Reviews of digital camcorders and accessories
The popularity of Flash camcorders and Hard Drive camcorders is rapidly increasing. The question is which one should you buy? It’s a tough decision because Hard Drive and Flash camcorders have so much in common that there is really very little different about them. They both offer instant access to the video that you’ve recorded, High Definition (up to 1080P) recording, great accessibility from your computer, and many more features. In fact, most manufacturers use the same optics and electronics to produce a HDD version and Flash version of the same camcorder, so the only real difference between the two is where they store their video and the implications that has on how you use the device.
Read the full story »
Flash memory camcorders use built-in flash memory or removable flash memory cards (usually SDHC) to store recorded video. They are light, portable, use less power, and have less moving parts that can break when compared to other types of camcorders.
Hard disk camcorders have a built-in hard disk for storing recorded video. The come with more out of the box storage than other types of camcorders, but they don’t allow swapping out the storage device when it’s full of video.
These camcorders use MiniDV tapes as the recording medium. They have been around for years, but are starting to give way to hard disk and flash memory camcorders. MiniDV tapes are widely available and easy to find while traveling.
We’ve reviewed a lot of flash memory camcorders, and generally we think flash camcorders are the best of breed of the digital camcorders. They are smaller, lighter, less power hungary, and more reliable, but one thing we’ve never liked about them is the limited video storage. As the recording quality has skyrocketed up to 1080p @ 60 frames per second, the amount of storage space needed to operate one of these camcorders rapidly exceeds the current size of flash memory cards. And even more disturbing is the high performance memory cards needed to record at that quality are VERY expensive. One of our editors stumbled upon the MoFoto Portable Video Storage Device, and we realized that it would be a great companion to the flash camcorders we like so much.
VIXIA HF S10 has a lot in common with its sister model, the HF S100. The only difference between the two is that HF S100 lacks a built-in memory. HF S10 is designed for people who require a professional camcorder at a reasonable price.
VIXIA HF S10 is Canon’s flagship consumer flash memory camcorder. One of its better features is the professional quality 10x HD Video lens that captures perfect pictures comparable to those taken from a professional camera. It delivers pictures that are crisp, clear, and with the least flare and …
HDR CX100 is 2.3-inches by 2.4-inches by 4.5-inches and weighs 11.7 ounces including battery and Memory Stick Duo; at this weight and dimensions, it is a compact camcorder. Although not very small and sleek, it still comfortably fits in a jacket pocket. It is available in three colors: black, silver, and red. With clean lines and a combination of matte and glossy look and feel, it has a very neat design. It is nearly identical to its sibling, the HDR-XR100, only the 80GB hard drive is replaced by 8GB of …
Sony launched the HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V in July of 2009. They are both flash memory camcorders. The main differentiating point between these two siblings is the internal memory: CX500V has 32GB of internal memory and CX520V offers 64GB of internal memory. When compared to the HDR-CX12, Sony has made some very important and useful changes, or some may say improvements, in the CX500, which include the lens, stabilization, and a full 1080p output.
Like all the other Sony camcorders that have a “V” at the end of their names, the CX500V …
The VPC-WH1 Camcorder can be submerged in the water up to a depth of 10 feet; this is what makes Sanyo’s VPC-WH1 HD camcorder special. The other camcorder that Sanyo had made waterproof was the VPC CA9, which could be submerged under water up to a depth of 5 feet. CA9 is an upright pistol grip camcorder, whereas WH1 has a more traditional design. Before WH1, Panasonic’s SDR-SW20 and SW21were the only models that gave industrial-strength waterproofing to consumer camcorders; however, Sanyo goes a step ahead by not only shooting …
One of its most amazing aspects being its size, the Vado HD is definitely a pocket size camcorder that sports some very good features. It captures video in 720p high-definition and has an 8GB storage capacity. The Vado has a 2-inch LCD display, surely bigger than any other pocket camcorder. Its flexible USB arm makes it easier to plug in to a computer. With a minimal number of buttons, seven of them to be precise, it is definitely an easy-to-use gadget.
This pocket-sized camcorder includes Creative Vado Central editing and sharing software that is primarily designed for Windows users; however, Mac users may also use this software after installing the “Perian QuickTime plug-in”. Even with all the features, it does face a competition from Flip Mino HD.
Sanyo’s VPC TH1 is an extremely compact camcorder that has a horizontal design. It is so compact that it can comfortably fit in your hand and can actually be compared to an iPhone! It is a nice change from the other Sanyo Xactis that are all pistol-grip vertical designs. The TH1 has a more conventional look that makes it stand out from its other siblings and makes it more like its competitors. It is similar to Panasonic’s HDC-SD9 in shape and size, but slightly lighter and smaller. It is available …
The Camcorder Review by TheCamcorderReview.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Based on a work at TheCamcorderReview.com. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at admin@thecamcorderreview.com.
