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Whether you want to document your travels, create a vlog, direct an amateur film or just make home movies, you will want the right camera for the job. Not only will this influence how much you want to spend, you also may want a particular size, feature or tool. In order to help you find the camcorder that fits your needs exactly we've compared three of the most popular camcorders. Check out our reviews below and keep in mind exactly what your goals are when you decide which video camera is best for you. 

 
Last Update: May 22, 2013
Camcorders    
Panasonic
Panasonic HDC-TM900 
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 Best for:serious amateur videographers who want a straightforward camera with top video quality, great viewfinder and editing features all for a reasonable price. A 3D shooting attachment is also available for this camera.

Suggested Retail Price: $1099.99

Weight: 13.9 oz

Overall Rating:
Canon
Canon Vixia HF G10 
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 Best for:videographers willing to spend more for even the smallest improvement in video quality and light sensitivity.

Suggested Retail Price: $1499

Weight: 19.2 oz

Overall Rating:
Kodak
Kodak Playsport 7x5
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 Best for:casual videographers looking for an inexpensive, pocket-sized camera with respectable video quality. This camera is particularly sturdy and good for all environments and activities.

Suggested Retail Price: $179.95

Weight: 4.4 oz

Overall Rating:

Feature Comparison

Feature Panasonic HDC-TM900 Canon Vixia HF G10 Kodak PlaySport Zx5
  Panasonic -HDC-TM900 Canon -Vixia -HFG10 Kodak -Play Sport Zx5
Overall Rating      
MSRP 1099.99 $1499 $179.95
Camcorder Sensor Resolution 3.05 megapixels 2.37 megapixels 5 megapixels 
Digital Zoom 700 x 200 x 4 x
Lens Type Leica 12 x Zoom lens - 3.45 mm - 41.4 mm - F/1.5-2.8 10 x x Zoom lens - 4.25 mm - 42.5 mm - F/1.8-2.8 Lens - 5.5 mm - F/2.8
Min focal length 3.45 mm 4.25 mm 5.5 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 35 - 420 mm 30.4 - 304 mm 35 mm
Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic		 Manual,
Automatic		 Automatic
Display Type

3.5 in LCD display

 3.5 in LCD display

2 in LCD display
Connector Type
  • HDMI output, Hi-Speed USB,
  • Component video output, Composite video/audio output,
  • Headphones,
  • Microphone
  • Component video output,Composite video/audio output,
  • HDMI output,Hi-Speed USB,
  • Microphone,
  • Headphones,
  • Control-L (LANC)
  • Hi-Speed USB,
  • Composite video/audio output,
  • HDMI
Viewfinder Type Electronic LCD None
Peripheral Devices
USB port,
CD-ROM drive
USB port,
CD-ROM drive		 USB port
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1250 mAh ( Included ) Canon BP-808, 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 890 mAh ( Included ) 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Microphone Operation Mode Surround Stereo Mono
Display Features Rotating Rotating Built-in
Dimensions (WxDxH) 2.6x5.7x2.8 inches 3x5.9x3.1 inches 2.3x0.7x4.4 inches
Weight 13.9 oz 19.2 oz 
4.4 oz
Additional Features
  • 24p Cinema Mode,
  • Auto Ground-Directional Standby (AGS),
  • Pre-Rec function,
  • Intelligent Contrast Control,
  • Intelligent Resolution Technology,
  • AF/AE tracking,
  • Progressive scanning,
  • Backlight compensation,
  • Relay Recording,
  • Face Recognition,
  • Smile Detection technology,
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording,
  • HD-to-SD downconversion,
  • Intelligent Auto (iA),
  • DPOF support,
  • Face detection,
  • Built-in speaker,
  • YouTube capture mode,
  • Auto power save,
  • Touch-screen control,
  • Automatic display brightness adjustment,
  • Intelligent Scene Selector,
  • Interval shooting mode,
  • Takes photos while movie recording,
  • USB 2.0 compatibility
  • 24p Cinema Mode,
  • Brightness control,
  • Pre-Rec function,
  • Progressive scanning,
  • Auto gain control,
  • Saturation control,
  • Video Snapshot mode,
  • Relay Recording,
  • x.v.Color technology,
  • Auto Backlight Compensation,
  • Story Creator,
  • Touch Decoration,
  • 5.1 channel surround sound ready,
  • Touch & Track technology,
  • HD-to-SD downconversion,
  • Accessories hot shoe ,
  • Face detection,
  • RGB primary color filter,
  • Digital tele-converter,
  • Built-in speaker,
  • Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording,
  • Touch-screen control,
  • PictBridge support,
  • Takes photos while movie recording,
  • Sharpness control,
  • Contrast control,
  • USB 2.0 compatibility
  • Exif Print support,
  • USB charging,
  • Audio recording,
  • Built-in speaker,
  • YouTube capture mode,
  • Automatic face tracking technology,
  • Automatic display brightness adjustment,
  • In-camera movie editing,
  • USB 2.0 compatibility,
  • Rubber coated
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