Portable digitial video recorders are often the fundamental tool for the user researcher. Documenting observations and activities in digital video provides a convenient and flexibile record for analysis and presentation. Recently, a few high definition(HD) consumer (read: affordable) video cameras have become available. Not to be confused with HDD (hard disk drive, for storage), high definition refers to the increased video resolution that can be useful for capturing a high-level of detail (e.g. recording manual tasks).
The New York Times recently reviewed three models from Panasonic, Sony and Samsung. All had relative strengths and weaknesses in terms of image quality, ergonomics and storage - hopefully the next generation of these devices will improve upon some of these concerns. Note that the Panasonic model, which was the best rated, also comes in a version with an internal disc burner for much increased storage capabilities.
You can also get detailed high definition camcorder reviews at CNET:
|http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6530_7-6548292.html?tag=txt
