Best HDD Camcorder Reviews and Comparison
April 9, 2012 by SmartReview
Filed under Digital Camcorders
HDD Camcorders – This is a roundup of the top-rated HDD (Hard Disk Drive) based digital camcorders. HDD camcorders use Hard Drives (same as a notebook computer) to store the incoming video. Hard Drives have the advantage of very long recording times. Some of these camcorders can also record to memory cards (They are called Hybrid camcorders). The HDD camcorders below have met SmartReview’s ratings for best camcorders. For 2012 we are seeing fewer HDD camcorders (none from Canon), as manufacturers are now primarily making flash memory camcorders. Panasonic has discontinued making HDD camcorders in 2012.
(Best rated with the best features and largest imagers)
| Panasonic HDC-HS900K | Panasonic HDC-HS700K | Sony HDR-XR260V | Sony HDR-PJ50V |
Is this the best price? (Click for Reviews) | Is this the best price? (Click for Reviews) | Is this the best price? (Click for Reviews) | Is this the best price? (Click for Reviews) |
| 12x optical zoom 220gb HDD High Definition 14.2 megapixels 1/4.1-inch x3 3.0-inch LCD External Mic Jack 1080p @ 60fps 3D Ready 2011 Model | 12x optical zoom 240gb HDD High Definition 14.2 megapixels 1/4.1-inch x3 3.0-inch LCD 1080p @ 60fps – – – 2010 Model | 30x optical zoom 160gb HDD High Definition 8.9 megapixels 1/3.9-inch Imager 3.0-inch LCD External Mic Jack Built-in GPS 2012 Model | 12x optical zoom 220GB HDD High Definition 7 megapixels 1/4-inch Imager 3.0-inch LCD External Mic Jack Geotag GPS 2011 Model Best of CES 2011 Built-in Projector |
(good features and smaller imagers)
| Sony HDR-XR160 | Panasonic HDC-HS80k |
| Is this the best price? (Click for Reviews) | Is this the best price? (Click for Reviews) |
| 30x optical zoom 160gb HDD High Definition 3 megapixels 1/4″ CMOS imager 3.0 inch LCD 2011 Model | 34x optical zoom 120gb HDD High Definition 3 megapixels 1/5.8″ MOS imager 2.7 inch LCD 2011 Model |
| Glossary of Terms |
| Optical Zoom = This is the maximum zoom using the lens of the camcorder. A 10x zoom brings the action in about 10 times closer at its maximum. Flash Memory = This refers to the way the camcorder records video. Flash memory camcorders normally record to memory cards (SDHC or Memory sticks if a Sony). There are some that have no card, and just have a fixed amount of internal memory such as the Flip Camcorders. Dual Flash = This type of camcorder has both internal memory and can also record to memory cards. Imager = This refers to the Imaging Sensor of the camcorder, where the light hits from the lens. This is like the retina of the eye. The larger the imager, the better the quality of the video and better low light performance. High end camcorders generally have a larger imager. Larger is better. A 1/2.6-inch imager is double the size of a 1/5.2-inch imager. Megapixels = This refers to the camera function in the camcorder. This is the amount of megapixels available to take a snapshot picture while using the camcorder. 3D Ready = This means that this camcorder can take both regular HD video, or 3D video with a 3D Lens (usually optional). To view 3D video requires a 3D TV and 3D glasses. |
Related Article: Best Low Light Camcorders – Reviews and Comparison
Related Article: Best Rated 4K Ultra HD Camcorders | Comparison & Reviews
Related Article: Best Professional Camcorder Reviews and Comparison
Related Article: Best MiniDV Camcorder Reviews and Comparison
(Clicking on shop buttons will open a new window)
 |  |
 | |
 | |
