S-VHS was an improvement on the VHS format.
In terms of video quality, S-VHS is over 60% better than VHS.
VHS has a resolution of 240 lines, S-VHS has a resolution of 400 lines.
It was for this superior video quality, S-VHS became the format of choice for videographers covering events such as weddings.
This was of course before the emergence of mini DV which offered 500 lines of horizontal resolution.
New S-VHS camcorders are no longer in production. The S-VHS format, like most tape-based formats, is considered obsolete in these days of tapeless HD video.
Still, S-VHS camcorders are in demand. Few may want them for shooting video. However, they serve as a playback device. Especially useful when it comes to converting S-VHS tapes to digital.
There are two types of S-VHS camcorders. The first is of the professional type called S-VHS cameras. The second is of the consumer type, a compact S-VHS version called S-VHS-C camcorders.
What’s the difference between them?
In terms of video quality, there’s no difference. S-VHS-C offers the same 400 lines as S-VHS. The difference between them is the tape size.
An S-VHS-C tape is the miniature version of an S-VHS tape.
S-VHS-C tapes can be played back on an S-VHS VCR through an S-VHS-C adapter.
That said, let’s look at some of the best S-VHS-C camcorders for sale.
S-VHS-C Camcorders for Sale
JVC GR-SXM260U Compact S-VHS Camcorder
This S-VHS-C camcorder comes with a 2.5″ LCD screen and built-in light.
It allows you to record in the Super VHS ET mode. This gives you the highest possible video quality.
It comes with a video stabilization feature that steadies shaky shots.
Optical zoom is at 16x. Digital zoom can go up to 700x.
Other notable features include a digital TBC (Time Base Corrector)and digital CNR (Chroma Noise Reduction) feature.
Check out the JVC GR-SXM260U Compact S-VHS Camcorder.
JVC GR-SXM37U Compact S-VHS Camcorder
This camcorder comes with 25x optical zoom. Hyper digital zoom goes up to a maximum of 1000x.
This 320,000-pixel CCD video camera also comes with a digital TBC (Time Base Corrector)and digital CNR (Chroma Noise Reduction) feature.
Built-in special effects and digital scene transitions are also supported.
Built-in light is available for shooting in low-light conditions.
Check out the JVC GR-SXM37U Compact S-VHS Camcorder.
JVC GR-SXM740U Super VHS-C Camcorder
This camcorder comes with a 3.5-inch LCD screen.
Optical zoom is available up to 16x. Digital zoom is up to 600x.
It comes with a built-in light for night and low-light shooting.
Check out the JVC GR-SXM740U Super VHS-C Camcorder.
