how_to_choose_camcorder
In 2011 Camcorders have changed from just a few years ago. Almost gone are any models which use tape like the Mini-DV. Tape-based camcorders are now considered almost obsolete as far as the consumer market is concerned. Everything now is going solid-state like flash-based models. Sony and Canon are still making the best camcorders for consumers. Each year new models arrive. Prices range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars for most non-professional camcorders. What camcorder you pick is based on features, price and your personal taste.
If you look around, you see Sony has hard-disk and flash camcorders. The hard-disk models are now up to 240GB and the flash models have 64GB internal and 32GB memory card external storage which is enough to capture hours and hours of video.
The big thing now is high-definition and coming soon, 3D camcorders. With many people now owning a HDTV, they want HD video to be viewed from their camcorder.
Sony HDR-CX350V
2010 model replaced by the HDR-CX360V for 2011. Has built-in 32 GB internal memory which should be enough for hours of high-definition video storage. If more memory is needed, memory cards that support the Memory Stick PRO or SD format can be used, too.
Features
1920 x 1080 HD Video Recording
Back-illuminated 1/4″ “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor
Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
Geotagging with built-in GPS
Face Detection Technology with Face Priority
Smile Shutter technology for still and dual capture
Direct Copy to External HDD
Golf Shot capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record
Dolby® Digital 2ch recording with Built-in Zoom Mic
Dual Record with 3.5MP still image capture
Hybrid Recording to internal memory or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media
Built-in Intelligent Flash
Specifications
LCD Screen Size: 2.7” LCD
Viewfinder: None
High Definition: Yes
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9
Video Format: HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264; SD: MPEG2
Manual Focusing: Yes
Filter Diameter: 30mm
Optical Zoom: 12x
Digital Zoom: 160x
Recording Media: 32GB Flash Memory; Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC
Dimensions: 2.2″ x 5.0″ x 2.6″
Weight With Battery: 13 oz (370g)
Digital Still Camera Features
Still Image Aspect Ratios: 16:9; 4:3
Still Picture Resolution: 7 Megapixel