Flash memory only camcorders are smaller and lighter than their hard-disk, DVD or tape brethren. We pick two outstanding high-def units plus a hardy, go anywhere standard-def model.
(Memory card by For camcorders, 2008 will go down as the year that high-def units using flash memory only became viable options. Up until now these flash-only models suffered from a dearth of storage space, a real issue as high definition footage downs megabytes as quick as David Boon downs beers. But with flash memory prices dropping quicker than investment banks at a cocktail party this situation is almost no more.
For this round-up we've brought together our two favourite flash-only high-def camcorders (Canon's HF11 and Sony's Handycam HDR-CX12), as well a standard-def unit capable of taking a spill of water or a splash of sand (Panasonic's SDR-SW20).
The Canon HF11 not only produces great quality footage but is the first high-def flash unit to feature enough in-the-box capacity for a decent length holiday (32GB on-board and 8GB on an SDHC card). While the Sony Handycam HDR-CX12 only comes with 12GB supplied on Memory Sticks, it not only generates the requisite high quality video but has smile detection, which will fire off happy snaps every time it detects a smiling face, even if you're busy shooting Mad Max VI.
For a bit of variety we've thrown in the go anywhere Panasonic SDR-SW20. It may only be a standard definition model and rather limited in its capabilities, but its water resistance (up to 1.5m) and shock resistance (up to 1.2m) means that it can be taken to the beach without too much of a worry.
2%
1%
