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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.

Camcorder Techniques

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

  • When To Use A Camcorder FilterWhen To Use A Camcorder Filter 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 VideoBasic Training: Making a Better Baby Video 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 ThirdsBasic Training: Seeing the Rule of Thirds 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 have The Eye when you start composing scenes everywhere you go. Eventually you'll compose using the Rule of Thirds...
  • Basic Training: 35mm Lens Adaptors for VideoBasic Training: 35mm Lens Adaptors for Video 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 word that has no English equivalent - it means...
  • Director's Chair: Back to Film SchoolDirector's Chair: Back to Film School 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 devour film, looking at the way their peers chose to present the script - their shot choice, transitions, music and form.
  • Videomaker Presents RecapVideomaker Presents Recap Mixing it up with Videomaker Presents - Like the changing technology, Videomaker Presents is moving with the times, and once again we are in the design stages of creating a new look and more intensive reports. This month's collection of full shows will change…
  • Family Video HelpFamily Video Help Some tips to help you enjoy the fun that you usually only experience after viewing the tapes. It's June; you know what that means: weddings, graduation, barbeques and family fun. If you're the designated Family Videographer, you can miss a lot of the fun.

Instructional Videos

  • Basic Shooting (VHS)Basic Shooting (VHS) WEB ONLY DEAL! Just $10 Get started with the basics of shooting and editing your own video productions.
  • Videomaker Tips & Tricks Series - Outdoor Videography (DVD)Videomaker Tips & Tricks Series - Outdoor Videography (DVD) Outdoor videography can sometimes be a bit trickier than inside because you're making video in an uncontrolled environment. This DVD includes videography tips that every outdoor videographer needs to know.
  • Videomaker Instructional Series - Basic Shooting (DVD)Videomaker Instructional Series - Basic Shooting (DVD) Crucial videography tips every beginner must know. Tips on selecting the best camcorder. Lessons on how to work with videography equipment including video lighting, filters and microphones. Learn the various types of video camera angles and shots.
  • Videomaker Instructional Series - Advanced Shooting (DVD)Videomaker Instructional Series - Advanced Shooting (DVD) In this DVD, the experts at Videomaker go beyond the basics and teach you to use stroyboards, camera angles and shots and camera stabilization techniques. Make more professional looking videos to tell a better story.

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Tips & Tricks Videos

Segment 1 Tips & Tricks: Shooting Landscape

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.

  • Review: Canon Still Camera and Canon High Definition Camcorder in oneReview: Canon Still Camera and Canon High Definition Camcorder in one 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 MinoHDHigh Definition Camcorder Review: Pure Digital Flip MinoHD 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.
  • Camcorder Review: Panasonic AG-HPX170 DVCPRO HD Camcorder Camcorder Review: Panasonic AG-HPX170 DVCPRO HD Camcorder 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 Review: Panasonic HDC-HS100 AVCHD CamcorderCamcorder Review: Panasonic HDC-HS100 AVCHD Camcorder Panasonic for the Ages - Get in line: It has finally arrived. Panasonic's new HDC-HS100 is an SD/HDD hybrid camcorder that is sure to shake things up. It's a beauty with an innovative design and a very user-friendly touch. At $1,200, the HS100 is a much welcome edition...
  • Camcorder Review: Panasonic AG-HMC70 AVCHD PRO CAMCORDERCamcorder Review: Panasonic AG-HMC70 AVCHD PRO CAMCORDER Shoulder Mount at a Reasonable Price - A big camcorder is a professional camcorder. The layman often assumes this, and a large form factor camcorder can be useful, especially for making an impression on a client. Manufacturers are often caught up in miniaturizing...
  • Camcorder Review: Canon Vixia HF10 CamcorderCamcorder Review: Canon Vixia HF10 Camcorder Canon in HD - No more tape? Not for Canon's new Vixia HF10. It records directly to a built-in Flash memory. As if that weren't enough, the HF10 also offers high-definition video recording at a 1920x1080 resolution. Right away, as I pull the sleek black camcorder out of the box...
  • Camcorder Review: JVC Everio GZ-MG330 Hybrid CamcorderCamcorder Review: JVC Everio GZ-MG330 Hybrid Camcorder JVC's Budget Solution - The GZ-MG330 sets its crosshairs precisely at the entry-level user. Its small size, low price and color options will most likely appeal to the family reunion shooter or to the non-technical members of Generation-Y who want to link their YouTube clips...
  • Camcorder Review: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 CamcorderCamcorder Review: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 Camcorder Set Phasers to HD - Hands down, the HD 1000 gets its highest marks for coolness. Whip it out at the next family reunion and envy will fill the air. This camera is genuinely stylish; add in its light weight and small size and it becomes a very useful little tool.
  • Camcorder Review: Canon HR10 DVD CamcorderCamcorder Review: Canon HR10 DVD Camcorder HD In a Small Can - The HR10 is part of Canon's second generation of AVCHD camcorders attempting to deliver the DVD format for consumers. Using the AVCHD codec, the HR10 takes the next step by giving consumers HD on a DVD. DVD-recordable formats made a big impact on consumers...
  • Camcorder Review: Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM CamcorderCamcorder Review: Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM Camcorder Solid State Performer - The rarified realm of professional video cameras used to require an outlay of $60,000 and up, and this was minus a lens. Adding decent glass to that package got you to $80,000 or more easily. But you got what you paid for when it came to image quality.

Camcorder Blog Posts