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8 Best Camcorders for Hobbyist

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No 1 Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000
Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 Digital Camcorder ratings

$325 - $804

Released 10 months ago

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5 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"Hobbyist/Enthusiast…" more

- Ritzcamera.com User

"There is a version of Quicktime 7.20 which has come out…" more

- Amazon.com User

"Obviously it won't work for professionals, but for amateur filmmakers and…" more

- Amazon.com User

"The display is nice and big, which means obviously it's easy…" more

- Amazon.com User


No 2 Pure Digital F260B DVD Camcorder
Pure Digital F260B DVD Camcorder ratings

$125 - $150

Released 1 year ago

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4 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"Macro photography is a hobby of mine.…" more

- Amazon.com User

"Works seamlessly with iMovie and now my Youtube site is my…" more

- Amazon.com User

"I have a Sony HDR-SR1 prosumer, Hi-Def, HD camcorder, and although…" more

- Amazon.com User

"It will not replace your $12,000 Sony prosumer model or even…" more

- Amazon.com User


No 3 Aiptek A-HD Camcorder
Aiptek A-HD Camcorder ratings

$135 - $138

Released 9 months ago

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3 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"The LCD display is actually quite nice.…" more

- Amazon.com User

"I really like the videos I've captured with it and the…" more

- Amazon.com User

"A serious camera enthusiast(which I am not) probably wouldn't be happy…" more

- Steve from Los Angeles at Circuitcity.com

"But when you record in 720p, there's compression that can be…" more

- Amazon.com User


No 4 Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 Camcorder
Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 Camcorder ratings

$330 - $504

Released 1 year ago

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2 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"LCD display is more than I need.…" more

- paddlefast at Shopping.com

"The Sanyo Xacti E1 waterproof camcorder breathes new life into underwater…" more

- Mark Montgomery at Videomaker.com


No 5 Panasonic SDe.cam SDR-S10 Flash Media Camcorder
Panasonic SDe.cam SDR-S10 Flash Media Camcorder ratings

Released 1 year ago

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2 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"My photos will be used for display on the internet, and…" more

- Amazon.com User

"The visual LCD display is bright and crisp, rotating up and…" more

- Amazon.com User


No 6 Canon FS100 DV Camcorder
Canon FS100 DV Camcorder ratings

$302 - $473

Released 4 months ago

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2 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"Setting aside the pricey and bulky professional camcorders, there are several…" more

- Amazon.com User

"2) grid lines - the display can overlay optional grid lines…" more

- Amazon.com User


No 7 HDR-CX7 Camcorder
HDR-CX7 Camcorder ratings

$627 - $970

Released 1 year ago

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2 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"Not the camera for the video enthusiast who demands abundant control…" more

- ElmerF from USA at Circuitcity.com

"The playback I refer to above is on my pc within…" more

- Bestbuy.com User


No 8 Panasonic PV-GS85 Camcorder
Panasonic PV-GS85 Camcorder ratings

Released 1 year ago

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2 People Recommend
for Hobbyist
"The menus are straight forward and the setups are displayed right…" more

- By DaveatHome at Homedepot.com

"The one thing I cant quite understand is that every Panny…" more

- asda from michigan at Circuitcity.com


Related Lists

Some other Camcorders we thought you might like.

Get Advice, Give a Tip

jon
Basic camcorders under $150 are great ways to get started.
stephanie
Look for a camcorder that uses Firewire or flash memory to ease of use.
Paula
If you think you might want to expand later, get a camcorder with an accessory shoe.
Gen
Camcorders are great ways to capture live events and explore the world around you.

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Best Camcorders for

Camcorders for Hobbyist Buying Guide


Picking the right camcorder for the hobbyist naturally depends on the hobby at hand. There are hundreds of camcorders on the market, but focusing on your needs will allow you to narrow the field.


No matter your hobby, you will want a good-quality 3 mega-pixel or higher MiniDV camcorder. MiniDV camcorders are small, sharp and allow you to remove your “tapes” to set aside for later editing. If you decide against a MiniDV player, you’ll want a model with a hard drive and memory cards. All good cameras should have easy-to-use playback features for on-site review and a good zoom for far-off shots or tight close-ups.


Outdoor hobbies require a light but rugged camcorder with a fast shutter speed and automatic stabilization. You might also want to look for a long zoom, playback features for review in the field, excellent audio features, long battery life with back up batteries, and a light tripod.


If you are an indoor hobbyist, look for a detachable external light for off-angle lighting situations as well as a quality external microphone, extra batteries, manual controls for fine-tuning and a sturdy tripod.


Choose wisely and you’ll be documenting your passions and interests in no time!



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