Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Video Cameras
By Ross Miller 
posted December 11th 2009 2:32PM
posted December 11th 2009 2:32PM
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.
Samsung SMX-C10 - Samsung's got a great aesthetic with the Touch of Color series, and we're more than happy to see it applied to its video camera lineup. Beautiful looks aside, image stabilization is a great bonus, as is one-touch YouTube uploading. No internal memory is a bummer, but with SD/SDHC card prices constantly dropping in price, that's not too much of deal-breaker for us. The big worry here is 720 x 480 / 60i fps video capture mode, which isn't going to be enough to satisfy ardent videophiles.
$143 and up - Shop for Samsung SMX-C10
Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 - We're looking at 720p / 30fps HD video, 5x optical zoom, and 10 megapixel stills if you're feeling inclined. Storage is SD / SDHC card only. Do yourself a favor and distract the younger ones by telling them it's a stun ray, then let them loose with it at the next kinship reunion. It'll be adorable, we promise.
$149 and up - Shop for Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10
Flip MinoHD - The Flip series is someone of a legend for pocket camcorders, and the MinoHD certainly lives up to its namesake. Of course, the attractive size comes at the cost of no image stabilization, but that's never bothered Flip fans before, and the bundled FlipShare software helps you get the minor editing out of the way before uploading to YouTube, MySpace, and / or Facebook. Take our advice and pay the extra $30 or so for the premium model, with a nicer screen, brushed chrome metal, and most importantly twice the storage space (8GB vs. 4GB).
$159 and up - Shop for Flip MinoHD
VholdR ContourHD- As far as helmet cameras go, this is one of the best in the market today. Audio can be overly noisy at times, but it's 1080p video is hard to argue with. Mounting options have by and large improved since its release, and just recently a waterproof case was released, perfect for your next snorkeling escapades. Alternatively, strap one of these on Grandpa and get a whole new perspective on life.
$249 and up - Shop for VholdR ContourHD
Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 - Speaking of waterproof options, Sanyo's Xacti VPC-WH1 is all but betting you to record 720p into the blue lagoon along with 30x optical zoom and 2 megapixel stills. Just remember that the aqua-protection is only good for 10 feet below the surface.
$269 and up - Shop for Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1
Sony HDR-CX100- Sony's HDR series has been good to us -- we still pull out the HDR-SR12 from time to time. The continuation of its flagship series, the HDR-CX100 sports 1080p recording, a Carl Zeiss lens with a 10x optical zoom, and 8GB internal memory... but of course being a Sony product, your only option for expansion is a Memory Stick Pro Duo slot. And hey, if black isn't your preferred camera color, it also comes in silver and red.
$369 and up - Shop for Sony HDR-CX100
JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400- Now we're getting into the big guns, here -- full HD recording, a 10.3 megapixel sensor, and 32GB internal storage with SD / SDHC expansion. AVCHD might turn some away, but if you don't mind the format, the 600fps, 300fps and 120fps slow motion capabilities will certainly get your heart racing. Just drop a bowl of jello on purpose, and be ready to capture it for excruciatingly drawn-out playback later.
$769 and up - Shop for JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400
Canon VIXIA HF S11 - Never want to feel the temptation of deleting old memories? The VIXIA HF S11 has 64GB of internal storage, capable of retaining a touted 24 hours of HD video -- more if you toss in a SDHC card. It shoots 1080p in either 24p cinema or 30p progressive modes, boasts manual controls, and for another $120 or less, you can pick up the RA-V1 remote control adapter for syncing the camera to various third-party remote controllers.
$1,140 and up - Shop for Canon VIXIA HF S11
Canon EOS 7D - Despite its technical classification as a DSLR, we'd be remiss not to mention Canon's EOS 7D as a standout video camera. It's a staple in our producer Chad Mumm's arsenal, and produces gorgeous 1080p footage, provided we're able to capture leisurely and not guerilla style. If you're picking this up with an aspiring filmmaker in mind, make sure to stuff the stockings with a tripod and external mic, too.
$1,620 and up - Shop for Canon EOS 7D
Whether you want them to or not, there's a good chance you've got a family member or two (or more) that feel compelled to capture every single moment on video, including those times when all you're doing is sitting around watching previously recorded memories. That's just an inevitably we face each and every family gathering, and if you must endure, might as well get them the best possible fidelity, right? Then again, maybe you are that memory-capturing individual -- in either case, we think we've got a few suggestions to maximize your holiday enjoyment.
Stocking stuffer
$143 and up - Shop for Samsung SMX-C10
$149 and up - Shop for Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10
$159 and up - Shop for Flip MinoHD
Oh, you shouldn't have
$249 and up - Shop for VholdR ContourHD
$269 and up - Shop for Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1
$369 and up - Shop for Sony HDR-CX100
We can't afford the rent now, can we?
$769 and up - Shop for JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400
$1,140 and up - Shop for Canon VIXIA HF S11
$1,620 and up - Shop for Canon EOS 7D
Anyone has good recommendation for a wireless security camera that won't break the bank? $100 budget.....
Why is the Kodak Zi8 not on this list instead of the Flip MinoHD?
@everten2 because the Zi8 drops frames, and the fip has been adopted more by the public despite it shortcomings,
@(Unverified)
Drops frames??!?!?
I have been doing a multitude of videos (car stuff) at 720p and 60fps and have not had any issues at all.
Missing the Zi8 is ridiculous.
@(Unverified) Just because the Flip is popular among teens doesn't justify Engadget's decision to chalk this up as best in the $150 range.
@everten2 i agree...apparently they did not know about the update that basically made this camera the best in its class... linking for reference not spam... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk6vV07q1Ag...used the zi8 in all of my video camera shots on my channel
@everten2 i agree...apparently they did not know about the update that basically made this camera the best in its class... linking for reference not spam... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk6vV07q1Ag...used the zi8 in all of my video camera shots on my channel
@everten2 thanks for mentioning it! The Kodak Zi8 has some great features like an external microphone jack, 5MP stills and image stabilization in 1080HD for $179.99! (Kodak Chief Blogger)
I have the Xacti CG10 and have been very pleased: zoom+720p+image stabilization at a very attractive price point. My only complaint is that the video gets a bit grainy in low light but it looks stunning in good light and outdoors.
The JVC intrigues me. I've never really been into video making, but slow motion? I could get into that...
That Sanyo Xacti stands apart from cameras like the Flip and Zi8 by having an actual lens. Radio Shack (excuse me, "The Shack") has it cheapest but I think they only sell red ones.
VIXIA > EVERIO
guys wanted to let you know i have the Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 and love it, I've taken it underwater dozens of times and the video looks awesome (relative to me i suppose, I don't know how the other cameras fare)
and the videos look great on the zune hd :)
trying to decide between Samsung SMX-C10 and sanyo xacti for my girlfriend.
Original iPhone Camera > Canon 7D.
Woot! Flip minoHD on list! XD
I'm surprised it made stocking stuffer... I would think it would be on Oh, You Shouldn't Have.
-Rocks
Oh god EOS 7D....she will be mine someday. someday. I can either get a t1i body with a nice lens right now (around 900 total) or wait a few more months until I can get a 7D.
what should I do?
@poematik14: The 7D is truly in a different class. The low light capabilities alone make me happy for mine. Indoor photography almost never requires a flash unless you start getting into the candlelight range and the noise isn't bad at all. Plus, the feel of the thing is just SO much more substantial.
Honestly, video is only useful if you're going to be REALLY serious about it. As a simple camcorder for family events and such, it honestly stinks. Autofocus is all but non-existent.
I actually recommend the T1i to most of my friends (just because it is most often good enough), but if you have the money and inclination to get something that will make you REALLY giddy every time you pick it up to snap a shot, it is an amazing camera.
@poematik14
What do you think you should do? Its not THAT complicated.
A little patience and you'll be truly happy in the end.
What? And no mention of sony's. All right it should go in the ridiculously expensive, but their semi pro stuff will knock the socks of just about anything. There's a reason why a lot of the pros use sony.
the VholdR is alot more expensive than the TachyonXC and the TAchyon XC is waterproof, search online for Tachyon XC vs VholdR. the tachyon can do up to 32gb sdhc more than the 2 and 4gb caps the others have and image quality is pretty damn good, i captured 22gb worth of video over 2 days with it mounted to my helmet at pismo beach, a very unforgiving place for cameras, ive allready killed 4+ cameras and camcorders there. i highly recommend, the best part is the price is way cheaper than the volhdr for better image quality!!! they were awesome when iordered, i needed it in two days and they got it to me in exactly two days just as they promised when i talked to them.
In my opinion, the best video camera is one you have with you. I love taking video of my kids--it started with "video mode" on my point-and-shoot, then I got a Flip Mino--LOVED IT--but now it is all iPhone. You never know when a special memory is going to happen with your children. I always have my phone, therefore I always have my video camera. I wrote in more detail in my blog: http://blog.holdmymemories.com/?p=263
i believe the phrase is somewhat of a legend not someone...how embarrassing.
If you are shopping for a cheap HD camcorder I would also suggest Panasonic Lumic DMC ZS3 (TZ7 in Europe). For 280 USD (Amazon price) you get a very good point and shoot camera, with a 25-300 lens and capability to shoot 720p HD video.
I've used this camera quite a lot and I like it very much.
For a sample video, follow link below; bear in mind that the original video is better.
Here is the link
Third attempt...
http://photos.paolosmeraldi.com/Nature/SestriSeastormBaySilence/f11602432/625148135_pX2ba-M.jpg
After many months of research, I ended up buying the Sanyo Xacti CG10. I've had it since August and overall, I love it. Great quality and extremely easy to use (which is why I needed flash medium). My only complaint is that it is quite bad in low light situations. But for the money, I just turn on the lights. It records to h.264 .mov files which work great in my Snow Leopard partition, but less than easily in my Win 7 partition, I do prefer iMovie to Movie Maker anyway (but prefer Win 7 to Mac so I've gotten used to reboots [and no I don't want to virtualize, I have and prefer fully and direct hardware support for Aero and Comiz]).
I would highly recommend this camera for anyone who is the lazy camera-person. I still have dozens of DV tapes that never got imported due to a lack of time and drive. With this, you just drag and drop and wait for the copy to complete.
I would highly recommend not waiting until you fill the card though, as any flash media can fail. The last thing you want to do is a reenactment of last years holiday after your card fails (no one should have to get that hair cut again!). Has nothing to do with the camera and I have not had this happen to me, just a rule of thumb.
I've used the Flip cameras at work (public school system) they are nice and work well, but I've seen some comparison footage on YouTube and prefer the Sanyo's wider angle ratio and clarity. Again, I would highly recommend this camera. I paid approx $180 on Amazon for the Black model (pictured above). They had hot pink for like $15 less, but then again, I would have spend $15 in time and black sharpie while covering it up - so I just went with black.
Oh ya, I get plenty of time on my battery that came with it (can't charge internally, kinda a bummer) but extra's are dirt cheap on ebay (like $10 for two batteries) so I may get some extras just in case.
Definite buy from me.
Dennis
If you don't mid it's age, the Kodak Zi6 is an awesome pocket cam. If you look hard enough you can find one for $100 new or around 70 used. I've been using it, and love it. Also Kodak ZiX is awesome too. Picked one up for $60