Sony HDR-CX110 HD Camcorder (25x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.7" LCD)

74 Reviews

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	Price: $379.99
	Price: $326.00
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Pros: Excellent image quality, Convenient features
Cons: No onboard memory, Screen is not viewable in direct sunlight

Capture 3-megapixel still images and shoot 1920 x 1080 Full HD videos with the Sony Handycam HDR-CX110. It has a 25x optical zoom that brings you closer to the action and the SteadyShot image stabilization for optimum clarity and precision. In addition to its Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens, BIONZ image processor and Exmor R CMOS sensor which ensure bright, accurate colors and improved low-light performance, it also supports dual recording which enables you to record videos and take photos at the same time. This compact camcorder does not have onboard memory but it accepts a wide range of memory cards including SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo. For further convenience, it supports playback via HDMI and allows you to burn discs at the touch of a button or transfer your shots to your external hard disk drive without using a computer. Its 2.7" Clear Photo LCD display is large but does not reduce glare. It is also not bright enough for comfortable viewing in direct sunlight. The HDR-CX110 comes bundled with Sony's Picture Motion Browser software which permits easy and quick file transfer and has 9 Intelligent Auto Modes. Aside from those, it is armed with an integrated zoom microphone, Face Detection Technology with Face Priority, Film roll index, Dynamic Range Optimizer for enhanced image contrast, Quick AF for faster speed and BRAVIA Sync for controlling your HDMI devices using a single remote control. While it has flaws, its advanced features and ability to produce great-looking photos and steadier video footage give this Sony HandyCam a competitive edge among other camcorders in the same price range.

GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition HD Camcorder

68 Reviews

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	Price: $299.99
	Price: $299.00
	Price: $299.99
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Pros: Easy to use, Tough, Incredible video quality, Slow-mo recording option
Cons: Not ideal for taking pictures indoors, No flash, Short battery life

GoPro nails it again with the HD HERO2 cameras. Resolution has been bumped up to 11MP from 5MP and it now has an improved lens, better low-light performance, an easier to navigate LCD interface and more inputs. A Mini-HDMI port and a 3.5mm External Stereo Mic port are provided, in addition to the Component port, Composite port, USB, SD and HERO Port. When in burst mode, the HD HERO2 can also take up to 10 photos in 1 sec as opposed to the 3 photos in 1 sec of the original HD Hero. All the cameras in the Professional series include a Waterproof Housing, an HD Skeleton Backdoor, a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, a USB Cable and an Assorted Mounting Hardware. You can expect 2 Surfboard Mounts, an FCS Compatible Camera Mount and a Floaty Backdoor in the Surf Edition, a Suction Cup Mount, a J-Hook Buckle, 2 Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts, 3 Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts and a Three-Way Pivot Arm in the Motorsports Edition and a Vented Helmet Strap, a Head Strap, 2 Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts, 2 Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts and a Three-Way Pivot Arm in the Outdoor Edition. The HD HERO2 is waterproof to 197' or 60m. It can shoot 1080p videos and take 11MP photos. As expected, video quality is amazing. The slow-mo recording option adds a new twist and puts emphasis on the highlights. When taking pictures indoors, however, photos come out a bit grainy but since there's no flash, we can't argue with its performance in certain lighting conditions and all we can do is hope that they come up with a built-in flash in the next series or a flash attachment to make it even more versatile. Battery life is also short at 2.5 hrs, same as the original. But overall, the GoPro HD HERO2 is great for those who've always wanted a pocket-sized camera for filming outdoor sports like biking, skating, surfing, racing and snowboarding. The significant improvements made to this professional series make it a solid upgrade to the original HD Hero and its usability comes to the fore during high-speed action.

Panasonic HDC-TM900 32GB Flash Memory HD Camcorder (3.5" LCD - Touchscreen - CMOS - 16:9 - 7.9 Megapixel Image - 7.6 Megapixel Video - AVCHD - 12x Optical Zoom - Optical IS - Full HD - 32 GB Flash Memory - Microphone, Speaker, Flashlight - HDMI)

62 Reviews

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	Price: $719.99
	Price: $675.00
	Price: $689.95
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Pros: 3D-capable, Large LCD screen, 20x Intelligent Zoom, Excellent Image Stabilization System
Cons: No battery charger included, Expensive lens attachment

The Panasonic HDC-TM900 looks very much alike its predecessor but combines improved features that make it an excellent upgrade. Two of its most significant improvements over the HDC-TM700 are its HYBRID O.I.S which provides outstanding shake correction and its 3D image recording capability. Although it requires an optional VW-CLT1 3D lens attachment in order to get hold of its 3D feature, it is still a nice thing to have these days. This camcorder incorporates an advanced 3MOS System that produces sharp and vivid images even in poorly-lit conditions. It has a 35mm wide-angle lens ideal for group shots and it can capture up to 14.2-megapixel still images and record Full-HD videos. Instead of the standard 18x Intelligent Zoom found on older models, it is capable of up to 20x zoom which gives you more control over your subject. It is also equipped with a total of eleven Scene modes which include Scenery, Night Scenery, Night Portrait, Sports, Portrait, Beach, Sunset, Low Light, Spot Light, Snow and Fireworks. Through VieraLink, you can connect your camcorder to compatible devices using an HDMI mini cable and easily view your captured images or videos. You can even upload them to YouTube and Facebook. In addition to its 5.1-Channel Surround Sound System, it also has a Zoom Mic and a Wind Noise Canceller which when combined, results in clearer audio quality. The Panasonic HDC-TM900 doesn't ship with a battery charger which is a little unusual. The number of dedicated buttons is also reduced but they can easily be accessed through the camcorder's easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Its 3.5-inch LCD screen is considerably large compared to the 3.0-inch display in most models. However, it also makes the unit heavier. All in all, those who are not interested in 3D may want to check less expensive camcorders but for those who want to invest in a future-proof camcorder with a solid feature set, this is a great option to consider.

Sony Handycam HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (3" LCD - Touchscreen - CMOS - 16:9 - 3.3 Megapixel Image - 1.5 Megapixel Video - AVCHD, MPEG-2 - 30x Optical Zoom - Optical IS - Full HD, SD - 16 GB Flash Memory - Microphone, Speaker - HDMI)

55 Reviews

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	Price: $398.00
	Price: $398.00
	Price: $398.00
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Pros: Excellent HD video camera with still image capture function, Solid image stabilization feature, Touchscreen LCD display, Intelligent Auto presets
Cons: Included software only works with Windows, Uses MTS file format, IS may have issues with unstable environments

Excellent video capture at 1920 X 1080 Full HD is just one of the many great things about the Sony HDR-CX160 High-Definition Camcorder. In addition, this ultra-compact video camera also takes high-quality still images of up to 3 megapixels. The CX160 also boasts of an embedded 16GB of Flash Memory that is expandable as well, making it convenient, palm-sized and lightweight so you can take it wherever you may go without much hassle. Using a back-illuminated Exmor-R image sensor similar to those found in Digital SLR cameras, the CX160 has spectacular low-light performance. Aided by a built-in LED light, it can shoot in almost any environment and still produce impressive video. The Wide-angle G Lens captures the greatest amount of detail and color reproduction with up to 30x optical zoom; This, in turn, is enhanced with an extended zoom factor that delivers up to 42x of zoom. A nifty 3-inch articulated touchscreen LCD display with 230k pixels resolution makes monitoring, focusing, and playback easier, not to mention navigating menus. Finally, the HDR-CX160 camcorder uses two main interfaces: A built-in USB cord, and a mini-HDMI interface. While it does belong to the entry-to-mid level tier of Sony's camcorder lines, the CX160 shines in one particular aspect - the functionality of this unit is definitely top-notch, especially when it comes to the Optical Steady Shot image stabilization feature that produces amazingly stable footage. It also features an intelligent Tracking Focus mode that works like an extended version of the usual Face Detection offered in other cameras. The CX160 also has a range of Intelligent Auto presets, and a unique shooting mode called the "Golf Shot", which captures video in the form of a succession of 22 still images. Sony has included a software suite for use with the Sony HDR-CX160, but at present, it only works with Windows operating systems. This video camera does work on Mac OS, but since the files being outputted from this camcorder come in the MTS format instead of the more common file types, third party software video editing software may be needed to process those files into a more usable format. It also has some shortcomings on the functionality side too; While this camera has great image stabilization in normal situations, it does tend to jitter around when used in unstable environments. So far though, this is the only major issue with the camera, and the Sony HDR-CX160 remains a solid choice for high-definition video recording.

Canon VIXIA HF R20 8 GB Flash Memory HD Camcorder (20x Opt, 400x Dig, 3.0" LCD)

41 Reviews

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	Price: $295.00
	Price: $309.95
	Price: $349.00
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Pros: Excellent video quality, Easy to use, Compact, Stunning colors, Good price
Cons: Videos are saved in MTS format not AVI, No viewfinder, Cannot take pictures and shoot video at the same time

Point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras are nice to have but if you want to get away from their satisfactory video performance and you'd like to record many memorable events in fluid HD quality, a dedicated camcorder like the Canon VIXIA HF R20 is still a must-have. It joins Canon's renowned family of camcorders and uses Canon's Exclusive 3.2-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV III Image Processor. It cannot take pictures and capture video simultaneously but it shoots videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution with greater detail even in challenging lighting conditions and it has a 28x Advanced Zoom which lets you focus on your subject and enjoy crisp image quality together with quiet operation. The Dynamic IS system greatly compensates for camera shake and unnecessary movement. In addition to video, you can capture still images by pressing the photo button since the camcorder also acts as a 3.0-megapixel digital camera and incorporates the same Smart Auto mode and Face Detection technology found in other cameras which delivers optimized settings and enables it to track up to 35 faces and retain image sharpness. Photos and videos taken from the HF R20 can easily be transferred to your PC or laptop or uploaded straight to your Facebook, YouTube and other online accounts. Videos are saved in MTS format not AVI, though. There's also no viewfinder but a 3.0" Touch Panel LCD enables you to add effects, change focus and view every video or image in crisp and clear quality. As for sound, it comes with adequate connections including a headphone and a mic jack with manual audio level control. It is even compatible with the Canon wireless microphone WM-V1. Available in shades of black, red and silver, the grab-and-go Canon VIXIA HF R20 is not only handy but also visually stunning. The design is well thought out and the price is pretty reasonable too. With its dual memory card slots and a place for an 8GB internal flash drive, you can be rest assured that you are well-equipped and ready anywhere life takes you.

Sony HDR-FX7 HD Camcorder (20x Opt, 3.5" LCD)

26 Reviews

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	Price: $1998.00
	Price: $1998.00
	Price: $1999.99
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Pros: Professional-level camcorder that shoots either in high-definition 1080i/p format switchable to standard definition for MiniDV recording, with clear, broadcast-quality output, with HDMI, USB, Component Video, S-Video and Firewire interfaces, as well as remote control.
Cons: Battery life moderate with the OEM battery pack coming with the unit.

Through three powerful 0.25" CMOS sensors, the Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 Digital HD Camcorder delivers the stunning detail and clarity of full 1080 high-definition, broadcast-quality video. The 62-mm Carl Zeiss lens that comes with the unit (which can also be replaced with a wide-angle lens if needed) provides a maximum 20X optical and 30X digital zoom feature. Video captured by the unit displays very well on the 3.5" LCD viewfinder mounted on the camera's left side. An array of connection ports also grace the FX7's panel: a choice of HDMI, USB, FireWire, Component Video and S-video outs provide strong interfacing capabilities with computers and other equipment. Users can even map functions to some of the buttons on the camcorder for quick access in moments wherein a second's delay in operation because of customizing settings may make or break a shot. Its support for a multitude of storage media and output formats make the FX7 a very versatile camcorder. It can take MiniDV cassettes, flash memory sticks, and tape media, and save video outputs ranging between HD Video. DV, and raw MPEG1 and 2, and even a JPEG output mode. Sony also included a proprietary Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system which reduces battery consumption and enables, according to the product description, "efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording." All the features and performance packed into the FX7 make it the best video camera of its class and completely justifies the hefty price tag. In fact, the only noticeable limitation was a moderate battery life coming from the pack shipped with the unit. That may be understandable though, as the powerful CMOS sensors require a lot of energy. Swap the OEM battery to a separate one, and that takes care of the issue. In summary, the FX7, while targeted mainly for serious amateurs and budding professionals, is simple enough to be comfortably used by home users simply looking for HD video recording capability. It may command a serious price point, but the results are definitely well worth it.