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 $1400 without any discounts or sales.However, in the long run a savings can be realized as there are no tapes or discs to buy and media cards aren't even a necessity. Over time, this can all add up.
The Benefits of an HDD Camcorder: Ease of Use
A hard drive camcorder allows you to easily find, delete, and rearrange footage without rewinding or fast forwarding. Using a thumbnail grid even dubbing is a simple task.If you like to improve upon your original films or get creative, an HDD camcorder is the device to have.
The Benefits of an HDD Camcorder: Fewer User Errors
For those who have accidentally filmed over a previous video, a hard drive camcorder can solve your problems. These cameras begin filming where you left off, every time.They also solve the problem of traveling with your camcorder and being unable to film because you forgot your removable media. Not a problem, the camcorder itself has all the memory it needs to record at any time.
Hard Disk Drive Camcorders: Any Words of Caution? A Disclaimer?
Not really. As stated before, the original purchase price on the average hard drive camcorder is a bit higher than on mini DV camcorders but the savings of not buying tapes can help to even out the difference.Of course, with any hard drive it is possible for the drive to fail or to be damaged. HDD camcorders however have some very effective protection built-in. From suspension systems to sensors that power the camera off as it falls, damage isn't likely.
Hard Drive Camcorder Reviews
Hard Drive Camcorder Reviews
- CNET Reviews
- Reviews of hard drive and other types of camcorders
- PC Magazine
- Reviews of a variety of camcorders from PC Magazine.
- ZDNet
- Reviews of hard drive camcorders, mini DV, and more.
- Test Freaks
- Reviews and ratings of camcorders.
Hard Drive Camcorders in the News
- Best HD 1080P Hard Drive Camcorder - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
- Hi, I'm looking in a range of 1500-2000$ camcorder that record 1080P not 1080i, with a HDD not SDHC, any suggestions?
- JVC Everio GZ-MG360 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder | Hi Camcorder
- JVC Everio GZ-MG360 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom With the GZ-MG360B Everio Hard Drive Camcorder you can record all ...
- HDTV – Plasma TV Guide » Blog Archive » Camcorder Buying Guide
- Storage Space: It is important that you consider the storage space available if you plan on getting an HDD (Hard Drive) camcorder. You don't take this factor into consideration for miniDV or DVD camcorders because their storage spaced ...
- Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image ...
- The SDR-H40's 42x optical zoom lens has the power you need to take dramatic close-ups or get remarkable shots of even distant subjects. Panasonic's Advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) supp.
Shop for Hard Drive Camcorders
Canon HG10
Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer
Amazon Price: $706.68 (as of 07/09/2009)
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-MG330 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom (Silver)
Amazon Price: $299.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG330 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom (Red)
Amazon Price: $299.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG360 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $329.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG330 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom (Blue)
Amazon Price: $429.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
JVC Everio GZ-MG630 60GB Standard Def Camcorder (Blue)
Amazon Price: $379.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $430.66 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $898.23 (as of 07/09/2009)
Panasonic SDR-H200 30GB 3CCD Hard Disk Drive/SD Palmcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $799.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
Panasonic SDR-H60 60 GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 50x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $569.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
Panasonic HDC-HS9 AVCHD 3CCD 60GB Hard Drive High Definition Hybrid Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $559.88 (as of 07/09/2009)
Sony HDR-SR10
Sony HDR-SR10 4MP 40GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 15x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Amazon Price: $979.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $699.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $1,999.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $699.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $588.90 (as of 07/09/2009)
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: $459.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
This Sony handycam offers a 40 GB hard drive for recording video. It also features:
Sony HDR-SR11
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poddys wrote...
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.
Posted August 09, 2008
bbug wrote...
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
Posted April 03, 2008
Photo Credits
Introduction: Wesley Fryer.
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