Camcorders: It's a jungle out there!

From: Bob Clemens <rclemens2_at_rochester.rr.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2012 11:33:18 -0400

Mark asked about camcorders in the $200 class. I don’t pretend to keep up with the zillions of camcorders or still cameras that also can shoot video, but I’ve had good- not great- results with a Kodak Zi8. This is one of their early model mini camcorders that, at a glance, resembles a smart phone. It’s about the size of a pack of cigarettes, but thinner and easy to carry in a pocket or purse. I can record video at 720p, 720p/60 frames per second (good for action), or even 1080p high definition. It also will take decent still photos. This duality is a handy feature. Flip camcorders came out about the same time, and nowadays there a flock of other brands available, most in the $200 price range. Kodak has updated models Play Touch, Playful), as does Flip. Other vendors include Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and Toshiba. There others, less well known. A USB 2 cord is all that’s needed to connect to your PC, TV or whatever, and virtually all have rechargeable batteries. For me the only missing feature is a good eye-level viewfinder. These cameras all have sharp LCD screens which serve well both as viewfinders and for reviewing videos. Indoors and outdoors under flat lighting this is fine,but if it’s a sunny day you’ll have a problem seeing details on the screen and properly composing your shots (many still cameras with video capability also suffer from this- IMO- shortcoming). One important feature to look for is image stabilization. Wobbly, jerky videos tend to induce sea sickness!

Of course traditional video camcorders are available as well. It’s your choice, but quality hi-def models will cost you more.

There are dozens of still cameras that can shoot decent video. It all depends on your personal preference. It’s best to go to a store that sells this equipment and play with the various models and styles. Perhaps some kind clerk will let you shoot some quick clips and play them back on site. Some homework on the Internet will yield test and user reports. Confusing? Probably, but hang in there. Get what you want, not just what’s cheapest.

I’m sure others on this forum will have some suggestions.


Bob Clemens
Received on Sat Jun 02 2012 - 08:33:48 CEST