At least you can shoot up to 45 hours of video and store them in the internal 120GB hard drive, and you can switch from cinema 24p mode to 30p progressive mode, an option that makes the difference between heavier videos and ready for Youtube videos, but you get to keep the same 1920×1080 resolution. Neat, huh?

Canon Vixia HG21 features

You can shoot videos at 1920×1080 at 60fps but there’s something that completely sets it apart from other cameras. That is the RGB color filter that makes the images as crisp and vibrant as ever. You can appreciate this in daylight or outdoors filming. The 12x high definition video lens avoids takes with low resolution. You will get the 100% of quality wherever you point this camera at.

But I can’t say the same with indoors or low light settings. It’s grainy at best and some mini cameras outdo it in this aspect. What was Canon thinking here? Hopefully it has a powerful incorporated light that makes up for it, but sometimes isn’t enough.

It has a microphone input with the option of graduating the volume, the background noise level, so you can adjust it depending on your filming conditions. You can complement it with an additional headphone that lets you know the quality of sound being recorded in advance.

For such an expensive price, it’s too modest that it can take 3.1 megapixel stills when there are way cheaper cameras that can take up to 5 megapixel pics, unless you consider that you can take photos at 4:3 or at 16:9. But it’s really irrelevant.

Canon Vixia HG21 downsides

You really need to spend more money buying spare batteries because the ones that come in the box barely last 90 minutes, unless you manage your way charging it constantly with the AC adapter, but that takes away a lot of flexibility, doesn’t it?

I guess this is the case in which you see that buying an expensive camera to get the best quality is not always the solution. Sure, you would get a more established quality than if you buy a $149 camera. But sometimes there are certain models that fall in the middle and for less money you can get that ideal camera that doesn’t even fail in dark settings.

With the pricing of around $169, you can’t ask for more if it also has a gyroscopic stabilizer for blurred motion and out of focus takes. It has its own internal hard drive and a SD card slot that allows for up to 32GB.

Aiptek Action HD GVS features

The fact that it records in .MOV format makes it more interesting. They have the Apple mindset down pat. But you will require a strong graphics card in order to make it render well when you transfer it to the PC, although you shouldn’t have that problem if you use Mac.

But it doesn’t escape the bad quality in low settings problem. This camcorder in particular needs a lot of light for indoors videos to be shot well, so you would have to buy the extra light accessories to get the best results.

Other issue I noticed is that when you do panning shots, there’s an increased contrast between colors and balance. It’s completely unnecessary unless you avoid the problem by panning slower.

Aiptek Action HD GVS downsides

This model captures 5 megapixel stills and they’re acceptable with the close up feature. You also have a 5x optical lens with auto focus and a 4x digital zoom, which combines into 20x zooming capability.

The microphone works well in stereo with the lowest background bass buzzing sound possible, but the additional output lets you use a better one. The battery can last from 6 to 8 hours if you save time on standby mode.

Overall, it’s a great option that will require some sophistication in regards to the editing software that you’re going to use and the already mentioned video graphics cards if you want high rendering, high quality videos. With this model it’s worth the effort for that price.

The 3MOS system is provided of three full HD sensors and the audio can record a 5.1 channel surround sound with five microphones. This camera records specifically in AVCHD mode, and can give you a resolution of 1080×1920 and higher, but that translates in a bigger size for the final video file.

Panasonic HDC-TM300 features

But don’t worry; you have at least 32GB of memory at your disposal in your HC card, with the option to expand it to more. But believe me; the outstanding quality just makes it up for all. You can shoot perfectly in low light indoor settings.

The touch LCD screen is easy to use. You can select which videos you are going to use and which ones are you going to delete. The manual ring on the side allows for focus, zoom and exposure control, which is a refreshing change, considering that other models have these features in automatic mode, so you’re free of getting the image you actually want.

Panasonic HDC-TM300 advantages

The playback function also lets you see the greatest footage put together from one shooting. The automatic stabilizer helps you in keeping the image object in focus, even if it changes constantly. It compliments itself well when connecting it to LCD screens and computers; the only thing is that you will need to buy the mini HDMI cable separately.

The real problem, though, emerges with the editing. The HD Writer software it comes with is fairly decent and manageable for arranging files to upload them to youtube. Panasonic has a proprietary format for their files and unless you strictly work under that, you can’t really do much in terms of converting. The same goes for the use of mini-DVD’s that have to be of the same brand. So, be aware of this when buying Panasonic.

If you want a great camera with three CCD’s with the best resolution possible and high color depth at a good price, this one is for you.

Obviously you lost the optical zoom and LED light in the process. This makes it an outdoor-use only camera.  You could still use it for particular events outside that may be worth capturing, and then easily processing it through the flash memory card it comes with expandable properties (up to 16GB). Aside from that, forget entirely about shooting indoors and other uses.

This model of Sony camcorder can record in H.264 high definition, and allows for 1440×1080/30p, 1280×720/30p and in SD (640×480/30p) format, and a selection between 5 shooting or scene modes that include Lowlight settings, but I’m not sure about the quality. The interface is user friendly with the buttons ‘Movie’ and ‘Still’ that lets you switch easily between modes.

Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 HD downsides

Other downside is that you have to pan slowly, otherwise the image will distort and yes, even pixelate a bit. At least the format of the video files is supported by iMovie and iPhoto since there’s always a certain yellowing of the shots. The 4X digital zoom has this same problem too, and it makes it frustratingly less versatile.

The advantage of the removable battery is that it can last 2 hours straight of shooting video, which makes it superior to Flip cameras that can barely shoot 60 minutes.

Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 HD camcorder features

This model features a swivel lens that allows you to shoot from all angles, to a maximum of 270°, including filming yourself. You can also take 5 megapixels stills which can be improvable but this quality is acceptable.

However, Flip cameras still take the cake regarding video quality in low light and night settings, and the audio picks sound really loud, even when you swivel the lens, so you’ll have to take extra care or that will mean more editing work for later.

Overall, this model is meant to be used as a second or even third camera if you don’t want to sweat it much when going to an event and filming a bit of what’s happening.

Canon XH A1 features

It has the best resolution possible for a high-definition commercial camera, with 1440×1080. The lens can zoom up to 20X and has an optical image stabilization at long distances. But the 3 CCD’s are the ones that work the magic, measuring 1/3 inch each one and capturing the frames in a 16:9 proportion. You have a total resolution of 1.67 megapixels per CCD.

You can store the videos in 32GB flashcards and transfer them to the computer for immediate editing. You don’t have to go through a menu, but you still have to learn well what each button is for.

Canon XH-A1 issues

One of the downsides is that the manual is not consumer oriented, so you will need to find someone in-the-know to explain some features and how to use them for you. You can find also alternate manuals on the web, or gather with forum groups that have this same model.

Other important issue is that it surprisingly doesn’t come with an HDMI adapter, but rather a similar looking one. So if you happen to lose it, you will have to bother in researching your nearest specialized store to get a new one.

There have also been reports of a fabric malfunction in the SD filming mode. When you shoot the video and you display it in the LCD screen, it looks okay. But when you transfer it to the computer, the image looks distorted and out of focus. In that case, you should contact Canon right away and they will fix it for you at no cost.

I would suggest getting another microphone. The wireless one it comes with is spectacular but there are far better ones for more professional results. At around $4,999, you won’t get any better product, although some could argue that the Panasonic models have some advantages too. But overall I think it’s worth it.

A small size, it’s not ambitious in the design, you can hold it well. The 70x zoom feature is the best thing about this model, aside from the anti-shake feature. Those alone win many points, as well as the light, subject and composition settings. There’s even an automatic mode that will set the right conditions for you so you don’t have to waste your time.

Panasonic SDR-S26 basic features

Some issues are that it doesn’t focus well in low light settings; the still photos it takes are mediocre at best, and often blurry. The record/pause button is misleading and tricky as you have to press it to turn it on and only once to begin recording. But if you press pause, you have to press record twice, or you’ll lose footage.

Panasonic SDR-S26 common troubleshooting

The editing software it comes with, VideoCam Suite 2.0 works decently for your run of the mill default program, but the interface needs to be improved. You can, of course, transfer directly all your archives from your memory card (which is up to 32GB) to your computer and edit them with Adobe Premiere Elements.

The battery is really small, not heavy, pretty much feels like a cell phone battery and it can provide over an hour of continuous recording time. You can always carry a backup battery if your recording is longer than that.

All in all, if you want a small camera to just carry it around and then simply film when you encounter an scene such as a family gathering, your son’s play at school, a political rally. In any case, it fits a pocket or jacket well. For the price of around $229 you just can’t get better for a fully functional, basic camcorder instead of trendy ones that are more prone to give you a headache.

However, you will have trouble if you move the camera in a brusque way when recording. It’s sensitive in that regard because you’re going to get a streaked, blurry or distorted image.

Canon Vixia HV30 features

It is really versatile and comprehensive in all formats it supports. It has an HDMI component, Composite, USB and Firewire. What more could you ask for at that price of around $800, depending on your local store? It’s actually every output port you could wish for (today). Forget about getting adapters and extensions like crazy.

It surprisingly works well with Adobe Premiere Elements and the more refined Apple FinalCut Pro without generating any troubleshooting issues It doesn’t come with its own program so Canon finally realized that the camcorder, video editing and creating software matter should be left to the people that actually know, rather than improvising and making people waste their time with a faulty, constantly crashing program.

Canon Vixia HV30 filming issue

The microphone input works perfect for podcasts so it reaches a wide market. You can actually go to the option menu and adjust its gain or volume, which is a plus, but not really for everybody. Ergonomics can be tricky. You have to adjust well the hand strap so that you won’t feel uncomfortable holding it in your hand. It is indeed a design issue to work with in future revisions.

As well as the placement of the record start/stop button. It’s really weird because my thumb instinctively reaches the little joystick (which is an annoying attempt to be edgy, really). It’s confusing in terms of interface.

Overall, the obtuse design and that issue with streaked images need to be revised, but still this model is a lot better than the inexpensive ones under $500, so it’s a good investment in that aspect.

If portability is the highest selling point, then the Vado pocket camera is doing its job marvelously. It’s not really like other models in which they’re so fragile that they will slip anytime and get lost. This one has a more compact design that really favors it as an impulse video taking device.

Creative Labs Vado 2G camcorder features

The rechargeable battery through an USB cable can easily be replaced by the user and it lasts a good 2 hours. The minimalistic controls make it very easy to handle. No fancy touch screens here, either. You can switch between HD mode and VGA mode if you want to record something modest that won’t take much space. In that case, you can record around 8 hours.

Although it’s great on normal light conditions and wide angle shooting, the Vado second generation camcorder still proves that it’s really hard to find a good cam that actually has a good-quality in low-light recording and in zooming (it has 2x digital zoom, very limited if you are at great distances with nothing better to do). The image stabilization still has grounds to work with in the future. The sound quality of the microphone is subpar.

The downsides of Creative Labs Vado 2G camcorder

The software that comes with the cam allows you to view and edit your videos, but it’s as awful as your typical name-your-generic-digital-camera-brand software. Nothing new under the sun here. The program crashes, freezes and sometimes you feel as if using Windows Movie Maker is actually better.

Save yourself time and copy the videos directly from the camera. Use a converter or Adobe Premiere Elements to edit it. At least the video compression is great and you won’t find any delay on framing (30fps) ever.

But overall, aside from the new color schemes, and that you can work it real good with Mac computers, it’s not recommendable to upgrade if you have the first generation version.

The design is probably the most stylish I’ve ever seen. It easily calls everyone’s attention. But it is really lightweight, so you’ll need to use a case, a tripod or just hold it steady, making it very delicate in that aspect. It has a lot of user-friendly features such as the smiling sensor technology, presets such as beach mode, landscape, soft portrait; image stabilization (steadyshot), and more. If someone smiles it automatically takes a photo. Flash memory based, it can record until three hours easily, which is acceptable for the price, as more expensive models allow up to two.

Sony HDR-CX100 HD Camcorder features

The HDMI support is picky, not just any cable will work. It has to be exactly the indicated in the manual. In good light conditions, especially outdoors, the quality is sharp and you can spot the tiniest details possible, so it works well. But forget entirely about using it indoors with low light, another common problem with the latest camcorders in general.

This camera works well with Mac computers, but if you have a Windows 7 high-rendering PC with the latest processor and the latest Nvidia card, it might be best since it’s been reported that the format quality (H.264, Xvid, etc) suffers in some PC’s that may not have the best technology in that aspect.

The advantage of Sony HDR-CX100 HD Camcorder

Thankfully, this model doesn’t come with a ridiculous software program that is obviously inferior to anything Adobe Premiere-related. When you connect it via USB to your PC or Mac, it is detected as a external hard drive, so this is a plus.

If you own a LCD or Plasma set, you can plug the cam directly and see your footage or finished product there, so it is very adaptable if you have to arrange a presentation or a similar event. It is a good option to get DIVX 7 Pro, convert the files to MKV and go from there to any format you want as it’s the best software to work with in regards to this camera’s videos.

A great indication is to turn off the digital 10X zoom if it’s not really necessary because you run the risk of reducing the resolution, and thus the HD suffers as a result.

In a way, home cameras are getting more and more sophisticated and the Canon FS200 is no exception. Its small compact design is on par with the latest ‘mini’ laptops, ‘mini’ cellphones trend.

However, this model is for people that want to handle something discrete in a theater, shoot the video, either in fixed or manual mode, save it to the flashcard and leave. Pretty much the same way as your standard digital camera.

Canon FS200 camcorder’s video quality

This camcorder shoots interlaced video as any other model in the market, and you can control the focus and exposure manually. The disappointment comes with the video quality. It’s really sub-par and the film mode of a digital camera actually does better. Don’t expect to shoot high-definition videos, but if you want to get really good sound, it makes up for it if you aren’t picky or simply don’t care that much.

Still, one problem in the design is that the LCD control buttons are completely against ergonomics standards as you can’t exactly see them in a dark setting. It is highly recommended to buy the extra wrist strap that is available as a add-on if the camcorder feels like it’s going to slip off your hands anytime.

Canon FS200 common troubleshooting

Regarding the software, you have to see yet a program that is actually versatile and comfortable to use. Not to mention one that allows you to convert directly from that annoying MOD format to one minimally accepted by Adobe Premiere Elements or similar programs without any inconveniences.

You either have to find a converter on the Internet, and the best, efficient ones are not exactly free. Programs such as SDcopy, Amadis Video Converter, or a proper MOD converter will do the job for you.

Given the great reviews that the previous FS100 had, you normally shouldn’t go through all of this work for a camcorder or $800 or less, depending on your local offer.