Sony DCR HC20 DV
The DCR-HC20 is Sony's entry level MiniDV Handycam camcorder in an all new compact design. It's full of features such as Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens system, 2.5-inch SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Screen, 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom and more, to help preserve your digital memories.
Canon Optura 40 Mini DV
Compromise is a thing of the past. Now you can hold a seamlessly integrated camcorder, digital camera and webcam in the palm of your hand. Canon's Optura 40 Digital Camcorders deliver the ultimate in picture quality with the unbeatable style and performance of a professional level camcorder... without the professional level price.
Canon GL-2
With the GL2, Canon has created a camcorder with a wealth of features, each selected to elevate further the standard against which other camcorders are judged. The GL2 is a must-have for the person looking for the very best video-making experience. The GL2's excellence begins with its outstanding Fluorite lens and includes pro-level picture adjustment features found only in Canon's top-of-the-line, trend-setting XL1S camcorder.
Sony DCR PC109
Sony's compact DCR-PC109 Handycam Camcorder offers a 1.0 Megapixel CCD Imager, 2.5-inch Touch Panel LCD Screen, Carl Zeiss optics and USB Streaming. Producing excellent still image quality and superb digital video that help you shoot, play and share your precious memories. In addition, stay connected to your computer and AC Power with the Handycam Station.
Sony TRV830
For those who want Digital8 technology so that they can still play their old analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes, we recommend Sony's TRV830 model. The LCD view screen is a whopping 3.5 inches, so it's not one of the smallest models out there, but with the extra size you also get an extra level of quality.
It has an optical zoom of 18x and a digital zoom of up to 500x (remember what we told you about the digital zoom?) This camcorder also boasts of a "mega pixel" CCD imaging device with over 1,070,000 pixels, which results in outstanding video clarity and color. And for still shots, the mega pixels allow for resolution of 1152x864 (as compared to the typical 640x480).
This camcorder is packed with other special features like "Super Night Shot" and special fade-in/fade-out modes, tons of digital effects, and scene dubbing to other Sony camcorders or VCRs. AND the camcorder comes with its own portable dye color printer! Priced at roughly $1000, this camera packs a powerful punch.
Panasonic PV-DV201
For those who prefer a MiniDV format, the Panasonic PV-DV201 is a nice choice. The LCD view screen is 2.5" and weighs in at just 1.48 lbs.
This camcorder has an optical zoom of 20x and a digital zoom of up to 300x. This camcorder also has 3CCD mega pixel technology, with 1,600,000 pixel resolution for video and 1488x1128 resolution for still images.
LCD view screens tend to suck the life out of your battery, but people like to use them because unlike the black and white eyepiece viewfinders, LCD view screens display full color and, therefore, a more accurate representation of the shot. Panasonic has solved this problem by developing a full-color eyepiece viewfinder. You get realistic color AND save your battery life!
The PV-DV201 has a respectable number of special features and digital effects, as well as three types of data input (IEEE1394 or "i-Link", USB, and Analog input) so that you should have no trouble connecting to any computer-although for fastest transfer, you'll want to use the i-Link interface. And finally, Panasonic includes an editing software package from ArcSoft. This high-quality digital camcorder is very reasonably priced at approximately $800.
