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Top-Rated HD Camcorders – Reviews and Comparison 2011-2012
Capture videos of your magic moments
Smart Review features only top-rated digital camcorders. Those camcorders with the highest owner ratings are listed here. See the latest flash memory and high definition (HD) camcorders for 2011-2012. Read the Smart Review 2011-2012 Camcorder Buying Guide to help you decide what type of camcorder you should purchase. Top-Rated Camcorders listed below all have received owner reviews of 4 stars or better.
Deep Discount Prices – This site offers Camcorders through highly rated vendors at deep discount prices with free shipping on most models.
 **New for 2012** Sony’s latest low priced dual flash memory based high definition camcorder with 16gb of internal memory and built in Projector. Advanced features include an ultra-smooth 60 progressive frames/second (1080p @ 60fps) recording mode, it can also record at 24p (1080p @24fps), the same frame rate as movie film. The PJ260V Features a new wide angle G-Lens (29.8mm) with 30x Optical zoom. High end Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode (compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smoother video). Compact size. Other features: 8.9 megapixel still images, 3.0 inch LCD touch-screen (230K pixels), built-in GPS to geotag your video or pictures. The HDR-PJ260V has a 1/3.9-inch back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for better low light performance. BIONZ™ Image processor improves the speed and quality, as well as improving battery life. Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture. The newly improved Built-in Projector can project your videos on a wall for viewing up to the size of a 100-inch diagonal screen. …More…
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*New for 2012. The Canon HF-M500 is Canon’s newest low cost fully featured Flash Memory Camcorder. It is the least expensive Canon Camcorder with a large 1/3-inch imager. Records in full 1920 x 1080 Full HD Video (1080p). Records to SDHC/SDXC memory cards (camcorder has one memory card slot). The 10x zoom HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality and has SuperRange optical image stabilization (to keep video sharp in low light, or when doing handheld shots without a tripod). External Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control and Headphone Jack. Included are advanced features such a newly developed large 1/3 inch HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (better for low light), AVCHD H.264, Cinema-Look Filters, 2 megapixel still images, and has a true 24p Cinema mode. (native 24p) and a 30p mode. The External Microphone Jack will give you better sound options. The HF-M500 records at up to 24mbps (the AVHCD best bit rate). …More…
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| *New for 2012. Panasonic’s midrange HC-V700K Flash Memory Camcorder with 3D Compatibility. This model replaces the extremely popular TM90 series. It records to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards in Full HD video. ( This camcorder features High-density, ultra-smooth video at 1080/60p Recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 60 Progressive frames Recording). It also includes a fast F1.8-F3.4 lens that was created for the HDC-V700 to help in low light situations. The new lens has a wider 28mm wide-angle lens which can fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional lens. When the optional 3D Conversion Lens is attached, the V700k can record in 3D. The new imaging sensor is a large 1/2.33″ High Sensitivity MOS Sensor which can provide up to 1,920 x 1,080 of HD resolution. Takes 6.1 megapixel still pictures. Included are advanced features such as the new Hybrid optical/digital image stabilization with HYBRID O.I.S. which uses five-axis correction to suppress blurring, 21x optical zoom (Intelligent Zoom function can go up to 46x) …More…
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*New for 2011. The Canon HF-G10 is Canon’s newest top of the line consumer camcorder. Compact in size. Records in full 1920 x 1080 Full HD (1080p). Records to SDHC/SDXC memory cards (camcorder has two memory card slots) or it records to its built-in 32GB flash drive. New for 2011 is Relay Recording, where the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SDHC/SDXC memory card when the internal drive is full. You can also copy video from your internal drive to your memory card(s). The 10x zoom HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality and has SuperRange optical image stabilization (to keep video sharp in low light, or when holding the camcorder without a tripod). Included lens hood. Large 3.5-inch high resolution LCD screen. External Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control, Headphone Terminal, and Digital DV III image processor. Included are advanced features such a large 1/3 inch HD CMOS Pro Imager (better for low light) provides a wide dynamic range, AVCHD H.264, and has a true 24p Cinema mode. (native 24p) and a 30p mode. External Microphone Jack for better sound options. Built-in Viewfinder. The HF G10 records at up to 24mbps (the AVHCD best bit rate). …More…
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**New for 2012** Sony’s latest low priced hard drive memory (HDD) based high definition camcorder with 160GB of internal memory. Advanced features include an ultra-smooth 60 progressive frames/second (1080p @ 60fps) recording mode, it can also record at 24p (1080p @24fps), the same frame rate as movie film. The XR260V Features a new wide angle G-Lens (29.8mm) with 30x Optical zoom. High end Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode (compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smoother video). Compact size. Other features: 8.9 megapixel still images, 3.0 inch LCD touch-screen (230K pixels), built-in GPS to geotag your video or pictures. The HDR-XR260V has a 1/3.9-inch back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for better low light performance. BIONZ™ Image processor improves the speed and quality, as well as improving battery life. Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture. …More…
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**New for 2012** Sony’s latest low priced dual flash memory based high definition camcorder with 16gb of internal memory. Advanced features include an ultra-smooth 60 progressive frames/second (1080p @ 60fps) recording mode, it can also record at 24p (1080p @24fps), the same frame rate as movie film. The CX260V Features a new wide angle G-Lens (29.8mm) with 30x Optical zoom. High end Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode (compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smoother video). Compact size. Other features: 8.9 megapixel still images, 3.0 inch LCD touch-screen (230K pixels), built-in GPS to geotag your video or pictures. The HDR-CX260V has a 1/3.9-inch back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for better low light performance. BIONZ™ Image processor improves the speed and quality, as well as improving battery life. Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture. …More…
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| *New for 2011. The top of the line compact Panasonic HDC-TM900K Dual Flash camcorder comes equipped with 3D Compatibility. Features a built-in 32gb of internal memory to record Full HD video (you can also use SDHC/SDXC memory cards). This camcorder features High-density, ultra-smooth video at 1080/60p Recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 60 Progressive frames Recording). It also includes a fast F1.5-F2.8 lens that was created for the HDC-TM700 to help in low light situations. Noise Reduction technology reduces noise about 45% compared to last year’s model. The new lens has a wider 35mm wide-angle lens which can fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional lens. When the optional 3D Conversion Lens is attached, the TM900k can record in 3D. The imaging sensor consists of three 1/4.1-inch 3MOS sensors (3 x 3.05mp) which can provide up to 1,920×1,080 of HD resolution. Takes 13.3 megapixel still pictures. Included are advanced features such as the new Hybrid optical/digital image stabilization (more effective than last year’s model), External Microphone Jack, 12x optical zoom and , Manual controls and a focus ring, electronic viewfinder, 24p accessory shoe, and Time Lapse Recording …More…
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Flash Memory Camcorders – This is a roundup of the best rated flash memory based digital camcorders. Flash memory camcorders use built-in solid state memory or flash memory cards to store the incoming video. (Dual Flash camcorders use both). The recording mechanism has no moving parts. They are usually smaller and lighter than other types [...]
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*New for 2012. The Canon HF-M52 is Canon’s newest fully featured 32GB Dual Flash Memory Camcorder. Records in full 1920 x 1080 Full HD Video (1080p). Records its internal 32GB drive or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards (camcorder has two memory card slots). The 10x zoom HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality and has SuperRange optical image stabilization (to keep video sharp in low light, or when doing handheld shots without a tripod). External Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control and Headphone Jack. Included are advanced features such a newly developed large 1/3 inch HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (better for low light), AVCHD H.264, Cinema-Look Filters, 2 megapixel still images, and has a true 24p Cinema mode. (native 24p) and a 30p mode. The External Microphone Jack will give you better sound options. The HF-M52 records at up to 24mbps (the AVHCD best bit rate). At maximum quality , you can record about 2 hours and 55 minutes to a its internal 32GB (more with memory cards loaded). Canon also record in .MP4 format. Canon’s Instant AF focusing system greatly enhances auto focus speed and accuracy and decreases the time to lock in focus (even in low light). Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless video transfer to your PC. …More…
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Best Low Light HD Camcorders- This is a roundup of camcorders that are best suited for low light conditions. Poor performance in low light is the number one complaint of people using camcorders. There are several factors that help in low light conditions. One is the size and type of imager (the chip(s) that light [...]
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**New for 2012** Sony’s latest dual flash memory based high definition camcorder with a large internal 32GB flash drive. SmartReview previewed this model at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. New for 2012 is the introduction of Balanced Optical SteadyShot (which claims to be 13x better than regular Steadyshot) which will deliver smoother video in low light, and long telephoto shots. This feature was demonstrated to us, and Sony explained that the new steady shot runs the entire length of the optical system, from the lens to the imager. Also new for 2012 is an improved projector (located on the outside of the LCD door). Sony has doubled light output to 20 lumens. This will allow you to project your videos on a wall, up to a 100-inch size (This requires a dark room to view). This camcorder has a wide angle low light carl zeiss lens, and a large 1/2.88 inch imager which is great for low light video.
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2011-2012 Camcorder Buying Guide – Buying a camcorder can be confusing. With so many choices and features you need to understand what is important and what is not. This camcorder buying guide will help you sort out the facts on camcorders and what models best fit your needs. It will also explain the technical jargon [...]
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Professional (Pro) Camcorders – This is a roundup of the best-rated professional camcorders. Professional (Pro) camcorders are larger than consumer camcorders, have larger imagers, superior image processors, and larger brighter lenses. They provide superior video which is a favorite of indy and professional videographers. Professional camcorders also have advanced features such as 24p, time code, [...]
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| *New for 2011. The top of the line compact Panasonic HDC-HS900K HDD camcorder with 3D compatibility. Features a built-in 220gb internal hard drive (HDD) to record full HD video (you can also use SDHC/SDXC memory cards). This HDD camcorder features High-density, ultra-smooth video at 1080/60p Recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 60 Progressive frames Recording). It also includes a fast F1.5-F2.8 lens that was created for the HDC-HS900 to help in low light situations. Noise Reduction technology reduces video noise about 45% compared to last year’s model. The new lens has a wider 35mm wide-angle lens which can fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional lens. When the optional 3D Conversion Lens is attached, the HS900k can record in 3D. The imaging sensor consists of three 1/4.1-inch 3MOS sensors (3 x 3.05mp) which can provide up to 1,920×1,080 of HD resolution. Takes 14.2 megapixel still pictures. Included are advanced features such as the new Hybrid optical/digital image stabilization (more effective than last year’s model), 12x optical zoom and , Manual controls and a focus ring, electronic viewfinder, 24p accessory shoe, and external microphone jack, and Time Lapse Recording. At maximum quality, you can record over 18 hours of video using the included 220gb internal drive. More with additional memory cards. …More…
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| The latest Professional Panasonic AG-HMC40 Flash Memory HD Camcorder is highly rated and feature rich. Panasonic’s AVCCAM line has features usually only seen on pro camcorders that are much more costly. Pro features include: (HDMI out, date/time stamp, remote zoom, XLR option, etc.). Unlike most Professional Camcorders which record to MiniDV Tape, this camcorder records to SDHC memory cards. Also included is a fast ( f1.8- 2.8 ) 12x Leica Dicomar Lens. The imaging sensor consists of three 1/4.1-inch 3MOS sensors (3 x 3.05mp) which can provide up to 1,920×1,080 of HD resolution, and can capture 10.6 megapixel still pictures as well as 1080p quality video. At full resolution the camcorder records to AVCHD at up to a 24mbps bit rate. At maximum quality , you can record over 2 hours and 54 minutes of video to a 32gb SDHC memory card. External Microphone Inputs.
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| *New for 2011. The low priced compact Panasonic HDC-SD90K Flash records full HD video using SDHC/SDXC memory cards. This camcorder is 3D Compatible (with optional VW-CLT1 3D camcorder conversion lens) which allows you to record in 3D and playback to a 3D Ready TV. The SD90K camcorder can record normal video at Full-HD (1920 x 1080) at 60p for silky smooth video. The HDC-SD90K has a 21x optical zoom lens (Intelligent Zoom function can go up to 40x) with power O.I.S. for viewing distant objects. Power O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) has improved, and will correct even slight shaking when holding the camcorder. New for 2011 is Panasonic’s 28mm wide-angle lens which will fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional 44.1mm lens. The imaging sensor consists of a 1/4.1-inch 1MOS sensor. Takes 5 megapixel still pictures. Included are advanced features such as optical image stabilization. At full resolution the camcorder records to AVCHD compression upgraded to a 28mbps bit rate. Build in LED light. Built in flash (for pictures). The Face Recognition function recognizes the faces automatically optimizes the focus and exposure. At the best full 60p HD recording, the SD90k can record for 2 hours, 40 minutes on a 32GB SDHC memory card. External Mic Jack …More…
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*New for 2011. The Canon Professional XA10 is Canon’s newest dual flash memory based camcorder. Compact in size. Records in full 1920 x 1080 Full HD (1080p). Records to SDHC/SDXC memory cards (camcorder has two memory card slots) or it records to its built-in 64GB flash drive. New for 2011 is Relay Recording, where the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the next available SDHC/SDXC memory card when the internal drive is full. You can also copy video from your internal drive to your memory card(s). The 10x zoom HD Video Lens delivers excellent image quality and has SuperRange optical image stabilization (to keep video sharp in low light, or when holding the camcorder without a tripod). Included lens hood. Large 3.5-inch high resolution LCD screen. Its larger imager provides 8 megapixel still images, External Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control, Headphone Terminal, Digital DV III image processor. Included are advanced features such as Canon’s Native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor (better for low light) and provides a wide dynamic range, AVCHD H.264, and has a true 24p Cinema mode. (native 24p) . External Microphone Jack for better sound options. The XA10 records at up to 24mbps (the AVHCD best bit rate). At maximum quality , you can record about 5 hours and 55 minutes to its internal 64GB flash drive. More recording time is also available if you use SDHC memory cards after filling up the internal memory drive. Canon’s Instant AF focusing system greatly enhances auto focus speed and accuracy and decreases the time to lock in focus (even in low light). Professional features include manual focusing, 2 XLR jacks, manual aperature and shutter speed, Waveform, Zebra Stripe, gain control, infrared night vision to shoot in total darkness. …More…
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