Canon Digital Camcorder Reviews, Comparisons

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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.

Canon Camcorders

Canon HG-10 HD High Definition AVCHD HDD CamcorderCanon 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.  $400.00

Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.0 x 5.1 in. Weight: 1.1 lbs. (WxHxD). See Accessories, Features, Specifications, What's included, User comments,

Canon VIXIA HF11 High Definition Dual Flash Memory CamcorderCanon 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.
Canon VIXIA HG21 High Definition 120 GB Hard Drive CamcorderCanon 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. - $1,495.00.
Canon VIXIA HG20 High Definition 60 GB Hard Drive CamcorderCanon 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, $999.00.
Canon VIXIA HV30 High Definition DV CamcorderCanon 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, $1,098.00.
Canon HR-10 HD High Definition ACHD DVD CamcorderCanon HR-10 HD High Definition ACHD DVD Camcorder, True HD CMOS 2.96 Megapixel Sensor (1920 x 1080), 10x Optical / 200x Digital Zoom. The Canon HR10 raises the bar for high-definition quality for consumers who demand the very best but are not willing to compromise ease of use. Capture amazing HD detail and color reproduction on a standard 3-inch DVD discs and view it on a HD Blu Ray DVD player. Complete your high-definition home theater experience by creating the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24P Cinema Mode and achieve critical focus with the Instant AF. - MSRP - $1199.00. $799.00.
Canon FS11, 16 GB Flash Memory Camcorder 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, $799.00.
Canon FS10, 8 GB Flash Memory CamcorderCanon 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, 4559.95.
Canon FS100 Flash Memory CamcorderCanon 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, $210.00.
Canon DC 330 DVD CamcorderCanon 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, $529.96.
Canon DC 320 DVD Camcorder 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, $299.95.
Canon DC 310 DVD CamcordeCanon DC 310 DVD Camcorder R / RW Format, 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen Canon's DC310 DVD Camcorder is an affordable and convenient way to record all your memories. The camera captures video and stills straight to DVD for immediate playback on your TV, after finalization, so there's no need to worry about transferring data to DVD or other media outside of the camera. DVD-R/-RW discs can hold up to 30 minutes of footage in standard mode and 60 minutes in long play mode. In addition, DVD-R DL discs can store up to 108 minutes of video. MSRP $349.00.  $399.95.
Canon ZR-950 MiniDV CamcorderCanon ZR-950 MiniDV Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen - Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom Now you can capture true widescreen 16:9 video with stunning image quality from any distance -- all the way up to 48x. Canon’s exclusive Advanced Zoom system combines Genuine Canon Optics with Canon’s proprietary DIGIC DV Image Processor to let you seamlessly zoom both wide and long, retaining optical quality throughout the zoom range. 1.07-megapixel CCD image sensor Whether you’re shooting video or photos, you will benefit from the camcorder’s razor-sharp CCD Image Sensor. MSRP $279.00. $250.00.
Canon ZR-930 MiniDV Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom, 2000x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen Canon's entry-level digital camcorders are designed to deliver the latest in style, features and advanced technology at a most affordable price. Starting with our Canon's exclusive Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which combines the legendary Canon lens optics with our market-leading DIGIC DV image processor to deliver a fuller range of image quality and more flexibility when you're shooting. The ZR930 is specifically designed to make it easier to capture great video, including a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.7" Widescreen LCD with a Soft LCD video light, Multi-Angle Remote, Quick Start, Joystick control, Level and Grid Markers and more. - MSRP $269.00.  $202.00.

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