Warranty
Price: $149.00    ...more
Canon WD-H43 43mm 0.7× Wide Angle Converter Lens
Canon WD-H43
 •  For Use with the Canon HV20/HV30/HV40 DV/HDV Camcorders
 •  Zoom Through
 •  3 Elements in 3 Groups
 •  Front and Rear Lens Caps Included
 •  Includes Lens Pouch
 •  1-Year Limited Warranty
Price: $149.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon HF G10 AVCHD Camcorder
Canon HF G10
 •  1080i59.94 Native and 1080p29.97 PsF Recording
 •  1080p23.976 2:3 Pulldown and 1080p23.976 Native Recording
 •  24 Mbps VBR Maximum Data Rate
 •  32 GB Internal Flash Memory + Two SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slots
 •  Single 1/3-inch (0.333333-inch) CMOS Sensor
 •  Canon 10× Optical Zoom Lens with OIS
 •  3.5-inch 922k Widescreen LCD Panel & 0.24-inch 260k EVF
 •  Microphone Input Jack & AV/Headphone Output Jack
 •  USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, HDMI with x.v.Color, & LANC Connectors
 
Price: $1,499.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon HF S21 AVCHD Camcorder
Canon HF S21
 •  1080i59.94 Native and 1080p29.97 PsF Recording
 •  1080p23.976 2:3 Pulldown and 1080p23.976 Native Recording
 •  24 Mbps VBR Maximum Data Rate
 •  64 GB Internal Flash Memory + Two SD/SDHC Card Slots
 •  Single 1/2.6-inch (0.384615-inch) CMOS Sensor
 •  Canon 10× Optical Zoom Lens with OIS
 •  3.5-inch 922k Widescreen LCD Panel & 0.27-inch 123k EVF
 •  Microphone Input Jack & Headphone Output Jack
 •  USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, HDMI with x.v.Color, & LANC Connectors
Note: Price shown reflects B&H $300.00 Instant Savings Offer ending April 30, 2011.
Price: $999.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon TL-H58 58mm Telephoto Converter Lens
Canon TL-H58
 •  For Use with the Canon HF G10 AVCHD Camcorder
 •  For Use with the Canon HF S21 AVCHD Camcorder
 •  1.5× Magnification
 •  Weight 9.6 oz.
 •  Includes Lens and Dust Caps
 •  Carrying Pouch Included
 •  1-Year Limited Warranty
Price: $229.97    ...more
Canon WD-H58 58mm Wide Angle Converter Lens
Canon WD-H58
 •  For Use with the Canon HF S21 AVCHD Camcorder
 •  0.7× Magnification
 •  4 Elements in 4 Groups
 •  Weight 11.6 oz.
 •  Includes Lens and Dust Caps
 •  Carrying Pouch Included
 •  1-Year Limited Warranty
Price: $263.00    ...more
Canon WD-H58W 58mm Wide Angle Converter Lens
Canon WD-H58W
 •  For Use with the Canon HF G10 AVCHD Camcorder
 •  For Use with the Canon XA10 AVCHD Camcorder
 •  For Use with the Canon XF100 & XF105 MPEG-2 Camcorders
 •  0.8× Magnification
 •  Weight 370 grams
 •  Includes Lens and Dust Caps
 •  Carrying Pouch Included
 •  1-Year Limited Warranty
Price: $499.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon XA10 AVCHD Camcorder
Canon XA10
 •  1080i59.94 Native and 1080p29.97 PsF Recording
 •  1080p23.976 2:3 Pulldown and 1080p23.976 Native Recording
 •  24 Mbps VBR Maximum Data Rate
 •  64 GB Internal Flash Memory + Two SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slots
 •  Single 1/3-inch (0.333333-inch) CMOS Sensor
 •  Canon 10× Optical Zoom Lens with OIS
 •  3.5-inch 922k Widescreen LCD Panel & 0.24-inch 260k EVF
 •  Microphone Input Jack & AV/Headphone Output Jack + USB 2.0
 •  Dual Balanced XLR Audio Input Jacks & HDMI Output Jack + LANC
 
Price: $1,999.00    ...more
Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder
Canon XF305
 •  Records 50 Mbps 8-bit 4:2:2 CBR MPEG-2 MXF Files to CF Cards
 •  1920 × 1080 at 59.94i, 29.97p, & 23.976p
 •  1280 × 720 at 59.94p, 29.97p, & 23.976p
 •  Dual Hot-Swappable CF (CompactFlash) Card Slots
 •  Three 1/3-inch 2.37 MP 2× Shutter Scanning Speed CMOS Sensors
 •  Canon 18× HD L-Series Optical Zoom Lens with OIS
 •  4-inch 1.23 MP Widescreen LCD Panel & 0.52-inch 1.55 MP EVF
 •  Dual Balanced XLR Audio Input Jacks & HDMI Output Jack
 •  Includes Genlock Input, HD-SDI Output, and SMPTE Time Code I/O
Note: Also available as the XF300 without Genlock, HD-SDI, and SMPTE Time Code for $6,499.00 + Free USA Shipping.
Price: $7,499.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon XF105 Professional Camcorder
Canon XF105
 •  Low-cost Version of the XF305
 •  Records 50 Mbps 8-bit 4:2:2 CBR MPEG-2 MXF Files to CF Cards
 •  1920 × 1080 at 59.94i, 29.97p, & 23.976p
 •  1280 × 720 at 59.94p, 29.97p, & 23.976p
 •  Dual Hot-Swappable CF (CompactFlash) Card Slots
 •  Single 1/3-inch 2.37 MP CMOS Sensor
 •  Canon 10× HD Optical Zoom (1.5×, 3×, & 6× Digital) Lens with OIS
 •  3.5-inch 920 KP Widescreen LCD Panel & 0.24-inch 260 KP EVF
 •  Dual Balanced XLR Audio Input Jacks & HDMI Output Jack
 •  Includes Genlock Input, HD-SDI Output, and SMPTE Time Code I/O
Note: Also available as the XF100 without Genlock, HD-SDI, and SMPTE Time Code for $2,999.00 + Free USA Shipping.
Price: $3,999.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
Canon ZR-2000 Zoom Remote Controller
Canon ZR-2000
 •  For use with the Canon XF G10 & XF S30 AVCHD Camcorders
 •  For Use with the Canon XA10 AVCHD Camcorder
 •  For Use with the Canon XF100 & XF105 MPEG-2 Camcorders
 •  For Use with the Canon XF300 & XF305 MPEG-2 Camcorders
 •  Controls Start/Stop, Zoom, Focus & Other Functions
 •  Functions Controlled Vary With Specific Camcorder Model
Price: $349.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
JVC GY-HM100U ProHD Solid-State Camcorder Starter Kit
JVC GY-HM100U
 •  Full 1920 x 1080 HD with 24p Support
 •  35 Mbps MPEG-2 Video Encoding with LPCM Audio
 •  10× Fujinon HD Lens
 •  Three 1/4-inch Progressive CCD Sensor System
 •  Balanced XLR Audio Inputs and USB 2.0 & HDMI Outputs
 •  Native Quicktime .MOV FCP-Ready File Recording
 •  Records to Class 6 SDHC Flash Memory Cards
 •  1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
Note: B&H Kit Price shown includes free 16 GB SDHC Memory Card and Camcorder Bag.
Price: $2,795.00    ...more
JVC GY-HM700U ProHD Solid-State Camcorder
JVC GY-HM700U
 •  High Quality 1/3-inch Progressive 3-CCD Imaging System
 •  Newly Developed 14× High-Quality Interchangeable Canon Lens
 •  Newly Developed High-Quality 0.45-inch 1.22 Megapixel LCOS EVF
 •  Newly Developed 4.3-inch LCD Display Panel
 •  35 Mbps VBR MPEG-2 Video Encoding with LPCM Audio
 •  Dual Hot-Swappable SDHC Flash Memory Card Slots
 •  Native Apple Quicktime .MOV FCP-Ready File Recording
 •  HD-SDI Output, IEEE 1394 Interface, USB 2.0 Interface
 •  2-Years Parts / 1-Year Labor Warranty
Note: Firmware upgrade V0301, released September 2009, adds XDCAM EX .MP4 recording to SDHC cards w/o optional KA-MR100G SxS Media Recorder Module, Class 10 SDHC support, & improved DNR.
Note: Also available without lens as the GY-HM700CHU for $5,695.00.
Price: $5,995.00 + Free USA Shipping    ...more
JVC GY-HM750U ProHD Solid-State Camcorder
JVC GY-HM750U
 •  High Quality 1/3-inch Progressive