Aimed at the same market as the popular Kodak Playsport, the Samsung W200 is a safe bet for use at the beach.  Not only can it be used underwater (up to three meters), but due to it’s dustproof design, you won’t have to worry about sand getting in it, either.  Shock-proof (safe for getting dropped from up to two meters), as well, this versatile mini camcorder would be great to bring along on any vacation.

The specs on this camcorder sound good, too.  It films in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), and it has a 2.3 inch LCD screen (.3 larger than the Playsport’s).  It can also take 5 megapixel still photos, using an F2.2 lens.

The W200 includes a handy pause filming feature, which allows the video to be paused and restarted without beginning a separate video file.  This feature alone is very nice, as your end result could be a single video file ready for uploading on the Internet, instead of multiple video files needing edited into a single video.

For use in or around the water, the W200′s anti-water drop coating should keep the LCD screen free from condensation.  No need to wipe the screen!  The lens featured an anti-fog coating that will prevent foggy or blurry videos, even after filming in the water.  The W200 also includes a special Aqua Mode setting, which optimizes the video color and quality for underwater filming.

The Samsung W200 comes with two settings or filters for giving video a unique feel.  Vignetting fades the edges and corners of shots and Fish-Eye provides a distored and curved wide-angle view of the world.

The Samsung W200 includes a flip-out USB plug for easy tranfer of video to other devices.  The Samsung W200 will go on sale in May 2011, and will be priced at about $159.  It is currently available for pre-order.

Technorati Tags: Camcorder Features, dustproof mini camcorder, HD Mini Camcorders, Mini Camcorder, Pocket Camcorder, Samsung HMX-W200, Samsung W200, sandproof mini camcorder, shockproof mini camcorder, waterproof mini camcorder

Kodak Playsport

Flip Video MinoHD (second generation) (There is also a third generation Flip MinoHD now available.)

Kodak Zi8

Others reviewed include the Flip UltraHD, Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5, and Flip SlideHD.

The full ratings for all of the HD Mini Camcorder models rated and reviewed by CNET are shown below.

Best HD Mini Camcorders 2010

Technorati Tags: Best HD Mini Camcorders 2010, CNET, Flip MinoHD, Flip SlideHD, Flip UltraHD, HD Mini Camcorders, Kodak Playsport, Kodak Zi8, Mini Camcorders, Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5

If camcorders are on your wish list or the wish list of someone you’re shopping for, be sure to check out the current Bestsellers in Camcorders.

Whether buying camcorders or anything else, consider doing your Christmas 2010 shopping online this year, saving yourself time, money, gas, and hassle.  Happy shopping!

Technorati Tags: Camcorder Bestsellers, Camcorders, Christmas, Christmas 2010

Panasonic SDR-H85 – The Panasonic SDR-H85 includes an 80GB hard disk drive, which can record approximately 74 hours 30 minutes in LP mode.

Panasonic SDR-T50 – The SDR-T50 has 4 GB of built-in memory. You’ll probably want a memory card in addition to the built-in 4GB.

Panasonic SDR-S50 – The SDR-S50 has no internal memory. You’ll need a memory card for sure with this one.

The primary enhancements in these 78x optical zoom camcorders over the previous models are:

• 78x Enhanced Optical Zoom – This is basically the same 70x optical zoom, but the camera’s sensor extends the zoom a little more while still maintaining image quality.
• Support for SDXC cards – In addition to supporting SD and SDHC memory cards, these camcorders now support the new SDXC standard, which goes up to 64GB.
• Wind Noise Canceller – This new feature suppresses wind noise, which can be helpful for outdoor filming.

Technorati Tags: 78x, 78x Optical Zoom, 80GB Hard Drive, Camcorder, Camcorders, Optical Image Stabilization, Optical Zoom, Panasonic SDR-H85, Panasonic SDR-S50, Panasonic SDR-T50

Amazing zoom of the full moon…

In this review, I’ll be highlighting the Panasonic SDR-S80 and the Pansonic SDR-S26.  These camcorders both offer 70x optical zoom along with excellent optical image stabilization.  The SDR-H80 includes a 60GB hard drive and can also record to SD/SDHC cards, while the SDR-S26 records solely to SD/SDHC card and does not have a hard drive.  Both models came out in 2009 and have been succeeded by newer 2010 models claiming 78x optical zoom and additional enhancements, but the the 2009 models remain very attractive options, especially at the reduced prices for which they are now available.

Panasonic SDR-H80

The Panasonic SDR-H80 model has a 60 GB hard drive that allows recording of up to 54 hours.  It also accepts and optional SD/SDHC card, up to 32 GB for up to an additional 26 hours and 40 minutes of recording.  (Using both the hard drive and a 32 GB card, total recording time in the Long Play setting is 80 hours and 40 minutes.  In Standard mode, it can record up to 40 hours 20 minutes.  In High Quality mode, the total would be 20 hours 40 minutes.)

The SDR-H80 comes in Silver, Black, Dark Blue, and Deep Red.

Panasonic SDR-S26

The Panasonic SDR-S26 is different from the SDR-H80 in that it records only to SD/SDHC cards and does not include an internal hard drive.  Using the largest card, 32 GB, recording time is up to 26 hours 40 minutes in Long Play mode, 13 hours 20 minutes in Standard mode, and 6 hours 40 minutes in High Quality mode.  The SDR-S26 is slightly smaller than the SDR-H80, but both are impressively small.

The SDR S26 is available in a Silvery Gold, Black, Bright Red, and Light Blue.

Both models include the following features:

• 70x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) – I’ve tested these features and was very impressed by the zoom and also by the image stabilization.  The optical image stabilization works very well, preventing shaking in the videos, even when using the zoom, though a tripod is still technically recommended when zooming out really far.
• Facial Recognition - Face detection recognizes up to 15 faces at a time, adjusting focus and lighting so faces are bright and easy to see.
• Three Second Pre-Recording – This is a clever feature that automatically records 3 seconds prior to when you actually hit the record button.  That way, if you’re a little late pressing the record button (think about trying to capture a child’s sports moment or trying to film an animal doing a trick, etc.), it helps ensure that you don’t miss the beginning of that special moment.
• Quick Start-Up – Just flip open the LCD screen and you’re ready to start shooting in under a second (0.8 seconds).

Other features include Pure Color Engine for good color reproduction, optional Soft Skin Mode, Intelligent Auto automatic settings adjustments, Intelligent Scene Selector automatic scene selection, One-touch Navigation and Joystick Control, Color Night Viewer, Auto Power LCD to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, Easy DVD Copying, and more.  You can check the provided links for additional details.

Some additional notes:

• These are both Standard Definition camcorders.  (Panasonic has more expensive High Definition camcorders, though no HD camcorder has such a great optical zoom.)
• Neither of these camcorders are considered mini camcorders (or pocket camcorders), though they are very small and easily portable.  True mini camcorders are basically pocket-sized and offer fewer camcorder features and little to no optical zoom.
• Most, if not all, consumer camcorders fail to do very well in low light conditions, though some are better than others.  Both of these camcorders have a feature (Color Night View) that helps with dim lighting conditions, though many reviews I’ve found list low light recording as one of the Cons for these camcorders.
• You’ll likely want at least one spare battery, as they only last about an hour.

Replacement Battery for Panasonic SDR-H80Panasonic SDR-S26 Accessory Kit with 2 Spare Batteries Plus Car Charger

• Remember that you’ll need to get a memory card for the SDR-S26, since it doesn’t come with a one.  A memory card is optional for the SDR-H80. 16 GB SDHC Flash Memory Card

In summary, the Panasonic SDR-H80 and SDR-S26 camcorders offer some great features for really great price.  Unless you’re looking for a camcorder with additional or enhanced features that will cost you quite a bit more, the SDR-H80 and SDR-S26 are definitely worth considering, especially if you wanting a camcorder with super optical zoom.

Update:  For newer Panasonic camcorder models with 78x optical zoom, check out Panasonic 78x Optical Zoom Camcorders.

Technorati Tags: 70x Optical Zoom Camcorders, Camcorders Review, Optical Image Stabilization, Panasonic SDR-H80, Panasonic SDR-S26, Reviews, Standard Definition Camcorders

I present the Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder. It’s a mini camcorder with an ear for audio quality, built for stereo sound recording.

Samson Zoom Q3

The Zoom Q3 is made by Samson, a company that is known for its audio products.  With the introduction of the Zoom Q3, they have brought excellent audio to the world of mini camcorders.  The Samson Zoom Q3 is great for live musical performances, rehearsals, concerts, or recitals as well as weddings or sports.

Features include:

The Samson Zoom Q3 comes with:

What you get with the Samson Zoom Q3 is basic, non-HD video with superb audio that you can’t get with any other mini camcorder on the market.

To find out more about the Zoom Q3, click one of the links above and be sure to check out the reviews, which are very positive, especially on the audio quality. There are also some videos that provide more info on the Samson Zoom Q3.

With the Zoom Q3the videos that you share on YouTube, Facebook, or wherever will stand out from the crowd as viewers experience realistic audio with true stereo sound!

Technorati Tags: Camcorder Features, Mini Camcorders, Reviews, Samson Zoom Q3, stereo sound

This PC World video review highlights it’s features, including: 

• a wide-angle lens – the widest lens on any mini camcorder to date
• exposure controls – allowing for adjusting lighting levels
• an external microphone input – which can also double as headphone jack
• good low-light video – this is good news for mini camcorder fans
• a motion-detection mode – it can start recording when it senses motion

The reviewer was especially impressed with the low-light recording capabilities of the Creative Vado HD mini camcorder, putting it on par with the Flip Mino HD for low-lighting.

The reviews for the Creative Vado HD mini camcorder on Amazon are also overwhelmingly positve.  (Click on one of the links above to check them out or for more info.)

Overall this mini camcorder rates right up there with the Flip MinoHDand the Kodak Zi8 HD mini camcorders.  Pricing is about the same as for the Kodak Zi8 HD and a little less than the Flip Mino HD.

Unless you’re going for something altogether differerent or very inexpensive camcorders (see Mini Camcorders for Less Than $45), the Creative Vado HD should be on your short list for the best of the mini camcorders out there right now.