Digital Camcorder Reviews and Techniques

Looking for a new camcorder? This is the place to see what's available and how much it will cost.

At Videomaker we test and write about new video camera technologies and features as they are introduced. The articles in this section show you how to use those new features, and how to find a camcorder that best fits your budget and video production goals.

Tips & Tricks Videos

Shooting Nature and Landscapes

In this weeks episode of John talks about some techniques that are used to capture vast landscapes...in a small frame. John goes over the basics of how to capt …

Camcorder Techniques

These articles include the basics on how to use a camcorder as well as tutorials on advanced camcorder techniques.

• Surviving a 48-Hour Film Challenge
  July, 2010
  by Christa Sadler
  Film and video festivals are great ways to meet other enthusiasts just like you, and nothing gets the blood pumping faster than joining a 48-hour film…
• A Checklist To Find The Best Digital Video Camcorder For You
  September, 2009
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Thinking about getting a new camcorder? Here are 10 points to consider while searching for the best digital video camcorder to suit your needs and budget.
• Slick Camera Shots
  April, 2012
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Good video producers have more than a few camera angles up their sleeves. From trick angles to smooth operation, here are some tips for some slick camera shots.
• Cinematography Techniques
  April, 2012
  by Peter Zunitch
  The art of cinematography is more than using the camera, lights and other tools to their best abilities, the art also includes knowing how to tell that story&he…
• From Music Video Maker to Hollywood Director
  February, 2012
  by Mark Montgomery
  Editing music videos isn't too hard... all you need is a band, a camera or two, some editing software and a lot of patience! Music video editing is all about…
• How to Make a Video
  January, 2012
  by Kyle Cassidy
  You gotta start somewhere. Sometime along your path, you contemplated shooting video or you shot some footage and decided you liked doing it, now what?
• 5 Tips for Handheld Shooting
  December, 2011
  by Jennifer O'Rourke
  Whether you're out for a quick shoot, or are lugging your gear a long distance, you can't always take a tripod along. Here are some tips for hand-held shooting…
• Smartphone Cinematography
  December, 2011
  by Jay Montana
  In your front pocket sits a more sophisticated filmmaking tool than all of Hollywood had for the first half of last century. It's your smartphone, and in…
• Blocking People
  December, 2011
  by Kyle Cassidy
  How do successful movie directors get their actors to move and interact so naturally? By blocking the scene and giving the actors good direction concerning…

Most Recent Camcorder Reviews

Since we do not sell camcorders, our editors test and tell the full story without playing favorites. Here you will find prices, technical specifications, strengths, weaknesses and a summary at the end of each camcorder review for the most recent camcorders reviewed in our magazine.

• JVC Camcorder GY-HM100U Review
  September, 2009
  by Mark Montgomery
  This JVC camcorder pushes the boundaries of what a professional shooter can expect from a small camcorder. It's ideal for tough shooting environments.
• Panasonic AG-AF100 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder Review
  March, 2012
  by Mark Holder
  If you've been looking for a plethora of professional features at an aggressive price point then look closely at the Panasonic AG-AF100 - this beast is one&hell…
• JVC GC-PX10 Hybrid Still/Video Camcoder Review
  March, 2012
  by Mark Holder
  If you're looking for one camera that shoots it all, including high-speed video and stills, then be sure to check out JVC's GC-PX10 hybrid.
• Sony MHS-FS3 3D Bloggie HD Camera Reviewed
  February, 2012
  by Mark Holder
  If grab-it-and-go 3D appeals to you then look no further than Sony's 3D Bloggie HD.
• JVC GY-HMZ1U 3D Camcorder Review
  February, 2012
  by Dan Bruns
  Though 3D is still in its infancy, the JVC GY-HMZ1U gets a lot right. It's portable size, professional features, and dual full HD recording makes this…
• Everything 3D Buyer's Guide
  January, 2012
  by Keith Collea
  If you really want to learn all you need to know about 3D gear - you need to start with some education. From capture to output, this 3D imaging gear Buyer's&hel…
• Zacuto Z-Finder EVF Pro HDSLR Viewfinder Review
  January, 2012
  by Mark Holder
  For the serious videographer looking for maximum HDSLR creativity, the Z-Finder EVF Pro by Zacuto is an investment worth considering.
• Panasonic HDC-TM80 HD Camcorder Review
  December, 2011
  by Dan Bruns
  For the price you pay and the features you get, the TM80 is a solid investment for anyone looking for a convenient video recording option.
• Contour, Inc.Contour+ Sport Cam Review
  December, 2011
  by Mark Holder
  If you're a thrill seeker who wants to take your audience along for the ride, the Contour+ is one great way to get them there.

Camcorder Blog Posts

• DSLRs' Audio Limitations: Azden's Newest Mixer May Be the Ticket
  Feb 8
• Enter the D800 - Nikon DSLR
  Feb 7
• We're Living in a Golden Age of Video Production
  Feb 6
• Breaking Down the Documentary Process
  Jan 19

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