Camcorder how-tos

  • Camcorder basics

    16 Oct 2009 12:54 PM

    Thinking of buying a camcorder? Just got one? Let's take a look behind the specs and see what you've got in your hands.

  • Tips and tricks for shooting a wedding video

    18 Aug 2008 9:59 AM

    So you've been entrusted to videotape your sibling/cousin/best mate's wedding, what do you do now?

  • How to take video in total darkness

    27 Jun 2008 3:50 PM

    All sorts of interesting things happen in the dark, but how do you take a video of them? These tips will help you shoot video in even the darkest places.

  • Camcorder formats: which one is best?

    24 May 2008 10:59 PM

    Prospective camcorder buyers are faced with a choice of four types of camcorder recording media: hard disk, flash memory, MiniDV/HDV tapes, or mini-DVD. We run through the pros and cons of all four formats to make your purchasing journey a little less like a trip through Dante's nine circles of hell.

  • Build the perfect baby video

    30 Nov 2007 3:32 PM

    With the imminent arrival of a new baby, your life will become a whirlwind. If you're planning to capture the whole experience on video, plan carefully and you'll have a priceless record of those fleeting early days.

  • Become a camcorder pro: A 10-step guide to making your footage shine

    07 Jul 2006 5:51 PM

    Many camcorder enthusiasts dream of making a movie that captures the popular imagination. Here's a 10-step guide to making your footage shine.

  • DIY: How to make better videos

    02 Jun 2005 2:19 PM

    Shooting better-looking home videos is easy; you just need to follow some straightforward guidelines.

  • Pixel perfect: Getting organised, part 2: more hard stuff

    12 May 2005 12:11 PM

    More archiving advice on how to scan hundreds or even thousands of print originals without losing your mind and how to copy MiniDV tapes to your PC.

  • What to look for in a digital camcorder

    14 Apr 2005 12:29 PM

    Key features to consider before you buy a new camcorder

  • DIY: Don't shoot! 10 tips to beat bad home video

    17 Sep 2004 12:42 PM

    Are you abusing your camcorder? We show you how to avoid 10 of the most common camcorder gaffes.

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Reviews

  • Sony Handycam HDR-XR100

    While it's a perfectly serviceable HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 should deliver a little more of everything for the money.

    Specs: Hard Disk , 1920 x 1080

  • Panasonic SDR-H80

    The Panasonic SDR-H80 has the zoom power of a telescope and offers plenty of storage in a compact body, but the video results aren't nearly as thrilling.

    Specs: Hard Disk

  • JVC Everio GZ-MS120

    Two SD card slots allow for up to 64GB of storage, but otherwise the MS120 is a nice, albeit run-of-the-mill, flash-memory-based standard-def camcorder.

    Specs: Flash Memory