Digital Video Cameras | Best Digital Camcorders
82Choosing your digital video camcorder
Everyone loves to watch a good movie even when it was made by some friend or relative. To start making and editing your own videos you must have a video camera to begin filming with.
There are several types of cameras with different recording formats (miniDV, DV, DVD-Ram, Hard Drive, etc.), the most important thing before decide which one you want to buy it is to determine the kind of films you intend to make.
If what you are looking for is HD Digital Video Camcorders then I suggest you to visit my other hub.
Of course, the price it is also a very important factor to look at before deciding.
Since the 1990s recording onto digital tape has become the norm.
Starting from early 2000s tape as storage media is being gradually replaced with tape-free solutions like optical disks, hard disk drives and solid-state memory.
All tape-based camcorders have removable media in form of video cassettes.
Solid-state camcorders can have either removable media in form of memory cards, or built-in memory, or both. HDD-based camcorders usually have non-removable media in form of a hard disk drive.
Sanyo Xacti on Amazon
 | The new waterproof Sanyo Xacti E2 camcorder captures stunning digital video - on land and even underwater! Amazon Price: $399.99 |
Several choices
I am going to give you a list of 12 digital video cameras in which you will find different prices and specifications from where to choose. From the easiest one to operate to the more complex but that gives you the better image quality, they are arranged by recording formats and not only by prices. This list has been made after researching in magazines and several online reviews.
The first group and still the most used type of video camera nowadays is the miniDV. This format uses digital tapes that record both images and sound and can later be captured directly to your computer.
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 | Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception. The ZR850 is the top of the line of ZR camcorders. Amazon Price: $588.00 List Price: $399.99 |
Canon ZR830 Mini DV
This one it is a very easy to use camera that will allow you to start filming with good quality. We could say this is what we can call a cheap video camera and so the cheapest way to start your filming “career”. It is possible to shoot digital still pictures with this camera.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 35 X
Image stabilization: Digital
Focus: Automatic
Image properties: 1 X 0.167in CCD
LCD screen: 2.7in (~6.86cm)
Color viewfinder
Digital effects: Neutral, low sharpening, vivid, skin detail
Firewire connectors: 1 X FireWire/i.LINK (IEEE 1394)
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio output
Separate connectors: 1 X microphone
Accessories: Drivers and utilities software
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 | Sony's DCR-HC52 Camcorder offers the old standard of MiniDV recording for the faithful backed up by a generous host of features. A 2.5" touch panel SwivelScreen LCD display rotates up to 270° for multiple viewing and recording angles. And, the 1/6" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD image sensor provides accurate and beautiful video and stills. Amazon Price: $499.99 List Price: $0.00 |
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Sony DCR-HC38 Mini DV
Another digital video camcorder very easy to use and capable of rendering very good videos.
The DCR-HC38 has already a very good optical zoom and allows great amount of digital zoom specially if you use a tripod.
This camera permit to shoot digital still pictures.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 40 X (digital 2000 X)
Image stabilization: Digital
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 1 X 0.167in CCD
LCD screen: 2.5in (~6.35cm)
Color viewfinder
Video standard: NTSC
Digital effects: Pastel, monotone, solarization, sepia, mosaic, negative art
Firewire connectors: 1 X FireWire/i.LINK (IEEE 1394)
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio output
Accessories: Sony picture motion browser software
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 | The GL2 is a must-have for the person looking for the very best video-making experience. DELUXE ACCESSORY KIT: 3 pc Filter Kit: UV/ Polarizing filter/Fluorescent correction & Case - BP-945 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack - AC/DC Battery Charger - Video Gadget Bag W/Multi-Configurable Interior Padded Dividers - 5pck 60-90 min Mini DV Cassettes - Deluxe Lens Care Cleaning Kit - Package of LCD Screen Protectors - 4GB SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Full Sized 59.5" Tripod W/Case. Amazon Price: $3,299.99 |
Canon GL1 Mini DV
Now we are getting to the semiprofessional video cameras. The GL 1 has great image quality due to the 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) high resolution sensors. This camera beside having self timer and night vision it also allows you to shoot digital still pictures.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 20 X (digital 100 X)
Image stabilization: Optical
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 3 X 0.25in 270.000 pixels resolution CCD
LUX rating: 6 lux
Audio format: PCM stereo
LCD screen: 2.5in (~6.35cm)
Color viewfinder
Video standard: NTSC
White balance: Automatic, manual
Digital effects: Black and white, slim, stretch, strobe
Firewire connectors: 1 X FireWire/i.LINK (IEEE 1394)
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio (input/output)
S-video connectors: 1 X S-video input/output
Separate connectors: 1 X microphone, 1 X headphones, 1 X DC power output
Accessories: Remote control (infrared), shoulder strap, battery recharger, a/c cable
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 | The arrival of the AG-DVX100B is an important and progressive step in supporting cost effective Standard Definition production. Amazon Price: $1,995.00 List Price: $3,595.00 |
Panasonic AG-DVX100B Mini DV
Another great semiprofessional video camera.
This one has even greater image quality due to the three 0.333in CCD high resolution sensors.
This camera compensate the higher image quality with less features available.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 10 X
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 3 X 0.333in CCD
LCD screen: 3.5in (~8.89cm)
Color viewfinder
Video standard: NTSC
Firewire connectors: 1 X FireWire/i.LINK (IEEE 1394)
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video input/output
S-video connectors: 1 X S-video input/output
Separate connectors: 2 X microphone, 1 X headphones, 1 X audio input/output, 1 X DC power output
Accessories: Remote control, shoulder strap, microphone holder, lens hood, eyepiece, cleaning tape
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 | Premium design characteristics and high-definition HDV 1080i recording are the main features of this one-piece shoulder camcorder, ideal for working videographers on a budget. Amazon Price: $1,499.00 List Price: $1,850.00 |
Sony HVR-A1U MiniDV (HDV)
This Sony camera it is very equivalent to the Panasonic one except the fact that it also support HDV format.
The HVR-A1U has great image quality due to the high resolution sensors.
This camera allows you to shoot high quality digital still pictures.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 10 X
Image stabilization: Digital
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 0.333in CCD
LCD screen: 2.7in (~6.86cm)
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio output
S-video connectors: 1 X S-video output
USB connectors: 1 X USB
Separate connectors: 1 X audio input, 1 X headphones, 1 X component video output, 1 X DC power intput
Accessories: Shoulder strap, lens hood, lens cap, microphone, memory stick duo adapter
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If you want to make your films and be able to video edit without having to capture them from the camera to your pc, then you must choose from any DV-Ram or Hard Drive ones.
 | The uniquely designed DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder lets you record movies in style. Circular and compact, you can take the DCR-DVD7 anywhere you go to capture digital video onto DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW discs. Amazon Price: $374.99 List Price: $0.00 |
Sony DCR-DVD7
This one it is the cheapest video camcorder from this selection.
We could say this is the most inexpensive way to start filming directly to DVD.
It is possible to shoot digital still photos with this camera.
Product specifications:
Recording format: 8cm DVD+RW, 8cm DVD-R, 8cm DVD-RW, mini 8cm DVD+RW / -R / -RW
Zoom: Optical 10 X (digital 120 X)
Image stabilization: Digital
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 1 X 0.167in CCD
LCD screen: 2.5in (~6.35cm)
Digital effects: Old movie, luminance key , sepia, pastel, monotone, mosaic
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio (input/output)
S-video connectors: 1 X S-video input/output
USB connectors: 1 X USB
Separate connectors: 1 X DC power intput
Accessories: Drivers, utilities, Sony picture package software and shoulder strap
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 | With the Panasonic VDR-D200 DVD camcorder with 30x optical zoom in your hands, you'll have some of the most exciting technologies to be found anywhere in a home-video camcorder. Amazon Price: $624.99 List Price: $0.00 |
Panasonic VDR-D200
Very similar to the Sony DCR-DVD908E except for the fact of not having zoom.
It is also possible to shoot digital still pictures with this dvd digital camcorder.
Product specifications:
Recording format: 8cm DVD-RAM, 8cm DVD-R, 8cm DVD-RW, mini 8cm DVD-RAM
Image stabilization: Digital
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 1 X 0.167in CCD
LCD screen: 2.5in (~6.35cm)
Color viewfinder
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio output
S-video connectors: 1 X S-video output
USB connectors: 1 X USB 2.0
Separate connectors: 1 X DC power intput
Accessories: Drivers, utilities, DVD-MovieAlbum SE software, lens cap and shoulder strap
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 | Powerful and practical, the DCR-DVD508 merges quality with performance. By letting you easily record to DVD-R/- RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) media formats, this 6 MP Handycam is an ideal way to share your moments with everyone. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens sees all so you never have to miss any detail ever again.
Amazon Price: $399.99 List Price: $799.99 |
Sony DCR-DVD908E
Another very good quality digital camera capable of recording on DVD but this time with great image quality. This dvd camera video permit to shoot digital still photos.
Product specifications:
Recording format: 8cm DVD+RW, 8cm DVD+R DL, 8cm DVD+R, 8cm DVD-R, 8cm DVD-RW
Zoom: Optical 10 X (digital 20 X)
Image stabilization: Optical
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 1 X 0.345in CCD
LCD screen: 2.7in (~6.86cm)
Color viewfinder
Video standard: PAL
Digital effects: Pastel, sepia, black and white, old movie
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio output
USB connectors: 1 X USB
Separate connectors: 1 X DC power intput
Accessories: Sony picture motion browser software and remote control
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 | Mino is a camcorder that goes anywhere. Simply put it in your pocket! Then easily share your video on the web on MySpace, YouTube, and AOL. Amazon Price: $149.99 |
Flip Mino
I have decided to add the Flip Mino (after suggestion from Cheryl) because it seems like a very good option to be carried around and to make MPEG4 movies with very good quality.
With only 2X digital zoom we can say that´s the main disadvantage of this mini video camera but we can not forget its size which is a great advantage too.
Product specifications:
Recording format: Full VGA, 30 frames per second, MPEG4, 640 x 480
Zoom: digital 2X
LCD screen: 1.5 in
Color LCD screen
TV out and connector cable for instant viewing on TV
USB connectors: 1 X USB
2 GB built-in flash memory
Built-in rechargeable battery (Lithium Ion), charges on both USB and fast AC charger
Accessories: TV connector cable, Wrist strap, Soft carrying case, Quick start guide
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 | The Canon HG10 AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive Camcorder delivers high definition technology with the effortless ease of recording video directly onto a hard disk. Amazon Price: $1,600.00 List Price: $1,299.99 |
Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder
The HG10 has great image quality due to the 0.37 CCD high resolution sensor. This camera beside having the ability to shoot digital still pictures it is also one of the two cameras in this review that save the videos into a hard drive. The Canon has a hard disk with 40 GB of capacity.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 10 X (digital 200 X)
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 0.25in 270.000 pixels resolution CCD
LUX rating: 6 lux
Audio format: PCM stereo
LCD screen: 2.5in (~6.35cm)
Color viewfinder
Video standard: NTSC
White balance: Automatic, manual
Digital effects: Black and white, slim, stretch, strobe
Firewire connectors: 1 X FireWire/i.LINK (IEEE 1394)
RCA connectors: 1 X composite video/audio (input/output)
S-video connectors: 1 X S-video input/output
Separate connectors: 1 X microphone, 1 X headphones, 1 X DC power output
Accessories: Remote control (infrared), shoulder strap, battery recharger, a/c cable
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 | The Everio models have been equipped with a high-performance lens developed by camera specialist, KONICA MINOLTA. Amazon Price: $21.35 |
JVC Everio Digital Camcorder
The Everio has great image quality due to the 0.17” CCD image sensor with 680K total pixels and 340K effective pixels.
This camera beside having image stabilization can also make digital still pictures with resolutions up to 640 x 480 resolution.
It saves the videos into a hard drive with 30GB of capacity.
Product specifications:
Zoom: Optical 35 X (digital 800 X)
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 0.17in CCD
Audio: Dolby Digital AC3
LCD screen: 2.7in (~6.86cm)
Color viewfinder: No
Digital effects: Portrait, spotlight, twilight, sports and snow
Accessories: Remote control, USB cable, shoulder strap, A/V cable, AC adapter and software CD-ROM
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For those who still have not found the digital video camera that fulfill their demands I can only recommend some professional equipment like the following one.
Sony DSR-400K Camcorder
The recording quality is really amazing and the picture quality is the best you can have.
Product specifications:
Recording format: DVCam, mini DVCam
Zoom: Optical 17 X
Focus: Automatic, manual
Image properties: 1 X 0.667in CCD
LCD screen: 2.5in (~6.35cm)
Black and white viewfinder
Video standard: NTSC
Firewire connectors: 1 X FireWire/i.LINK (IEEE 1394)
Separate connectors: 1 x Genlock, 1 x microphone, 1 x audio line-in, 1 x audio line-out, 1 x DC power input, 1 x DC power output
Accessories: Shoulder strap, microphone holder and tripod adapter
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Security Cameras
If what you are looking for is survaillence cameras, please visit this other hubpage of mine:
Security Cameras | Fake Security Cameras
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Sylvania HD1Z Pocket HD SD/SDHC/MMC Digital Video DV Camera/Camcorder - New
Current Bid: $34.99
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HD Video Camera DV 12MP 27" 8x Digital zoom Camcorder
Current Bid: $.89
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Mini 12MP 32MB Digital Video Camcorder DV 4xZoom Camera LCD TFT Color Screen
Current Bid: $9.90
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Sylvania HD1Z SD/SDHC/MMC 720p HD Pocket Video Digital Camera/Camcorder New
Current Bid: $40.94
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CommentsLoading...
These cameras look very expensive. Three cameras? With all that technology comes a lot of resposibility. Next comes the question how do I come up with interesting footage? What video exercises do you recommend to break through video filmmaker's block?
You have really collected a lot of information here. My husband has a kodak which does digital and video. Which is great. But cannot change format to put on here.
Best is canon . it is difficult to get service for sony.
Have a couple of Panosonic Video Cams, thanks for the detailedinput you have provided for those who need a guiding hans.
Thanks for commenting.
umesh6, three cameras! You must do a hub with some of your films ;)
Raven, you´re right. Digital video cameras can be quite expensive but we must remember how good it feels to watch our films some years later. One of the best exercise to start filming is to try record on video our kids in their activities, you´ll see it´s not easy but it gives you good training and best of all, good films ;)
Eileen, have you try to upload to youtube our any other video share website? You´ll see that it´s possible to upload several video formats ;)
prems4u, I suppose services can change depending where you are *rolleyes*. I have a sony miniDV and so far they have fulfill all my needs ;)
Rodney, thanks for your kind comment. What is your opinion about Panasonic video cameras? I´ve never tried one.
I am in love with video cameras. I am not good at using them but I have started by simply taking short videos about things I like. Not sure if anyone else will ever want to see them but I enjoy making them. I always want a better camera and your information is great. Thank you.
You fan.
Mon
Thanks for passing by, Mon. You would be amazed if you knew how many people will love to watch your movies. You just have to "catch" nice images and perhaps add some music to them. I´m glad you found this information useful ;)
awesome info! TY for the great hub!
Thanks for the great information. I only have a cheapy camera right now, but I am looking at getting more into photography.
I need to buy a new video camera, so this review was helpful. Thanks funride!
Thank you all for such kind comments. I´m glad this hub has been helpful for you.
Very nice Funride! I could still very vividly remember, how I was running around with a video camera on my shoulder (that was the time of VHS, SVHS, Hi8, betaSP). And all those football matches, professional lectures, political round tables, wedding and birthday parties, etc. It could be so exhausted, sometimes.
Today, I prefer (Full) High Definition with hard disk drive, which are just so very good, considering the quality of the picture and simplicity of later digital video editing. And all these technology is so very cheap, these days, if I compare it with the time, when I was dreaming about my own TV...
Yes, today it´s much more simple and lighter to cary video cameras around :) . The ones with hard disk drive are still a little expensive and with small capacity but no doubt they are the most practical of all. I remember shooting with my father Hi8 but now with my minidv I get better quality images, it´s much lighter, much easy to edit the videos and, best of all, after all these years they cost half the price of the hi8s of my father :D .
Many digital cameras will capture video clips. This is handy when you need to record a short clip and do not want to cary anything around much larger than a credit card.
Funride thanks for so much of info on digital cameras.I think my camera needs a change after reading this.Great hub and thumbs up!
I have a digital camera using flash cards. It could take videos but less expensive compared to the DV cams you have shown. DV cams are about 2x more expensive than an ordinary digital camera. If you are not a professional photographer anyway, digicams are more advisable to use.
Thank you all for your comments. It´s true that one can use a digital camera to take some shoots but it will never get the image and sound quality as if it was made with a digital video camera. Unless, of course, the digital camera it´s very good and in that case the price will not differ so much from the DV´s prices.
Nice hub, funride. If you REALLY want a light video camera, check out the Flip Mino. I'm loving it. It's great for shooting MP4s to upload to YouTube or put on your website and it's about the size of an iPhone.
Cheryl
Thanks Cheryl, I have never heard about Flip Minos and I loved the concept. I´ll research some more and will add it to this hub ;)
Hi funride. OKay I am bookmarking this hub. When Dayzeebee and I would want to do some things that need a video, this is a good resource hub. And you need to help us too! LOL Thanks...now I better save up for this! :)
Thank you Michelle, I will be most glad to be able to help you both on your first video adventure LOL. Have you chose which camera would be the best for you?
Hi funride :) hmmm... maybe the first two canon Zr830 or sony DCR HC38. :) Between the two, which is better?
That´s not an easy question but I would say they are both very nice cameras for beginners. To select one of them I would go for the Sony. Why? Because I had/have several of them (Hi8, miniDV) and they always performed very well. No matter which one you choose one thing I know for sure: you´ll have lots of fun while filming and editing your movies ;)
i really need to buy a camera can you help me
Hi Selena, of course I´ll try to help you. First I need to know what kind of use you intend to give to your camera. It´s also important to know how much you´re wiling to pay for your new camera. Have you ever play with a video camera?
Nice looking cameras. I bought an expensive one, because my daugther needed it for college. Someday, when she brings it home, I will learn how to use it.
Great hub. There are so many online marketing possibilities with a camcorder/video camera. I've never had one but hey, maybe I should!
Hi Sandy, thanks for commenting. I wish all the success for your daughter`s career ;)
You`re right Mulberry, videos are a great way to promote yourself and/or your products ;)
Great Information funride...........
You have really collected a lot of information here.I only have a digital compact camera right now, but I am looking at getting a video camcorder... thanks for your information...
thanks for the information, it has really helped me alot and I also like to get a camera of mine own,I don't know if you can help me
Hey Joseph, thanks for passing by and comment on my hub. What kind of help do you need?
Intended use, money you have to spend on your new camera and your experience with other video cameras... this are information that would help me to give you some advises ;)
If you prefer you can always contact me through the Contact funride link on the top right of this hub.
Hi, I was also looking for help in selecting a camera, wonder if you would recommend something? I'd appreciate it.
Here are the main uses, also needs to be around 150$ or less if possible :)
I'm a complete novice except having used my sisters videocam a couple of times a few years back.
1. Want to record myself playing piano and upload to web page.
2. Want to record sessions with my therapist, lighting conditions are pretty variable. Sometimes it is a VERY small space.
Also would like to ask probably a dumb question, but what if you want to take your video and play it back to someone, the little LCD screen that comes with the camera is so small. Is there another option?
And I like the idea of being able to watch it on your TV, if you can get one that will do that cheaply.
Thanks!
From Emily
Hi Emily, thanks for passing by ;)
I´ll try to anwser you and give you some help. First I would say that with that money you´ll not find anything better than the Flip Mino unless you try some digital photo camera with video and sound capability (there are lots of them in the market). The problem is you probably won´t get the same quality (image and sound)...
As to watch your videos on TV you´ll have no problem as almost every digital video cameras allow to connect with televisions and play video ;)
BTW, you can always try to find a good deal on eBay or perhaps a second hand video camera.
When you find your camera and record your piano lessons don´t forget to share them with me ;)
Thanks for the information. It will be very useful for me.
Hi Laswi, thanks for commenting. I´m glad it was helpful ;)
Good Collection of Digital CamCorders. Excellent Hub. Thumbs up.
This is very helpful, since I'm thinking about buying a video camera and know little about them. It's nice to have someone else help with the research.
thasnkk for info to digital
I prefer to use HDV-D200 Digital Video Camera, which captures 1MP, 2MP, 5MP, 12MP (Firmware interpolation) resolution with h.264 video from papatek
umesh64 3 years ago
yo funride i actually have 3 of the cameras u showed i also have the accecories