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Camcorder Reviews and Buying Guide: Camcorders are not as popular as they used to be, but consumers are still purchasing millions each year. There are 3 different styles to choose from - Mini DV, DVD, and Hard Drive models. The mini dv camcorders are similar to the older models where you actually use a tape to record your memories. The tapes are small and usually record about 1 hour of video footage. DVD camcorders eliminate the need for tapes and record all video right to a DVD disc in the camcorder. They are convenient for people who want to watch their videos on the TV via a DVD player. Lastly, you have the newer hard drive camcorders that record video footage onto the camcorder, much like saving a file to your computer hard drive. Hard drive camcorders are perhaps the best solution in recording video and family memories. You can quickly and easily transfer the video files over to your computer and edit them before recording to a DVD. The hard drives are getting larger on these models and are capable of recording hours of video footage. There are combination hard-drive and dvd models available, but I would stick with one or other. I know that in the past my camcorders have always stopped working as some moving part eventually gives out. The new hard drive camcorders are probably the most maintenance free models you can buy, but they are also the most expensive. Hard drive camcorders are still $400+ while the more basic Mini DV models are around $240. The two areas that all the camcorders still lack good scores in are audio quality and low-light picture quality. Picture quality and video are very good on most camcorders, although some stand out from others. When deciding on which type to purchase you should consider how often you want to watch the video footage on your TV or be able to edit it on your computer for projects or compilations. I recently had about 16 mini dv tapes transferred to DVDs and the service cost me close to $200. That being said, it is cheaper to buy a DVD camcorder or a hard drive model and not have to worry about transferring footage at a later time. The cost savings over a few years (if you are an avid video taker) will easily outweight the higher up front cost. Consumer Reports recently gave their assessment on camcorders and true enough they picked the hard drive camcorder as the "best buy" rating amongst the group. Sites like Camcorderinfo.com are an excellent resource when it comes to reading reviews on the latest models. They cover the spectrum in all formats and across every major brand. CNET does reviews of camcorders as well and have some great write ups. Testfreaks.com is the last site we recommend checking out as well before making a major purchase like this. They have lots of discussion boards available from owners of actual camcorders to give their feedback online. The top manufacturers are Canon, Panasonic, JVC, Hitachi, Sony, Samsung, and Sanyo. We didn't want to leave out a few words on the high definition (HD) camcorders that have recently hit the market. Canon (HV20) and Sony (HDR-HC7) have two of the top sellers, but feedback is not that great on these HD camcorders, so far. Perhaps in our update article we'll comment more on the HD camcorders. For now, check out the latest picks down below on which camcorders made the grade for best in their respective categories. Mini DV Camcorder: I personally own a Panasonic mini dv camcorder and I am happy with the results over the last two years. I know technology changes every 6 months or so on camcorders so the newer mini dv camcorders are technical sounder pieces of electronics that offer better quality video and picture. The top pick is the Canon ZR800 ($255) which does have superior picture quality and provides image stabilization for smoother video shooting capabilities. Audio was better than other models tested and low-light picture quality was adequate (not good though). The sites mentioned above have in depth camcorder reviews for almost every model available, so go to the websites and read what they have to say about this Canon mini dv camcorder. Stores like Circuit City, Best Buys, and online at Amazon.com usually carry Canon camcorders. DVD Camcorder: On a recent trip to Disneyland I saw many parents video taping their kids endeavors at the amusement parks with the DVD camcorder styles. I didn't want to ask them what they thought of their purchases right on the spot, but when I came home and looked into these camcorders the overall reviews are fairly positive. Owners like the convenience of having a DVD they can watch in their DVD players at home or in friends houses. The memories are saved instantly to a DVD disc. The Canon DC230 ($380) is the latest release from Canon and so far the reviews are good. 35x optical zoom, electronic image stabilizer, and the ability to save video to DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-R DL are just a few of the reasons consumers like this camcorder. Hard Drive Camcorder: The unanimous choice amongst several sites and magazines for best hard drive camcorder goes to the Panasonic SDR-H18 ($430) which records video in SD (standard definition) not HD (high definition). Nevertheless, experts rated this camcorder tops in a crowded field of other players. For those of you who are used to having to charge a battery every hour or so you will be pleased to know that the battery life on the Panasonic is about 120 minutes (that's 2 hours). No more having to miss videoing your favorite event due to low batteries. Picture quality is good and the 30GB hard drive will store plenty of footage. Best Value Camcorder: Panasonic consistently makes the best "value" camcorders on the market. They may not always have the bells and whistles that the Canon camcorders do, but Panasonic has the PV-GS80 which is getting closer to $200 as we approach the Christmas holiday season. © 1999-2007 Funskins.com - Product Reviews