All About Hard Drive Camcorders
You may be shopping for a hard drive camcorder or perhaps you've just heard of them and are curious to learn more. Either way, you've come to the right place.
This page will explain the benefits and differences of hard drive camcorders and introduce you to some great models.
Use the expandable Table of Contents below to locate the information and products that you want
Contents at a Glance
- A Word about Terminology
- The Benefits of an HDD Camcorders: Storage
- The Benefits of an HDD Camcorder: Operating Costs
A Word about Terminology
A hard drive camcorder is also called a hard disk drive camcorder; thus you will also see them referenced as HDD camcorders. Don't confuse these with HD camcorders; meaning High Definition camcorders. But remember an HD camcorder can ALSO be an HDD camcorder! The Benefits of an HDD Camcorders: Storage
Hard drive camcorders can store more movies with ease. A 30GB model can record up to 21 hours of video without needing to download a thing while a 60GB model may well handle 40 hours without the need for other storage media.The convenience, ease, and time savings is significant for those who enjoy filming.
The Benefits of an HDD Camcorder: Operating Costs
An hard drive camcorder is generally at the upper end of the market as far as the initial purchase price, generally from $400 to $1400 without any discounts or sales.However, in the long run a savings can be realized as there are no tapes or discs to buy and media cards aren't even a necessity. Over time, this can all add up.
The Benefits of an HDD Camcorder: Ease of Use
A hard drive camcorder allows you to easily find, delete, and rearrange footage without rewinding or fast forwarding. Using a thumbnail grid even dubbing is a simple task.If you like to improve upon your original films or get creative, an HDD camcorder is the device to have.
The Benefits of an HDD Camcorder: Fewer User Errors
For those who have accidentally filmed over a previous video, a hard drive camcorder can solve your problems. These cameras begin filming where you left off, every time.They also solve the problem of traveling with your camcorder and being unable to film because you forgot your removable media. Not a problem, the camcorder itself has all the memory it needs to record at any time.
Hard Disk Drive Camcorders: Any Words of Caution? A Disclaimer?
Not really. As stated before, the original purchase price on the average hard drive camcorder is a bit higher than on mini DV camcorders but the savings of not buying tapes can help to even out the difference.Of course, with any hard drive it is possible for the drive to fail or to be damaged. HDD camcorders however have some very effective protection built-in. From suspension systems to sensors that power the camera off as it falls, damage isn't likely.
Hard Drive Camcorder Reviews
- CNET Reviews
- Reviews of hard drive and other types of camcorders
- PC Magazine
- Reviews of a variety of camcorders from PC Magazine.
- ZDNet
- Reviews of hard drive camcorders, mini DV, and more.
- Test Freaks
- Reviews and ratings of camcorders.
Hard Drive Camcorders in the News
- Sony Handycam DCR-SR67 80GB Hard Drive Camcorder – $319 Shipped ...
- B&H Photo has the Sony Handycam DCR-SR67 80GB Hard Drive Camcorder for a massive discount. It has a built-in 80GB hard drive, 1/8? Advanced HAD CCD Sensor, 60x optical zoom, 2.7-inch touch panel LCD, Steadyshot and more. ...
- New HV-HD Hard Drive Camcorder, JVC Everio GZ-HD620 : Akihabara ...
- New HV-HD Hard Drive Camcorder, JVC Everio GZ-HD620.
- Can I Transfer My Hard Drive Camcorder Directly To Dvd Without ...
- I'm thinking about buying a hard drive camcorder and want to know if I can directly transfer the hard drive camcorder footage to dvd without having to download.
- JVC Everio GZ-HD620: Hard Drive Camcorder Details : Product ...
- JVC Everio GZ-HD620: Hard Drive Camcorder Details. Filed under: Camcorders, Electronics | By: Jamie Pert Posted on: December 8, 2009 | No Comments. JVC Everio GZ-HD620: Hard Drive Camcorder Details ...
Shop for Hard Drive Camcorders
The Best Hard Drive Camcorders New in 2009
Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom
Features 12x optical zoom, 60GB hard drive that stores 22 hours of HD video, 3.3 megapixel full HD CMOS sensor, autofocus, super range optical image stabilization, and a 2.7" multi-angle widescreen LCD. Users can grab photos while filming and shoot 3.1 megapixel still images independently. This camcorder also has a built in flash. Video can be recorded in 24p cinema mode or 30p progressive mode. It also boasts a microphone terminal and audio level control, headphone terminal, and level shot control.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009) 
Sony DCR-SR200 2.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
This Sony camcorder has a 40GB hard drive that can store up to 25 hours of long play video or 8 hours of high quality video. It features a 2.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10x optical/80x digital zoom, 2.7" widescreen touch panel LCD display, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound recording and much more.
Amazon Price: $799.99 (as of 12/24/2009)
Panasonic SDR-H200 30GB 3CCD Hard Disk Drive/SD Palmcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
This Panasonic hard drive camcorder will hold up to 27 hours of recording with it's 30GB hard drive. It features a 3 megapixel, 3 CCD imaging system and can capture 3.1 megspixel still images in addition to video. Other features include a 2.7" widescreen LCD, optical image stabilization, 10x digital zoom, wind noise reduction, and stereo zoom microphone.
Amazon Price: $799.95 (as of 12/24/2009)
Canon VIXIA HG21 AVCHD 120 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom
The HG21 has a 120GB hard drive that will store up to 45 hours of HD video and features 12x optical zoom, a 3.3 megapixel HD CMOS sensor, and super range optical image stabilizer. This hard drive camcorder also boasts 9 point autofocus, a built-in auto lens cover, 2.7" multi-angle widescreen LCD, headphone terminal, microphone terminal, audio level control, and built-in video light and flash. This device will record in both 24p cinema mode and 30p progressive mode as well as capture 3.1 megapixel still images. It even offers 8 scene modes for getting the best exposure.
Amazon Price: $699.99 (as of 12/24/2009)
More Hard Drive Camcorders from 2009
Sony HDR-SR5 AVCHD 4MP 40GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)
Amazon Price: $699.99 (as of 12/25/2009)
Sony DCR-SR85 1MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
Sony DCR-SR300 6.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $1,299.95 (as of 12/25/2009)
Earlier Models
Canon HG10
Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer
Amazon Price: $1,199.99 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Canon AVCHD high definition hard disc drive camcorder offers an easy to view 2.7 multi-angle widescreen LCD screen and a 40GB hard disk drive to store your video. It features:
JVC Hard Drive Camcorders
Click on pictured items for more details or to buy
JVC Everio GZ-MG670 80GB HDD Camcorder (Black)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/25/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG630 60GB Standard Def Camcorder (Blue)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/25/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG330 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom (Blue)
Amazon Price: $349.00 (as of 12/25/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG365 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom (Includes Everio Dock)
Amazon Price: $316.91 (as of 12/25/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG730 7.2MP 30 GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Everio Dock)
Amazon Price: $379.00 (as of 12/25/2009)
Panasonic SDR-H40 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder
Click on the pictured item for more details or to buy
Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $429.90 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Panasonic 40GB Hard Disk Drive/SD Hybrid Camcorder offers 42x Optical Zoom, Advanced Optical Image Stabilization, One-Touch DVD Copy, Anti-Shock Shield, and One-Touch Navigation. Users can choose to record their videos to the internal hard drive or SD Card.
More Panasonic Hard Drive Camcorders
Click on pictured items for more details or to buy
Panasonic SDR-H18 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 32x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
Panasonic SDR-H200 30GB 3CCD Hard Disk Drive/SD Palmcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $799.95 (as of 12/25/2009)
Panasonic SDR-H60 60 GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 50x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $389.95 (as of 12/25/2009)
Panasonic HDC-HS9 AVCHD 3CCD 60GB Hard Drive High Definition Hybrid Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $799.95 (as of 12/25/2009)
Sony HDR-SR10
Sony HDR-SR10 4MP 40GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $814.90 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony high definition hard disk drive handycam offers a 40 GB disk drive for storing you video. It features:
Sony DCR-SR45
Sony DCR-SR45 30GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $499.95 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony handycam offers a 30GB disk drive for storage. It features:
Sony HDR-SR12
Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony high definition handycam provides users with a 120GB hard drive for recording. It features:
Sony DCR-SR85
Sony DCR-SR85 1MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony handycam offers a 60GB hard drive for recording. It also features:
Sony DCR-SR220
Sony DCR-SR220 4MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $999.95 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony handycam offers a 60G hard drive for recording video. It also features:
Sony DCR-SR65
Sony DCR-SR65 1MP 40GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $699.99 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony handycam offers a 40 GB hard drive for recording video. It also features:
Sony HDR-SR11
Sony HDR-SR11 10.2-MP 60GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $1,066.65 (as of 12/25/2009)
This Sony high definition handycam offers a 60 GB hard drive for recording video. It features:
Camcorder Bags
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Reply
- poddys poddys Aug 9, 2008 @ 8:45 pm
- Very nice lens, 5***** It's amazing how much camcorders have come down in price in the last 10 years, but I suppose digital recording and using an HD is a lot cheaper than writing to tape. You did a great job.
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Reply
- bbug bbug Apr 3, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
- Great lens. I need a camcorder, think I will look at a hard drive camcorder. I didn't know much about them until now. Thanks
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Introduction: Wesley Fryer.
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by mulberry
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