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2 years, 3 months ago

What kind of camcorder should I buy?

My family shoots about 10 hours of home video per year. All of our video so far has been shot with a mini-DV camcorder (various Canons and Sonys), and I would like to get something different to avoid the problem of corrupted tapes, long transfer times (when we want to move the video to the computer), and compatibility issues between different camcorder manufacturers. (Our video shot on a Canon won't play back in a Sony.)

Here are the features I want:

* Doesn't save to mini-DV
* Does save to a format that I can back up physically. (In case all of the systems with our video stored on it crash, I want to be able to recover the files.) Not a big deal, as I could always re-copy and transferred video to SD cards or other removable media.
* High-def video
* Small form factor
* Easy to transfer to iMovie
* Ignore the issue of price

Bonus points if you actually own (or have used) the camcorder you recommend.
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argmatrixman9000's Avatar
argmatrixman9000 | 2 years, 3 months ago
10
According to reviews by www.cnet.com and www.toptenreviews.com the Canon Vixia HF S11 is the High-def video camcorder to buy. You can purchase this camcorder from retail stores Price from $1,069.00 - $1,399.99.
This camcorder
1.Doesn't save to mini-DV
2.Does save to a format that I can back up physically due to its Dual Flash Memory: 64GB internal flash drive & SDHC card slot
3.High-def video due to its CCD Resolution which is 6.01 mp
4.Easy to transfer to iMovie here is the link to camcorders that are compatible http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014
5. Price $1,069.00 - $1,399.99.

Here are the links to the reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-hd-camcorders/
http://camcorders.toptenreviews.com/hdv/

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Vkmyaar6L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

----quote----
Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features

* Dual Flash Memory: 64 GB internal flash drive & SDHC card slot
* Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens
* Canon Exclusive: 1/2.6” 8.59 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor
* Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV III Image Processor
* 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording

Technical Details

* 24Mbps Recording
* Canon Exclusive: Instant AF (Auto Focus)
* Canon Exclusive: Genuine Canon Face Detection
* Built-in 8.0 Megapixel Digital Camera
* HDMI Terminal
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.amazon.com/Canon-HF-S11-Camcorder-Optical/dp/tech-data/B002LASLZS/ref=de_a_smtd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RgXTMoJZFo

If your looking for a camcorder that can shoot a large amount of video and store it also
www.consumersearch.com recommends the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V which is best Longest recording time. You can purchase this camcorder at www.amazon.com for $1,349.99.

----quote----
Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features

* 1920 x 1080 high-definition video recording
* 12.1-megapixel still image capture
* 240 GB hard disk drive
* "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Sony
* Model: XR-520
* Optical zoom: 12 x
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-XR520-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/tech-data/B0024MB66E/ref=de_a_smtd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmT_oBNHkf0
source(s):
www.cnet.com

www.toptenreviews.com

www.amazon.com

www.consumersearch.com

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chibiutena's Avatar
chibiutena | 2 years, 3 months ago
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I like the Canon Vixia HF 11. Its small, it has a built in 32 gb hard drive (12 hours) for your hours of home video as well as slots for an SD card if you want to back it up. Its small enough to fit in your jacket pocket and the quality is astounding. It also supports USB and firewire which makes for fast and easy transfer. Its listed on the Imovie compatible page so it should be optimized for that.

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kingkool68's Avatar
kingkool68 | 2 years, 3 months ago
4
I would suggest a Flip UltraHD Camcorder because it is dead simple to use. The form factor is like a cell phone so it is quite portable and easy to carry around wherever you go. There is pretty much one big red button for recording so there is nothing to fiddle with. It has 8 GB of built-in memory (no tapes needed) which is about 120 minutes of HD video. The unit has a flip-out USB connector so you can easily plug the camera to any computer with a USB port and start working with your videos. It works just like a USB thumb drive.

Getting the videos in to iMovie takes 4 dead simple steps as documented on the offical Apple support site -> http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3332

There are lots of video reviews about this but I particularly like this one ->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PdHmvLCrM

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artfulretro | 2 years, 3 months ago Report

I want a flip HD so bad, it looks so compact and easy!

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opticalserenity | 2 years, 3 months ago
3
I would highly recommend the Nikon D90 with a good 18-200 VR lens. Yes, this is a digital SLR, but it should high def video, and has much better glass using that lens than a $2k camcorder. It saves videos to the SD card, and uses universal formats. In addition, you get excellent picture quality. Since you don't shoot a lot of video, this will also stay useful throughout the rest of the year. Definitely take a look at the review linked.

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jljl's Avatar
jljl | 2 years, 3 months ago Report

I have nikon D90 and I do not like that for the video it does not have auto focus.

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moonreflection | 2 years, 3 months ago
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Depends on how much you want to spend. If you want something From doing a little research. Looks like Panasonic Sdr-H40 40gb Hard Drive Camcorder With 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom for $260 found here seems like a pretty good price. http://www.a1books.com/cgi-bin/mktSearch?act=showDesc&code=gbase&rel=1&ITEM_CODE=037988255979

The stats...

40GB Hard Disk Drive/SD Hybrid Camcorder with 42x Optical Zoom, Advanced Optical Image Stabilization, One-Touch DVD Copy, Anti-Shock Shield and One-Touch Navigation, Records to Internal Hard Drive or SD Card.

42x Optical zoom is good. Most important feature to look for Optical Image Stabilization. Without Stabilization, video become too shaky to look at. There are digital Stabilization but definately not as good as optical.

If you decide to look for something else. Make sure to look for something that has Image Stabilization. You will be disappointed if you get one without.

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edwardclint's Avatar
edwardclint | 2 years, 3 months ago
13
I suggest you buy Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory at amazon.com for just $199.00, this camcorder is generally suited for youtube uploads, it has the Intelli-Zoom features aside from the optical zoom which results in image quality. According to a post by 'Mathew Sturgill', he said that it is a "Great Camcorder for the Price, Samsung is a Great Brand."

-quote-

"Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)

Price: $199.00

Technical Details

* Record SD video to SD/SDHC cards and 16 GB of internal flash memory
* Enhance 34x optical zoom up to 42x with Samsung's new Intelli-zoom
* Web & Mobile shooting mode for easy online video sharing
* Capture 800x600 digital still photos
* Swivel hand grip for comfortable low-angle shooting

Product Description

The SMX-F34 is also the ideal camcorder for the YouTube videographer. Featuring a Web & Mobile shooting mode, you can set the SMX-F34 to record in the exact format and resolution required by YouTube, resulting in faster upload times. By selecting the Web & Mobile mode, the camcorder’s resolution is automatically adjusted to 640x480 (H.264 / AAC / MP4) and optimized for use on Web sites. Furthermore, unlike other camcorders, users can easily import video from the SMX-F34 and play it on MP3 players and other portable multimedia players supporting H.264, without having to convert the files.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

By Mathew Sturgill (Forest Lake, MN) - See all my reviews

I just purchased this camera a few days back from Target and couldn't be happier. I did almost a straight month of research on deciding what camcorder to buy. Reviews after reviews make me unsure what to buy. I started with a decision to purchase the Canon FS100. Well a week later the new model FS200 came out and was $70 more. No thanks.

Then I found information on this camcorder. It actually won an award for best entry level camcorder. Got to be good I thought. I researched Samsung camcorders from my ultimate source of camcorderinfo.com. They rated the standard definition SC-MX20 very well in comparison to camcorders much more expensive. Therefore I took the plunge....."

-end of quote-
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danzini's Avatar
danzini | 2 years, 3 months ago
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bucknerkirsten's Avatar
bucknerkirsten | 2 years, 3 months ago
3
Well, they already offered you different models and names of camcorders.. but it still best if you test it by yourself before purchasing. You can go to any electronic equipment stores where they offer devices for rent, and see what type of model suits your preference.

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jljl's Avatar
jljl | 2 years, 3 months ago
1
I would recommend Cannon brand not just because it is the best for me, but it is easy to use and good quality.
source(s):
personal opinion

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daniel91's Avatar
daniel91 | 2 years, 3 months ago
2
Before you fall in love with just any old camcorder, you need to know precisely what you're looking for, lest you realize somewhere down the road that you chose the wrong machine. Ask yourself the hard questions, then match your needs to one of these user profiles.

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johndecruse's Avatar
johndecruse | 2 years, 3 months ago
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With all the different types and formats available, which should you choose? It depends on how you plan to use your camcorder. Check to see which of the following groups you best fit into:

• Budget shooter. You use your camcorder occasionally and don't want to spend a lot of money on it. You want a basic MiniDV or Digital8 model, with a 10X zoom lens and 1/6" CCD. Expect to pay in the $350-$500 range.

• Vacation and home movie shooter. You take pride in the home movies you shoot on family vacations and special occasions, and you like to transfer your movies to your PC to edit them and add fancy titles and scene-change effects. What you want is a mid-range MiniDV model, with 10X or greater zoom lens, image stabilization, programmed scene modes and 1/6" or larger CCD. Expect to pay from $500 to $1,000 -- and maybe a little more, if you want a model with a larger CCD and 16:9 aspect ratio.

• Independent filmmaker. You use your camcorder professionally, to make independent films or business videos, so what's important to you is picture quality and versatility. You want either a prosumer MiniDV model or a high-definition HDV format camcorder. Look for a model that incorporates three 1/6" or larger CCDs and shoots in the 16:9 aspect ratio. It should also have interchangeable lenses, selectable frame rate and built-in SMPTE color bars. Expect to pay from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.

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