Pocket HD camcorders are one step below the HD camcorders in terms of video quality and they do the same thing as the higher end video recorders. These tiny gadgets shoot and upload your most memorable moments, though not in high definition. The relevant software is preloaded on to the device and through this, you can share the video clips from any computer. However, most of them don’t support Mac computers. The main advantages of a pocket HD camcorder are its compact design, low price and user friendly interface. Some of these camcorders do offer full HD resolution of 1,920x1,080 and there are the intimidating options of editing and playing too. But then these options make the mini camcorders less user friendly and the cost goes up too. Mini camcorders are made just to shoot the videos and nothing else. HD video is not just limited to high resolutions alone. You need a good lens for recording HD video (which small mini camcorders cannot house). These mini camcorders also face a stiff  [...]

Panasonic has made four different models for the same product and this seems a bit too much. All four of these are entry level HD camcorders with the price range between $500 and $700. The HDC-SD60, TM60 and TM55 are based on the same internal hardware and they only differ by built in memory technology. TM55 has 8GB memory, TM60 has 16GB and SD60 doesn't come with internal memory. The TM60 model is available only on best buy. The HS60 has the maximum storage space, it comes with 120 GB internal hard disk but the design has been changed a little inorder to incorporate the big hard disk. We got the SD60 model in our labs for testing and the manufacturer says that the quality is similar in all these four devices. On the back of the Panasonic HDC-SD60K, there is a switch for selecting from playback, video and  [...]

Previously, I got Vixia HF S1x series in my labs but that was about an year ago and it didn't have an electronic viewfinder. You cannot live without an EVF if you are a pro. Due to the Canon Vixia HF S20's high resolution screen, the on screen buttons are really big and the interface is quite user friendly. You can view the screen well in direct sunlight too but you will have to find a sweeetspot because it is a bit reflective and shiny. Our only gripe with regards to the interface is the menu system which is a bit frustrating. Firstly, the scroll area is located on the inside edge so the screen is blocked by the hand when you scroll. Secondly, the screen supports multitouch gestures and hence it is difficult to move an entry at a time. While testing, I frequently scrolled pass the feature that I wanted to select and there were lots of wrong entries selected. I am sure you will get on with it fine after some acclimation but I still recommend you to try it before purchasing the Canon Vixia  [...]

This is an entry level camcorder and records video in a built in hard drive. The highlights of this device is the small size, big storage capacity and also the megazoom lens. All this seems really tempting at a price of $400. The interface is also user friendly in spite of the menu system which seems endless. You won’t find much shooting options in here but this is not unexpected in a basic camcorder like this. Another typical features of such camcorders is the mediocre photo quality. This will be apparent if you are watching the videos on a large HDTV. Sony Handycam DCR-SR88 is recommend if you are not too concerned about the video quality and just want to shoot no matter what. The camcorder has a megazoom lens and yet fits easily in the pocket of your coat. This video recorder has 120 GB of storage space and if you don’t need this big space, then check out the SR88 which has the same features but comes with an 80 GB hard drive. The battery of the Sony Handycam DCR-SR88 protrudes  [...]

To manage the cost for beating cheaper pocket-sized HD 720p video camera, the standard-def mini-camcorders compromised on optical zoom and storage. $329.95 priced the JVC Everio GZ-MS130 features remote control, 16GB internal storage, SDHC/SD slot to accept 32GB cards, and 35x optical zoom; while the MS120 provides dual SDHC/SD slots without any internal memory for $50 less. The MS130 will also attract those who need a flip-style mini-camcorder especially for sharing their video at online Web sites. It has small and comfortable design as well as provides one-touch YouTube upload through its bundled software. However, it lacks optical image stabilization and its grip strap is thin. You will find a start/stop recording button on the back at battery’s right side. The snapshot button and the zoom rocker are located on its top. We like that you can take still picture even while recording video. The tiny switch on the left side gives access to snapshot  [...]

Samsung camcorders may not be as good as JVC, Panasonic, Sony and Canon with the quality but the manufacturer is trying hard to make a good impression. Its latest attempt at this is the HMX-R10 HD which is compact in size and is reasonably priced for the full HD camcorder category. It gives you variety of shooting features and to make wearing the camcorder a bit more comfortable, Samsung angles the camcorders lens at twenty five degrees in order to relieve your wrist strain. If you are comfortable shooting this way then all is well but we would recommend you to check it out before you buy it. In all, the Samsung HMX-R10 HD is a good point and shoot camcorder, the quality may not be as good as prosumer units but is definitely better than pocket mini camcorders. We had mixed thoughts about the controls, they weren’t good but didn’t feel that bad either. On the top of the Samsung HMX-R10 HD there is a shutter release button and nothing else. Back  [...]

Convenience with extra features takes the consumers from older technology to the latest one available in the market. When we talk about the camcorders, a camcorder has to support the customers preferred format. Believing the same, Hitachi’s DZ-BD 10HA Blu-ray Camcorder is the most convenient one we have ever seen. A newly developed 7 mega pixel CMOS image sensor captures rich and vibrant videos and stills in FullHD (1920 x 1080) High Definition. The new DZ-BD10HA can record up to 4hours 20 minutes of 1920x1080 video or 8 hours 40 minutes of 1440x1080 video onto the built-in 30 GB HDD. The built-in SDHC card slot provides additional flexibility by allowing for Full HD video and still recordings. DZ-BD 10HA can record videos to SD/SDHC Cards and to 3-inch DVD-R/RW discs. The recording flexibility of camcorder seems like novelty, however, it allows users to capture good quality videos, share them online and see them on TV. There are composite AV jacks,  [...]

A mini-camcorder is for people who do not want to spend huge money on the full fledged camcorder but still want something that can play and record photos with good quality. Some look to substitute their phone cameras and buy these products. The body of the mini-camcorder is glossy and it attracts a lot of finger-prints, so you will have to wipe it all the time for keeping it clean. There is a microphone at the back of the screen which is for recording audio for video. The controls of the camera are placed well and can be easily accessed. The buttons may seem like they are too close to each other since it is not spacious in there. The camera mode has options of face detection, scene modes, filters and exposure, focus and ISO controls. Resolutions of images range from 640X480 to 4000X3000. Images will be stored in JPEG format. Resolution for video capture is 1280X720 and 640X480 in MP4 format. Video mode shooting programs available are lamp, fireworks, landscape, beach/snow,  [...]

The size parameter of the Picsio are perfect for this market and comes in three color variants, them being deep purple, black and royal blue. The shiny plastic and chrome plated trims are a bit overdone and do not attract a second look. You may get one for eccentricities though! The spines of this camcorder make room for the USB and mini HDMI port along with the composite video jacks. It also has the macro switch, which we feel could’ve been done away with by adding the function through the menu or shooting options. The tripod socket is placed at the bottom. One attractive feature is the lithium-ion battery. Although, it eliminates the freedom to replace batteries when out on the road, but the bundled battery charger could be the savior then. The screen is bright and on par with the competition and viewing in bright outdoor conditions maybe a problem sometimes. One of the major drawbacks of the Picsio is the keypad. Although attractively designed, the buttons are flat and hard,  [...]

With the S11, Canon introduced its new Custom dial, making life easier for users! It is quite similar to Sony’s models. You can control the exposure, focus; assist functions like Zebra and peaking. You can also adjust the mic levels from these controls too. While this dial sits pretty on the side of the camcorder, the zoom switch and the photo button lie just below your forefinger on top of the camcorder. The most surprising aspect of this device is that it lacks the Electronic Viewfinder. We sorely missed this hugely important feature. The location of the EVF has been hijacked by the mode dial, which is flancked by the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the power connector. The power switch is cramped up and feels a little out of hand. Live shooting controls are located on the LCD bezel. The cleverly designed function button pops up to reveal the frequently used settings, and the full menu another level down. The HF S models offers users real control over the aperture and shutter speed.  [...]