Top Digital Camcorder

Camcorder Reviews

Best Digital Camcorder 2012

Best Digital Camcorder 2012

When choosing a digital camcorder, the sheer number of brands and models available can make choosing the right one difficult. Whether you are serious about digital video recording or an amateur who enjoys capturing high-definition video clips for editing, sharing online and collaborating on projects, it is important to establish what you want from your digital camcorder. Here is a guide to the best digital camcorders for 2012.

What Is the Best Digital Camcorder?

Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3D Compatible Camcorder with 16GB Internal Flash Memory (Black)

HDC-TM900KFor the Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3D stunning high-definition video is no problem: the camcorder is capable of shooting in 1080/60p (full high-definition 1920×1080, 60 progressive shooting), and this highly dense image data gives you extraordinary detail and completely smooth shooting, even when your subjects are in fast motion. With an internal flash memory drive of 16GB, you can capture plenty of motion video or still images and store them on SD cards. Its 40x Intelligent Zoom capability makes it one of the most powerful camcorders available. Used in conjunction with the camcorder’s Intelligent Resolution settings, which define and emphasize identifiable elements for greatest realism and clarity, you can retain a crisp, crystal-clear image even when shooting at higher zoom rates.

The in-built 3D recording feature will produce eye-popping visuals that have extraordinary depth and clarity. Its 28mm wide-angle lens enables you to capture much more than a conventional frame – no more awkward group photos! – so you can create videos and images that capture a proper sense of scale. The camcorder excels in stabilizing images, meaning that a tripod is rarely needed.

Sony HDR-PJ10 High Definition Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Projector

Sony HDR-PJ10The Sony HDR-PJ10 High Definition Handycam Camcorder was overall winner at CES 2011. This outstanding camcorder enables you to capture and instantly share video in stunning high-definition. It offers 1920×1080 HD resolution, as well as 1080/60p capture and play-back using a compatible HDMI cable and HD TV. The depth and clarity of the video is astounding. The camcorder comes with an in-built 16 GB embedded Flash drive, allowing you to capture and store 6 hours of HD video. Once captured, you can turn any room into a mini mobile movie theater by projecting your videos using the in-built and high-contrast projector in the camcorder’s LCD display, up to a diagonal screen of 60 degrees. Sony has long been praised for the quality of its lenses, and the HDR-PJ10 is built using the wide-angle G lens with 29.8mm focal, providing sharp, clear, realistic color and detailed resolution.

No matter what you’re recording, the camcorder’s Optical Steady Shot technology can compensate for high levels of camera shake and give smooth video captures, while its Tracking Focus effortlessly follows specific objects moving in and out of the frame.

Canon VIXIA HF M40 Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and 16GB Internal Flash Memory

Canon VIXIA HF M40Another hot product for 2012 is the Canon VIXIA HF-M40 camcorder, packed with smart features. Its in-built 16GB flash drive can store up to 6 hours of exceptional HD video, and can be topped up by switching automatically to the SDXC memory slots without disrupting your recording – maxing out your storage at an incredible 2 terabytes. The camcorder offers 1920x1080i high-definition capture, and its 1/3″ CMOS in-built sensor and Canon Digic DV-III frame processing technology produce gorgeously detailed and realistic images. It performs particularly well in low light, thanks to the sensitivity of its HD CMOS Pro sensor.

A very user-friendly camcorder, it has a 3-inch LCD touchpanel, face detection, Smart Auto, Photo Grab, and image stabilization modes. In addition to stunning video, you can capture high-quality audio using the external mic or its enhanced internal mic, with an option of 4 different capture directions. Another bonus of this camcorder is its very low energy consumption, giving it a longer battery life that makes it convenient for travelers.

Canon VIXIA HF M400 Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and Dual SDXC Card Slots

Canon VIXIA HF M400Another winner from Canon, the ViXIA HF M400 camcorder captures high-definition video and stores it on the camcorder’s two SDXC memory cards, shifting automatically from one to the other when it reaches full capacity. Simply remove the card and insert into your computer or HD TV to play back your video instantly. Maximum storage capacity ranges from 32GB to 2TB, and the high-speed data transfer makes it a capable and convenient option.

Like the VIXIA HF M40, this professional-level camcorder boasts the tried-and-trusted CMOS Pro HD sensor (native 1/3″, 1920×1080), which consistently delivers brilliant and detailed image resolution and a wide dynamic range, plus excellent performance in difficult conditions such as low light levels. What sets this sensor apart is that it utilizes fewer but larger pixels which are more sensitive, giving exceptional motion capture. Canon’s in-built DIGIC DV-III image processing technology reduces noise, simulates color realistically and can be used to apply smart filters to your images for the best end result.

Canon VIXIA HF M41 Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and 32GB Internal Flash Memory

Canon VIXIA HF M41This highly impressive camcorder boasts an excellent range of in-built features which make it perfect for capturing excellent quality video under a range of conditions. A solid successor to the previous Sony M3 series, the Canon VIXIA HF M41 camcorder is aimed toward home-movie captures. It offers greater in-built storage capacity than many of its rivals, with a 32GB internal flash memory drive for storing up to 12 hours of high-quality HD video. The benefit of internal flash memory is its increased shock-resistance compared to other forms of data storage, so it is able to withstand slips and shocks. It suffers from a smaller and slightly lower-resolution LCD display than some of its rivals, but its otherwise excellent design makes it very user-friendly. Video capture is sharp, crystal-clear and highly detailed, and its wide dynamic range allows for finer gradation of shades and a more realistic image.

The 10x high-definition video lens guarantees smooth, professional motion, and the CMOS image sensor ensures crisp captures even in low light. Use Touch and Track to capture important objects, and the 38 scene modes can adapt to any situation, a worthwhile purchase for any amateur videographer looking for a well-performing camcorder that won’t break the bank.

johnnie olsen There are many deals on Camcorders from top brands like Sony, Canon, Panasonic, GoPro, Kodak in the marketplace. Surprisingly, according to customer reviews, Canon digital camcorders are obviously one of the best digital camcorder you can get. In our list of best Digital Camcorders 2012 the spots 3-5 go to Canon digital camcorders. The VIXIA series is definitely a top choice. There is no doubt, Canon digital camcorders have the innovation you need and the reliability you love in delivering superior image quality and performance. –

Rate This Review



Rating: 6 out of 10 based on 110 ratings

-

-

-

 

 

 

 


reviewers

Recent Camcorder Reviews

  • Panasonic HDC-SD80KPanasonic HDC-SD80K

    As an early graduation gift my parents decided to get me a Panasonic HDC-SD80K camcorder. It was, to say the…

  • Canon VIXIA HF S200Canon VIXIA HF S200

    I planned on going on a European tour this summer with my cousin and girlfriend. It’s going to be nothing…

  • Canon VIXIA S21Canon VIXIA HF S21

    I had just about enough with my Samsung camcorder. It had all sorts of flaws; it was unable to take…

  • sony bloggie mhsSony MHS Bloggie

    -

    I wanted to get my younger sister the best graduation gift ever. Unfortunately nothing I buy her can compete…

  • Sony HDR-CX560V reviewSony HDR-CX560V

    -

    We had our old camcorder for about 2 decades, which is quite a substantial time to own any single…

  • go pro hd hero nakedGoPro HD Hero Naked

    -

    I recently decided to make instructional snowboarding videos which I post on YouTube and my blog, as well as…

  • fullhdBest Full HD Camcorders 2012

    -

    Finding the best gadgets to create, capture, and preserve memories can be quite a task. Most people are not…

  • winner1Best Pocket Camcorder 2012

    -

    The best pocket camcorder for 2012 is a list of camcorders that will make you sit up and take…

  • Canon VIXIA HF G1Canon VIXIA HF G10

    Making professional quality videos is a hard feat to accomplish. It takes a combination of both expensive equipment and professional…

  • GoPro HD Helmet Hero reviewGoPro HD Helmet Hero

    The GoPro HD Helmet Hero provides a professional-grade full high definition video up to 1080p. The 5.9 ounce camera can…