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Buyer's Guide: The Best Camcorders
These days, shooting video comes as easy to most people as taking a photo. Camcorder manufacturers have had to innovate to stand out from competition from smartphones and digital cameras. Most models now produce top-quality video with wide-angle lenses and excellent stabilisation. Also on offer: the first dual-lens camcorders capable of filming in 3D.
Edouard Maire
Updated: May 3, 2012
Updated: May 3, 2012
Camcorders Tried and Tested
When we review a camcorder, we try it out in our lab so we can publish its results in the Face-Off. We look at three things in the video produced: the level of detail, colour reproduction and sensitivity. But because a camcorder also has to be able to record everyday life, and not just test cards, we take it out with us and film both inside and outdoors to see how easy it is to use. We often put the resulting videos online so you can see for yourself!
Looking for a new camcorder? Cut to the chase with this pick of the best models currently on the market or, for more options, you can browse all our camcorder reviews.
Looking for a new camcorder? Cut to the chase with this pick of the best models currently on the market or, for more options, you can browse all our camcorder reviews.
- Lens. Most high-end digital cameras, including SLRs, have a set of interchangeable lenses, meaning you can choose the right one for the job, but camcorders only have one lens. That's why it's important to choose a wide-angle lens, opening to at least 35 mm in 24 x 36 mm equivalent, with a smooth zoom and a powerful image stabilisation system like Sony's 'active' Steadycam technology or Canon Power IS.
- Audio. All camcorders have a built-in mic, but some also have a 5.1 directional mic for capturing surround sound. Others even add a line-in for an external mic, which can be real help for interviews. A headphones jack is a great extra too if you want to check the sound levels or play back your video in peace.
- Screen. With viewfinders often painfully small (if they're there at all ...), you'll probably be using the screen both for lining up the perfect shot and playing back your clips. Three inches is an absolute minimum, and you can even go up to 3.5'' to get a decent 500,000-pixel or even 1-Megapixel display.
- Memory. Inside or out? Camcorders either film onto internal memory of anywhere from 16 GB to 120 GB, or onto an (SD) memory card. Models using the former system are ready to use straight out of the box, but with the latter you'll need to supply a card yourself. However, you can use the card with other compatible devices too.
With these factors in mind, here's our pick of the best camcorders out there right now:
Editor's Choice 
It's hard to find fault with Sony's CX740. It's a five-star camcorder with an impressive number of qualities and features. The unique image stabilisation system works very well and picture quality is good in all conditions. It's not cheap, but at least the CX740 gives you top quality for your top dollar.
Two Alternatives 
Great Detail
The 1080/50p video shot on the SD900 has an incredible amount of detail and is stored to an SD card (not included). The image stabilisation works well alongside the 35 mm lens and 12x zoom. We'd expect a better screen for this price.
Perfect Stability
Despite a not altogether sturdy plastic frame, the HF G10 still feels bulky. The 30.4 mm lens includes an incredible stabilisation system, which, in Power IS mode, freezes almost every movement at long focal lengths.
Best of the Rest 
Here are a few more of our favourites.
Film in 3D
Review: Sony HDR-TD10E
With two lenses and two sensors, this camcorder records 3D video on its 64 GB internal memory. You can then play your clips back on the 3.5'' glasses-free 3D display!
Tough Cookie
Review: Kodak Playsport Burton
The Playsport is shockproof and waterproof to up to three metres for all-action HD filming. Plus, you can share your movies straight away on social networking sites like Facebook and Flickr.
Movie Maker
Review: Sony HDR-PJ260
Sony now makes a range of camcorders with built-in projectors. You can therefore watch back your home movies with friends and family no matter where you happen to be!
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Buyer's Guide: The Best Camcorders
