Personal camcorders hit the market in 1985.
The widespread proliferation of all things digital has opened doors for devices like camcorders to be produced en masse and available to many. One of the more recent, common features on a camcorder is a built-in flash drive that easily connects directly to the USB port of a desktop or laptop computer.
Canon FS10 Flash Memory Camcorder
The Canon FS10 uses USB 2.0.
This Canon model comes with 8 GB of memory and a 48x zoom lens, which allows for high-quality recording to the flash memory device. As of October 2010, this model sold for $550. In addition to the USB for fast file transfer, this Canon has a 2.7-inch viewing screen for more focused recording.
Flip Video MiniHD Model
Upload video from your vacation instantly.
This Flip video flash memory camcorder is a great model to record video on a vacation, as it is small, lightweight and easy to maneuver. It has 4 MB of storage, and the screen size is only 1.5 inches. However, what it lacks in storage size it makes up for in convenience. The Flip video camera sells for $180 as of October 2010.
Sony Handycam HDR-CX100
This camcorder can also snap still photos.
This Sony is lauded as one of the only HD models with a flash drive and 8 GB of memory. Sony is renowned as the premium vendor of professional camcorders, and the company has extended its expertise into smaller, personal models. This camcorder is reliable and has excellent picture quality, and also shoots 4-megapixel still photographs. As of October 2010, this camcorder sells for $600.
Canon HFM30 Dual Memory Flash Camcorder
The HFM30 has a 3.98-mexapixel image sensor.
This Canon camcorder has dual memory, allowing users to record even more material than with a basic 4-GB memory. The HFM30 also comes with a wireless controller, and its own video editing software. For someone with professional chops, this is the model to explore. As of October 2010, the Canon HFM30 sells for $400.
Canon FS21
Be sure to review the Video Solutions Disk that comes with the camcorder.
This Canon model is ideal for customers in Europe and Asia, as it shoots PAL (the European and Asian standard for how video footage is displayed and captured). The FS21 has a 16-GB internal flash memory and comes with a 90-day warranty. The Canon FS21 goes for $430 as of October 2010.
Canon VIXIA
The VIXIA comes with "touch and track" focus, a touchscreen feature.
The Canon VIXIA has high memory, a 32-GB flash drive and an 8-megapixel resolution, and has a lot of bells and whistles for a personal camcorder. While this is an excellent model, it is overly complex and costly and is not at the top of the list. The VIXIA also comes with two SD card slots and High Definition to Standard Definition down conversion.The VIXIA cost $1,000 as of October 2010.
Flip UltraHD Pocket
This Flip has an HDMI cable to connect to HDTVs.
The Flip UltraHD pocket is another excellent, highly mobile option; however, as Flip regularly updates this model of the UltraHD camera, one particular model is never the latest and greatest for too long. The Flip has excellent low-light sensitivety, and many coupons are readily accessible to purchase this model of camera, offering up to $50 off the list price of $180.
Canon FS300
The FS300 can record up to 11 hours of footage.
The Canon FS300 is another affordable model, but offers slightly more advanced features than a standard Flip model. The FS300 has a 40X zoom, which is very uncommon for a camera this small, but functions superbly. The FS300 also comes with Quick Charge, which reduces the time it takes to charge the camcorder's battery. The FS300 is available for $235 as of October 2010.
Samsung SMX
The SMX has a user-friendly video clip search interface built in.
The Samsung SMX is an upscaling flash memory recorder, which means that footage that is recorder in standard definition will automatically upscale to high definition through programs offered in the camcorder's recording features. The SMX has a 50x zoom and 32 GB of memory. The 2010 model sells for $350.
Kodak ZX1
Kodak makes more than just film.
Kodak is better known for its still cameras, but the ZX1 is a viable competitor to the Flip Camera. The ZX1 is portable and easy to use. The ZX1 delivers HD-quality footage, but is small enough to fit in a pants pocket. The camcorder has 128 GB of flash memory, and can record up to 10 hours of video. The Kodak is available for $100 as of October 2010.
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