Geeky gift guide 2011: 10 Best camcorders

Camcorder is an electronic device that is used for recording video. Its primary function of recording video is more capable than other electronic devices such as mobile phones and digital compacts. The three major components of camcorder are lens, imager and recorder. The recorder coverts the electric signals into video. There are different manufacturers such as Sony, Samsung, JVC, Canon and others who bring into public camcorders that enable the users to enjoy improved image quality, advanced technologies, upgraded resolution and other features.

1. Samsung HMX-Q10

Samsung HMX-Q10

Price: $194

Samsung has recently unveiled HMX-Q10. Q10’s sensor resolution is 5 megapixel and video resolution is 2.07 megapixels. It is black in color. The digital zoom is twenty and the optical sensor size is ¼*1 inches. It uses backside illuminated CMOS optical sensor. The photo mode is digital and includes resolution of 1080i, 480i and 720p. It includes SD memory card and flash card. Q10 also has zoom lens with focal length of 2.75 mm to 27.5 mm. The lens aperture is F/1.8 and the adjustment of focus is automatic.

The additional features of Q10 are USB charging, face detection, interval shooting mode and switch grip. It has Samsung Intelli Studio 2.0 software. The display of this camcorder is LCD with 2.7 in color. Even microphone is built in. It has one USB port, one HDMI output and one composite video and audio output. It has microphone audio input and built in microphone. The camcorder can be connected to personal computer through USB port. It also includes Samsung BP125A Li ion rechargeable battery, 1250 mAh. Its basic dimensions include 1.7 inches width, 4.7 inches depth and 2.1 inches in height.

Q10 includes Record Pause technology, this technology allows to pause recording without creating a new clip on resume. The camcorder can be charged via USB inspite of the absence of in built USB cable.

It is worth buying this camcorder Q10 as it is very easy to use and has excellent full high definition video quality. It also has excellent zoom and is light weighed. There is no need of any extra software to upload videos. It has drag and scroll functionality. Its advanced BSI CMOS technology delivers double sensitivity than conventional CMOS sensors. It captures crystal videos.

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2. Canon Vixia HF M400

Canon Vixia HF M400

Price: $330

Canon HF M400 is a high definition HDD/flash memory camcorder. It features dual SDXC compatible memory card slots. The camcorder has relay recording that automatically switches video recording from one SD card to another. The card storage capacity ranges from 32 GB to 2TB. It consumes less power. Canon includes imaging technologies such as Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and new HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor that delivers high video resolution and outstanding low light performance. These sensors use few pixels which deliver optimized video performance. It also features Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization for adjustment during zoom. HF M400 features instant AF, that improves auto speed and accuracy using external sensor.

It also has a Smart Auto automatically selects best settings and detects and analyzes faces, brightness, color and distance. Touch & Track allows in achieving sharp focus and precise exposure through 3.0 inches Touch Panel LCD. It also includes other features such as Cinema-Look Filters, Story Creator, and Touch Decoration that provide an easy way to shoot video and add creative flair. The resolution of sensor is 2.37 megapixels and video resolution is 2.07 megapixels. It includes DIGIC DVIII image processor and accepts JPEG image format. It includes SD memory card and 1920*1080 of image storage. The length of the lens ranges from 6.1mm to 61 mm. HF M400 has built in lens shield and microphone. It has one component video input, composite video and audio output, one HDMI output, one USB, one microphone and one headphone. The cables provided with HFM400 are HDMI, A/V and USB cable. The manufacturer provides one year warranty and is supported by BP 808 battery and one Li ion rechargeable battery with 890 mAh. Its basic dimensions include 2.9 inches width, 5.2 inches depth, 2.8 inches height and weighs around 12.3 oz.

It is worth buying though expensive for its image stabilization, auto mode, fun cinema mode and superior video quality. It includes compatible memory card slots and relay recording feature. Its quick response time is also another interesting feature. It also consumes less power and is shock resistant. It also has less chances of losing data even when under repair.

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3. Samsung HMX-H300

Samsung HMX-H300

Price: $349

Samsung’s HMX H300 delivers superior video quality with 4.71 BSI CMOS and 4.7 megapixel image sensor. It consumes less power and has an efficient battery that records high definition videos continuously three to four hours. It includes BSI CMOS technology that delivers effective sensitive sensors. It can capture unique videos even during low light. It features OIS Duo a built in optical image stabilizer with image stabilizer technology. It comes with three inches LCD screen. The intelligent smart auto features chooses the best shooting mode and captures videos and stills perfectly. H300 features record pause where one can pause the record in between and continue from the same point where paused. H300 detects and recognizes up to six faces in focus. It can be charged through USB port. it also includes Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD Lens. It includes interfaces such as USB, video HDMI and SD/SDHC card slot. It also features power LED indicator, recharging indicator, manual lens cover. Its basic dimensions include 49.5 mm width, 56.6 mm height and 119.7mm depth and weighs around 228g.

The other accessories included along with this camcorder are AC Adapter, charger included, battery pack, hand grip strap, carrying case, A / V cable, USB cable, optional recordable media, instruction book and pocket guide.

The camcorder HMX H300 can be bought as it delivers superior quality video even in day light and has improved OIS technology. It consumes less power and has intelligent smart auto feature. It also has record pause and face focusing features.

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4. Sony Handycam HDR-CX130

Sony Handycam HDR-CX130

Price: $398

Sony’s HDR CX130 delivers high definition video with 1920*1080 resolution. It features "Exmor R" CMOS sensor that provides low light performance. It is capable of recording and playing back through HDMI. The camcorder sensor resolution is 4.2 megapixels, video resolution is 1.67 megapixels. It accepts JPEG image format. The lens focal length ranges from 2.1 mm to 63 mm. The G lens provides brilliant color, amazing images and also helps in delivering wide angle shooting. It has 42X optical zoom for getting closer pictures. It also features optical steady slot for image stabilization. It has 3 inches LCD touch screen that provides superior clarity images with 230k pixels resolution. The touch panel allows easy access to menu. It also features face detection and has event browse that puts together all the images and videos together for easy viewing. It also has highlight playback feature that shorts the movements with music and transitions. Other additional features included are wind noise reduction, intelligent auto mode, and direct copy to external disc, built in USB cable.

The accessories along with HDR CX130 are rechargeable battery pack (np fv50), ac adaptor (ac l200), power cord, component a/v cable, USB connection support cable, CD Rom and operating guide. The basic dimensions of this camcorder are 2.13 inches width, 2.25 inches height and 4.88 inches depth. It weighs approximately 250 grams. It includes 30X optical zoom and 350X digital zoom. It includes USB, HDMI, Component, Composite, S Video connectors. The manufacturer provides one year warranty.

The camcorder provided by Sony is worth buying as it features CMOS sensor, Glens, optical steady slot and LCD touch screen. It also has rechargeable batteries along with built in USB cable and HDMI ports. It has 3.3 megapixels still image capabilities. It also has wind noise reduction feature.

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5. Sony Handycam HDR-CX160

Sony HDR-CX160

Price: $449

Sony’s HDR CX160 is a full high definition camcorder with 1920*1080 resolution. It includes 60 p video recording and playback through HDMI. It has 42X extended zoom, 3MP still images, wide angle G lens, It also has Exmor R CMOS sensor for low light performance, optical steady shot image stabilization. The three inches touch screen displays superior image clarity with its 230K pixels resolution. The touch screen feature enables the user to access the menu and other functions with ease. HDR CX160 has built in 16 giga byte flash memory that records and stores upto six hours of high definition video. The camcorder has wind noise reduction technology, built in USB cable for file transfer or for charge. The manufacturer provides one year of warranty. It consumes 2.5W power; and requires 7.2V power and 8.4V AC adaptor. It requires InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System battery. The lens focal length ranges between 2.10mm to 63mm. it includes built in microphone speaker. It also has HDMI and USB ports. The basic dimensions of this camcorder include 2.2 inches of height, 2.1 inches of width, 4.9 inches of depth and weighs around 8.8 oz.

The other accessories provided along with camcorder are power cord, cd rom, rechargeable battery, operating guide, ac adapter, USB connection and support cable.

It is worth buying this Sony’s full high definition camcorder as it includes wide angle lens, built in USB cable, highlight playback. It also has access to copy directly from camcorder to HDD. Wind noise reduction, tracking focus, Exmor R CMOS sensor are other unique features. Wide Angle G lens intelligent auto mode are also two important and unique features.

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6. JVC Everio GZ-HM670

JVC Everio GZ-HM670

Price:$450

JVC’s Everio GZ HM670 provides high definition quality images. It has 32GB internal flash memory. It includes SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot, 3.3MP Back Illuminated CMOS Sensor, AVCHD & AVCHD SD Dual Format, Konica Minolta HD Lens, Full Screen Touch Panel, 40x Optical Zoom, Advanced Image Stabilizer, Super LoLux, and Intelligent AUTO.

HM670’s CMOS sensor enables user to enjoy superior and solid quality video everytime one shoots. The videos and images can be viewed on the 2.7 inches LCD display. The 40x optical zoom, 70x dynamic zoom, advanced image stabilizer enables the user to have crystal clear memories. Other features include 24Mbps high bit rate recording, and JVC's Super LoLux that ensures high quality video even in low light settings.

The intelligent AUTO feature picks up the best shoot automatically. Other eminent shooting controls include Auto REC, Time Lapse REC, and Smile Meter. The camera also includes a HDMI connection, that allows for one cable connection to HDTV to have the videos and images seen on the big screen. JVC’s camera also has Everio MediaBrowser 3 software built in that allows the user to view the images and videos directly in PCs and laptops without the use of anyother software or use of CDs. The focal length of the lens is between 2.9mm to 116mm. it has built in Mic and speaker. One USB, one HDMI, one audio/vedio and one component video input/output connector are available. It also includes rechargeable battery. The basic dimensions of this camera include 2.01inches width, 2.17inches height, 4.69 inches depth and weighs around 236 grams.

The other accessories provided along with this camera include 4GB Class 6 SDHC Card, data battery, starter kit, mini HDMI cable and others.

This camera is worth buying with included Super LoLux with 1/4.1inches 3.32MP Back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 32GB built-in memory and memory card slot for SD/SDXC/SDHC, 24Mbps high bit rate recording, and K2 technology.

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7. Canon Vixia HF M41

Canon Vixia HF M41

Price: $529

Canon’s Vixia HFM41 includes a dual SDXC compatible memory card slots. It also includes a genuine Canon 10x HD video lens, HD CMOS Pro image sensor. This camcorder also features Smart Auto, that detects and analyzes the color, brightness, distance and movements and automatically selects the best shot. Plus, Touch & Track features allows the user to have sharp focus on the image. It includes 3 inches LCD touch screen. It includes new features such as Cinema Look Filters, Story Creator, and Touch Decoration that enables users to record and view great video and also add creative flair. It has built in microphone that allows audio to match the recorded video.

The basic dimensions of this camcorder include 2.9 inches width, 5.4 inches depth, 2.8 inches height and weighs around 12.7 oz. The camcorders sensor resolution is 2.37 megapixel, video resolution is 2.07 megapixel. The focal length of the lens ranges between 6.1mm to 61mm. it is supported by Canon BP808 battery and one Li-ion rechargeable battery. It includes HDMI, A/V and USB cables. It has one component video output, one composite video/audio output, one HDMI output, one USB and one microphone and headphones connections.

Though expensive, can be bought as it includes USB port, touch-screen control, built-in speaker and microphone, RGB primary color filter, progressive scanning, auto gain control. It also has 5.1 channel surround sound ready, Pre-Rec function, Relay Recording, Video Snapshot mode, Touch & Track technology.

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8. Canon Vixia HV30

Canon Vixia HV30

Price: $799

VIXIA HV30 is the latest camcorders with high definition video and image quality. It features full HD CMOS sensor with 1920x1080 resolution and also has advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant Auto Focus offer the user the best shot. It also features a Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens. The camcorder also features instant AF that focuses automatically on the shots. It has 2.7 inches multi angle vivid widescreen LCD. 24p cinema mode, 30p progressive mode, digital photography, editing and sharing video, HDMI and other features are also included. It has built in lens cover, playback of 60i video, USB terminal. It also includes analog digital converter that shares memories already stored in the camcorder. Wireless remote control along with one year warranty from manufacturer is also included.

The camcorder consumes 4.3 w of power. The basic dimensions of this camcorder include 3.5 inches width, 3.2 inches height, 5.4inches depth and weighs around 535 grams. Along with VIXIA HV30 camcorder, the other accessories provided by the manufacturer include BP 2L13 Battery Pack, CA 570 compact power adapter, STV 250N stereo video cable, WL D87 wireless controller, FC 300PCU USB cable, CTC 100/S component cable and digital video solution disc for Windows and Macintosh.

It is the most advanced and expensive camcorder compared to other models provided by Canon. It is worth buying this which offers excellent video quality. It has advanced DIGIC DVII image processor, image stabilization and auto instant focus. It is the superior in optics and processing images. It is easy to use and delivers high performance at low light.

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9. Canon Vixia HF S21

Canon Vixia HF S21

Price: $779

Canon’s Vixia HFS21 is a full high definition camcorder with 1080 progressive scan. It includes 64GB internal flash memory, 2 x SD/SDHC memory card slot, Eye Fi memory card compatible, 1/2.6 inches CMOS sensor, Canon 10x HD Video lens, 10x Optical zoom. It also comes with 3.5 inches touch panel LCD. It has 200x digital zoom and 8.59 megapixels. It also features optical image stabilizer and accepts NTSC analog video format AVCHD digital video format. The camcorder sensor resolution is 8.59 megapixels, 6.01 megapixels effective video resolution and 8.02 megapixels still resolution. It accepts JPEG still image format. The lens focal length is between 6.4mm to 64mm with TTL contrast detection auto focus. Other features include display brightness control, 24p cinema mode, scene detection technology, progressive scanning, backlight compensation, saturation control, video snapshot mode, relay recording, 5.1 channel surround sound ready , touch & track technology, built-in speaker, USB compatibility.

The accessories included along with HFS21 camcorder are wireless controller, stereo video cable, usb interface cable, compact power adapter, battery pack and component cable. It includes built in microphone. It also has one component video output, one composite video/audio output, one HDMI, one USB, one headphones, one microphone, one control l (lanc) and 2 SD memory card. It also includes one USB cable, one A/V cable and component video cable. The camcorder also has Canon BP 808 battery with Li ion rechargeable battery. The basic dimensions of HFS21 include 3 inches width, 5.8 inches depth, 2.9 inches height and weighs around 16.6 oz. The manufacturer also provides one year warranty.

Though expensive than other models of Canon, HF S21 is worth buying as it includes internal flash memory. Image stabilization, and excellent picture quality.

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10. Canon Vixia HF G10

Canon Vixia HF G10

Price: $1239

VIXIA HF G10 is a flash memory camcorder with high definition video performance and quality. It has 32GB internal flash drive and dual SDXC compatible card slots. It also delivers excellent storage capacity. It resolution is 1920 x 1080p and features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens that is 35mm with an 8-blade iris. The VIXIA HF G10 also includes CMOS Pro Image Sensor that delivers outstanding video resolution, low-light performance.

The LCD touch panel is 3.5 inches with high resolution. It enables the user to view large, crystal clear pictures and videos. It also includes advanced features such as built-in microphone, 24p recording, full manual control. It also has optical image stabilization and instant AF. It also includes Smart auto, touch and track technology. The camcorder is easy to use and has easy web sharing facility. HFG10 has relay recording facility that automatically transfers video recording to SD memory cards when memory is full. The SDXC memory card has storage capacity from 32GB to 2TB and fast data transfers.

The camcorder requires 7.4VDC power. It also has one USB terminal, One composite and one component video output terminal, HDMI terminal, 3.5mm stereo mini jack microphone terminal. The basic dimensions include 3 inches width, 3.1 inches height, 5.9 inches depth and weighs around 545 grams. The other accessories included in the box along with HFG10 are lens hood, battery pack bp 808, compact power adapter ca 570, wireless controller wl d89, stylus pen, USB cable, stereo video cable and mini HDMI cable.

Though more expensive that already discussed camcorder manufactured by Canon. This camcorder is worth buying as it delivers ultimate high definition video performance and image quality. It includes dual SDXC compatible card slots, CMOs pro image sensor that provides excellent video quality, low light performance. This camcorder allows the user to record continuously upto 12 hours of video. It also automatically adjusts the zoom through optical image stabilization.

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