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.

Kodak ZX1 from $114.00	[Read our full review] The Kodak Zx1 is this summer's great surprise. Though Kodak has struggled to make decent products lately, the Zx1 exceeds expectations, providing an affordable pocket video camcorder that has some excellent features and performs well, too. The Zx1 is similar to the Flip Video camcorders, simple, straightforward operation and a slim body that can fit right in a pocket without difficulty. The Zx1 ups the ante, however, with three different quality modes (VGA, HD 30fps, and HD 60fps) and the ability to snap decent 3-megapixel still photos. It's also weather-resistant, meaning you can tote it to the beach without fear of dust or water (though it's not waterproof, so don't take it under the sea).
Canon ZR960 from $249.00	The Canon ZR960 might be the last of the MiniDV camcorders, which once ruled the roost for simple, efficient home video. The ZR960 records video to MiniDV cassette tapes, giving you between 30 and 90 minutes of video on an easy-to-store recording media. It's a great way to take high-quality (though not high-definition) videos. Canon's camcorders are designed for casual and novice users, with simple interfaces and operation that won't distract you from what's important on your vacation. Unlike the Zx1 (and the forthcoming UltraHD), the ZR960 does have great optics, including a long optical zoom lens and image stabilization, making for a steadier, more robust final video.
Pure Digital Flip UltraHD from $159.95	[Read our full review] The Flip UltraHD from PureDigital is the latest installment in the Flip Video series, with some decent upgrades over previous models. It retails the same high-definition recording mode as found on the Flip MinoHD, but expands the recording capacity from one hour to two hours. It also enlarges the LCD display, a welcome upgrade over the puny screens of previous versions. The UltraHD isn't perfect. It still lacks optical zoom and image stabilization, as well as the ability to snap still photos, but it's a nice, affordable, and most importantly, simply way to capture candid memories without lugging around a huge camcorder with you everywhere.