Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:18 am
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, whereas S-VHS has a resolution of 400 lines.
It was for this superior video quality that S-VHS became the format of choice for videographers covering events such as weddings.
This was of course before the emergence of MiniDV 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 a 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.
