Digital Camcorder Reviews, Comparisons

Different Types of Camcorders

Models that record on miniature DVD discs, built-in hard drives, and memory cards are becoming more common in standard-def and high-def versions.

MiniDV camcorders use a unique tape cassette. The typical recording time is 60 minutes at standard play speed, which gives you the best quality, or 90 minutes at lower quality.

DVD format offers benefits that tape can’t match: durability, compactness, and random access to scenes as with a DVD. That makes for more carefree recording, though you should avoid bumping the camcorder during use, and keep dirt out of the mechanism.

Hard Drives Camcorders that record onto tiny, built-in hard drives are even easier to use. Because the drive is internal, it’s protected. There’s no recording media to buy or carry along. Like DVDs, hard drives are random access, but they’re even faster. Many models have 30 to 120 gigabytes of capacity, providing seven to 16 hours of recording at the highest-quality mode and 25 or more hours at lower quality.

Flash Memory with digital formats using Secure Digital (SD) or Memory Stick memory cards, the amount of standard-definition video you can record at the highest quality level can vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour on 256 MB to 2 GB cards. Larger cards up to 16 GB are available.

Several manufacturers offer “hybrid” camcorders that combine a DVD or Blu-ray drive and a hard drive or memory card in one unit. The hard drive is fast and convenient for recording, while DVD or memory card storage is best for archiving or sharing videos. Another type combo model is one that offers internal and removable flash memory.

Digicams  Cameras that take video or still photographs, or both, digitally by recording images via an electronic image sensor.  

Flip Ultra and UltraHD Camcorders

Introducing New Flip Ultra and UltraHD Camcorders

The new Flip Ultra and Flip UltraHD make it easier than ever to shoot and share high-quality (or high-definition) video. The new Ultra Camcorders record 120 minutes of stunning video and feature pre-installed FlipShare editing and sharing software. Simply power on and press record to start capturing and sharing video in seconds. Get either of these camcorders from Amazon.
Click here for the interactive product tour

 

 

Camcorders
Canon Camcorders
All Canon Camcorders - All Canon Still and Digicam Cameras
Canon HG-10 HD High Definition AVCHD HDD Camcorder, HD CMOS 2.96 Megapixel Sensor (1920 x 1080), 10x Optical / 200x Digital Zoom- 2.9MEGA - 10x Zoom - MSRP $1199. The Canon HG10 AVCHD hard disk drive camcorder delivers high definition technology with the effortless ease of recording video directly onto a hard disk. Incorporating the latest AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format, it puts superb image reproduction and advanced features at your fingertips in a compact AVCHD Format HDD camcorder, which means you'll carry it everywhere you want to capture the special moments in your life in true HD. Among the Canon Exclusive features on the HG10 are Canon's own Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. More exclusives are SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus and our new 2.7-inch widescreen multi-angle vivid LCD. With the Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features, the HG10 is the right choice in HDD camcorders.

Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.0 x 5.1 in. Weight: 1.1 lbs. (WxHxD). See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama, Amazon or B&H Photo Video
Canon VIXIA HF11 High Definition Dual Flash Memory Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen. Adding to the success of the VIXIA HF10 and HF100, Canon introduces the HF11 which captures stunning High Definition video with even greater detail and tonal reproduction, with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and a higher internal Flash drive capacity of 32GB plus an SDHC card slot that allows extended recording time. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HF11 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the HF11’s 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HF11’s 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon VIXIA HF100 High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $799.00. Now that you've upgraded your TV to an HDTV widescreen, doesn't it make sense to consider a Hi-Def Camcorder? The Canon VIXIA HF100 captures videos at 1920x1080 for true 1080i display. There are no tapes or discs to concern yourself with. It has an SD SDHC slot for video storage. So let your videos fill your new TV screen. Use the VIXIA from Canon. DIGIC DV II Image Processor SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization Instant AF (Auto Focus) 2.7 Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD Superb Shooting Control 24p Cinema Mode / 30p Progressive Mode Stunning Digital Photography Focusing System - Instant AF, Through the Lens/Manual Focusing Possible Auto and Manual exposure modes; Programmed AE - Auto, Program, Av, Tv, CINEMA, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks Recording Media - SD/SDHC Memory Card (not supplied) Audio - Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2 ch) HDMI Terminal Type C 480i/480p/1080I Format Supported Microphone Terminal - 3.5 mm Stereo Mini-jack Mini HDMI Terminal and Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe Dimensions (WxHxD) 2.9 x 2.5 x 5.1 in (73x64x129mm); Weight (not including lens and battery pack) 13.4 oz (380g) See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition 120 GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $1299.00. Canon HD Video Lens The Canon HG21 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 120 GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 45 hours of video onto the internal hard disk drive so there’s no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG21 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon’s select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG21’s 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon VIXIA HG20 High Definition 60 GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $899.00. The Canon HG20 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 60GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 22 hours of video onto the internal Hard Disk Drive so there’s no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG20 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon’s select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG20’s 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon VIXIA HV30 High Definition DV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $899.00. For tech-savvy, sophisticated and discerning videographers who demand a first-rate quality camcorder, Canon’s HV30 enables them to capture the ultimate in HD video and still photo quality. The HV30 offers the unparalleled combination of a 10x HD Video lens, a 2.96-megapixel CMOS image sensor, and a DIGIC DV II processor, all packaged in an elegant HDV camcorder.

Featuring Canon’s exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the new 2.7-inch multi-angle Vivid LCD acreen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast, your shooting possibilities are now boundless. Beyond that, you can capture amazing HD detail and color reproduction while achieving critical focus with Instant AF. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode or choose 30p Progressive Mode to capture fast action with optimization for the web. With HD and SD recording modes, you can make the move to HD while retaining compatibility with standard definition equipment. The HV30 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you’ve come to expect from a Canon camcorder. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon HR-10 HD High Definition ACHD DVD Camcorder, True HD CMOS 2.96 Megapixel Sensor (1920 x 1080), 10x Optical / 200x Digital Zoom - MSRP - $1199.00. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon FS11, 16 GB Flash Memory Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $599.00. From the leaders in the imaging industry, the Canon FS11 series are the next-generation Flash Memory format camcorders for shooting great video and photos. Flash memory format delivers delivering optimal image quality, quick response time, flexible media exchange, and extended recording times all in a compact and lightweight body. The FS11 provides outstanding features such as 48x Advanced Zoom and a 16 GB internal flash drive, as well as an SDHC card slot for extended storage of your once-in-a-lifetime memories. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon FS10, 8 GB Flash Memory Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $439.00. From the leaders in the imaging industry, the Canon FS-series are the next-generation Flash Memory camcorders made for shooting great video and photos. The Flash memory format delivers optimal image quality, quick response time, flexible media exchange, and extended recording times, all in a compact and lightweight body. The FS10 provides outstanding features such as 48x Advanced Zoom and an 8 GBinternal Flash drive as well as an SDHC card slot for extended storage of your once-in-a-lifetime memories. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon FS100 Flash Memory Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - Garnet Wine. - MSRP - $399.00. From the leaders in the imaging industry, the Canon FS-series are the next-generation Flash Memory format camcorders for shooting great video and photos. Flash memory format delivers delivering optimal image quality, quick response time, flexible media exchange, and extended recording times all in a compact and lightweight body. The FS100 provides outstanding features such as 48x Advanced Zoom an SDHC card slot for your once-in-a-lifetime memories. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon DC 330 DVD Camcorder R / RW Format, 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $379.00. The DC330 digital camcorder lets you record directly to DVDs, and lets you shoot and share video through a variety of options. Only 3" (8cm) in diameter, the DC330's DVD-R/-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players and can store up to 30 minutes of video in standard mode and 60 minutes of video in long play mode. They also record to DVD-R DL (dual layer) discs that can store up to 108 minutes of video. The Canon DC330 DVD Camcorder also offers exclusive Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, a feature only possible with industry-leading optical technology. Advanced Zoom extends the power of your zoom and is the longest zoom Canon has ever offered. 37x Optical Zoom or a 2000x Digital Zoom as well. In both wide angle and telephoto positions, there is virtually no loss in image quality throughout the range. It also boasts a powerful 680k CCD, SD card image storage capability, Quick Start and Joystick Control. Also has Image stabilization system and histogram display. Special Scene Modes. Smooth Zoom Control allows you to choose between three fixed-zoom speeds  - Width 2.6 x Height 3.5 x Depth 5 (66x90x126mm) Weight (camcorder body only) - 13.4 ounces (380 grams) See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon DC 320 DVD Camcorder R / RW Format, MSRP $369.00. The DC320 digital camcorder lets you record directly to DVDs, and lets you shoot and share video through a variety of options. Only 3" (8cm) in diameter, the DC320's DVD-R/-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players and can store up to 30 minutes of video in standard mode and 60 minutes of video in long play mode. They also record to DVD-R DL (dual layer) discs that can store up to 108 minutes of video. Advanced Zoom extends the power of your zoom and is the longest zoom Canon has ever offered. The DC320 offers the choice of selecting a 37x Optical Zoom or a 2000x Digital Zoom as well. In both wide angle and telephoto positions, there is virtually no loss in image quality throughout the range. It also boasts a powerful 680k CCD, SD card image storage capability, Quick Start and Joystick Control. Unique super spectra coating, which reduces flare and ghosting, the image you capture will be cleaner than ever. The DC320's image stabilization system corrects camcorder shake instantly. The DC320 helps you make accurate exposures with its histogram display. Special Scene Modes also ensure accurate exposures under a wide variety of difficult lighting conditions. Max F/Stop - f/2.0 - 5.2 Minimum Illumination - 2 lx (Night Mode) Viewfinder - 0.35 widescreen EVF 2.7 Widescreen LCD Screen Recording Media - DVD-R/-RW/-R DL 2-Channel Audio Dolby Digital (AC-3 2 ch) Dimensions - Width 2.6 x Height 3.5 x Depth 5 (66x90x126mm) Weight (camcorder body only) - 13.4 ounces (380 grams) See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon DC 310 DVD Camcorder R / RW Format, 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $349.00. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $279.00. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Canon ZR-930 MiniDV Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - MSRP $269.00.  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Creative Labs Camcorders
All Creative Labs Camcorders
Creative Labs Vado, Pocket Video Camera with 2 GB of Memory & 2x Digital Zoom - Silver . See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Digital Concepts Camcorders
All Digital Concepts Camcorders
Digital Concepts Digital Camcorder, Swivel 1.5" TFT Screen, TV In/Out - Pink,  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
DXG USA Digital Camcorders
All DXG USA Camcorders
DXG USA DXG-565V High Definition 5.1 Megapixel Digital Video Camera, 4x Digital Zoom, Silver.  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Flip Video Digital Camcorders
All Flip Video Camcorders
Flip Video Mino F-360B Camcorder with 2 GB of On-Board Flash Memory, USB Connector, 640 x 480 Resolution, 2x Digital Zoom, Black.  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
JVC Digital Camcorders
All JVC Camcorders
JVC GR-D850US Mini DV Camcorder, 2.7" 16:9 Wide Clear LCD Monitor, 35x Optical Zoom, 800x Digital Zoom. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Panasonic Digital Camcorders
All Panasonic Camcorders - All Panasonic Digicams and Still Cameras
Panasonic HDC-SD100K Hi-Definition 3MOS SD/SDHC Card Camcorder with 1920x1080 Pixel Recording, 5.1 Surround Sound, 12x Optical Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen.  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Samsung Digital Camcorders
All Samsung Camcorders  - All Samsung Digicams and Still Cameras
Samsung SC-D382 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.7" LCD Monitor, Black/Silver.  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Samsung SC-MX10R Memory Camcorder with 2.7" LCD Display, USB 2.0 Interface, Silver/Red.  See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony Digital Camcorders
All Sony Camcorders - All Sony Digicams and Still Cameras
Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder, 40x Optical, 2000x Digital Zoom, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen. See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-DVD710 DVD Handycam Camcorder, 25x Optical, 2000x Digital Zoom, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-DVD910E Pal Hybrid DVD/Memory Stick Camcorder, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens, 15x Optical Zoom, 180x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7" LCD Screen - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-SR220E 60GB HDD Handycam Camcorder, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 15x Optical/180x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-SR45 30GB HDD Handycam Camcorder, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 40x Optical/2000x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-SR65 40GB HDD Handycam Camcorder, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 25x Optical/2000x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-SR85 60GB HDD Handycam Camcorder, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 25x Optical/2000x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony DCR-VX2100 Digital Mini-DV 3-CCD Camcorder with 2.5" Screen, 12x Optical/48x Digital Zoom - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-FX7 Digital HDV 1080i High Definition Handycam Camcorder, 3-1/4" ClearVID , 20x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Lens, (211K Pixels) Wide (16:9) Hybrid Clear Photo LCD plus Display - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-SR10 - High-Definition 40 GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 15x Optical, 180x Digital Zoom, 2.7" Wide LCD Display Screen - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-SR11 - High-Definition 60 GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 12x Optical, 150x Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide LCD Display Screen -See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-SR12 - High-Definition 120 GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 12x Optical, 150x Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide LCD Display Screen - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-TG1 High-Definition Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 10x Optical, 20x Digital Zoom, 2.7" Wide LCD Plus Display - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-UX10 AVC HD DVD Handycam Camcorder, 2.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, 15x Optical/180x Digital Zoom - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video
Sony HDR-UX20 AVC HD DVD Handycam Camcorder, 2.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, 15x Optical/180x Digital Zoom - See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments, Buy it at Adorama or B&H Photo Video


If you buy photo gear, video products, software, electronics, etc. and you order by using any links from this site, I get a small credit no matter what you buy, and you do not pay one cent more, and usually you pay much less than retail. By clicking the links on this site helps me have the time to keep building this site.   I've been using Adorama, Amazon or B&H Photo Video. for years and have nothing but good things to say. I strongly recommend them You'll be glad you use them too.

Vistaview360.com