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.
| Sony Digital Camcorders |
|
 Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder,
40x Optical, 2000x Digital Zoom, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 2.7"
Touch Panel LCD Screen.You will want both a memory stick and DVDs for
the camera. You will probably also want to buy a longer-lasting battery.
Video at night is very possible, but if you're focusing on a distant
object (such as the moon) you'll want to zoom out and back in if you've
just adjusted your tripod, etc. - as the autofocus will sometimes judge
the distance incorrectly, and lose focus. $269.95. |
 Sony DCR-DVD710 DVD Handycam Camcorder,
25x Optical, 2000x Digital Zoom, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 2.7"
Touch Panel LCD Screen -The DCR-DVD710 delivers advanced features to let
easily capture and share crystal clear video. A professional quality
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and Super SteadyShot image stabilization
captures sharp video and still images, even when getting in close using
the 25x optical/2000x digital zoom. With Hybrid technology, you can
record it all directly to either DVD or removable Memory Stick Pro Duo
media for quick viewing or transfer to a PC. The built-in Zoom
microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording captures realistic
surround sound, recording your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom
lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete
sounds. $259.99. |
 Sony DCR-DVD910 Pal Hybrid DVD/Memory Stick Camcorder,
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens, 15x Optical Zoom, 180x Digital Zoom
Lens, 2.7" LCD Screen. The DCR-DVD910 matches powerful features with
ease of use. The ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and Bionz
image processor capture sharply-detailed images. Face Detection
technology is also included, improving your video and still images by
adjusting focus, color and brightness of faces in the shot. For superb
sound reproduction, the built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital
5.1-channel recording syncs with the camera's zoom lens, helping
memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds. The
DCR-DVD910 is also quite flexible, allowing you to record everything
directly to DVD or removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Pro Duo
media using Hybrid recording technology. - |
 Sony DCR-SR220 4MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom,
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 15x Optical/180x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7"
Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD - Superb results from advanced Sony
technology. With a ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and
Bionz image processor, the DCR-SR220 Handycam camcorder captures
vibrant, high-resolution video and still images that please the senses.
Its dual record mode even lets you take 4-megapixel photos while
recording video directly to your choice of either the built-in 60GB hard
disk or removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Pro Duo media. |
 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, $329.96. |
 Sony DCR-SR65 40GB HDD Handycam Camcorder,
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, 25x Optical/2000x Digital Zoom Lens, 2.7"
Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD - You’ll never miss a moment because of
switching tapes or discs with the DCR-SR85. Its built-in 40 GB hard disk
drive offers plenty of storage as you zero in on your subjects with the
professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and a powerful 25x
optical/2000x digital zoom. Compose shots using the 2.7-inch wide (16:9)
touch panel LCD display, and maintain total control and clarity with the
Super SteadyShot image stabilization system. Hybrid recording technology
even gives you the choice to record video to either the internal hard
drive or removable Memory Stick Duo media. $799.95. |
 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, $264.99. You’ll never
miss a moment because of switching tapes or discs with the DCR-SR85. Its
built-in 60GB hard disk drive offers plenty of storage as you zero in on
your subjects with the professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
and a powerful 25x optical/2000x digital zoom. Compose shots using the
2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch-panel LCD display, and maintain total control
and clarity with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system. Hybrid
recording technology even gives you the choice to record video to either
the internal hard disk drive or removable Memory Stick Pro Duo media. |
 Sony DCR-VX2100 Digital Mini-DV 3-CCD Camcorder with 2.5" Screen,
12x Optical/48x Digital Zoom - MiniDV RecordingOffers up to 530 lines of
horizontal resolution, 3X color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly
higher S/N ratio, to provide stunning video performance.3âCCD Imaging
SystemEach 1/3" CCD has 380,000 pixels for brilliant digital
picture-quality.530 Lines of Horizontal Video ResolutionAdvanced HADâs
for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick(R)
devices. $1,199,00. |
 MiniDV
- 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. The Sony HDR-FX7 is a
lightweight camcorder capable of delivering 1080i video via MiniDV tapes
using the HDV format. This camera bears some resemblance to the Sony
HDR-FX1 in both form and function, but boasts a few changes sure to
entice consumers, enthusiasts and professionals alike. $1,999.00. |
 Sony HDR-SR10 - High-Definition 40 GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder,
15x Optical, 180x Digital Zoom, 2.7" Wide LCD Display Screen The
HDR-SR10 Handycam camcorder delivers everything you need to shoot
stunning Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video and 4 megapixel still
images. With Hybrid recording technology, you can record to either an
internal 40GB hard disk drive or removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory
Stick Pro Duo media. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*
lens and ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and Bionz image
processor let you capture every detail in video and still images.
Additionally, Face Detection technology helps everyone put their best
face forward, while the Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization
system helps ensure images remain sharp and true. $824.95. |
 Sony HDR-SR11 - High-Definition 60 GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam
Camcorder, 12x Optical, 150x Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide LCD Display Screen.
The Sony Handycam camcorder HDR-SR11 with Face Detection technology
captures faces clearly so your videos and photos are recorded more
beautifully. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor (with Exmor technology) and BIONZ
image processor provides extremely detailed Full HD 1920 x 1080
resolution video11, and stunning 10.2 megapixel still images, with long
battery life. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization system
reduces blur even when using the 12x optical/150x digital zoom.
Moreover, Hybrid recording technology gives you the flexibility to
record to the internal 60GB hard disk drive or removable Memory Stick
PRO Duo media (sold separately), as well as easily copy video or still
images from the hard disk drive to Memory Stick media without a PC. -
$1,799.99. |
 Sony HDR-SR12 - High-Definition 120 GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder,
12x Optical, 150x Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide LCD Display Screen - The
HDR-SR12 delivers everything you need to shoot stunning Full HD 1920 x
1080 resolution video and 10.2 megapixel still images. With Hybrid
recording technology, you can record to either an internal 120GB hard
disk drive or removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media.
A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and ClearVid CMOS
sensor (with Exmor technology) and BIONZ image processor let you capture
every detail in video and still images. Additionally, Face Detection
technology helps everyone put their best face forward, while the Super
SteadyShot optical image stabilization system helps ensure images remain
sharp and true. . $700.00. |
 Sony HDR-TG1E High-Definition Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder,
10x Optical, 20x Digital Zoom, 2.7" Wide LCD Plus Display. If you want
to record on-the-go and look cool doing it, Sony has the camcorder for
you. The lightweight, sleek HDR-TG1E High Definition Handycam 'PAL'
Camcorder boasts modern design and true 1920 x 1080 high definition
recording. Made from Titanium, the durable body also fits nicely into
your pocket or bag, making it great for capturing memories when you're
traveling. An included 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media stick makes
sharing, printing and editing your images fast and easy. $546.95. |
 Sony HDR-UX10 AVC HD DVD Handycam Camcorder,
2.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, 15x
Optical/180x Digital Zoom, Experience the exciting world of
high-definition video with the HDR-UX10. Hybrid recording technology
lets you choose your recording format -- DVD or removable Memory Stick
Pro Duo media. The ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and
Bionz image processor capture detailed Full HD 1920 x 1080 video, as
well as 4-megapixel still photos. Super SteadyShot optical image
stabilization helps ensure clear images while Face Detection technology
helps everyone put their best face forward. You can use the Dual Record
Mode to capture still images and video at the same time, and even
capture a lifelike audio experience with the built-in zoom microphone
with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound. $749.00. |
 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, $1099.95. The ultimate in home video flexibility. The
HDR-UX20 delivers Hybrid Plus recording technology, giving you the
option to record images to DVD media, 8GB internal flash memory, or
removable Memory Stick Pro Duo media. The ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and Bionz image processor capture Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution for amazingly sharp picture detail, as well as 4-megapixel still photos. For better results, Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps reduce blur while Face Detection helps people look their best in every video and photo. And the built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording lets you capture realistic surround sound even when you?re
far away from your subject. |
 Sony Releases NEX-VG10 E-mount HD camcorder
“Camcorder Redefined” Sony unveils world’s first consumer interchangeable lens HD camcorder,
the Sony NEX-VG10E - an E-mount camcorder that becomes the worlds' first consumer-grade HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses. Although appearing under Sony's Handycam brand, rather than Alpha, it retains a lot in common with the Alpha NEX series. It features the same 14.6MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor but is capable of recording 1080i video at a higher, 24mbps, bitrate. The NEX-VG10E also features an electronic viewfinder and 'Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone' that uses four microphone elements to provide better channel separation and cancel unwanted noise. In every other respect it is essentially a NEX 5, featuring the same user interface (though with more external controls) and both SD and MemoryStick storage. It will sold as kit with image-stabilized E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens and will be available a suggested retail price of €2000 / $2000.
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