The Canon VIXIA HR R100 is part of Canon’s HF R camcorder series that offers portability and good quality video recording capability at an affordable price. This entry-level camcorder comes with Canon’s new features including a genuine Canon lens to render vivid images even for an entry-level camcorder.

The Canon VIXIA HF S200 is one of the three High Definition (HD) camcorders that will lead Canon’s prosumer camcorders for 2010. The HF S200 is a Flash Memory camcorder with two SD/SDHC memory card slots and packed with features and controls that will suffice the needs of many beginner and intermediate users alike. Its eight-megapixel resolution will deliver vivid images with crisp colors and details. Features like Touch and Track, a native 24p video recording mode and a 5.1 Channel Surround Sound capability will provide excellent videos in any environment or setting.

The Canon VIXIA HF M300 is one of Canon’s flagships for the entry-level camcorder category for 2010. This High Definition (HD) camcorder doesn’t have an internal flash or hard disk drive but instead records directly to an SD/SDHC memory card. This light weight, compact and sleek camcorder effectively combines quality with portability. The Canon HF M series includes the HF M 31 and HF M30 that features a 32 and eight GB internal flash drive respectively.

The Canon VIXIA HF S20 is one of the main camcorders on the Canon’s line up for 2010. This High Definition camcorder runs on a1/2.6-inch CMOS imaging sensor with a resolution of 8.59 megapixels and records in AVCHD format. This camcorder captures videos with an effective resolution of 3264 x 1840 pixels or 6.01 megapixels. Still photos are 3264 x 1840 pixels or 6.01 megapixels for a 16:9 photo and 3264 x 2456 pixels or 8.02 megapixels for a 4:3 photo.

The Canon VIXIA HF M30 High Definition (HD) camcorder is one of Canon’s flagship entry-level camcorders for 2010. This camcorder features an eight GB internal flash drive and an SD card memory slot for additional memory capacity. Upgraded features include a Touch & Track feature, a new touch screen LCD and improved imaging technology for excellent video results.

The Canon VIXIA HF R10 is an entry-level camcorder that offers ease of use, convenience and superior auto mode in a competitive package. This camcorder has an internal flash drive for its recording media and an SD/SDHC card slot for memory expansion. Powered by Canon’s DIGIC DV III imager and great features like Canon’s Relay Recording, Smart Auto, Face Detection Technology and many more, this camcorder will ensure excellent video quality even in a point and shoot application.

The Canon VIXIA HF R11 High Definition camcorder combines quality, convenience and ease of use in a compact body and a competitive price. This camcorder is part of the VIXIA HF R series that leads Canon’s entry-level camcorders for 2010. Powered by Canon’s DIGIC imaging technology this camcorder promises to produce superior video quality even when used by casual shooters. It also has Canon’s great features like Smart Auto, Relay Recording, and more.

The Canon VIXIA HF M31 camcorder is a High Definition (HD) camcorder that will lead Canon’s midrange camcorder series for 2010. The HF M31 is an upgrade of the Canon HF 20 and features a 32 GB internal flash drive, a built-in SD memory card slot, a new touch screen LCD and a menu redesign. The series includes the Canon HF M31 and the Canon HF M300 camcorders.

The Canon VIXIA HF S21 is one of the latest camcorder in the HF S series from Canon that includes the HF S20 and the HF S200. The HF S21 is an upgrade to the HF S11 and leads the Canon’s flash camcorder series. It features an improved touch screen LCD, 64 GB of internal flash memory and two SD/SDHC memory slots.

Here are the best flash camcorders (below $200) that have comparable performance to real HD camcorders but will suit your budget perfectly.  We will examine and rate each camcorder based on Value (what the camcorder has to offer), Quality (video performance in different environments), Ease of Use (user-friendliness), Control (manual options) and Overall performance.  A maximum score of five goes to each of the categories mentioned.
The first on the list is the Sony Bloggie MHS-CM5, which records in 1920 x 1080 pixels HD and uses H.264-compressed MPEG-4.  It has a …

The following camcorders in our comparison are the best midrange prosumer camcorders in the market. With a price range of $1000-$2000, these camcorders are suited for beginner film enthusiasts and videographers alike. These are more than just your basic High Definition (HD) camcorders. These camcorders have great video quality combined with user-friendly functions and boosted manual options for video diversity. We will examine and rate each camcorder based on Value (what the camcorder has to offer), Quality (video performance in different environments), Ease of Use (user-friendliness), Control (manual options) and Overall performance. A maximum score of five goes to each of the categories mentioned.

The Sony MHS-PM1 is one of the most portable camcorders in the market.  It features very compact dimensions of 2.2in x 0.9in x 4.1in (W x D x H) and weighing only 120 grams.  It is a pocket-sized camcorder with several great features and offers high definition recording saved in its memory card media.
The Sony MHS-PM1 runs on a 1/2.5-inch imaging sensor with an effective resolution of 2.07 megapixels in video recording and 5.04 megapixels in still images.  The camcorder records digital videos in AVC/H.264 format.  The camcorder is capable …

Sony releases a quality and affordable high definition camcorder with the HDR-HC1. This camcorder provides crisp image and gives good performance in many conditions. With a price range below $2,000, the HDR-HC1 can compete with other HDV personal video devices in its category.

The Panasonic HDC-SD100 is the less expensive sister of Panasonic’s HDC-HS100. The lower price range is due to the absence of a large hard disk drive like in the HDC-HS100. The HDC-SD100 records exclusively on SD/SDHC memory cards. However, that is where the difference ends; comparing the two camcorders, almost all the features and capabilities are identical.

The Sony HDR-FX1000 is a new version of HDR-FX1. This handheld camcorder contains enough manual controls and features. However, if you’re a professional videographer, you’ll likely be disappointed with its lack of precise controls and design. It’s not a shoulder-mount, and it doesn’t have the stability and comfort of a larger body.

Sony designed the HDR-FX7 for aspiring pros and beginners as an entry-level production camcorder. This camcorder is capable of recording impressive high definition videos and still images with ease.

Sony’s HDR-XR520V, selling for roughly $1500, is a good travel companion, thanks to its new added feature – the built-in GPS mapping system. Moreover, it has much more to recommend it. From sharp video quality and a 240 GB hard disk drive to a wealth of video features, the HDR-XR520V is a worthy addition to Sony’s camcorder family. The design of external controls is a gleaming indication that this camcorder appeals to the advanced tourist crowd, rather than the budget filmmaker brigade.

Sony has opted for the hybrid approach; that’s why it didn’t choose to build any flash-memory-only standard definition camcorders. This gave birth to the SR65 and the SR85, except that the latter has a larger HDD capacity.

Given its touch screen design, the Sony DCR-SR300 suits the casual shooters, who will mostly stick with the camera’s Easy mode. If you’d prefer a hard-drive-based camcorder instead of a tape- or mini-DVD-based one, then this model is good for you.

The HDR-UX20 is Sony’s top DVD Handycam for 2008. It captures video in AVCHD format with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This resolution is a step up from other Sony models, which have a resolution of only 1440 x 1080. It can store High Definition (HD) videos at 16Mbps in its 8GB internal flash memory or in a Memory Stick Pro Duo card. Its Hybrid Plus ability enables this camcorder to record videos in both types of media. Video recording comes in three options with HD HQ at 9Mbps, HD SP at 7Mbps and HD LP at 5Mbps. You can then choose to record these HD videos on DVD media.

The Sony DCR-SR200, released March, 2007, is an upgrade of the Sony DCR-SR100 that gave Sony great reviews from its customers. The DCR-SR200 has a 1/3 inch ClearVid CMOS sensor that replaces the 1/3 inch CCD sensor used by the older DCR-SR100.

The Sony DCR-DVD 508 is Sony’s replacement for the DCR-DVD505 camcorder. The DCR-505 received many great reviews from consumers when it came out in 2006 and Sony produced the DCR-DVD 508 to follow in its success. The new DCR-DVD 508 is equipped with a more powerful CMOS imaging sensor and a better optical image stabilization system.

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 …

Sanyo’s VPC-HD2000, a vertical, pistol grip camcorder, is the first consumer camcorder to capture full high-definition videos at 60 frames per second. Its strongest offerings are video performance, low light sensitivity, manual controls and a number of options for still photography. It features 10X optical zoom and 16X advanced zoom.
It is called a “Dual Camera” because Sanyo has incorporated a point and shoot camera and a camcorder both in one device. Even if it is an easy-to-use machine, it is tiring to hold the camcorder in position for a very long time because of the lack of a handgrip. The VPC-HD2000 is a good camcorder designed with both beginners and experts in mind.

The most exciting characteristic of Sanyo’s new Xacti VPC-CA9 is its being waterproof. Be it on the longest waterslide or in a bucket full of water, the CA9 has passed all the tests. It is safe to use it underwater for up to a depth of 1.5m or 5feet. You can actually rinse the CA9 with water after using it underwater.
It has a pistol like grip that makes it easier to control the camcorder. It has the ability to shoot HD 9 megapixel digital still pics and HD 720/30p video underwater. Some may find its still picture quality not to be up to the mark. However, its video quality is good. It has some very descent features like face detection for up to 12 faces, a 285-degree rotating LCD screen, and a reverse sequential shooting function. Sanyo’s Xacti VPC-CA9 is a good camcorder with better features and its most prominent aspect is its waterproof feature.

Sanyo Xacti is a high definition camcorder with 10x optical zoom. One of its most exciting aspects is its vertical design and small size. Designed to fit in a jacket pocket, it is very portable. It renders good results for a camcorder of its size. It weighs around 9.9 ounces (with the battery and SD card). It has a pistol-like-grip, designed for simple, one-hand operation with the thumb. This makes it comfortable to hold the camcorder for long periods.
One of its exceptional features is its video quality. On the front …

Canon’s Vixia HF20 is a High Definition camcorder that records to a 32 GB built-in memory. Price wise it is a reasonable alternative to a more expensive HF11. It has a very neat and classy black look that is not cluttered with too many buttons. It sports some of the most high-end features that include a 15x HD video lens, a Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer, and a 3.89megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor. It also has a broad set of manual features. It is loaded with a number of features for a camcorder of its size.
One of its most disappointing aspects is the lack of an electronic viewfinder. It has a descent battery life. The camcorder has the capability to deliver good outcome, and clear, and crisp results. It shares common features with the HF200, other than the 32 GB built-in memory that is absent in HF200.

Sony finally decided to seriously enter the flash-based camcorder market with two new camcorders designed for enthusiast videographers. While Sony has had the flash-based HDR-CX100 for mid-level consumers, HDV and hard disk camcorders have dominated the Sony’s high-end camcorder lineup. With the announcement of the Sony HDR-CX500V and Sony HDR-CX520V, Sony is finally acknowledging the customer demand for the advantages of flash-based camcorders over hard disk camcorders. The new camcorders will provide competition for the Canon HF S10 and Canon HF S100.
Both Sony and Canon’s camcorders …

Sony’s new HDR-CX520V is a flash memory camcorder like its sister model, HDR-CX500V. It is capable of capturing full 1920×1080 HD video and up to 12-megapixel stills on a 64GB internal flash memory. It features a six Megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and offers up to 25 hours of HD video in LP mode.
It offers 12x optical zoom and 15x digital zoom. It has a 3-inch touch screen. Some of its other features include Face Detection, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and Smile Shutter. Its most amazing feature …

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 …

Hitachi DZ-BD7HA is the first camcorder that can record to a Blu-ray disc and one that has it all wrong. It has a few features that do not have little potential.
You will need an extremely expensive Blu-ray disc reader to view the video. It features the worst auto and manual controls. It has bad auto and manual focus. Most of its manual controls operate from the LCD. The USB and HDMI terminals are on the LCD. Despite of the facility to record to HDD, Blu-ray, and SD/SDHC, the still pictures are recorded to a SD/SDHC card. One of its worst features is its low light performance. It has the capability to deliver good results only in very bright light.
Over and above Hitachi DZ-BD7HA is a very expensive camcorder that also happens to be the worst performer when compared to other camcorders like the Canon HR10 and Sony HDR-UX7.

It’s hard to imagine a better Father’s Day gift for dad than preserving family memories with a cool new gadget. A new high definition video camera is the perfect complement to the HDTV and Blu-ray player that mysteriously showed up in the living room last year. This year’s digital camcorders offer ultimate portability, full high definition recording (1080p), face tracking, and automatic smile detection. Choosing the best camcorder can be difficult, and June 21st is just around the corner, so to simplify your decision here are 5 of the best camcorders for dads.

The Canon HV40 comes from a rich heritage of MiniDV/HDV camcorders. While the HV40 is not a revolutionary release, it does continue the legacy by adding to the great quality of the HV30. The major new feature is the addition of 1080/24p frame rate. This mode is a welcome addition for those who want to shoot in cinema mode. 1080/30p is also still supported.

Like the Flip Ultra, the Flip Ultra HD is the easiest and simplest camcorder that you can lay your hands up on. Its makers have lived up to their promise of simplicity. But in the name of ease-of-use all of the Flips have been more or less replicas of each other, with just a feature or two added to every successor. According to me the biggest selling point of this “as simple as it can get” machine is its ease of use, ironically making it a miss fit for experts. It doesn’t have all the high end features like the optical image stabilization, the viewfinder, memory cards, video lights, or even a lens cap. Its Menu, consisting of just 4 buttons, can be described in a jiffy.

The HMX-H106 is a Flash Memory camcorder that is light weight, sleek, and stylish and it operates without any noise. It uses the Progressive Scan technology to deliver high quality video. It captures HD quality video in progressive mode (1080/30p). The resulting videos are clearer, crisper, and detailed even if the subject is in motion. This technology delivers smooth images even when the video is played back at 2x, 4x, or 8x the normal speed.
The HMX-H106 features a 37 mm wide-angle Schneider lens that is specially designed to deliver detailed …

The HDR-HC9 features a 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor that provides good clarity and detail. It delivers quality video performance at 1080p resolution in HD format, or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD format. The CMOS censors require less power, thus extending battery life. The 3.2 megapixels technology takes the digital photography experience to the next level. It has an ability to shoot high-resolution (6.1-megapixel) still images.
It has a 10x optical/20x digital zoom. The optical zoom helps to bring the subject closer and the Digital zoom interpolation makes extreme digital …

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 …

The Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Memory Stick PRO Duo Handycam Camcorder is a great innovation over its predecessor Sony HDR-CX7. Built with class and style, the HDR-CX12 from Sony boasts of high-end CMOS sensor (1/3-inch), and up to 16Mbps bit rate, which is better than the Sony HDR-CX7, but still lower than the 24Mbs on Canon’s HF S10 and HF S100. It has 12X Optical Zoom / 150X Digital Zoom which is more powerful than other Sony Camcorders, but about average for it’s class.

The Canon VIXIA HF200 HD Flash Memory Camcorder is a light weight and compact flash camcorder. The 15x Optical Zoom is above average for it’s class, and the 3.89 Megapixel CMOS image sensor provides better video quality than the HF100. The HF200 uses Canon’s latest advanced image processor, the DIGIC DV III which has better noise reduction than it’s predecessor.
The VIXIA HF200 lets you record at up to 24Mbps, the highest bit rate in AVCHD format and that too with the highest quality images. It has a 1080/24p Cinema Mode and …

The Samsung HMX – R10 High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder sports a one of a kind 8x full optical HD lens. It is equipped with 1920 x1080 Full HD recording, so videos show vivid and clear on a HD Television. This handy Flash Camcorder can capture 2- mega pixel still photos while shooting a video. On the video aspect, this camcorder comes handy with its incredible light sensitivity which can capture a full HD video with its 1920x 1080 resolution. Its 1/2.33″ CMOS imaging sensor produces 9-megapixel resolution for still digital photos. However, …

The Sanyo VPC – FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder is another state of the art video camera that brings a new meaning to video recording. Running on a full HD mode of 60fps (frames per second); this compact camcorder captures smooth motion and clearer videos. With Sanyo’s proprietary CMOS technology, the Sanyo VPC – FH1 HD 1080p records at full 60 frames per seconds, having the ability to capture bigger frame rates, producing clearer and better images.  The VPC- FH1 also features 16x Advanced Optical Zoom for video which …

The Vixia HF100 is very similar to its predecessor the Vixia HF10 in most of the aspects. The two main differences between the siblings are the built-in memory and the color. The HF10 has a built-in flash memory of 16GB, while the HF 100 doesn’t and the HF10 is black, while the HF100 is a matte-grey. The HF100 is a compact and sleek flash memory camcorder with an array of features and high quality video.
The Vixia HF100 is an AVCHD format Flash Memory camcorder. The AVCHD uses MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) …