Cutting Edge Camcorders

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

15 Sep 2007 09:46 AM

Is there anyone who doesn't have a camcorder these days? Take a trip to Hawaii or a local high school football game and you'd probably answer no. But, I have news for you. A recent study found that camcorder sales are down 6% from last year. Hard to believe, isn't it?

With the amount of videos being shared on the Internet nowadays one would believe that the camcorder is at the height of popularity. But, apparently a relatively small percentage of videographers (especially the ones who upload video on YouTube) use traditional camcorders. Instead, studies found they use more PC-friendly digital cameras or handy cellphones to capture unforgettable moments.

Frankly, as my daughter gets older it seems the only time I grab the camcorder is for special events such as birthdays, vacations, dance recitals or other noteworthy trips. I suppose if I had a slim digital camera or a cellphone that had a video feature I would be more apt to shoot more. Like that squirrel who roller-skated past us at the park the other day--just kidding.

Seriously, though, camcorder manufacturers have been taking notes on the trends in video gathering. Currently, vendors have been working on perfecting high-definition camcorders. Then, you have Hitachi, who recently announced it planned to offer a camcorder that can record on mini-Blu-ray discs, a high-definition counterpart to mini-DVDs. The news riled the backers of rival format HD-DVD. The fight to upgrade is nothing new, but it seems that convenience is more a factor these days than anything else.

Then, there's the hard drive factor. Studies show camcorders that use hard drives - typically 30 GB or 40 GB as in iPods - are the fastest-growing segment of the camcorder market. Hard drives fit well into the world of high-definition video because the files are large. Though, at some point they eventually get filled and must be off loaded somewhere. Currently, Sony and JVC offer stand-alone disc recorders that can burn DVDs from high-definition camcorders. But they come with a hefty price tag. Most high-definition hard-drive-based camcorders retail for more than $1,000.

Would you consider purchasing a high-definition camcorder?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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