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