Tapes, Cards, Disks: Which is Right For You?

With a variety of recording formats and complicated specifications, buying a camcorder can be confusing. We here at Camcorder HQ want to help you sort through all of the options so you can make the most informed decision when buying your new digital camcorder. Below, we have selected three of the latest camcorder models--a representative from the three major recording formats (MiniDV, memory card, and Hard Disk Drive)--to highlight some of benefits and drawbacks of each format.

Canon ZR950 from $449.95	The new Canon ZR950 is a capable entry-level camcorder. As a standard-definition camcorder, the ZR950 is not on the cutting edge in terms of video quality, but should be sufficient for home movies and family videos. With its tremendous 37x optical zoom, the camcorder captures the smallest of details. The ZR950 is a MiniDV camcorder which means your footage is stored within a small, MiniDV cassette. Because these cassettes store approximately 60-90 minutes of footage, you may have to purchase multiple tapes, but your initial investment will be significantly less than if you buy a hard-drive or flash memory camcorder. Both user-friendly and affordable, the ZR950 is perfect for first-time users who want quality without complication.
Full 1080p High-Definition Video Panasonic HDC-SD9 from $879.95	Don't be deceived by the small size of the Panasonic HDC-SD9; this is one powerful camcorder. A flash memory camcorder, the HDC-SD9 relies on SD/SDHC memory cards giving users the freedom to choose the amount of memory storage. And at just 11.7oz., this camera is one of the smallest HD cameras on the market. The HDC-SD9 includes 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) chips—as opposed to the standard single chip—which capture the video and intensify the color of your film. And the HDC-SD9 takes dazzling HD footage at up to 1920x1080 resolution. Reasonably priced among advanced memory card camcorders, the HDC-SD9 is a smart choice for those who are looking for an extremely portable HD camcorder.
Sony HDR-SR10 from $834.98	The high-performing Sony HDR-SR10 is an exciting addition to Sony's hard-drive camcorder line. The camcorder has a 15x optical zoom and includes a built-in lens shield for protection. But what really sets this camcorder apart is its video quality. The AVCHD video format allows users to shoot the highest quality (1920x1080) HD images while the 40GB internal hard-drive can store 5-15 hours of HD-quality footage. With the hard-drive storage format, you will not have to bother with cassette tapes or memory cards. The HDR-SR10 is too pricey for users seeking an entry-level camcorder, but the high video quality and variety of features is sure to appeal to users who want a more advanced camcorder.