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DIGITAL CAMCORDERS

Digital Camcorder Information, Guides, and Reviews


If you've been thinking about replacing your video camcorder with a new digital camcorder, or have never owned a video camera before, we provide basic information to help you with your decision. Included are digital camcorder features, places to go for more information or to buy one when you're ready, and information on some of the top brands. They're available in many video formats, so study those as well to see what you think will be the best for you. Some media for your camcorder are more expensive than others, keep that in mind as well. Consider whether you'll be using your digital camcorder for basic home movies, or if you have other projects in mind. Before buying, find out all you can about digital camcorders. You'll make a better choice when buying if you do your homework first.

Why Should I Buy a Digital Camcorder?

Digital camcorders have revolutionized the video world. They are smaller than previous camcorders, and are capable of a higher quality video and sound. If you've never bought a camcorder before, or are still using one of the older models, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what the new models can do. For example, you can download your video onto your computer for editing purproses, or to share with others. Your video can then be burned onto a CD to share, or if you're sharing with someone who doesn't own a computer, they can still be copied to a VHS tape. Plug your camcorder into your TV or computer and you can see the video instantly. You'll be amazed at the difference in sound and picture quality over older versions.

Where Can I Go For More Information?

The Internet is chock-full of informational sites on digital camcorders. We've included only a few of the many available sites. Information on brands and models, comparison between brands, what's available by price range, and more, are available at the following places:

  • camcorderinfo.com provides camcorder articles, reviews, ratings, buying guides, and comparisons.
  • digitalcamera-hq.com has reviews, advice and prices on the most popular brands of digital camcorders. There is even a section specially for the first time buyer.
  • Digital camcorders reviews and ratings, most popular digital camcorders, buying guides, prices, and comparisons are available from cnet.com
  • Dell not only sells their computer packages, they sell digital cameras, too. If you're ready to buy, check them out.

Digital Camcorder Formats

Digital camcorders come in a variety of formats. You'll need to know a little about these before you buy. The most popular is the miniDV. MiniDV tapes are much smaller than the standard VHS tape, inexpensive, produce a high quality video, and are compatible with most film editing software. Additionally, you can play them from your computer or TV immediately. MicroMV is even smaller, so if smaller size is important to you, check these out. This format is not compatible with most film editing software, and the tapes cost more. There are some digital camcorders which use Mini DVD-R and DVD-Ram format. These types of cameras record on discs rather than tapes. The only appealing thing about this format is being able to play it immediately on a DVD player. There are some drawbacks, however, and the discs are more expensive. Digital8 is another format, capable of recording digital video onto analog (non digital) tapes. The advantage is the inexpensiveness of the tapes, but the cameras are bigger and bulkier.

Popularity Contest

From the sites we've visited, the following seem to be the most popular models of digital camcorder:

Canon Elura 80, is mini DV format, weighs a little over a pound without the battery pack, can shoot videos and photos simultaneously, and allows for easy editing and sharing. The price for this model is around $300, a little less depending on where you buy from.

Panasonic GS500 is a little more spendy, but has some features that were previously only available to professional broadcast level cameras, including 3CCC configuration (three chips instead of one). Price is right around $600.

Sony DCR-SR80 is tapeless, has a 60GB hard drive for storing videos. Bigger than many models, it has a one-touch DVD burn button that allows for easy DVD burning on your computer's DVD drive. Price runs around $600.

Sony DVD 405 writes directly to 8cm dvd's, small and simple (weighing under 1 1/2 pounds), runs around $600.

The Last Word

This is a complicated business, and a lot of money is on the line. We recommend doing a bit of research before spending your money to be sure you get the digital camcorder best suited for your needs. While some models may be more pricey, you may find that the features available in higher priced models may be worth the extra money. Weigh your camcorder wants and needs together with price and features, to get the most for your money.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes