Consumer Camcorder Buyer's Guide

This buyer's guide is broken up into sections starting with entry-level pocket cams and walking you all the way through high-end HD models. Along the way you'll see links to various articles which offer a more in-depth look at various models or camcorder genres.

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CAMCORDER Buyers Guide How to Buy a Camcorder

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Camcorder Buyer's GuideConsumer Camcorder Buyer's Guide

This buyer's guide is broken up into sections starting with entry-level pocket cams and walking you all the way through high-end HD models. Along the way you'll see links to various articles which offer a more in-depth look at various models or camcorder genres.

 

Consumer Camcorder Buyer's Guide

By Megan Iverson - courtesy B&H PhotoVideo

December 17, 2009



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You may have noticed these days that consumer camcorders are not one-size–fits-all devices. They can be as simple as point-and-shoot or they can be complex with numerous features and functions that boarder on the professional. If you're trying to decide which camcorder is right for you, or that extra someone special on your gift-giving list, you'll no doubt have many questions. The first one being, "Where do I start?"

This buyer's guide is broken up into sections starting with entry-level pocket cams and walking you all the way through high-end HD models. Along the way you'll see links to various articles which offer a more in-depth look at various models or camcorder genres should you feel the need to further explore. Links to each camcorder and other associated items are nestled in as well to give you a comprehensive, all angles look at each model discussed. So, get ready, we're about to explore the ever-expanding world of the consumer camcorder.

 

 

 

 

Budget-Friendly Pocket Camcorders

 

Pocket camcorders are quickly becoming the most popular way to record and share everything about your world via social networking sites. If you have a FaceBook page or peruse YouTube on a daily basis you're probably already well aware of this fact. Simple and uncomplicated, free from menus, settings, or extraneous functions, these cameras are unassuming, fun, and as economical as camcorders get. And as the name suggests, they're the most compact camcorders on the market, often times smaller than a smart phone. We'll take a brief look at a few of the best selling pocket camcorders out there today. If you desire a more involved look at a number of these point-and-shoot cams, please check out this article, solely devoted to the genre.

Flip Video's Mino captures up to 60 minutes of 640 x 480 standard definition video to a 2GB internal flash memory. While the camera is a point-and-shoot it also has a 2x digital zoom for minor adjustments. It features a 1.5" LCD display for composing and watching your footage and uncomplicated controls for operation. Created by the company that pioneered the pocket camcorder craze, the Mino uses the same built-in FlipShare editing software that all Flip Video cameras use. FlipShare lets you edit and instantly post your video clips to sites such as YouTube, and is both Mac and PC compatible.

Another camcorder from Flip Video, the UltraHD, is fighting for the top spot of most popular pocket cam. While slightly taller and thicker than the Mino, the UltraHD is definitely compact enough to fit in your pocket. It records 1280 x 720p high definition video and holds up to 120 minutes of content to its 8GB internal memory. It has a slightly bigger 2" anti-glare LCD, but like the Mino, has an incredibly uncomplicated set of controls and a 2x digital zoom, in addition to the flip-out USB arm, and FlipShare software.

Note: The UltraHD is powered by the Flip Video rechargeable battery pack but works with other 'AA' batteries as well.


 

Samsung's HMX-U10 Ultra Compact Camcorder captures 1920 x 1080 HD video, along with 10MP stills to SD/SDHC memory cards. The HMX-U10 features the pocket-friendly form-factor of the genre, but with an ergonomic twist. Its seven-degree design lessens strain on your hand and wrist, to enable longer and more comfortable recording.

The HMX-U10 offers up features like time-lapse recording, animated thumbnails for quick retrieval of video clips, and backlight compensation. The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and can be charged via the USB or included AC adapter. Samsung's built-in Intelli-Studio software, which is Windows Compatible, allows for in-camera editing of your footage and instant uploading to YouTube.

The fourth and final budget-friendly pocket cam we'll look at is the Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder The Q3 captures MPEG-4 640 x 480 standard def video that's more than adequate for posting to social media sites. It features the same point-and-shoot ease as the rest of the genre and has a 2.4" LCD for composition and playback of video. However, the Q3 really shines when it comes to audio recording. Made with the same pro-quality microphones used in the company's H4n professional field recorder, the Q3 was specifically designed for recording music – whether that be your band, shows, recitals, or whatever. You can switch between recording audio only, or recording video and audio together. There's also a headphone out, and a composite A/V out, in addition to the standard USB interface of the genre. Perhaps best of all, the Q3's editing software is both Mac and PC compatible.

Note: To learn more about the Handy Video Recorder please check out this article by Sam Mallery, which provides a more detailed look at the Q3.

 

 

Click Here to read the rest of the Consumer Camcorder Buyer's Guide

 

 

Sanyo VPC-E2 Xacti E2 Waterproof Camcorder (White)
Sanyo boasts that its VPC-E2 Xacti E2 Waterproof Camcorder (White) is four cameras in one because you can record both stills and video on land and underwater (at a depth of 5' for up to 30 minutes). The E2 is perfect for snorkeling, snowboarding, use in the pool, at the beach and just about anywhere there's water or snow. Don't forget about use on dry land though, either. This ergonomically designed camera fits nicely in the palm of your hand, allowing all functions to be easily performed with your thumb, leaving your other hand free to grip the board or adjust equipment when need be. With an 8GB card you can capture up to 8 hours of video and over 2,000 8Mp still images.

Price: $ 169.99 + Free Shipping (USA)

 

 

 

 

 

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