Camcorder Advice and Guides
Camcorder Reviews
Kodak Zi8 Review
The Kodak Zi8 is the best high-definition pocket camcorder money can buy. For now. By Michael Patrick Brady
JVC Everio X Review
The JVC Everio X (GZ-X900) is an extraordinarily compact digital camcorder capable of capturing video at full HD 1080p resolution. Read our in-depth review to see if it manages to slim down without sacrificing quality. By Michael Patrick Brady
Kodak Zx1 Review
The Kodak Zx1 is a surprising treat. It's a versatile pocket video camcorder capable of taking still photos, and also comes at a very affordable price. By Michael Patrick Brady
Flip UltraHD Review
The Pure Digital Flip UltraHD doesn't change the formula too much. It's cheap, easy, and takes alright video. Provided you don't move too much. By Michael Patrick Brady
DXG 581V Review
DXG, maker of camcorders with low prices and (allegedly) big specs, offers another too-good-to-be-true model, the 581V. See whether it's actually capable of doing what it claims to do in our hands-on review. By Michael Patrick Brady
JVC HD300 Review
This mid-range camcorder offers full 1080p HD video recording at nearly half the price of the competition. Is it really worth it? By Michael Patrick Brady
DXG 580V Review
This cut-rate camcorder can't cut it, and hides behind some dubious claims to get consumers interested in its lacking feature set. By Michael Patrick Brady
Panasonic TM300 Review
It's pricey, but you get what you pay for with the Panasonic TM300: excellent high-definition performance that proves high-quality is more than just high-resolution. By Michael Patrick Brady
Creative Vado HD Review
This tiny HD camcorder did not impress with its noisy video and lackluster performance. By Michael Patrick Brady
Kodak Zi6 Review
The Kodak Zi6 seems to offer great features for short money, but ultimately does not satisfy. By Joseph Ben Keough
Flip MinoHD Review
Pure Digital turns out another simple camcorder, but this time, with a twist: HD video recording. Check out our hands-on tests of this intriguing and innovative video recorder and see if it's a solid buy. By Michael Patrick Brady
Canon HF11 Review
The Canon HF11 isn't a major update on the popular HF10 high-definition camcorder, but for first-time buyers in the HD camcorder market, it's hard to beat. By James DeRuvo.
JVC HD10 Review
We took a look at the new JVC HD10 and unfortunately, we weren't too impressed. Read on to see why we weren't thrilled with the performance of this allegedly high-definition camcorder.
Panasonic SD100 Review
Our reviewer rediscovers the joys of camcorders, and the Panasonic SD100 teaches him how to love again. By Joseph Ben Keough
DXG 595V Review
Is this $200 camcorder that claims to do 1080p too good to be true? We take it for a test drive to find out.
Panasonic SD9 Review
Though it tries hard, the Panasonic SD9 is marred by some irritatign design choices. By James DeRuvo
Panasonic S7 Review
It's small, but can it take good videos? After our hands-on test of the Panasonic S7, we're convinced that it's a great choice for consumers concerned about size and portability. By Michael Patrick Brady, Editor
Canon ZR950
Not up to Snuff
The Canon ZR950 unfortunately does not live up to the excellent reputation of the brand, with sub-par video quality that makes this budget camcorder not really worth what little money it costs.Panasonic SDR-SW20 Review
A Nice Start for a Durable Camcorder
By James DeRuvoThe Panasonic SDR-SW20 is a rugged, portable camcorder that wants to be your summer-fun companion. Take a look at everything it can do and decide whether it's up to the challenge.
Canon HF10 Review
A Solid, Satisfying HD Camcorder
Review By James DeRuvoDespite some irritating software issues, the Canon Vixia HF10 is a superlative high-definition camcorder, and its flash-based internal memory is a major advancement in camcorder technology.
JVC GR-D850
An Excellent Budget Camcorder
Review By Michael Patrick BradyThe JVC Everio GR-D850 is a solid performer that won't strain your budget. See what we liked about this affordable camcorder.
Sanyo Xacti CG9 Review
Pretty, Terrible. Pretty Terrible.
The Sanyo VPC-CG9 has a lot of style, but when it comes to substance, it comes up short. Read on to why we think this flashy camcorder is so awful.
Flip Video Ultra Review
A New Trend, But Not For Everybody
It's small and has lots of hype around it, but is the Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra for you? Read our hands-on review to find out.
JVC GZ-HD5 Review
An Innovative Offering from JVC
Review By Michael Patrick BradyThough it's not without its quirks and foibles, the JVC Everio GZ-HD5 offers a fairly adequate introduction to high-definition hard disk drive camcorders. Read our in-depth review for the full picture.
Camcorder Previews
Samsung SMX-K45, SMX-K40
Though high-definition has seized the forefront, standard-definition camcorders are still available and could make for excellent deals if you're not too concerned about being on the cutting edge.
Samsung U10, K50, K45 Camcorders
The Samsung SMX-U10 is a new pocket camcorder that goes head-to-head with the Flip Ultra and Kodak Zx1. The U10 can (allegedly) do full 1080p video and 10-megapixel still photos. That's big talk; whether it can back it up with real quality isn't clear.
Sony CX500V/CX520V
Sony has just announced two all-new flash-memory camcorders, the CX500V and CX520V. Both include large, internal flash memory drives capable of holding large amounts of video.
Panasonic SD10/TM10 Preview
Panasonic hopes to bridge the divide between low-cost, low-feature HD camcorders and high-end, very expensive HD camcorders with these two powerful, reasonably priced models.
Samsung R10/C10/C14
Samsung has a new angle on the old camcorder formula: a 25-degree angle that points the lens slightly upward instead of straight ahead. Read on to see why they think it's a superior design.
The Flip UltraHD
Following on the success of the MinoHD, Pure Digital has now upgraded their Ultra camcorder to HD as well. We take a look at what this little camcorder offers, and what it (and Pure Digital's recent acquisition by Cisco) might mean for the future of home video recording.
All-New Sony Camcorders
Check out what Sony has in store for camcorders. Their all-new 2008 models are packed full of exciting new features and innovative technologies.
All-New Tapeless Camcorders
These camcorders eschew clumsy tapes and DVDs, instead opting for hard drives and flash memory cards. This is the next generation of home video.
Consumer Guides
How Kodak Beat the Flip
Pure Digital's Flip may have started the pocket camcorder craze, but their cautious approach to improving the gadget let competitors, namely Kodak, fill the gaps. The Kodak Zi8 perfects the pocket camcorder formula and presents a challenge to Pure Digital's dominance, one they don't seem poised to defend.
Best 1080p Camcorders
If money is no object, you're going to be looking for the absolute top-of-the-line high-definition camcorders. These are high-quality, semi-professional digital camcorders that have high-end features for serious videographers. These models are perfect for weddings, graduations, even short films.
Affordable 1080p HD Camcorders
You don't have to decide between a low-cost low-quality "HD" camcorder and a high-end, ludicrously expensive HD camcorder. There are mid-priced, reasonably satisfying high-definition camcorders out there, you just have to know where to look.
Summer Camcorder Deals!
If you're looking for an affordable digital camcorder that will make a good sidekick on your summer vacation, we've got what you need. These three camcorders are the best way to capture your summer memories without going overboard in size or price. Take a look at what we feel are your best bets this summer, camcorders that will allow you to record video with ease and save some money so you can spend it on souvenirs instead of your camcorder.
HD Digital Cameras
Camcorders seem to have split into two groups: the very expensive and the very inexpensive. While the former have robust feature sets, they're saddled with exorbitant price tags. The latter are more affordable, but lack necessary functions that consumers have come to expect. Surprisingly, digital cameras might be just the thing to fill the mid-range, mid-price gap. Read on to see why.
How to Buy a Camcorder
Buying a camcorder isn't as straightforward as it once was. The vast array of resolutions, storage formats, and body configurations make it difficult to discern which one is best suited for your particular situation. It's easy to get caught up in the specifications and numbers presented by retailers and manufacturers, using them to rank camcorders as "better" or "worse" without considering how they'd actually be used in your life. This short guide will walk you through the tangle of information and help you discover the right camcorder for you.
Top DVD Camcorders
With all the hubbub about new forms of recording media like hard disk drives, flash drives, and memory cards, some consumers might be looking for something simpler and less involved. If all you want is to shoot short home movies, instantly share them, and have a physical, tangible record of your memories, a DVD-based camcorder might be the right pick for you. These three camcorders record between 30 and 120 minutes of standard-definition video to 3-inch "mini" DVDs that can be played back in most common DVD players.
Latest Camcorders
Latest
New HD Camcorders
These high-definition camcorders from Sony, Panasonic, and Canon are set to debut in the next few months. They're packed with outstanding featured and extraordinary quality; enough power to take truly excellent high-def videos that will leave audiences stunned. They're expensive, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. And if you can pay for one of these camcorders, what you'll get is the best there is.
New Camcorders 2009
The landscape for budget camcorders has changed quite a bit in 2009. See what you need to know to find an affordable, low-cost budget camcorder amidst all the new technology.
Comparing Inexpensive Camcorders
There's a lot of variety in camcorders now, and if you're confused by the different types of inexpensive camcorders, this handy guide will help you figure out which one best suits your situation.
Great Tapeless Camcorders
These camcorders are affordable, perform well, and record directly to a media card. Free yourself from videotape forever with these great tapeless camcorders.
Compact HD Camcorders
The Pure Digital Flip Mino HD, Kodak Zi6, and Creative Labs Vado HD are all bringing HD video recording to consumers in pocket-sized packages. Let's compare the three and see how they stack up against one another.
Affordable Camcorders
Times are tough, and it seems like camcorders are more complicated and expensive than ever before. Don't worry; affordable, capable camcorders are still available, able to provide excellent video quality and high levels of user friendliness. Take a look at our three favorite simple, affordable camcorders.
Best Camcorder Gifts
We've put together a roundup of our favorite camcorders from 2008. There's something for everybody, from web-video producers to budget shoppers and high-definition junkies. Take a look at the best of 2008, and think about which one might make an excellent gift for your friends and family.
Canon HF10 vs. HF11
The new Canon HF11 improves on the HF10 with some intriguing upgrades. But is it worth the extra cost?
Best Camcorders for the Web
As video-sharing websites such as YouTube continue to gain popularity, camcorder manufacturers are vying to produce the next hot direct-to-web camcorder. In this rush to appeal to consumers, compactness and easy uploading features are the trends--often at the expense of video quality. Here are three attractive options among the burgeoning direct-to-web category of camcorders:
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.
The Latest High Definition Camcorders
You've got the HDTV, why watch old standard-def home movies on it? With these all-new HD camcorders, you'll be taking high-quality widescreen videos that will be a pleasure to watch.
Three Excellent Threads from Camcorder HQ's Q&A Section
Take a look at these engaging and enlightening discussions and see how Camcorder HQ's Question and Answer section can help curious readers.
The Latest Hard Disk Drive Camcorders!
Say goodbye to piles of fragile videotapes. These camcorders record your videos directly to an internal hard disk. We'll tell you why that's an improvement and why it'll make your life easier.
Best Camcorders of '07
Take a look at what's new in camcorders and see our picks for the best of 2007.
Camcorders - Selecting Partners
An explanation of how Camcorder HQ decides which merchants and stores are worthy of inclusion on the site.
Digital Camcorder Formats
A quick summary of the different types of camcorder media available to consumers.
Online vs. Bricks and Mortar
Buying a camcorder online is a smart decision. We'll tell you why.
7 Camcorder Pitfalls
Here are seven quick tips to help you buy the best camcorder possible.
Camcorder Shopping Tips
Get the low-down on what you need to make an informed decision when shopping for a camcorder.
Other Guides
Sanyo CG11 Announced
Sanyo should've been poised to capitalize on the pocket camcorder craze, but seem to have been left in the dust. The CG11 is their shot at getting in the game.