A List of Some of the Top Rated Digital Camcorders - HD Video
With the rapid expansion of HD TV, lots of people are getting on board with HD digital video cameras. Shooting in high definition produces faster-moving, sharper images and they look great on an HD TV. While some new digital cameras also offer HD video, you can find a quality HD video camera starting at just $200. Here is a rundown on the main types of digital camcorders.
Here are some of our favorite, top-rated digital
camcorders and HD Video Recorders:
Pocket - Mini HD Camcorder
You can find a pocket HD camcorder that 's small enough to carry around with you on vacation trips for under $200. Although they don't have a lot of fancy features, they're palm-size, very easy to use any time and any where and shoot in MPeg-4 format. While you won't get a huge LCD or special zoom features, these camcorders are especially convenient to record and view video. Just drag and drop files onto your computer or plug and play on your HDTV.
Touted as the world's first "shoot and show camcorder," the new Flip SlideHD Camcorder can record up to 4 hours of HD video and you can display it instantly on a slide-out 3-inch wide touchscreen. It will store up to 12 hours of video and photos. Connects with a USB arm to your PC or Mac. Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
SlideHD comes pre-loaded with FlipShare software, which allows you to organize your videos, capture a still image from your video frame, create movies from clips and add your own music, share privately via email or upload directly to Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.
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Buy a Flip SlideHD Camcorder, Get a Free Accessory at Amazon
The pocket-sized Flip UltraHD Camcorder features HDMI output, 120 minutes of HD-720 video (16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan, 8GB memory, 2X digital zoom, and a 2-inch screen. The Flip Ultra shoots very good video and boasts vivid color. You can even get an underwater case for it. It has premier AAC audio and a AA rechargeable battery pack. The Flip Ultra is very easy to use with touch-sensitive capacitive buttons for easy recording and digital zoom, instant playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, zoom, and delete functions. The slim design features an attractive brushed-metal front and rounded edges The built-in FlipShare software allows you to organize and email your videos, edit clips, make custom movies, and upload them to youTube, and other sharing sites. Sleek, light and easy to use.
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For a limited time, purchase a Flip UltraHD camcorder and get a FREE ACCESSORY at Amazon
The Flip Mino 2nd Generation features HDMI output, 120 minutes of HD-720 video (16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan. The Flip Mino, liken the Ultra, has 8GB memory, 2X digital zoom and a 2-inch screen. The main differences are the lens and battery. The Mino has Fixed Focus 0.8m to infinity vs 1.5m on the Ultra. The Mino has an internal Lithium-ion battery recharges through built-in USB. The Flip Mino is simple to use with one-touch recording and digital zoom, instant playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, zoom, and delete functions. New design features an attractive brushed-metal front and rounded edges The built-in FlipShare software allows you to organize and email your videos, edit clips, make custom movies, and upload them to youTube, and other sharing sites. Thin, light and simple to use.
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This new Kodak ZI8 Pocket HD video camera is a PC Magazine Editor's Choice. Reasonably priced at under $200, the Zi8 records 1080p video and has a 5MP still-image camera. Top features include 2.5 inch screen, 4x digital zoom, image stabilization, face detection, expandable memory, plug-in for external mic (one of a few cameras to feature this) and removable lithium ion battery. Image quality is excellent. The joy stick is a little overresponsive, which may cause you to accidentally record when you didn't mean to. Like with most other pocket video recorders, the built-in mic is mediocre so the plug-in for an external mic may come in handy.
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A fun little pocket video camera that is perfect for summer beach vacations and a bargain at approx $150. Waterproof up to 10 ft. (3 m). Shoots nice quality video below and above water. Takes full 1080p HD video, features Electronic image stabilization and a brilliant 2.0 in. color display. Captures 5 megapixel HD stills (16:9).
LCD Glare Shield feature gives you two filters to choose from that help you see your subject on the display screen in reflective outdoor situations. Very user-friendly. Built-in software lets you share on Facebook, and YouTube and Twitter. This camcorder is sturdy and has a rubberized coating that helps you keep your grip when wet. Comes with HDMI cable. Available in purple, blue, grey and silver. Only con is the control wheel is a little small.
Get a free 8 GB memory card when you buy a Kodak PlaySport at Amazon
This pocket-size mini Flip Mino high definition digital camcorder is similar to the Ultra, but holds 60 minutes of HD-720p video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen) with 4 GB of built-in memory. With a slim and sleek design, th Flip weighs just 3.3 ounces.
This point-and-shoot could not be easier to use.
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Buy Select Flip UltraHD Camcorders, Get a Free Accessory at Amazon
The new, compact 3rd-generation Vado has sleek styling and a 2-inch, bright LCD screen. It shoots 720p HD video and features a 2x digital zoom. It can also take HD still photos and boasts a wide-angle lens. 4GB of memory and the removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery gives you about 2 hours recording time per charge via a built-0in USB port.
Works with PC anbd Mac and comes with software for basic video editing andf sharing on YouTube, Facebook etc. Small and compact and practical to use.
A couple negatives: the memory is still not expandable and the zoom is only 2X. Still, this is one of the most popular mini video cameras on the market.
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Buy a 3rd Generation Vado, Get a Free Tripod at Amazon.com
The Canon VIXIA HF200 HD
camcorder offers stunning image quality with an ultra sleek, lightweight body. The intuitive menu is fairly easy to navigate and there are numerous manual settings available. The Canon Vixia shoots in 1920 x 1080 Full HD for up to 6 hours of video recording. With the Canon 15x HD Video Lens and 4 zoom speeds, it's great for recording long shots like sports or landscapes. The HF200 has Canon's SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization which combines gyro- and image-sensors correct for a wide range of camera motions. Other features include: instant auto focus, face detection, advanced auto exposure system, 24p Cinema Mode to achieve a professional "film look," and a 2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD.
The Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor allows continuous shooting of digital photos as well. You can immediately view your video by removing the SDHC Memory Card and placing it into your computer or HDTV's card reader slot.
Cons: it doesn't come with an HDMI cable and the battery life is only about an hour, however larger batteries are available.
For a limited time save up to $300 on Canon Camcorders at Amazon
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The Sony features a 60GB hard drive and produces stunning 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Delivers high-resolution, excellent images, 12x optical image stabilized zoom and excellent audio. The interface is extremely simple. The HDR-SR11 features a 3.2-inch touch-screen LCD that flips out to the side and face detection software. The camcorder captures video at captures video at 1,920 x 1,080 at 60 frames per second and can hold approx. 7 hours of video at the highest setting. While the Sony Includes lots of fun extras, video-editing and Blu-ray-burning software is not included.
Although there is a newer version of this camcorder available (Sony HDRXR100 80GB), its ratings are not nearly as good. Stick with the HDR-SR11.
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Recommended
Merchants:
Amazon
is one of our favorite resource for buying digital camcorders and HD video recorders, as well as cameras and printers. They have
great prices and a huge selection of digital photo printers and
free shipping on purchases over $25. They also have an excellent
return policy.
RitzCamera.comcarries
all major brands of digital camcorders as well as digital camera, and accessories.
In addition to competitive prices and good discounts, they offer
free shipping and no sales tax.
This pocket-size mini Flip Mino high definition digital camcorder is similar to the Ultra, but holds 60 minutes of HD-720p video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen) with 4 GB of built-in memory. With a slim and sleek design, th Flip weighs just 3.3 ounces. 
is one of our favorite resource for buying digital camcorders and HD video recorders, as well as cameras and printers. They have
great prices and a huge selection of digital photo printers and
free shipping on purchases over $25. They also have an excellent
return policy.
