Which Type of Camcorder is Best?

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With So Many Types of Camcorders, How Do You Know Which is Best?

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Analog camcorders are pretty much a thing of the past. Digital camcorders are now dominant. They offer the advantage of much easier editing and higher quality audio/video. However, for consumers going out to shop for their first camcorder or their first one in several years, there can be confusion due to the number of options.

Read further to find out the best type of camcorder for you.

Mini DV Camcorders 

Is Mini DV the best type of camcorder. It depends on your needs. Find out about their advantages and disadvantages here.

Mini DV camcorders record to a mini digital tape. They offer a number of advantages for consumers:

  • the camcorders are smaller than older tape based models based on their smaller sized media
  • the mini DV tapes can be re-recorded if desired
  • mini DV tapes can hold up to 3+ hours of video on a single tape
  • mini DV camcorders are less expensive than many of their counterparts
  • the mini DV tapes are readily available and relatively inexpensive
  • for those who do a great deal of editing, mini DV allows for frame-by-frame edits
  • video quality with mini DV is very good (better compression than other formats)and there are high definition mini DV camcorders available for those who want the highest quality video

    There are of course some drawbacks to mini DV camcorders:

  • although fairly durable, tape is a more fragile format than other removable media and back up on a external hard drive is recommended
  • transferring films to PC is a bit more complicated than with some other digital formats; involving a firewire connection, video capture software, and slow (real time) transfer of the video.
  • it's generally hard to skip segements of tape with Mini DV than other digital formats as users have to fast forward and rewind
  • Although users can connect the camcorder to their TV for playback the tapes themselves have to be downloaded and burned to DVD to be played directly.
  • tapes can be accidentally recorded over

    • Shop for Mini DV Camcorders

    Panasonic PV GS90 

    Panasonic PV-GS90 MiniDV Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Panasonic PV-GS90 MiniDV Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $314.95 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Panasonic PVGS90 features a 1/6" CCD (800K x 3 pixels) image sensor, 42x optical zoom, 3CCD Camera System, and Optical Image Stabilization.

    It features:

  • Focus: Auto/Manual
  • White Balance Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/White Set (with IR Sensor)
  • High Speed Shutter: 1/30-1/8000 (Motion Image)
  • Iris: AF/Manual
  • Backlight Compensation
  • LCD Monitor 2.7" wide (123,200 pixels)
  • Pure Color Engine
  • Soft-Skin Mode
  • Stereo Zoom Mic, Wind Noise Reduction
  • Date Recording: Auto Date (in Date Code)
  • Fade in/out
  • On-Screen Display Language: English / Canadian French / Spanish
  • Digital Zoom 1: 42x-2000x
  • LED Video Light

    • Panasonic PV GS320 

    Panasonic PV-GS320 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Panasonic PV-GS320 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Panasonic PVGS320 offers easy single hand operation.

    It features:

  • Optical image stabilization
  • 10x optical zoom
  • a 3CCD camera system
  • 1/6" CCD sensor (800K x 3 pixels)
  • Minimum Illumination 1 Lux (Magic Pix%uFFFD)
  • White Balance Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/White Set (with IR Sensor)
  • High Speed Shutter In Tape Mode: 1/50 - 1/8000 sec. In Card Mode: 1/25 - 1/2000 sec.
  • Iris AF/Manual
  • Backlight Compensation
  • Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) 0.33" wide (113K pixels) Color
  • LCD Monitor 2.7" wide (123K pixels)
  • Manual Focus Ring
  • Soft-Skin Mode
  • MagicPix Images
  • Stereo Zoom Mic
  • Wind Noise Reduction
  • Date Recording Auto Date (in Date Code)
  • Wide Mode (16:9)
  • On-Screen Display Language English / French / Spanish
  • Digital Zoom 1 10x - 700x
  • Quick Start 1.7 seconds
  • Web Camera Function
  • Built-in SD Slot Yes (SD/SDHC)
  • PictBridge Compatible
  • Acessory Shoe Cold

    • Camcorder Reviews 

    Find out what the experts think

    • Digital Trends: find the model of interest and get a review.
    • Test Freaks: search for the models you are interested in learning about and find ratings and reviews.
    • CNET: search and find reviews and ratings for most camcorder models.

    DVD Camcorders 

    Are DVD devices the best type of camcorder? Again it depends on what you want. Compare the advantages/disadvantages here.

    DVD camcorders record directly to a mini DVD. They offer several advantages:

  • mini DVD is a more durable format than tape, offering security as well as the ability, in the case of DVD-RW, to be re-written thousands of times
  • many newer DVD players are able to play the disks from the camcorder directly without having to hook up the camcorder itself
  • in camera editing is possible with DVD-RW disks but frame-by-frame editing not possible
  • faster transfer to computer than mini DV
  • some DVD camcorders are flexible and also allow recording to memory cards and flash memory

    A DVD camcorder also presents some disadvantages:

  • image quality is not as good as that of mini DV due to more compression (there are however, high definition models available for improved video quality)
  • disks can get scratched
  • there are a variety of disks/formats which might be used and buyers must be sure they are compatible with their DVD player.
  • DVD-R disks can't be rewritten, DVD-RW disks are more expensive but allow rewriting, and DVD-RAM can often be used with computers
  • they are a bit larger than mini DV camcorders
  • Record time per disk is less than for many other formats.

    • Shop for a DVD Camcorder

    Sony DCR-DVD610 

    Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

    Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

    Amazon Price: $499.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony DCR-DVD610 features:

  • 1/8" Advanced HAD CCD Imager
  • Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
  • 40X Optical/2000X Digital Zoom
  • Built-In Zoom Microphone
  • Hybrid Recording To DVD Or Memory Stick Media
  • 2.7" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display
  • Super NightShot Plus Infrared System
  • Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System

    • Sony HDR-UX10 

    Sony HDR-UX10 4MP DVD High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom

    Sony HDR-UX10 4MP DVD High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom

    Amazon Price: $799.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This high definition Sony HDRUX10 features:

  • 1920 x 1080 Full HD Resolution Recording
  • Face Detection
  • 2.3 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS Sensor
  • 15X Optical/180X Digital Zoom
  • 2.7" Wide(16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display
  • Hybrid Recording To DVD Or Memory Stick Media
  • Built-In Zoom Microphone With 5.1ch Recording/ Dynamic Range Optimizer
  • Super NightShot Plus Infrared System

    • Canon DC330 

    Canon DC330 1.07MP DVD Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom

    Canon DC330 1.07MP DVD Camcorder with 37x Optical Zoom

    Amazon Price: $588.95 (as of 12/23/2009)Buy Now

    This Canon DC330 features:

  • Image Stabilization
  • Widescreen HR Recording
  • 2.7" LCD Screen
  • Smooth Zoom Control
  • Built-In Lens Cover
  • 9 Digital Effects, 9 Fades and 21 Selectable Display Languages
  • 37x Optical/2000x Digital Zoom
  • Quick Start
  • Multi-Angle Remote
  • Joystick Control

    • Panasonic SDR H40 

    Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $429.90 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Panasonic SDRH40 features:

  • Advanced Optical Image Stabilization
  • 40GB Internal Hard Drive with up to 36 Hours recording time
  • Anti-Shock Shield
  • One-Touch DVD Copying
  • Wind Noise Reduction
  • Intelligent Contrast Control
  • Built-In SD Slot
  • 42x Optical Zoom

    • Samsung SC DX103 

    Samsung SC-DX103 DVD Camcorder

    Samsung SC-DX103 DVD Camcorder

    Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This affordable Samsung SCDX103 features:

  • 680K Pixel Video CCD 720 x 480 Pixel Movie Resolution
  • SD/MMC Card Slot
  • 34x Optical Zoom
  • Digital Image Stabilizer
  • 2.7" LCD Viewfinder

    • Thinking About an HD Camcorder?

    High Definition (HD) camcorders can offer improved video quality and are available in almost any format. However, HD video requires more memory. Most users will need an external hard drive to store/work with this video.

    Flash Memory Camcorders 

    Some people feel flash memory offers the best type of camcorder. Read more to decide if they meet your needs.

    Flash memory camcorders record to an internal flash drive and/or memory cards. Some of their advantages include:

  • small size based on the size of the media they use
  • ample storage for the average user; many models have 16 GB of memory which translates into 10 hours of video. Most models are hybrid (they allow storage to the internal flash memory drive and removable media cards allowing for more storage) and can therefore offer much more storage.
  • many models offer the ability to record to at least two types of media: the internal flash drive, memory cards, and some even have a DVD drive
  • Flash based camcorders are considered to be very durable due to their lack of moving parts

    The disadvantages of a flash based camcorder include:

  • Video quality is somewhat lower
  • Editing can be a bit more complicated than with MiniDV. Users must choose compatible software/video editing programs to edit film on the PC and generally need to "archive" footage.


    • If you're looking for the smallest possible camcorders, you should visit our page on Pocket Camcorders.

    Shop for Hybrid and Flash Memory Camcorders

    RCA Small Wonder EZ205 

    RCA EZ205 Small Wonder Digital Camcorder with 2 Hour Recording and 1GB Included Memory

    RCA EZ205 Small Wonder Digital Camcorder with 2 Hour Recording and 1GB Included Memory

    Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This RCA Small Wonder camcorder comes with a 1GB microSD card and provides 30 minutes of recording time in near DVD quality mode or six hours in Web Sharing mode. It features a 1.5-inch LCD screen and improved low-light recording in a very portable 2.5" x 3.5" x 1" size for the ultimate convenience.

    Sony HDR UX20 

    Sony HDR-UX20 4MP DVD Hybrid Plus High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 8GB Flash Memory & 15x Optical Zoom

    Sony HDR-UX20 4MP DVD Hybrid Plus High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 8GB Flash Memory & 15x Optical Zoom

    Amazon Price: $689.80 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony High Definition DVD Handycam Camcorder offers 1920 x 1080 Full HD Resolution Recording and Face Detection. It features a 2.3 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS Sensor, Bionz Image Processor and Hybrid Plus Recording To DVD, Internal Flash Memory Or Memory Stick Media. It also boasts 15X Optical and 180X Digital Zoom, a 2.7" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display, Built-In Zoom Microphone With 5.1ch Recording and Dynamic Range Optimizer, as well as a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Super NightShot Infrared System/ x.v. Color Technology

    Sony DCR DVD810 

    Sony HandyCam Hybrid DCR-DVD810 25x Optical Zoom DVD Camcorder BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver Filter/Lens Bundle + MORE

    Sony HandyCam Hybrid DCR-DVD810 25x Optical Zoom DVD Camcorder BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver Filter/Lens Bundle + MORE

    Amazon Price: $439.95 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony DVD Handycam Camcorder features a 1/6" Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 25X Optical/2000X Digital Zoom, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, and Hybrid Plus Recording To DVD, Internal Flash Memory Or Memory Stick Media. It offers Built-In Zoom Microphone With 5.1ch Recording, a 2.7" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display, Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System, and Super NightShot Plus Infrared System.

    Canon FS100S 

    Canon FS100 Flash Memory Camcorder with 48x Advanced Zoom (Silver)

    Canon FS100 Flash Memory Camcorder with 48x Advanced Zoom (Silver)

    Amazon Price: $300.00 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This affordable Canon Silver Flash Memory Camcorder features a built-In Electronic Lens Cover, Wireless Remote Control, 2.7" Widescreen LCD, 1.07 Megapixel CCD Image Sensor, and 48x Advanced Zoom.

    Canon FS11 

    Canon FS11 Flash Memory Camcorder with 16GB Internal Flash Memory and 48x Advanced Zoom

    Canon FS11 Flash Memory Camcorder with 16GB Internal Flash Memory and 48x Advanced Zoom

    Amazon Price: $550.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Canon Dual Flash Memory Camcorder features 16GB Internal Flash Drive and a SDHC Card Slot. It offers a built-In Electronic Lens Cover, Wireless Remote Control, 2.7" Widescreen LCD, 1.07 Megapixel CCD Image Sensor, and 48x Advanced Zoom.

    Hard Disk Drive Camcorders (HDD) 

    HDD camcorders offer some unique benefits, only you can determine if they are the best type of camcorder for your needs.

    Hard Disk Drive or HDD Camcorders record video to an internal hard drive. They offer a number of advantages for consumers:

  • no moving parts to fail
  • allow for quick editing in camera
  • often offer hybrid models with additional storage via memory cards.
  • eliminates errors like recording over old films or being unable to film because the user forgot to bring along tapes/memory cards

    There are a couple of drawbacks to the HDD camcorder models:

  • they tend to be the most expensive models on the market
  • hard drives can fail (back up is of course recommended) although they have numerous mechnanisms to prevent damage

    • Shop for Hard Disk Drive Camcorders

    Sony DCR SR45 

    Sony DCR-SR45 30GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

    Sony DCR-SR45 30GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

    Amazon Price: $499.95 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony 30GB Handycam Hard Disk Drive Camcorder has an 1/8" Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 40X Optical/2000X Digital Zoom, 2.7" Wide (16:9) Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display, and Hybrid recording To Hard Disk Drive Or Memory Stick Media. It features a built-In Zoom Microphone With 5.1ch Recording, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, USB 2.0 Interface, and Super NightShot Infrared System and is one of the most affordable HDD camcorders offered.

    Sony DCR SR85 

    Sony DCR-SR85 1MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom

    Sony DCR-SR85 1MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom

    Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony 60GB Handycam Hard Disk Drive Camcorder offers a 1/6" Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 25X Optical/2000X Digital Zoom, and 2.7" Wide (16:9) Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display. It features Hybrid Recording To Hard Disk Drive Or Memory Stick Media, Built-In Zoom Microphone With 5.1ch Recording, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, USB 2.0 Interface, and Super NightShot Infrared System

    Sony DCR SR220 

    Sony DCR-SR220 4MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Sony DCR-SR220 4MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $999.95 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony 60GB Handycam Hard Disk Drive Camcorder offers a 2.3 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS Sensor, Bionz Image Processor, Face Detection, 15X Optical/180X Digital Zoom, and a 2.7" Wide (16:9) Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display. It features Hybrid Recording To Hard Disk Drive Or Memory Stick Media, Built-In Zoom Microphone With 5.1ch Recording, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, and USB 2.0 Interface

    Canon HG10 

    Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer

    Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer

    Amazon Price: $1,199.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Canon AVCHD High Definition Hard Disc Drive Camcorder features a Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD, AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) Format, Full HD On A 40GB Hard Disk Drive, and 1920x1080 Full HD CMOS Sensor. It features a 10x HD Video Zoom Lens, DIGIC DV II, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant AutoFocus, 24p Cinema Mode, and HDD Photo Grab From Video.

    Sony HDR SR10 

    Sony HDR-SR10 4MP 40GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Sony HDR-SR10 4MP 40GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $814.90 (as of 12/23/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony 40GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder features 1920X1080 Recording, Face Detection, a 2.3 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS Sensor, Bionz Image Processor/ Exmor Imaging Sensor, and 15X Optical/180X Digital Zoom. It offers a 2.7" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display, Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Super NightShot Infrared System, and x.v. Color Technology

    Sony HDR SR12 

    Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    As a higher end device, this Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder offers 1920X1080 Recording and Face Detection. It features a 5 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS Sensor, Bionz Image Processor, Exmor Imaging Sensor, 12X Optical/150X Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display, Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording/ Dynamic Range Optimizer, Super NightShot Infrared System, and x.v. Color Technology

    Sony HDR SR11 

    Sony HDR-SR11 10.2-MP 60GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Sony HDR-SR11 10.2-MP 60GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $1,194.72 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

    This Sony 60GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder offers 1920X1080 Recording and Face Detection. It features a 5 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS Sensor, Bionz Image Processor, Exmor Imaging Sensor, 12X Optical/150X Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display, Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Super NightShot Infrared System, and x.v. Color Technology

    Need More Help Choosing a Camcorder? 

    1. PC World: Tips on choosing the right type of camcorder.
    2. Yahoo!Tech A description of the features to look for when selecting a camcorder.
    3. PC World: Tips about choosing a palm style, hand, or shoulder style camcorder.
    4. Consumer Reports: Tips from Consumer Reports on selecting the right camcorder.

    Best Camcorder: Was this page helpful? Let us Know! 

    If you didn't find the camcorder you want, be sure to visit our online home electronics store.

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    • Reply
      CoolFoto CoolFoto Jan 3, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
      You have reviewed a lot of camcorders. Would you consider adding a review of the Flip Mino Camcorder? I just started using it, never tried using one before, and I love it. The picture is great at 640x480, but starts to blur if enlarged. I made a lens of my experiences www.squidoo.com/flip-camcorders. Here's 5* for you and a lensroll to mine.
    • Reply
      offeroftheday offeroftheday Dec 18, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
      We like the Flip Mino too. It's compact and low cost (<$130 on Amazon now).
    • Reply
      alteredkat alteredkat Jan 3, 2009 @ 8:36 pm
      Great info here...will pass it on to DH (poor guy is one who has to take all our vids off current cam and onto computer = a lot of work apparently)...we need to upgrade...thanks btw for visiting my dehydrating pears lens...I appreciate it! Your avatar always makes me smile :)
    • Reply
      OhMe OhMe Dec 2, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
      Great info and great lens. Thanks.
    • Reply
      debnet debnet Aug 26, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
      We just bought a Panasonic SDRH40...glad to see it listed here :) We just wanted soemthing that would record, easy to use but not all singing and dancing or that would cost the earth. Another great lens Christine :)
    Show All

     

    Photo Credits (all photos copyrighted, no derivative work allowed)

    Introduction: pinkiwinkitinki.
    Mini DV Camcorders: Joshua Davis.
    DVD Camcorders: Claudecf.
    Flash Memory Camcorders: Andrew.
    Hard Disk Drive Camcorders: beketchai.

    This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com as well as Yellow Pages

    by mulberry

    There are a variety of camcorder formats on the market. This page will help you discover which is the best type of camcorder for you. (more)

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