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 Landscape

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.

• Basic Training: 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.
• Mini Camcorders Vs Professional Size Camcorders
  December, 2009
  by Matthew York
  Camcorders have always been getting smaller. The first consumer-level equipment that was used to record video was too big. The first video cameras did not have…
• 35mm Adapter Buyer's Guide
  December, 2009
  by Nathan Beaman
  In 35mm adapters, the ground glass often moves in order to simulate a film grain look, and to minimize the presence of the ground glass texture in your image.
• How To Video Record Live Events
  December, 2009
  by Kyle Cassidy
  From taping little Jenny's Holiday Pageant, or the big annual production at your church, live video recording of events is plentiful. Here's how to capture it&h…
• When To Use A Camcorder Filter
  July, 2009
  by Jeff Sengstack
  The super clarity of HD has image-sensitive personalities clamoring for a camcorder filter that can best smooth out their wrinkles and rough edges.
• Basic Training: Making a Better Baby Video
  July, 2009
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Making an effective baby video rests very heavily upon knowing your audience. Here's a four-point strategy will keep everyone happy: Shoot, archive, edit, edit.
• Basic Training: Seeing the Rule of Thirds
  March, 2009
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Some photographers and videographers have a Natural Eye that composes shots and scenes all around them, even when they aren't holding a camera. You know you…
• Basic Training: 35mm Lens Adaptors for Video
  December, 2008
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Why on earth would you want to put a 35mm camera lens on your video camera? It's already got a perfectly good lens on it. One word - bokeh. bokeh is a Japanese…
• Director's Chair: Back to Film School
  August, 2007
  by Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D
  Watching films is a classroom in itself, yet you really have to have the right tools to become a critical viewer. All good directors are students of film. They&…

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.

• Motorola Droid Smartphone Reviewed
  January, 2010
  by Charles Fulton
  A truly remarkable wireless phone with revolutionary video capabilities.
• 2010 Guide to Finding the Best Small Digital Camera.
  January, 2010
  by Randy Hansen
  How high quality? How does high definition video sound to you? As incredible as it seems, the higher price spectrum of the cameras can return true HD video.
• Creative Vado HD Pocket Camcorder Reviewed
  January, 2010
  by Tom Cunningham
  Although small in size, the Creative Vado is an easy grab-and-go camera. The buttons are easy to use, the battery life is long and it's fun shooting big HD…
• Videomaker's 2009 Best Pocket Camcorder: Sony MHS-PM1 Webbie HD Pocket High Definition Camcorder Reviewed
  November, 2009
  by Edward B. Driscoll, Jr
  A solid addition to the growing line-up of pocket Web-oriented HD camcorders.
• Camcorder Review:Lumix DMC-GH1 DSLR Camera Kit
  October, 2009
  by Andrew Burke
  The Lumix GH1 is fun to use and creates great HD video that rivals pro camcorders costing twice as much.
• Videomaker's 2009 Best DSLR That Takes Video: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  July, 2009
  by Brent Holland
  Being able to shoot HD video with the Mark II SLR allows go from a Canon still camera to a Canon high definition camcorder with the flick of a switch.
• High Definition Camcorder Review: Pure Digital Flip MinoHD
  June, 2009
  by Randy Hansen
  The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD camcorder is impressive. Now quality video & decent sound can now be had in a camera no larger than your TV's remote control.
• Pro Camcorder Buyer's Guide
  May, 2009
  by Mark Montgomery
  In a world of $100 FlipCams, why would you buy a video camera that costs thousands? Features, of course and your personal shooting situation often determines...
• Camcorder Review: Panasonic AG-HPX170 DVCPRO HD Camcorder
  May, 2009
  by John Burkhart
  Panasonic AG-HPX170 DVCPRO HD Camcorder shows good color detail and has extensive picture customization options. The P2 based media, though, is still costly...

Camcorder Blog Posts

• Win $100,000 Making Video
  Nov 20
• Finding Veterans' Voices through Video
  Nov 11
• SANYO Dual Cameras are World's First with iFrame Video Format
  Nov 9
• Avid Helps Cultivate the Next Generation of News Professionals with ABC News On Campus Program
  Oct 29

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