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Also in this section: Introduction | High Definition Video | Camcorder types and formats | Camcorder Features | Top Ten camcorders

Buying tips

Look at Optical Zoom rather than digital zoom. Digital zoom is an electronic magnification of the image. Look for an optical zoom of at least 10x.

Many of us will be using our camcorders in bright sunshine. Try to get a look through the LCD Screen of any camcorder you are considering buying and make sure that it does not 'wash' out.

Try out Camcorder Controls before you buy, especially if it is a compact model. Even those with small hand find the more compact camcorders a little fiddly to use. If it is a problem, remember that there are now 'touch screen' camcoders available.

If your local Electronic Retailer shows any reluctance in letting you fiddle to your hearts content before you buy, becomes impatient with questions you may have, go somewhere else.

Top Ten Camcorders

1. Panasonic HDC-SD10

Pros: Ultra lightweight, Versatile, Good value

Cons: Not great with fast pans

 

2. Canon Legria FS200

Pros: Ultra compact, Huge Zoom, Good value

Cons: No optical image stabilization

 

3. Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10

Pros: Ultra compact, Good quality video

Cons: Average still photos

 

4. Canon Legria HF200

Pros: Great image quality, Removable flash memory, Value

Cons: Not the best for still pictures or HD footage

 

5. SONY HDR-XR105

Pros: Good image quality, Value

Cons:

 

6. JVC GZ-HD300

Pros: Excellent image quality

Cons: Not as good value as some

 

7. Sony DCR-SR37E

Pros:

Cons:

 

8. Canon Legria HF S10

Pros: Fabulous all round quality

Cons: pricey

 

9. Sony HDR-XR520

Pros: Excellent all round performance

Cons: Not as many manual features as you would expect

 

10. Canon Legria FS200

Pros: Excellent value, Good images

Cons: Colour not the most vibrant

 

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