The latest generation of tablets all feature HD video recording capability. Combine that with video editing apps, and you have an all-in-one video production unit that may not be able to compete with professional HD camcorders, but is still good enough for the web. But which of the tablets is best at recording HD video? We wanted to find out, which is why we did a little side-by-side test, recording some footage on Apple’s iPad 2 and Samsung’s Galaxy 10.1 tab simultaneously. Check out the video below for the results:
Watch this video for free on GigaOM
The first thing you’ll notice is that the iPad 2′s colors seem more crisp, and the overall recording is brighter, whereas the Galaxy 10.1 seems darker and a little more washed out. The contrast is so big that sometimes, it actually feels like you are watching two different scenes. Take the cab that’s passing by a minute into the video, for example: The iPad shows it being bright red, while the Galaxy 10.1 captured it in washed-out orange. It looks like the iPad 2 has the upper hand here.
However, there are a number of instances when the iPad 2 struggles with bright spots, leading to solarizing effects that make it look like the camera’s chip simply stumbled. White markings on the street seem to be particularly challenging for the iPad, as you can see about 14 seconds in. Around 0:22, the entire street starts to flash like an 80s dance video. The Galaxy 10.1 didn’t have any similar issues, so mark this as a win for Sasmung.
Bright recording situations continue to challenge the iPad 2 once I take the two devices inside our building. When panning from a low-lit area straight to the window, the Galaxy 10.1 still looks pretty dark, but it manages to hold the picture. The iPad 2, on the other hand, produces more solarizing flashes and is blinded by the outside light, incapable of adequately recording any of the people passing outside the window by at around 1:48.
The Galaxy 10.1 also seems to do better in our dark office elevator, and it again has the upper hand once the doors to our office open around 2:10. It’s immediately able to capture what’s going on inside, whereas the iPad 2 has a notable fade from bright white to adjust to the new light conditions.
To sum it up, iPad 2′s video may look better under optimal conditions, but the Galaxy 10.1 seems more reliable during abrupt changes in lighting. The flare-ups of the iPad 2 are particularly concerning, and kind of make you wonder whether iPad 2 owners should always carry a backup Flip camera, just in case.
Related content from GigaOM Pro (subscription req’d):
- Why iPad 2 Will Lead Consumers Into the Post-PC Era
- Connected Consumer Q1: The Over-the-Top vs. Pay TV Battle Heats Up
- Mobile Q1: All Eyes on Tablets, T-Mobile and AT&T
