Best Camcorder 2011-2012? A Guide for Beginners

If you are looking for the best camcorder in 2012 you are fortunate to be spoiled for choice. The quality of recent releases means that even the uninformed will likely get something worthwhile. People who take the time to look around should be able to find something wonderful.

The models on this page are outstanding in their different categories- compact, economy, waterproof and so on. They are offered as a starting point for camcorder beginners who want to explore the possibilities of this exciting technology.

A few things to look out for when choosing a camcorder:

• Size- is portability the most important thing to you? See the photo above to gauge the huge size differences.
• High definition or standard def? All the camcorders on this page are hi def but plenty of standard def models are still being sold.
• Size and quality of the lens
• Optical Zoom?
• Wide angle lens?
• Quality of the image processor
• How is the video stored? MinDVD, built in hard drive, memory card? This will determine how you play your video back.
• Good in low light?
• Connectivity? Camcorders are needing to compete more and more with top end smartphones.

CES 2012

The Consumer Electronics Show is usually the first chance we get to see the newest devices from the big manufacturers. Trends in 2012 are towards more connectivity, better zooms and more complex software that lets you do more with the videos you capture.

The Sony Bloggie Live pictured right is a good example. The onboard WIFi allows you to stream video live online. Posting and sharing photos and videos on YouTube, Facebook and other social sites is now far quicker and easier too.

The Kodak EasyShare M750 is compatible with Android device via bluetooth and also offers direct uploads to the web. The 5 times optimal zoom is an advantage compared to the Bloggie Live which (as is the case with most pocket camcorders) only offers a digital zoom.

The Samsung QF20 is another WIFi enabled camcorder that was announced at the show. It packs an impressive 20 times optimal zoom in a small package that takes 1080p HD video.

These camcorders should be ready for pre-order soon and will launch at the end of the second quarter of 2012.

Best Buys from 2011

The camcorders below are mainly models released in the last twelve months- models that have delivered not just on quality but price too. They set a standard this year's releases will have to live up to.

Canon Vixia HV30 Best model Under $1000?

What makes a great camcorder? It's a combination of quality optics and a top image processor. A big lens captures more light than a small lens making video brighter. If you want to shoot indoors a big lens is a big help. A powerful zoom lets you choose your shots more easily. A wide angle capability makes shooting indoors when you are inevitably close to your subject a lot more practical. A fast image processor captures the volume of data you need for blur free video.

The Canon Vixia range gives you what you need at a very reasonable price. The HV30 has a ten times optical zoom and a top processor. This is will make great home movies but also semi pro video for promos, and business use.

Take this to see your favorite band and you will enjoy broadcast quality HD even under stage lighting. Get your friends and familys weddings in a format to rival the official video.

Video is stored on MiniDVD so playback is very easy on TV or PC.

Panasonic HDC-SD60K- fully featured and very well priced

At not much more than $350 to buy online this is a genuinely capable camcorder with features you would expect on devices twice the price.

It lacks an optical zoom but offers an electronic zoom which works pretty well even at 35 times. What is outstandingly useful in this economy model is the 35.7mm Wide Angle Lens. This makes for great group shots inside.

The lens is big enough to give good results in low light conditions and the image processor sophisticated enough to keep moving objects blur free.

Video is stored on memory card.

Kodak Zi8- Best pocket Video Camera?

The claim to be the best pocket video camera comes from the performance in low light. The achilles heel of mini camcorders is that as soon as you head indoors, or just get an overcast day, video quality plunges.

The Zi8 performs well in low light conditions courtesy of a decent image processor and is a very worthy alternative to the Flip at a similar price.

Video is stored on memory card (up to 32 GB)

Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD- Best Waterproof Compact

I reckon anyone who loves making videos needs a waterproof camcorder. Sometimes you just don't want to risk your top of the range Canon or Panasonic. This is the camcorder for white water rafting, humid rainforests or wet afternoons in the Appalachians (most afternoons!).

If you are wondering if it is genuinely water proof check out the scuba diving videos on YouTube shot with a Kodak Sport.

The video quality is about the same as a Flip- good in brighter conditions. not so good in low light.

Video is stored on internal hard drive and outputs via USB.

Most Loved Camcorder Range?

Okay, not everybody loves gadgets but for those whose heart opens to megapixels (or perhaps its those moments of joy and madness these devices can capture) then I reckon the Flip gets more Valentines than any other camcorder. The range has been around a while but is still a top performer in the fun video department with easy YouTube sharing.

If you are buying for kids this latest generation Mino is small, tough, very easy to use and gives great video as long as there is plenty of light around and neither zoom nor wide angle lens are required.

Want the Absolute Best? Try the Sony HDR-FX1 3-CCD HDV

There will always be arguments about which camcorder is number one but this Sony has plenty of reasons to push itself forward.

The clarity and detail that the wide-aspect-ratio HAD CCD imagers capture is truely stunning. There is top of the range 12 times optical zoom and image stabilization. You can shoot at thirty frames a second for ultra clarity or 24 frames a second for a softer, more film like, feel.

If you have dreams of making Hollywood quality movies the HDR-FX1 will give you the technical capability. All you need supply is the raw talent!

Stores video on MiniDV HD Video Cassette.

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets are catching up with dedicated camcorders as technology evolves. The Motorola Xoom, for example has a 5.0-megapixel camera will take 720p HD video. This is not going to compete with the better camcorders on this page not it might make people wonder if they really need something like the Flip. Checkout Xoom Accessories or Xoom Apps if you think maybe a new tablet PC might give you the video you are looking for.