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 of  [...]

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.  [...]

This is a tube-like helmet camera that you use for recording any eventual happenings. The design of this camcorder is good but the feature set is just not all that vast. Like its contemporaries this camcorder does not support still photography or a viewfinder. This is a minus which its competitors can taker advantage of. The features may be limited but the performance is too good. You won’t come across many helmet cameras recording at 720 p high definition. The Contour HD dimensioned at 3.75 “X 1.34 “X 2 “ and weighing 4.3 ounces is a  conveniently sized and dimensioned for you to wear on your head. A bulkier camera would have burdened the head. The operation of the different components of this camera is very convenient. The lens, the LCD viewfinder and recording slider are very conveniently operated. A rubber cap covers the battery and memory status lights and the power buttons. The battery is rechargeable. The battery life is just three hours and it gets recharged in four  [...]

Sony DCR-DVD650 has the adjustment features that would help you get better results. However, due to its stress-free design, there aren’t as many as you would want to explore & experiment with. The standard version of Auto mode set for white balance, scene choice & focus performed accurately. But you want to try your own application on the features of focus, exposure, its one spot touch on touch screen for that. The accuracy of autofocus was especially admirable in low light. It performed well for hunting situation challenges. Though 80 minutes on camcorder and 90 minutes on memory stick should be really good for continuous recording, extended battery with claimed battery life of 11 hours would be quite essential & worthy purchase for longer recordings. Features available in scene modes have options for lowlight like twilight, candle, sunrise, sunset and fireworks & bright light like auto, landscape, portrait, spotlight, sports, beach and snow. Other features  [...]

Hmm...Samsung has packed a lot of features in this water-bottle of theirs. With controls on top that include an ultra-sensitive zoom rocker, followed behind by a shutter release for capturing stills (though not while movies are being recorded), a mode button where movies, photos and playback are the options. The camcorder's battery compartment and SDHC card slot are behind a sliding door on the bottom. To the left of the screen are a Menu button, a four-way directional pad and a select button, and a record button. The zoom can be controlled using the pad too. The LCD cavity reveals three more buttons: iCheck, LCD Enhancer, and Easy Q. With the power off, the iCheck button gives you an onscreen readout of remaining battery life and storage; with the power on it toggles on and off information on the display. The LCD Enhancer improves contrast and brightness of the display for better visibility. On pressing the Easy Q you enter into a fully automatic mode where you deal with what you get.