Camcorder Roundup

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory Camcorder

Consumers have more choices in camcorders than ever before, and some of them seem downright professional with features sets that are packed to the rafters. Canon’s VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory Camcorder shoots 1920 x 1080 high definition video, and you can choose frame rates of 60i, 30p or 24p for a cinematic look and feel. Built-in filters can make the video look even more like film.
The HF G10 is built around a 1/3" 2.07MP image sensor which uses fewer, but larger, pixels to optimize video performance. Image data is crunched efficiently by Canon's DIGIC DV III image processor. Images are presented to the sensor by way of a 10x optical zoom HD video lens with a 35mm equivalent of 30.4mm to 304mm.
Subjects are framed, and recorded footage is reviewed on a 3.5" 922,000-dot touch-panel LCD. The display offers handy touch features such as Touch & Track, which provides precise focus and exposure on any subject simply by touching it on the display; and Touch Decoration, which lets you superimpose decorations, animations, still images, text and more onto your recorded video. If it’s too sunny out to see anything on the LCD you can always use the 0.24", 260,000-dot color viewfinder instead.

Numerous connections on the HF G10 let you do exactly what you wish to do with the camcorder. Connections into and out of the camcorder include USB 2.0, Component, Composite, HDMI, headphone and microphone, which lets you use fancy external microphones in place of the built-in stereo microphone.
When you feel like being lazy you can rely on the HF G10’s automatic functions to make the proper settings. You can also set things yourself with manual exposure, white balance, aperture priority, shutter priority and more.
The HF G10 is a flash memory camcorder, so you never have to deal with tapes or discs. Flash memory is also more shock resistant than other storage media. The camcorder features a 32GB internal flash drive and two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. You can record up to 12 hours of HD video to internal memory or to an equivalently sized memory card. A Relay Recording mode automatically switches recording to an SD card when the internal memory fills up. Another mode records to two SD cards simultaneously to generate an automatic back-up copy of your footage. You can also transfer footage from internal memory to an SD card for fast, easy transfer to a computer.
Steady footage is guaranteed with Canon's Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, which works throughout the entire zoom range, and with Powered IS, which provides even more compensation at the telephoto end of the zoom range.

Panasonic HDC-TM900 High Definition Camcorder

It’s hard to believe that so many features can be packed into a camcorder that’s small enough to fit in a coat pocket, but Panasonic’s HDC-TM900 High Definition Camcorder is exactly that. The high-end HDC-TM900 records 1920 x 1080/24p to 32GB of internal flash memory or to an SD memory card. You can even record 3D video using Panasonic’s optional VW-CLT1 conversion lens; the 3D video will play back on any side-by-side 3D TV.
The HDC-TM900 uses Panasonic's 3MOS image sensor system, in which three 3.05MP sensors work together to form a virtual 9.15MP CMOS sensor. The 3MOS sensor system splits light into the three primary colors (red, green and blue) and processes each color with its own sensor. The sensor also provides the ability to capture 14.2MP still images and also to simultaneously record still images and video at 13.3MP.

The HDC-TM900 features a 35mm Leica Dicomar lens with a 3.45 to 41.4mm focal length, 12x optical zoom; an intelligent zoom function ups the zoom power to 20x. Footage is made stable by way of HYBRID O.I.S., an optical image stabilization technology that reduces the effects of handshake to keep your shots steady.
Other features of the HDC-TM900 include a 3.5" touch-screen LCD with enhanced touch functions such as Touch Zoom, which lets you zoom in by dragging your finger across the LCD; and Touch Shutter, which automatically locks focus on the item you touch, and captures a crystal clear still image of it. 5.1-channel Dolby Surround Sound can be recorded with the HDC-TM900 with its five built-in microphones. When you use the Scene Mode, the camcorder automatically sets the optimal shutter speed and aperture for different situations including Sports, Portrait, Low Light, Snow, Night Scenery and more. An automatic lens cover opens when power is turned on and closes when power is turned off.

Panasonic HDC-HS900 High Definition Camcorder

If you like the idea of having internal memory in a camcorder, but feel that 32GB just isn’t enough storage space, then consider Panasonic’s HDC-HS900. It’s basically the same as the HDC-TM900 except that instead of 32GB of solid-state memory, the HDC-HS900 houses a 220GB hard drive. That’s enough storage space to record continuously for up to 94 hours. While a hard drive isn’t as shock proof as solid-state memory, the HDC-HS900 incorporates a Drop Detect function that moves the head away from the hard drive platter if it senses that the camera is falling. The HDC-HS900 also features an SD card slot.

Panasonic HDC-SD800 High Definition Camcorder

If you like the feature sets of the HDC-TM900 and HDC-HS900, but want to spend less money, then the HDC-SD800 is right up your alley. Except for its three inch touch-screen display instead of a 3.5-inch display, the HDC-SD800 is basically the same as the other two models. The only real difference is that rather than internal solid-state memory or an internal hard drive, the HDC-SD-800 simply features a single SD card slot that accepts cards up to 32GB in capacity. You’ll just have to remember to pick up a few SD cards and you’ll be all set.

Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder

Sometimes less is more—more portable, that is. Portability is important when you have to carry your gear with you, and the less you have to carry, the better. The Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder is a pocket-size camcorder that just happens to have powerful audio-recording capabilities built in.
The Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder is more like a high-quality audio recorder with an integrated digital camcorder. The device features a fixed focus lens and the same microphone capsules found on Zoom's H4n professional field recorder. It captures 30 frame-per-second video with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. All you have to do to is press RECORD.

Smart phones and low-end camcorders tend to have low-quality microphones that don’t do audio fidelity any justice. But the Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder eliminates that problem by starting out with a high-quality audio recorder. It’s the ideal camcorder for capturing your children’s plays, musicals, concerts, recitals and first steps. The Q3 records MPEG-4 video with broadcast-quality audio (44.1-48 kHz, 16-24 bit) or MP3 audio up to 320 kbps.
If you don’t need to capture video you can make use of the Q3’s audio-only recording mode and capture 96 kHz, 24-bit audio. The Q3 displays accurate audio meters to ensure that your audio levels aren't clipping. An Auto Record Level feature automatically adjusts the microphone sensitivity for best results.
The Q3 features a 2.4" color LCD and a built-in speaker. It’s powered by two AA batteries, so you don’t have to fear not being near an AC outlet; just keep some spare batteries on hand. Of course you can always use rechargeable AA batteries if you prefer. Footage is stored on SD cards up to 32GB in capacity, which is enough to store 16 hours of video. A 2GB SD card is included. A short USB 2.0 cable built into the camera is used to transfer content to a computer.

Zoom Q3HD Handy Video Recorder

If you like what the Zoom Q3 has to offer but want high-definition video, then the Q3HD is for you. The Zoom Q3HD Handy Video Recorder offers the same functionality as the Q3, including its over-the-top audio recording, but it can record 1080p or 720p HD video, in addition to SD video. Like the Q3, the Q3HD features the same microphones found in the H4n professional field recorder.
In addition to its HD capability, the Q3HD has a 4x digital zoom, and a larger aperture than the Q3, so it’s better able to capture video in dim environments—exactly what you may encounter in concert halls. It can record up to 7 hours of 720/30p video on a 32GB SD card. If you turn the camera on its side and press PLAY you can watch your footage on the 2.4" widescreen color LCD.
If you’re interested in the Zoom Q3 or Q3HD, you’ll probably end up buying some important accessories as well. For that reason, B&H has put together basic and advanced kits for the Q3. In addition to the camcorder and standard accessories that come with it, the Zoom Q3 Camcorder Basic Kit includes an 8GB SD card, four rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, a 4-hour charger and a shoulder case. An even better value is the Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder Advanced Kit. The advanced kit adds a lens-cleaning kit and a 2-year Sagemax warranty to the contents of the basic kit.

Olympus LS-20M Linear PCM Recorder

Audio recorders that double as camcorders are quite popular this holiday season. Olympus has been making high-quality digital audio recorders for years, so the LS-20M Linear PCM Recorder is a natural offering for the company. The LS-20M features a 4.1mm autofocus lens, 4x digital zoom and dual condenser microphones that can record 24-bit / 96 kHz PCM audio. The built-in camcorder can capture H.264 video in 1080p, 720p or 480p resolutions.
The LS-20M records everything on SD cards up to 32GB in capacity and a 2GB SD card is included. The device features a 2" color LCD for reviewing recorded footage, and an LCD audio meter below the display allows you to adjust the audio levels. You can use one of four Magic Filters (Rock, Pop, Sketch and Pin Hole) to enhance your video.

Alesis VideoTrack Handheld Audio and Video Recorder

The Alesis VideoTrack Handheld Audio and Video Recorder is a pocket-size recorder that captures high-quality video and audio. It records video at 640 x 480 resolution in the MP4 format. A digital zoom brings you close to the action.
The VideoTrack records directly to SD memory cards, and the 2GB SD card included with the unit is enough to store more than an hour of footage. If need be, you can use SD cards up to 16GB in size. The VideoTrack records high-quality audio, thanks to its stereo condenser microphones, which are the same ones found in the Alesis ProTrack iPod recorder. The unit can also capture still images, and an LED flash allows you to do so in dim settings.
A composite video output jack lets you connect the VideoTrack to a TV, while a headphone jack lets you listen to recordings privately. A USB port allows for easy connection to a Mac or PC. Power is supplied from a built-in rechargeable battery, and the unit will also run on AC current. A threaded tripod mount lets you attach a table stand or camera tripod for hands-free recording.

Sony HDR-TD10 Full HD 3D Camcorder

If you want to shoot 3D video, Sony has you covered. The HDR-TD10 Full HD 3D Camcorder can produce high-definition 3D video that you can watch on a 3D HDTV or on the camcorder’s 3.5" 3D LCD, which does not require 3D glasses to see the 3D effect. The 3D movies can also be viewed in 2D, and you always have the option of recording 2D video if you prefer. A dedicated switch lets you quickly select the 2D or 3D recording mode. The camera can also capture 7.1MP digital still images and it features a built-in flash.

The HDR-TD10 uses twin lenses and twin Exmor R sensors to capture 1920 x 1080 3D video. The twin sensors provide a full 1920 x 1080 signal for each channel, rather than splitting a single channel into two channels. The camera can capture full HD in 60p or 24p modes, both in 2D or 3D. Other features include 10x optical zoom in 3D mode and 17x extended zoom in 2D mode, optical SteadyShot image stabilization and manual control over iris, shutter, exposure and white balance if desired. A 5.1 channel surround-sound microphone gives you multidimensional sound to accompany the 3D video.
The HDR-TD10 features 64GB of embedded flash memory, enough to record up to 25 hours of 2D HD video, or up to 5 hours of 3D HD video. It also features a memory card slot compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. A USB output lets you copy material to a computer or directly to an external hard drive without a computer. Outputs on the HDR-TD10 include Composite Video, Component Video, S-Video and HDMI.

Sony MHS-FS3 Bloggie 3D Camcorder

If you want a smaller, less expensive camcorder that can shoot 3D video, Sony has you covered once again. The MHS-FS3 Bloggie 3D Camcorder is a pocket-size unit that uses twin lenses and Exmor CMOS sensors to record 1920 x 1080 high-definition 2D or 3D videos and still images. The 3D content can be viewed on the camcorder’s 2.4" LCD without using special glasses, or on a compatible 3D HDTV.

The MHS-FS3 features 8GB of internal memory—enough to record up to 80 minutes of 3D video or up to 4 hours of 2D video. Other handy features include a 4X digital zoom, an LED video light, SteadyShot digital image stabilization, a flip-out USB arm and a mini HDMI output.

JVC GS-TD1 Full HD 3D Camcorder

3D camcorders are so popular these days that every manufacturer wants a piece of the action. JVC’s offering, the GS-TD1 Full HD 3D Camcorder, is a fine example of this trend. The GS-TD1 contains everything necessary to capture eye-popping 3D video, in high definition, of course. The camera uses two 1/4.1" 3.32MP back-illuminated CMOS sensors and two f/1.2 HD GT lenses to achieve 34Mbps capture of the dual streams of data necessary to construct a 3D image. After capture, you can enjoy your 3D content on any compatible 3D TV set or on the camcorder’s 3.5-inch touch panel display, without needing special glasses.
Of course, if you don’t want to capture 3D video, no one is forcing you—the choice is up to you. The GS-TD1 is fully capable of capturing crystal clear 24Mbps 2D HD video that would impress a Hollywood movie producer. Still images can also be captured using the GS-TD1, both in 2D and 3D.
The GS-TD1 contains 64GB of internal flash memory and can record to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. It offers advanced image stabilization for both 2D and 3D recording, with 5x optical zoom for 3D, 10x optical zoom for 2D and 200x digital zoom for 2D. JVC's BIPHONIC technology lets you capture 3D sound.

DXG-5F9VK HD 1080p 3D Camcorder

Don’t assume that you can’t afford 3D video gear just because you’re on a tight budget. DXG had budget-conscious consumers in mind when it designed the DXG-5F9VK HD 1080p 3D camcorder, but it didn’t cut corners doing so. The DXG-5F9VK features dual 1/3.2" 5MP CMOS sensors that allow 2D and 3D video recording and still image capture.
The DXG-5F9VK supports the H.264 (AVI) file format for 2D and 3D video. It lets you choose between video resolutions of 848 x 480 30/60 fps, 720p 30/60 fps or full HD 1080p/30 fps. When shooting stills you can select either 2MP or 5MP resolution in 3D mode and 2MP, 5MP or 10MP in 2D mode. Shooting in 2D gives the added benefit of a 10x digital zoom.
Other features of the DXG-5F9VK include an auto-stereoscopic, 3.2" color LCD with 320 x 480 pixels, that’s used to frame subjects and review recorded footage. An LED light makes for easy shooting in low-light situations. When you want to override the automatic white balance mode you can select Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten and Fluorescent settings. The camera has 128MB of internal flash memory, which is expandable by up to 32GB with the SD/SDHC memory card slot. HDMI and USB 2.0 interfaces round out the package.

Sony HDR-FX7 3CMOS HDV 1080i Camcorder

The Sony HDR-FX7 3CMOS HDV 1080i is a lightweight camcorder that captures 1080i HD video and records to MiniDV tapes using the HDV format. It’s an ideal solution for ENG applications, and can’t be beat for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime milestones and family events. Three ClearVID CMOS sensors, one for each color channel, are used to capture the finest HD signal imaginable. The pixels in each sensor are positioned at a 45° angle to eliminate distortion and produce clearer diagonal lines.
The HDR-FX7 features a Carl Zeiss lens with 20x optical zoom, which comes in handy when shooting live events, sports and anything else that’s spread near and far. Zoom and focus rings in the lens allow the operator to make fine and delicate adjustments while providing the tactile feeling of manual controls that’s demanded by professionals. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization provides smooth, jitter-free video even when it’s impossible to hold the camera steady.
The HDR-FX7 weighs less than 4 pounds, so new reporters don’t have to exert themselves simply supporting the thing. Contrary to the needs of point and shooters, the needs of professionals can change depending on the environment or the shoot itself. For this reason, various buttons on the camcorder can be programmed to quickly perform specific functions so no shots will be missed.

Sony HDR-FX1000 Handycam HDV Camcorder

With its professional wide-angle lens and high resolution LCD, seasoned professionals and enthusiasts alike can benefit from Sony’s HDR-FX1000 Handycam. The camcorder’s HDV format records high-definition video on standard MiniDV tapes. Three 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Exmor image sensors, one for each color channel, are used to capture breathtaking video. The ultra-sensitive image sensors have their pixels positioned at a 45° angle to eliminate distortion and produce clearer diagonal lines.
The HDR-FX1000 uses CinemaTone technology to enhance gamma and color, thus producing images with a film-like aesthetic. In addition, Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization eliminates the effects of handshake so your footage will be as steady as can be. A 24p mode allows images to be 2:3 pull-down converted and recorded to tape in the 60i HDV format.
Made with low dispersion glass, the HDR-FX1000’s 29.5-590mm G-Lens features a 20x optical zoom, three built-in ND filters and manual focus, iris and zoom. A digital extender increases magnification by 1.5x, providing up to 30x digital zoom levels. Other features include a 3.2", 921,000-dot LCD, a 0.45" 1.2MP color viewfinder, histogram and zebra features, focus assist and more.

Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder

If you like what Sony’s HDR-FX1000 has to offer but feel that tape is not the right storage media for you, then consider Sony’s HDR-AX2000 AVCHD camcorder; it’s similar to the HDR-FX1000 but it saves footage to solid-state media rather than tape. Otherwise, the HDR-AX2000 features the same 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Exmor image sensors, Wide Angle G-Lens and other attributes.
While many things are the same, another important difference between the FX1000 and AX2000 is that the AX2000 features dual XLR ports, allowing the direct input of balanced, pro-level microphones. The camcorder can even provide +48V phantom power to the external microphones. All you need to use this camcorder is a handful of Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC cards, and you’re all set to capture professional quality video.

Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder

Professional video gear is often heavier than one would like, making it difficult to carry around for extended periods. But Canon’s XA10 Professional Camcorder is designed to be as compact as possible while still incorporating all of the features that professionals need in a camcorder.

A top-mounted detachable handle gives the XA10 a professional look and feel, aids in low-angle shooting and adds a measure of insurance for ham-handed handlers. Attaching the handle adds other features as well, including two XLR audio inputs with phantom power; an external microphone holder; an accessory shoe; manual audio level controls; a RECORD START/STOP button; an infrared light; a rear tally lamp; and a zoom control. Independent of the removable handle, the XA10 features a built-in stereo microphone with settings for mono audio capture, standard stereo, wide stereo, and a setting where audio pickup is synced to match the zoom position. With the handle removed, the XA10 takes on the look of a much smaller handheld camcorder.
It goes without saying that the XA10 uses the AVCHD codec to record full 1080p HD video. It can record at the maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24Mbps at 1920 x 1080 and 4:2:0 color space. Different bit rate modes (24Mbps, 17Mbps, 12Mbps, 7Mbps and 5Mbps) let you seek an ideal balance between video quality and recording time.
The XA10 features a Canon 10x zoom lens that has a 35mm equivalent zoom range from 30.4mm to 304mm. Imagery is captured by a 1/3-inch, 1920 x 1080 pixel CMOS sensor and is processed by Canon's DIGIC DV III image processor. Footage is recorded to the XA10’s 64GB of internal flash memory or to two SDXC-compatible card slots.

Panasonic HDC-Z10000 Twin-Lens 2D/3D Camcorder

Not just a passing fad fancied by casual users, professional videographers often demand 3D recording capabilities. Panasonic’s HDC-Z10000 answers that demand. The camcorder uses a pair of lenses and dual CMOS sensors to record AVCHD 3D video, and you can see the 3D effect right on the camcorder’s 3.5-inch LCD without wearing 3D glasses. The camcorder can also capture 2.1-megapixel 2D and 3D still images at any time, even while recording 2D or 3D video.

The HDC-Z10000’s 3MOS system uses two 6.57-megapixel 3MOS sensors to record separate images for each eye. Then, the 1,152,000-dot, 3.5-inch LCD uses parallax-barrier technology to direct the slightly different images to each eye to create the 3D effect. A 0.45-inch, 1,227,000-dot electronic viewfinder is also featured.
The HDC-Z10000 features twin 32mm wide-angle lenses, with 10x optical zoom for shooting 3D and 12x optical zoom for shooting 2D. It also benefits from a HYBRID O.I.S. system that helps to correct handshake when shooting 2D and a POWER O.I.S. system to suppress handshake when shooting in 3D. The camcorder has built-in microphones that can record Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound or 2-channel stereo, and it also features two XLR audio inputs with a 48-volt phantom power for connecting external microphones.
Dual SD memory card slots ensure that you’ll never miss a shot. With two SD memory cards inserted, the camcorder automatically switches to the second card when the first card fills up. You can also have the camcorder record to both cards simultaneously to produce a real-time backup copy so that a faulty SD card will cause you no woes.

Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Handycam Camcorder

Sony’s NEX-VG10 gives you the option of changing lenses, which is important for professional use and just plain awesome for casual use. The NEX-VG10 features a large Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, the same one Sony uses in its full-sized Alpha DSLRs. The sensor lets you shoot AVCHD video at up to 24Mbps at full 1920x1080/60i HD resolution. It also lets you capture 14-megapixel still images. Everything is stored on Memory Stick or SD/SDHC media.

The NEX-VG10 comes with an 11x zoom 18 to 200mm Optical SteadyShot image-stabilized lens. It has an effective 35mm equivalent focal range of 27mm to 300mm. The camera is also compatible with all of Sony’s smaller, lighter E-mount Series lenses, which are optimized for video with silent operation and auto focus. An optional LA-EA1 adapter lets you attach Sony Alpha and Konica Minolta A-mount lenses, including Sony’s G lens and Carl Zeiss lenses.
The NEX-VG10’s quad capsule spatial array stereo microphone contains four microphone capsules that are sensitive enough to pick up detailed front-side directivity and stereo separation. A microphone jack lets you connect external microphones if you want more audio options.
The NEX-VG10 features a 25-point auto focus system, eight white balance modes, a burst mode that captures up to seven frames per second and an Anti-Motion Blur mode that takes six consecutive shots, grabs the best data from each shot, and creates a single super-sharp image. It also offers full manual control of Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain and White Balance for video and still shooting.

Sony NEX-VG20 Interchangeable Lens HD Handycam

If you like what the NEX-VG10 has to offer but want even more, Sony’s NEX-VG20—the updated, second generation large-sensor Handycam camcorder—features an even higher-resolution image sensor and new 24p and 60p recording modes at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Other new features of the NEX-VG20 include a new grip and belt design, new direct access hard keys for more efficient operation, an expanded FOCUS button, a more accessible second RECORD button and a 3-inch LCD touch screen that swivels 270°. Other enhancements include the ability to capture RAW still images and 5.1 surround-sound recording with audio-level control.
Like the NEX-VG10, the NEX-VG20 is an interchangeable-lens camcorder that’s compatible with Sony's E-mount series of lenses. An optional A-mount adapter provides compatibility with Sony/Minolta A-mount lenses. If you already have one or more compatible lenses, you can get the NEX-VG20 in body-only form or in a bundle that includes an 18-200mm 11x zoom lens.

JVC GC-PX10 HD Memory Camcorder

Even professionals can miss a shot. After all, it’s hard to press a shutter button at the exact instant that a slugger swings his bat, let alone the exact instant that it makes contact with the ball. JVC designed the GC-PX10 HD Memory Camcorder with this difficulty in mind. The GC-PX10 treats still image capture in a whole new way, by first capturing high-definition 60p video at 36Mbps and then letting you grab perfect stills from the recorded video. As the thinking goes, instead of trying to capture one perfect still image, why not just capture all of them?

The ability to capture still images from video is nothing new, but the technique has left much to be desired until now. Pulling a perfect still from video usually results in a fuzzy image, but no so with the GC-PX10. The GC-PX10 is a video camera at heart, but one that lets you grab a perfectly clear still image from the video you’ve recorded.
Of course, the GC-PX10 can capture 12-megapixel still images in real time, or capture 8.3-megapixel stills while recording 1920 x 1080p full HD video. It can also capture up to 60 still images per second in burst mode, with resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, and up to 130 shots per burst. You can also capture super slow-motion footage by shooting high-speed VGA resolution video at 300 frames per second; when played back at 60 fps, the 300 fps video slows down motion to 1/5 normal speed, but with perfect clarity. The GC-PX10 is the perfect marriage of video and still-image capture.