Camcorders & Equipment

Links to video resources on other websites.

Buying a Camcorder

Best Buy's Guide to Camcorder Selection
As of 09/01/2010 - 19:10, this link is reporting "moved."
Buying a Camcorder
by Hal Robertson, Videomaker, 2003
Camcorder Glossary
As of 09/01/2010 - 19:10, this link is reporting errors.
Excellent glossary of camcorder terminology, defining formats, features, characteristics, inputs and outputs, etc. of modern digital video cameras.
Choosing a Camcorder: Formats and Features
by Electronic House, Techlore, 2008
CNET's Camcorder Buying Guide
Finding the Right Camcorder
As of 08/17/2010 - 12:10, this link is reporting errors.
by Tara Wisnewski, Crutchfield, 2008
How to Test Out a Camcorder in a Retail Store
Strategies for evaluating a camcorder in the store.
Learn about Camcorders
As of 09/01/2010 - 19:10, this link is reporting errors.
A series of articles from Crutchfield on different kinds of camcorders and their uses.

Camcorder Reviews & Ratings

Camcorder Buyer's Guide - Spring 2008
by James Morris, TrustedReviews, 2008
Camcorder Ratings
Features & price comparison, CamcorderInfo, 2004-2008
CamcorderInfo's reviews
Reviews of camcorders by Sony, Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Hitachi, Sharp, and Samsung. Also provides reviews by format, including Mini DV, Hi8, 8mm, MicroMV and DVD.
SmartRatings - Camcorders
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Sortable by price and rating

Economy Camcorders

Aiptek Action HD

Flip Video Ultra

CNET Review of Flip Ultra
Flip Video Vlog
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Sample Video from the Flip Ultra
Six Reasons Why People Flip Over the Flip
Rob Hof, July 30,2008, Business Week

Kodak Zi6

Kodak Zi6 Sample in HD
Kodak's Specs for the Zi6
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PC Mag Review of Kodak Zi6
As of 08/09/2010 - 10:10, this link is reporting "moved."

RCA Small Wonder EZ300HD

Coolest Gadgets Review of RCA Small Wonder EZ300HD
Coolest Gadgets, September 19, 2008
Gizmodo Review of RCA Small Wonder EZ300HD
YouTube Sample Video
As of 08/13/2010 - 12:10, this link is reporting errors.
We're still looking for a high-quality sample from this camcorder, and will post a link to it here when we find one.

Formats

Choosing the right output medium -- e.g., MiniDV tape, DVD, flash memory, or hard disk -- is the first and most important decision in buying a camcorder.

Selecting the Right Camcorder: Format
An excellent video describing camcorder format choices from Sony's "Backstage 101" learning center
Understanding DVD Camcorders
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Understanding Hard Drive & Flash Memory Camcorders
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Understanding Mini DV and Digital8 Camcorders
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Video: Shopping for a Camcorder
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A brief video that offers an excellent rundown on the pros and cons of different video formats.

Headphones & Headsets

Headphones and headsets for use in making videos and screencasts, as well as to sweeten your audio

Sound Advice: Audio Isolation
As of 08/19/2010 - 12:10, this link is reporting "moved."
by Hal Robertson, January 2005, Videomaker
Sound Advice: Headphones for the Videographer
by Hal Robertson, Videomaker, December 2002
Sound Reasoning: Headphone Lessons
by Mike Loehr, March 1995, Videomaker

Lighting

Lighting equipment

DIY Light Diffuser
Inexpensive DIY light diffusers that work with work lamps
DIY Video: Add barn doors to a work light

Tripods, Monopods, and Other Camcorder Stabilization Devices

Devices for getting rid of camera shake, adding smooth zooms and pans, etc.

DIY $14 Steadycam
How to build your own "steadycam" device
Elegant DIY 'FlyCam' Camcorder Stabilizer
As of 08/15/2010 - 12:10, this link is reporting errors.
Not for the faint-hearted DIY'er. Complete with engineering calculations, engineering drawings, step-by-step building instructions, and sample videos.

Where to Buy a Camcorder

Links to camcorder merchants.

Abe's of Maine
Adorama
B & H Photo Video
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Beach Camera
Berger Bros.
BestBuy
As of 08/29/2010 - 17:10, this link is reporting "moved."
Camera World
Circuit City
CompUSA
Focus Camera
Wolf Camera

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