Flash Memory Camcorders Test

Reviews on Flash Memory Camcorders

"Aiptec Z300HD-V camcorder"

Published on: 7/2008

On test: Aiptek Pocket DV Z300 HD

Using SD memory cards to store its HD Ready video output, the Aiptec Z300HD-V is an affordable solid-state camcorder that should make for some higher quality clips on video sharing sites like YouTube. → More

"Panasonic SDR-H280"

Issue: 10/2008

On test: Panasonic SDR-H280

In an age where high-definition is beginning its take-over of almost all technological media, it is harder for big brand manufacturers to find a market for anything but high definition. So what does a camcorder like the non-high-def Panasonic SDR-H280 have to offer the camcorder market? → More

"Panasonic HDC-SD9 - Full HD Camcorder"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Panasonic HDC-SD9

A couple of weeks ago, we were lucky enough to get an early hands-on with Panasonic's new HDC-SD9. Now we've been sent one for a more extensive test. So here are our conclusions, and final assessment. First, we should reiterate that this is a very small camcorder. It only weighs 115g, and is less than 10cm long. You wouldn't quite want to carry it in a trouser pocket, unless you wear a particularly baggy variety or have rather large legs. But the incredible diminutive size of the SD9 will make you far more inclined to stuff it in a bag whenever you go out. → More

"Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000"

Published on: 11/2007

On test: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000

If we gave camcorders awards for their appearance, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 would be a shoe-in. Styled like a cross between an electric shaver and a science fiction ray gun, it's one of the best-looking camcorders we've seen. It's tiny, too, weighing in at just over 300g with battery and just 11cm across its longest edge. Although the lens is a little bulbous, you could still consider carrying the Xacti in a coat pocket. → More

Flash Memory Camcorders

Camcorder have traditionally used some sort of removable media to record on, be this an 8mm tape, a miniDV tape or a DVD disc. Hard drive camcorders have also been introduced but these still need to be large enough to cope with the inclusion of the hard drive. The smallest camcorders currently available use small SD cards to record video in MPEG4 format. A 1GB card can hold up to 40 minutes of video which can then be easily uploaded to a PC for editing or conversion to DVD format. An SD card weighs about 200 grammes and is about 3cm in length. Therefore the camcorder can be many times smaller than if it needed space for a tape and all the motors that go with it. The resolution of a memory card camcorder can be as high as 640 x 480, but the sound quality may not be as good as you would hope. The camcorder will set you back around one hundred pounds, memory cards start at under twenty pounds.