Then check out the Lumix GH1.

The Lumix GH1 is really a camera not a camcorder, but it happens to shoot pretty good video as well. It was Panasonic’s first entrance into video-capable DSLR cameras. The GH1 is a micro four-thirds digital camera, with HD capabilities. Of course you can take great still photos, but we will cover a few things about its video recording.

The GH1 has ISO controls, which are usually not found in camcorders. This means you can change the amount of light the camera can absorb in “low light” conditions.
The video controls are pretty extensive for it to be a camera not camcorder. It also comes complete with a rotatable LCD, and live autofocus during video recording.

This camera definitely has all kinds of possibilities, even for beginners, you just have to get in there and learn all the functions.

The camera is smaller than the normal DSLRs so it is a little easier to hold and use the way you want.

If you’ve got the money, the interchangeable lenses and autofocus Lumix GH1 camera/camcorder is probably worth it.

Read all the specifications here.

The HMX-H104 has an internal 16GB SSD memory. To some people, this is an advantage over the use of hard disk drives. No moving parts make the camcorder extra durable.

It is a little more compact and pretty lightweight than some of its competitors. The stylish design will also attract many consumers.

The HMX-H104 response time is really good. Of course, it includes image stabilization, which I think still needs work since unless you use a tripod, you are pretty much going to have to deal with a little shaking.

Video quality isn’t bad, but colors aren’t as quite as saturated as some other HD camcorders. In lowlight, the colors are pretty washed out and not as good as most people would want them to be. If you were just mainly filming outside in daylight, this camera wouldn’t be a bad choice.

Keep in mind that the H104 has no lens ring, no accessory shoe, jacks for headphones or an external microphone.

Here are the specifications and some great photos from Samsung’s website.

One of the things that make the Sony Webbie stick out from its competitors is the swivel lens built into the top of the camera. It rotates 270 degrees. So, you can rotate it to film your friends or yourself.

The Webbie is also different in that it films at a resolution of 1440 x 1080. Most are 720p. Still, indoor filming would have to be in a very well lit room. It works great outside in the sunlight but at night or inside isn’t the best quality.

Also worth mentioning, the camcorder has a USB 2.0 port on the side, but does not include an HDMI output.

There is a slot for a Memory Stick Pro Duo Card, which is Sony’s format. So, no universal memory card here. That will have to be purchased from Sony, which can set you back a little more than probably planned when looking at this camcorder.

This is a great camera for quick uploads to the Internet. You have to remember when buying these small, cheaper camcorders, that you aren’t buying for professional use. These are intended for amateurs just taking casual videos of family and friends.

Check out the specifications here.

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 Waterproof Camcorder cannot just film underwater, but also in HD.

It is also one of the first, if not the only camcorder to be able to go to depths of 10 feet under.

In researching the WH1, I saw nothing but compliments on the battery life. Consumers were generally pleased with how long they could use the camcorder before charging it.

The main features besides being waterproof are a 30x optical zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD display.

This camcorder is meant for general use, one you can take with you wherever you go.

You probably wont be able to use it for still pictures. The quality isn’t exactly up to par. But, the videos are decent.

There’s not a wide variety of underwater camcorders to choose from, so this one should definitely be on your list to consider.

Check out the specifications here.

We’ve already reviewed Canon’s HF20, now lets take a look at the HF200. What’s the difference? The internal memory, and the price.

The HF200 does not have internal memory like the HF20. However, the HF200 is about $150 cheaper (based on Canon’s website prices).

I’ve pulled the two camcorders to compare:

HF20 vs HF200

The 200 is probably the better bet since you can find SDHD memory cards for under $100. (Usually around $70 and up) But, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of the card, The HF20 would work just fine.

Both of the camcorders offer a lot of the same features as higher-end models, just at a cheaper price.

It looks more like an mp3 on the outside but the video quality is solid.

The Vado features high quality HDMI connectivity and an included HDMI cable that provides 1080i output to an HDTV.

One cool feature is the one-touch video uploading to YouTube and Photobucket. Oh, and not to mention the 8GB internal memory.

Another plus? It includes a removable, rechargeable battery. Which means, you could always carry an extra battery if needed.
The camcorder also has a flexible built-in USB charger.

You will also be able to watch your videos on the 2″ LCD screen which is pretty large for such a small camera.

A con is that Mac users aren’t quite as fond of the Vado. You have to download another program to be able to use it on your mac.

It is a pretty straightforward camcorder with easy buttons and controls.

Bottom line: the Vado is pretty inexpensive but the quality is still good. It is great for those people that need a camcorder handy, but don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Here are the specifications.

One thing that stands out about the HD CX12 is its still photo quality. It comes complete with Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology. All of the other reviews I have read agree that the still photos are quite impressive for a camcorder.

The camcorder also has a “Cam Control dial” (the shiny round circle in the corner), which prevents you from having to rely completely on the touch screen. This is good because you can do some adjustments while you are actually recording, and not have to pause to use the touch screen.

No viewfinder on this one, but who needs them? With the screen, most people just forget about viewfinders anyways.

As far as video goes, the resolution, noise, low light quality, accurate colors, and white balance all get pretty decent scores.

Another plus is the “One Touch Disc Burn” button. You can easily burn a DVD copy of your video using the supplied software.

The HD CX12 also has a Quick On button, allowing you to put the camcorder in sleep mode. Instead of taking the time to turn it on and off when recording something that you have to be ready, just press a button and your camcorder will be ready.

There isn’t any built in memory, which turns some people off, but it’s not something I would have to have.

One disadvantage is the screen size, which is 2.7” compared to some models with a 3.2” screen.

A couple of other small features that are missing are a headphone jack and a built-in USB port. The docking station does have a USB port.

Click here to check out the specifications.

If you are looking for a mini HD camcorder, don’t get caught up in comparing them to the more expensive, larger, and nicer HD camcorders. Remember, you are buying a smaller, less expensive camcorder (and less quality), one that actually fits right in your pocket.

Probably the best thing about the Kodak Zx1 is that it is built to resist rain and dirt, plus more. The rubberized rugged outside is made for people on the go, people in action.

The actual video is decent. It runs off of AA batteries, which is handy so you don’t have to carry a charger, just a couple extra batteries. And, you can easily upload YouTube with built-in software.

The Zx1 also has an expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB.

The video quality probably doesn’t quite live up to the same as the Flip Mino, which we reviewed earlier, but the outer protection and being weather resistant makes up for that.

Specifications.

The Panasonic HDC-SD9 is one of lightest full-size camcorders. This is great, no tired arms!

The image stabilization works pretty well. The camera has some other cool features like flash media storage and a pre-record feature. I like the pre-record feature a lot. It will automatically store three seconds or recordings in a cache prior to hitting the record button. Three seconds is a lot when you are shooting sports, or your kids and animals do something funny! The only bad side to this feature is that it has to be activated to work, which uses more battery power than it would otherwise, but worth it I think!

The video quality is ok, not great, so you might be sacrificing some quality for the small size. If you are more than just amateur, this probably wouldn’t be the best camera for you. If you are just starting out, it would work just fine for your needs.

It also has an “Intelligent Shooting Guide”, to help those out that are just beginning to learn how to use a camcorder.

With all the pros and cons, I’d probably rate the camcorder as good. Not bad, not the best. But it works.

Here are the specifications.

Is the Everio GZ-HD40 worth the money?

The menu design is not really in order, which doesn’t make it easy for beginners. Some of the controls are pretty small. Some people have commented on the hand strap, saying it isn’t comfortable. But, the camcorder is small enough to just carry around easily.

It does have the awesome 120GB hard drive. It has great color in good light.

A lot of complaints I read were about unattached accessory shoe cover. The little piece of plastic just comes off of the camcorder, which makes it easy to lose, or for kids and pets to pick up.

Another thing that was missing was that the camcorder doesn’t have optical image stabilization, which most people are getting used to with their cameras and camcorders now.

The camera isn’t bad overall but you might be able to find a cheaper camcorder that is just as good if not better.