If you got to this page via a search, you might want to check out
the Photo Tips & Suggestions for Newbies Page
as this is where I explain a few things.
Click the Photo Tips button above.
The links on this page will take you to a secure page to order from.
Links to hardware will be updated as gear evolves and new products becomes available. This page was updated Nov. 12th, 2011. Though I would have liked to post prices, they change too often for me to keep up with.
My ‘recommendations’ were made after many, many hours of researching other sites and studying lots of user testimonials.
It should go without saying, I did not get to test everything I feature here. These are my personal picks and may not suit your own needs. I strive for a balance between features, function, reliability, cost and style. I always try to get the most ‘bang for the buck’.
In the end, you must decide what is right for you. Right?
Under $200-
Creative Labs Vado HD 8 GB Camcorder, 2nd Gen.
720p • 2″ LCD • fixed wide angle lens • Fixed focus • Auto exposure • Auto white balance.
This is the little videocam I use. Mine was a first generation model, but there is no hardware differences between the two. Very light and compact… 3 quality settings and performs well in low light. 8GBs allows up to 2 hours of high quality video. I never used the electronic stabilization feature. Very economical too!
Creative Labs Vado HD 8 GB Pocket Camcorder, 2nd Gen (Black Gloss with Maroon Accents)
Flip Video UltraHD Video Camera (White, 1 Hour/Black, 2 Hours)
720p • 2″ LCD • fixed focal-length lens • Fixed focus • Auto exposure • Auto white balance.
3rd Generation. 4 GBs or 8GBs of internal Memory, depending on model. Powered by 2 AAs.
Flip¤Video UltraHD Video Camera (White, 1 Hour)
Flip¤Video UltraHD Video Camera (Black, 2 Hours)
ContourHD 1080p Full HD Videocam
I have discontinued this listing as they do not provide direct service to Puerto Rico.
I will add it back in at which time as Contour, Inc. provides support for PR.
Samsung W200 Rugged Full HD 1080p Pocket Camcorder
1080p/720p • 2.3″ LCD • fixed wide angle lens • AF • Auto exposure • Auto white balance.
Waterproof to 10 feet. Shock and dust proof. Takes MicroSD cards. weighs 4.6 oz.
Samsung W200 Rugged Full HD 1080p Pocket Camcorder (Red)
Sony MHS-FS2 Bloggie Duo Camcorder
1080p/720p • 2.7″ LCD • 2.0″ front facing LCD • 4GBs internal Memory • Auto exposure
This is the latest iteration of the very popular ‘Bloggie”. Also features SteadyShot stabilization
Sony MHS-FS2 Bloggie Duo Camcorder (Purple)
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Panasonic HX-DC1 HD Dual Camcorder (Hot Pink or White)
1080p/720p • 14MP stills • 3″ adjustable LCD • 6x Zoom lens • Nine Point Auto Focus
Sleek, ergonomic design. Light weight- 6.4 oz. Macro mode. Manual exposure adjustments
Panasonic HX-DC1 HD Dual Camcorder (Pink)
Panasonic HX-DC1 HD Dual Camcorder (White)
Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder
1080p/720p • 3″ touchscreen LCD • fixed wide angle lens • Waterproof to 9.8 feet • LED light
Rugged design- Shock and dust proof. Special Night View mode. Takes SDHC/SDXC cards
Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange)
GoPro HD HERO Naked Wearable Camera
1080p/720p • 1.5″ LCD • fixed wide angle lens F2.8 • Waterproof to 180 feet • USB output
Small and light- 5.9 oz. Very flexible mounting system. Excellent for harsh environments.
GoPro HD HERO Naked Wearable Camera
Manfrotto 585-1 ModoSteady 3-in-1 Stabilizer
Similar to a ‘SteadyCam’, this allows you to move and pan around hand-held, very, very smoothly. It is counter-balanced so the videocamera always remains level. I have used devices like this before and they turn a ‘jumbled mess’ into useable shots. Takes a little practice, but well worth the effort. Shoot like the pros! Fits most camera with a 1/4′ 20 socket.
Manfrotto 585 ModoSteady 3-in-1 Camera/Camcorder Stabilizer and Support System
Notes Regarding Suggestions:
Most of my suggestion links will take you to B & H Photo Video of NYC.
I’ve been ordering from B&H since the 1980’s. They are very trustworthy and work to resolve any issues. In addition to UPS and FedEx, they will ship USPS where most will not. On top of that, their prices are very competitive. You might find an item a little cheaper elsewhere, but is it worth the risk? A few links will take you to Amazon for things B&H does not sell like the VadoHD.
Commissions paid are very small and do not add a single dime to your order. The price would be the same regardless of how you got there. Though this site is a ‘labor of love’ it is very time consuming. I would spend more time on it, if I could make a few bucks in the process.
Please think of me, the next time you consider buying a camera.
Thanx, Roberto.