I'm thinking about purchasing a new camcorder so I decided to do some research. I was actually surprised to find out there are so many different types of camcorders available today.After looking around a bit, here's what I learned: The mini DV is the most popular camcorder among consumers and one of the more affordable options available. Mini DV camcorders use tapes which holds about an hour of footage and can be easy to purchase while you are on vacation. The top three camcorders that appeared on our top searched list -- Canon's HV20, Panasonic's PV-GS320 and Sony DCR-HC 28 -- are all mini DV camcorders.
DVD camcorders allow users to record video directly onto a DVD and then play the footage back in DVD players or on the computer. This camcorder is ideal for people who want to record short family videos that they can play back instantly. Two of the disadvantages of these camcorders are that DVD recordings cannot be edited and the discs are relatively expensive.
Hard drive camcorders allow users to record more video than mini DV or DVD camcorders without switching out tapes or DVDs. These camcorders are very compact, but please note that you need a separate hard drive or DVD burner to archive your videos. Hard drive camcorders that appeared on our top searched list include the Sony HDR-SR5, Panasonic SDR-H200 and Sony DCR-SR300.
Do you know of any good camcorders that did not show up on our list? If so, please tell us about them. Looking to purchase a camcorder? Check out AOL Shopping or try searching for camcorders on AOL Search.
If you want more in-depth information on camcorders and the technology behind them, visit Switched and search on camcorders.
Top Searched Digital Camcorders on AOL Search:
1. Canon HV20 Camcorder
2. Panasonic PV-GS320 Camcorder
3. Sony DCR-HC 28 Camcorder
4. Sony HDR-SR5 Camcorder
5. Sony HDR-HC5 Camcorder
6. Panasonic SDR-H200 Camcorder
7. Canon HV10 Camcorder
8. Sony DCR-SR300 Camcorder
9. Canon DC50 Camcorder
10. Sony HDR-SR1 Camcorder
More Sponsored Links For: Camcorders, digital camcorders, dvd camcorders
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1. Paris Hilton NAKED again:
http://celebritiesvidz.com/videos.php?v=Paris_Hilton
Posted at 2:14PM on May 22nd 2008 by Tim
2. For the average Joe Doe that just wants pictures or video for memories, the Canon TX1 is ideal. Small enough to fit into a shirt pocket and is automatic enough for anyone to use.
Posted at 2:50PM on May 22nd 2008 by Ed
3. Dr.Diana's review of the Canon HV30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f39hvy0tN7g
Posted at 2:56PM on May 22nd 2008 by Dr Diana
4. The Canon HV30 is an HDV camera, which is the worst HD compression available, and uses a CMOS sensor instead of CCDs, which is another strike against it, yet the images that come out of it are undenyably amazing, especially when paired with a 35mm adapter like the Redrock M2. www.redrockmicro.com has sample footage, if you'd like to see.
Personally, I'm waiting to get the CAnon HF-10, which uses the same VIXIA CMOS sensor, but records it's images in the AVCHD codec, which is supposedly better than HDV in every way.
Posted at 3:09PM on May 22nd 2008 by chronique
5. If a camera doesn't have 3 CC D, I'd not buy it.
Posted at 3:15PM on May 22nd 2008 by Tom
6. Some first test footage with the Canon HV30.
http://www.vimeo.com/861090
Posted at 3:21PM on May 22nd 2008 by Dr Diana
7. In defense of the HV30... This is first test footage. First coding, uploading high def. etc.. Imagine what an individual can achieve over time.
http://www.vimeo.com/861090
Posted at 3:24PM on May 22nd 2008 by Dr Diana
8. SAY WHAT YOU MAY, NEW OR EXPERIENCED, JVC IS THE BEST.
Posted at 3:34PM on May 22nd 2008 by JJD
9. i have a sony mini handy cam dvd camcorder and it works great i take it with us when we go skiing in the winter and mountaion biking in the summer it takes great footage i realy like it the mini dvd's dont coast all that much but i am thinking about getting one of the new harddrive camcorders beacuse they offer more recording time and i can download them to my pc and burn them on to a blank cd.
Posted at 3:46PM on May 22nd 2008 by tom
10. My JVC is junk!
Posted at 3:48PM on May 22nd 2008 by Bob Wong
11. I have the Canon GL-1 and everytime I use it I marvel at how much I got for my money. I heartily endorse Canon products and they are my first choice when looking for a product they produce.
Posted at 3:54PM on May 22nd 2008 by Phil Bittle, Sr.
12. As stated by Phil Bittle previously I must say for consumer to pro-sumer the Canon GL series is consistently excellent. I have worked with a GL1 and GL2. Currently I use the HD GL and the quality of this camera, PAL in this case, is a perfect alternative to any mid level camera. It produces film quality 3ccd footage, it is durable, and very user friendly. The GL's also give great manual control and the all important focus ring. I strongly endorse Canon products, though I will warn that the mini-dv decks canon uses have a relative life span, though on the Gl's this component can be replaced, besides anyone using a mini-dv camera should also be using a mini-dv scrub deck to increase the camera's onboard deck life.
Posted at 4:08PM on May 22nd 2008 by lastfryhole
13. I purchased an 8mm Canon in the '90's; it suddenly stopped working and I was told (by a Canon shop) that the capacitors they used in that era went bad and caused irreparable corrosion to the circuits. So I (stupidly) assumed they had fixed this problem by the 2000's and bought a very nice Canon. Late last year I discovered it had exactly the same problem. I think if you want a super 35mm or still digital, Canon is great. Their camcorders are wonderful for a year or maybe a few years, but BEWARE. They cannot be repaired when the capacitors leak.
Posted at 4:47PM on May 22nd 2008 by wallies
14. All JVCs are junk.
Posted at 5:05PM on May 22nd 2008 by bargainbin
15. The better Panasonic Mini DV Camcorders are better then ALL
Camcorders mentioned here. Forget all Hard Drive and DVD types.
Most record record at a much lower rate then the older Mini DV type.
All dvd type are only dvd burns and other then one HDD unit for a lot
of money, they all record between at 7-8 with the best doing 15 Mbs
vs 25 Mbs on all Mini DV units.
Stick with a -3CCD Hi Def -Camcorder that uses the Mini DV format.
Remember that Progressive is always superior to Interlaced.
So a 1080i Camcorder may capture a bit more details in it but uses
two
frames put together fast so NEVER look as good as a 720P image.
(other then a true 1080p) Plan to spend $500-800 for a decent unit.
Forget the Canon hype, I use them all and the better JVC & Panasonics
are much. Even Canons Top of the Line $8k HD unit is not where near as good as the Panasonic 200 with the P2 cards for half the price.
Posted at 5:27PM on May 22nd 2008 by JSW
16. I saw on www.cityskoop.com that Circuit City has camcorders on sale. Mini DV are the best i've found
Posted at 6:26PM on May 22nd 2008 by Blake
17. Save your money. Pretty soon the only things you will be able to afford are food and energy. Everything else will become a luxury that you will have to put aside money over years just to be able to afford anything other than food or energy.
Posted at 6:57PM on May 22nd 2008 by teltech54
18. I would never buy a Panasonic consumer camcorder. 1 They have faulty chargers ( I have had 3 students with various models in the past year have the charger input burnout, and not through misuse). 2 The company is notorious for bad customer support. 3 Focus ring... I think not. 4 very minimal manual control and hard to access. 5 Obviously 3ccd in a microscopic camera as in all consumer Panasonic's DOES NOT WORK!!! 3ccd needs significant room between the lens to produce its high quality imagery. However, Panasonic pro-sumer and professional camcorders are a different story completely, so don't confuse this review as relating in anyway to Panasonic models in the 2k+ range.
Posted at 7:03PM on May 22nd 2008 by lastfryhole
19. I have two Canon camcorders.
One is an XL-1s professional model; the other a ZR65MC Mini DV camcorder.
They both suck.
Posted at 7:28PM on May 22nd 2008 by Scott Erskine
20. Some of the models of "top searched on aol" in this article are already old models of camcorders. So regretably this is not up to date information. If you want to know what is new and best for your particular use call Bel Air Camera's expert team, Barry, Peter, Randy and Michael at 800 200-4999.
These guys work at this family that shop has been in Westwood Village near UCLA since 1957 and was founded by the man who imported the best movie camera of its time, the Beaulieu! They are even going to have the factory reps for Canon, Sony, JVC and more there at a factory EXPO and No Tax sale next week on Friday and Saturday May 30 and 31 at 10925 Kinross, Los Angeles, CA 90024. If you are not too far away, it's well worth the drive. Not only can you get the best advice from a legendary retailer, but get it straight from the factory experts, together in one place so you can compare yourself. If you can't make it next week, then try during the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 21 and June 28, the reps will be there again. You will get great prices and amazing service and advise! Celebrity spotting included. The clientelle ranges from students, to families, and pros. I will forward the Aol article to one of their team and hope they will comment here too.
Posted at 8:05PM on May 22nd 2008 by suzanne ponder