HD video is the future.

The folks over at Gizmodo dare to ask the question, Is HD Video the next must-have point ‘n’ shoot feature? And my answer is a resounding YES, which matches the opinions of 51.8% of the respondants thus far.

I think it’s quite timely, that they’ve asked this question, especially around here if you consider how much video I have posted in the last week. And really with sites as strong as You Tube, and our favourite Vimeo, I don’t see online video going away anytime soon.

The path is fairly simple. People are already creating their own video content to be posted online and it’s being watched by millions around the world. Look at the increase in the number of video podcast being created. With devices such at Apple TV and widescreen televisions and computer monitors. It’s hard not to see the appeal of HD video. Because if you are given the space, then why not utilize it?

I think a couple of things need to happen to get us to this point.

Affordablity
HD recording devices need to become more affordable for the average consumer. And including it in a point and shoot camera is an easy way to make that a reality. Last year, Canon introduced the Powershot TX1 which records at 720p while Kodak announced the V1253 and V1233. This year, announcements were made by Panasonic (TZ5 and FX35) and Samsung (NV24HD). Even companies like Aiptek released low end camcorders (A-HD 720p and the GO-HD) which are HD ready. All these products fall under the $600 mark. In the near future, devices that record 640×480 will hopefully be a thing of the past and HD compatible devices will be the norm and any point and shoot, but we aren’t quite there yet.

Ease of Use
Another important feature for the average person will be ease of use. Basically, when I shoot a video, I want to be able to dump it on my computer and upload to my favorite video sharing site instantly. Luckily, most devices, like point and shoot cameras are already making it that easy. Your average camcorder, not so easy. With more people wanting to create video, this ease of use factor will become more and more important especially if they want this market to grow.

Watching the Market grow
I’ve seen it happen before and I’m sure it will happen again. Over the years, I’ve watched as the digital camera market exploded. First everyone had a point and shoot camera. They got totally hooked on their new creative outlet and progressively moved to more sophisticated equipment. I see the same thing happening to video. Once people get a taste for creating decent videos in HD with an affordable piece of equipment, they will eventually outgrow and upgrade their equipment.

If you asked me 5 years ago, if I thought digital SLR would catch on among regular consumers, my answer probably would have been a resounding NO. The equipment was too expensive and most consumers were content with their point and shoot cameras.

If you ask me now if I think HD camcorders will be will catch on in the next 5 years, my answer is YES. The introduction to include HD video on point and shoot cameras is the first step to creating a bigger HD market in the future. You may not want one now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up owning one in the next 5 years. Let me tell you, I can’t wait to have my own.