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| Typical costs: | - A low-end mini-DV camcorder usually costs $250 to $400. These cameras are suitable for home video with 32x optical zoom and enough internal memory to hold 30 minutes to one hour of video. Examples include the $300 Panasonic PV-GS85 and the Canon ZR850.
- A mid-range mini-DV or DVD camcorder usually costs $400 to $700, with usually include extra features like optical image stabilization. Examples include the $450 Panasonic SDR-H18 and the $500 Panasonic VDR-D310.
- A higher-end mini-DV or DVD camcorder usually costs $700 to $1,200 or more. Some camcorders in this category now have three CCD chips -- instead of the standard one -- which provides better color and higher video quality. Cameras in this range also probably will have an internal hard drive of 40 to 60 GB or more, 1080i or 720p high resolution and extra features like laser-assisted autofocus, Bluetooth integration and a 24p shooting mode meant to mimic film.
- Examples include the $800 Canon HV20 and the JVC Everio GZ-HD7.
- A camcorder suitable for production can cost thousands of dollars.
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| What should be included: | - Camcorders should come with at least one battery, a charger and basic cables for connecting the camera to a television.
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| Additional costs: | - Camcorder carrying cases can cost from $20 to $200 or more.
- More professional-looking video editing and DVD authoring requires a multimedia computer and video software that can run well into the hundreds of dollars, and, for more professional effects, into the thousands of dollars.
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| Discounts: | - Older models, which might have slightly poorer video and audio quality and fewer new features, can be found at a substantial discount over newer models.
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| Shopping for a camcorder: | - CNet.com has a camcorder buying guide.
- Tip: If you'd like to be able to create clips you can e-mail, as well as high quality video, look for a camcorder that allows you to save MPEG-1 clips on a flash memory card.
- It is important to buy from an authorized retailer -- especially if buying online -- to avoid "gray market" retailers and make sure the warranty will be honored by the manufacturer.
- Find competitive prices online at sites such as Amazon.com. Then, look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Best Buy or Circuit City.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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