David Kender

The Sony HDR-HC9 is a minor update from last year’s HDR-HC7. This high definition camcorder records to tape in the HDV format, which continues be the format of choice for those who prize video quality over the convenience of flash media, HDD, and DVD. The HDR-HC7 was a great camcorder, and the HDR-HC9 has enough upgrades to make it even more alluring to the serious shooter: a peaking tool to help with focus, a center marker, a combined Spot Meter and Spot Focus, a lens hood, and a slick black finish. However, the base performance and upgrades of this year’s Canon HV30 makes it a very, very strong choice. Once again, it’s a tight race. The heat is on.

The Sony HDR-SR12 ($1,399 MSRP) is the company’s third-generation AVCHD camcorder recording to hard disk drive (HDD). The SR12 features a new CMOS sensor and DSP touted by Sony to be the best yet, along with a huge 120GB capacity. It is joined by the HDR-SR11 ($1,199 MSRP), an identical camcorder with a smaller 60GB HDD. In previous iterations, all AVCHD camcorders have failed to live up to performance expectations, but 2008 seems to be the year it’s turning around.