Do all high-definition camcorders record in 1080p?
No, some camcorders record at 1080i or 720p. These are all high-def and will look great on your HDTV. The difference between 720 and 1080 lies in how much data each displays on your screen at one time, and whether or not it’s interlaced or progressive scan data. (Progressive scan data produces a full picture at a faster rate than interlaced, so you’ll get twice as much video information per frame.) 1080p is the highest resolution available, and can often give you the smoothest, most detailed footage. If you’re looking for a high-def cam to shoot mostly web content, then any video resolution at 720p should do. And most high-def cams that record in 1080p will also have a “long-play” or economy mode that records in 720p. Fortunately any HDTV can scale incoming video to fit its screen, so that your cam’s video will look great regardless. See our article on HDTV resolution for more information.
