Camcorder Information Guide

When you’re a bit tight on cash or just need a quick camcorder to get things done, you also probably want the quality to remain while the price drops. Forget all of those other camcorders that have low prices but can’t record even a still rock.

The best camcorders under $300 today are usually the ones produced by major brands like Sony and Canon. Look to these top-tier companies for quality and affordability at the same time. In fact, the Sony DCR-HC52 and the Canon ZR950 are both known to have the highest value while remaining well under the $300 mark.

The Sony DCR-HC52 offers a zoom of up to 40x, a 2.7-inch touchscreen, an Easy Handycam button for beginners, and even a battery management system. This camcorder is one of the best for both beginner and a little more experienced consumers. Those features, coupled with a manual focus option, make this camcorder exactly what a camcorder should be.

However, it’s surprising that this device is only around $250. From the specifications, you might expect a pricetag of over $400. In any case, the DCR-HC52 is a bit heavier at 2.4 pounds, while some other camcorders barely even scrape the one pound mark. Sony probably had versatility and ease of use in mind while developing this camcorder, because the developers included an i.LINK interface that speeds up the process of transferring files from the camcorder to other devices. Consider the DCR-HC52 for an easy to use camcorder that also performs at a high level while retaining a high value as well.

Top of the ZR series, the Canon ZR950 introduces a variety of features that make recording with this thing easier and more enjoyable than ever. With a 48x optical zoom, the ZR950 resides at the top of the market among the best of the best. Like the DCR-HC52 has the Easy Handycam for beginners, the ZR950 offers a Quick Start function that puts the camcorder to standby until you want to use it again. It weighs 13.3 ounces, considerably less than the Sony camcorder.

The ZR950 has a 2.7-inch screen as well, but this screen is widescreen instead of touchscreen, so you know exactly how this video will look on both the TV screen and the camcorder screen. You can find a ZR950 for as low as $150, a great price for an excellent camcorder.

If you’re looking for a camcorder within your budget, chances are that both the DCR-HC52 and the Canon ZR950 will fit exactly what you’re looking for. Both offer great features that make the camcorder extremely easy to use and a low price that won’t break the bank. These two are simply the best camcorders under $300 today.

Canon HG10 HD Video Camcorder

Sony Bloggie MHS-TS20 3-inch LCD Touchscreen Digital Camcorder $109.49 Sony bloggie MHS-TS20 Digital Camcorder – 3″ – Touchscreen LCD – CMOS – Full HD – Black

JVC Everio GZ-MG330A 30GB Camcorder (Refurbished) $174.49 Never miss a moment with JVC’s Everio digital camcorderCamcorder can record for 7 hours and 10 minutes at the highest quality Elegant and slim HDD/micro SD hybrid camcorder with Konica Minolta lens features 35x optical zoom

JVC Everio GZ-VX700BUS Digital Camcorder – 3 – Touchscreen LCD – CMO $449.99 JVC Everio GZ-VX700BUS Digital Camcorder – 3″ – Touchscreen LCD – CMOS – Full HD – Black

SANYO Xacti VPC-CS1 Digital Camcorder/Camera Combo $179.99 SANYO Xacti VPC-CS1 Digital Camcorder/Camera Combo

Zeikos Red Digital Video Camera $26.49 This easy to use digital video camera from Zeikos features a lightweight and compact design. This camera kit comes with photo editing software and accessories.

Zeikos White Digital Video Camera $26.49 This easy to use digital video camera from Zeikos features a lightweight and compact design. This camera kit comes with photo editing software and accessories.

SVP HDDV2200 5MP 2-inch LCD Silver Digital Camcorder $49.99 Take great video anywhere with this SVP video camcorder Video camera features a high resolution, full-motion VGA qualityCamera records at 30 fps

Samsung SMX-F50 Silver Digital Camcorder with 4GB Kit $187 The Samsung F50 camcorder comes with 65x intellizoom lens for unbelievable detail. You will be amazed at the final product, which benefits from the built-in features such as Smart Backgrouond Music with mood-setting music, and easy capture settings.

JVC GZE10AUS Full HD Camcorder (Refurbished) $152.49 The JVC GZE10US Full HD images with this compact memory camcorder even in low light, thanks to the Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor. A powerful Optical 40x Zoom gets you closer to the action, while the Advanced Image Stabilizer and Intelligent AUTO.

Sandisk Memory Stick Pro Duo Card Adapter $4.49 Sandisk adapter is compatible with all Memory Stick Pro devicesJust input your memory stick pro duo into the Sandisk adapterPerfect for taking digital photos and transferring them to a digital picture frame or digital gadget

Canon Camcorder Starter Kit $50.99 Canon Camcorder Starter Kit

Case Logic Camcorder Kit Bag $17.49 Carry your camcorder and accessories safely and comfortably with this bag from Case Logic. Zippered pockets are perfect for batteries, cables and memory cards, and a detachable shoulder strap makes for effortless carry.

JVC GZHM300BUS HD Camcorder (Refurbished) $153.99 The GZ-HM300BUS is an elegant full HD camcorder with dual SD card slots for seamless recording. This camcorder features an Advanced Image Stabilizer, records digital stills up to 1920 x 1080 and has many unique shooting functions.

JVC GZE10AUS Full HD Camcorder (Refurbished) $159.49 The JVC GZE10US Full HD images with this compact memory camcorder even in low light, thanks to the Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor. A powerful Optical 40x Zoom gets you closer to the action, while the Advanced Image Stabilizer and Intelligent AUTO.

Bell + Howell DV3HD HD 16MP Touchscreen Camcorder $139.99 With this Bell + Howell 16MP resolution camcorder you can capture some of the best memories. With tons of high-tech features, such as touch screen interface, 1080p Full HD Video output and a night shooting mode with a built-in LED video light.

JVC GZHM50BUS HD Everio 8GB Flash Memory Camcorder (Refurbished) $159.99 The GZHM50US is a 8GB internal Flash memory/SDXC card memory camcorder. High-quality HD video ideal for Web sharing on YouTube(TM) and Facebook. Also features 40x optical zoom, Advanced Image Stabilizer, up-convert for 1920x1080p Output.

Canon Vixia HF R32 32GB HD Digital Camcorder $499 This genuine Canon digital camcorder records up to 12 hours of crisp high-definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or directly to a removable SD memory card. Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to wirelessly transfer video directly to online sharing sites.

Panasonic HC-V700 3D Ready Digital Camcorder – 3 – Touchscreen LCD - $509.49 Panasonic HC-V700 3D Ready Digital Camcorder – 3″ – Touchscreen LCD – MOS – Full HD – Black

Samsung HMX-H100 Compact 1080p HD Camcorder (Refurbished) $247.49 Capture the moments that count with a Samsung HMX-H100 digital camcorder Video camera offers 1920×1080 HD recording Camera is available in a black/silver color option

JVC GZHM30AUS 1080p Blue Flash Memory Camcorder (Refurbished) $137.99 This HD camcorder features 40x optical zoom to capture great moments, even if you’re far from the action. The 2.7-inch LCD screen is easy to see and tilts for comfortable viewing.

IQ-8600 Sound 5MP Camcorder/ Digital Camera $48.99 Digital video camcorder features image resolution of 5.0 mega pixels Camcorder has built-in USB flash drive for easy file transferDigital camera includes 2.0-inch LTPS color display

HDDV2000 Silver Video Camera $54.74 All your special moments will be easy to capture with this HDDV2000 camera that records in 720p high definition. This 5-megapixel camcorder features a 2.4-inch display and an 8x digital zoom.

Samsung HMX-U10 High Definition Digital Camcorder $71.49 Samsung HMX-U10 High Definition Digital Camcorder

Panasonic HC-V100 Digital Camcorder – 2.7 LCD – MOS – Full HD – Blac $326.49 Panasonic HC-V100 Digital Camcorder – 2.7″ LCD – MOS – Full HD – Black

SVP Aqua HDV1000 Blue Waterproof Digital Camcorder with Micro 2GB Card $61.99 This waterproof digital camcorder from SVP is the world’s smallest and lightest. This innovative and powerful camcorder has 1280 x 720p video recording, is waterproof to three meters and is also a still camera with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Camera Battery and Charger for Sony Cybershot BG1 DSC-W120 $7.99 Package includes a battery and battery charger for the Sony BG1 and FG1Camera battery makes sure you never run out of battery powerCamera battery provides extra power for your digital video camera /camcorder

Kodak Zx5 Waterproof Pocket Video Camcorder (Refurbished) $87.49 2″ LCD Screen Display Waterproof

Dxg Luxe Collection DXG-5C0VE6HD 1080p HD Camcorder (Refurbished) $59.99 The DXG Luxe 1080p Slim HD Camcorder combines HD technology and style in one device that’s hip, hot and haute. It features a classic design that is inspired by the latest trends in fashion and will complement anyone’s taste and personal style.

Zeikos Pink Digital Video Camera $31.49 This easy to use digital video camera from Zeikos features a lightweight and compact design. This camera kit comes with photo editing software and accessories.

Sharper Image HD345 Digital Camcorder $69.99 Samsonic HD345 Digital Camcorder

SVP HDDV2200 5MP Silver Digital Camcorder with 4GB SDHC Memory Card $49.99 Take great video anywhere with this high-resolution, full-motion camcorder from SVP. This digital camcorder also features 8x digital zoom and a 2-inch LCD monitor.

Sharper Image WPVC-50 Waterproof HD Digital Video Camera $52.49 Get high definition video wherever you go with this digital video camera from Sharper Image. A 5-megapixel resolution, 8x zoom and an interface for USB, HDTV and HDMI outputs are featured on this camcorder that is waterproof up to ten feet.

HDDV2000 Black Video Camera $70.03 All of your special moments will be easy to capture with this HDDV2000 camera that records in 720p high definition. This 5-megapixel camcorder features a 2.4-inch display and an 8x digital zoom.

Looxcie LX2-0001-00 Digital Camcorder – CMOS $145.49 Looxcie LX2-0001-00 Digital Camcorder – CMOS

Bell + Howell DNV900HD 1080p Night Vision Camcorder with 8GB Kit $184.99 Display: 3-inch Touch Panel LCDResolution: 16 megapixelsZoom: 4x digital

Coby SNAPP CAM5002 Digital Camcorder – 2 LCD – CMOS – HD $49.99 Coby SNAPP CAM5002 Digital Camcorder – 2″ LCD – CMOS – HD

JVC GZHM30VUS 1080P Flash Memory Camcorder (Refurbished) $143.49 This JVC Everio camcorder features a 40x optical zoom and a host of other features including multiple operational modes. Its contemporary black design looks as good as the HD video and still photographs it’s capable of taking.

SVP T700 Black Full HD 1080p Digital Camcorder with 8GB SD Card $125.49 SVP HD camcorder records 1440 x 1080p at 30 fpsHandy camera records full High-definition moviesT700 1080p digital camcorder is the perfect way to capture your memories

JVC Everio GZHM440RUS Flash Memory Red Camcorder (Refurbished) $186.49 Display: 2.7-inch ‘Frameless’ Touch Panel LCDResolution: 1.5 megapixelsZoom: 40x optical, 200x digital

Kodak Playsport ZX3 Camo Bundle $103.99 720p HD Movie Capture

Two Batteries/ Charger for Canon NB-4L Powershot $10.49 Package includes two batteries and a battery charger set for the Canon NB-4LNever run out of battery power when you’re just about to capture the perfect momentTime to get extra power for your digital video camera/camcorder

Bell and Howell T200-W Take2 HD Video Camcorder $0 Bell & Howell HD digital camera with flip out USB is perfect for starting a photo hobby. This camera features an ultra slim body that you can even fit it in your pocket.

SVP Aqua HDV1000 High Definition Blue Waterproof Digital Camcorder $58.8 This waterproof digital camcorder from SVP is the world’s smallest and lightest. This innovative and powerful camcorder has 1280 x 720p video recording, is waterproof to three meters and is also a still camera with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor.

HDDV2000 Black Video Camera with 2GB MicroSD Card $71.04 All of your special moments will be easy to capture with this HDDV2000 camera that records in 720p high definition. This 5-megapixel camcorder features a 2.4-inch display, an 8x digital zoom and a 2GB microSD card.

Sony HVR-Z7U HDV Professional Video Camcorder $4999.99 Introducing the Sony HVR-Z7U Professional Camcorder, an industry-leading HDV handheld camcorder that features 1/3-inch bayonet joint interchangeable lensesZSO

SVP Aqua HDV1000 Blue Waterproof Digital Camcorder with Micro 8GB Card $61.46 This waterproof digital camcorder from SVP is the world’s smallest and lightest. This innovative and powerful camcorder has 1280 x 720p video recording, is waterproof to three meters and is also a still camera with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor.

DXG Luxe Collection DXG-5C8VR6HD 1080p HD Camcorder (Refurbished) $49.49 The DXG Luxe 1080p Slim HD Camcorder combines HD technology and style in one device that’s hip, hot and haste. This camcorder records real 1080p high definition video and captures still pictures up to 12 megapixels.

SVP Aqua HDV1000 Red Waterproof Digital Camcorder with Micro 8GB Card $63.99 This waterproof digital camcorder from SVP is the world’s smallest and lightest. This innovative and powerful camcorder has 1280 x 720p video recording, is waterproof to three meters and is also a still camera with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Samsung HMX-U20 Digital Camcorder – 2 LCD – CMOS – Black $106.99 Samsung HMX-U20 Digital Camcorder – 2″ LCD – CMOS – Black

Lumiere L.A. 20W Camera Video Camcorder Light/ 2 NPF750 Batteries $108.49 Get outstanding lighting options with this lightweight, compact lighting kit from Lumiere L.A. This system is compatible with most digital cameras and camcorders, and comes with two rechargeable batteries, a charger and bracket.

Indie Camcorders

1. They’ll always be ready for that YouTube moment with Coby SNAPP Pocket Camcorders. These portable “pocket” models are all priced under $100 with the entry-level unit, the CAM3000,priced at just $39.99. Two other units with more features are priced at $59.99 and $99.99, with the top-of-the line CAM5000 offering HD capability. Available in blue, red, purple, charcoal and black. Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Amazon.com.
2. Help the active gal in your life keep her New Year’s resolution to get fit with the Polar FA20 Activity Watch as her fitness buddy. She can input her age, weight, age and gender, and the watch’s computer calculates the calories burned doing everyday activities, with no need for a chest strap transmitter monitor like other Polar watches. $119.95. Available at Sports Authority and shoppolar.com.
3. The iRobot Roomba Pet Series is the perfect accessory for that new puppy or kitten they got for Christmas. The tiny robot vacuums floors with specially designed brushes that grab hair from carpets and hard floors while a side brush removes pet hair, dirt, kitty litter and more from wall edges and corners. $319.99. irobot.com.
4. They’ll never fumble with those MapQuest print outs again with the TomTom GO 630. It’s the ultimate car navigator, preloaded with maps of the US and Canada, featuring a 4.3″ full-color touch screen. State-of the-art technology allows the driver to input destinations by simply voicing the address and make calls hands free using integrated Bluetooth technology. $299.99. Staples.
5. Get them hooked up with V-MODA’s Faze Head phones for easy listening from calls to music. Compatible with all iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Palm Pre and MP3 devices, these sleek and ergonomic headphones with a microphone offer noise-isolating technology for superior sound and a control button for smooth transition from talk to tunes. $49.99. Best Buy.
6. They can display all thier holiday pics, and then print them to share with the iMo Photo Frame Printer, the world’s first patented photo frame printer. The 8″ LCD hi-res monitor runs independent of a computer using a memory card or Sony Memory Stick and prints 4×6 glossy prints. $229.99. mimomonitors.com
7. Memory cards are the new batteries, so don’t forget to get to pick up SanDisk Memory Cards ($22.99 for 2GB to $166.99 for 32GB) for all their new digital devices. Not sure what format? Make it easy to transfer files to a PC with SanDisk ImageMate All-in-One and Multi-Card USB 2.0 Reader, which works with many popular types of memory cards. With the push of a button, the reader automatically launches applications or Web sites for transferring or editing files. Plus with its glossy black and metallic silver design, it looks sleek on any desk. $32.99. Best Buy.
8. They’ll never worry that their batteries will die in an inopportune moment. With Energizer’s Energi To Go XP4000 ($84.99), they can charge up digital cameras and camcorders in a flash, or bring a Blackberry back to life with the Energi To Go XP2000 ($39.99). Don’t forget to stock up on plenty of long-life Energizer Rechargable batteries. Home Depot.
9. She’ll never be late again with the Casio Solar Atomic Baby-G watch. It auto-syncs with atomic clocks around the world and recharges itself with indoor or outdoor light. Its tough casing can also resist shock and withstand water up to 200 meters. $130. Select Macy’s and Baby-G.com.
10. Get them walking with the Accusplit AL370FM Radio Pedometer. It counts and announces steps, distance, and calorie progress at set intervals, or it can be tuned it to FM radio.$24.99. SportsAuthority.com.
11. Light up their night with the Energizer MicroLED Headlight, perfect for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities after dark. $29.99. Home Depot.
12. Give your favorite geek a giggle with a fun and functional 4GB MIMOBOT Flash Drive,with cute casings, like Romona, Link and Betty-Lou,designed by pop artists. $24.95. Mimoco.com.