Camcorder Comparison - The Top 3 Camcorders for Intermediate Users (under $1200)

Camcorder Comparison - Now that you have some experience in videography, it's normal for you to want to expand your capabilities and invest in a more high-tech, state of the art camcorder that can provide you with new possibilities and better quality shots.

So without anymore wasted words, here are the top 3 camcorders for usability and performance available for under $1200. These camcorders are of high enough quality that you can comfortably do payed work, and edit your footage on your computer.

1. Samsung SC-D6040 DuoCam - this camcorder is a true hybrid, geared for more serious users. It has the capability to work in still-images (including a flash for lower light) and produces a superior video quality. It is flexible and comfortable. It has separate CCDs and lenses so that you can take both video and stills, allowing for 4MP capture. This camcorder also accepts multiple media card types. Its features are extensive. The downside of this one is that it doesn't work well with tripods, and is somewhat bulky. Moreover, the eyepiece is stationary.
2. Sony DCR-DVD201 Handycam - This nifty camcorder provides the simplicity of DVD format, as well as being very easy to use, and providing good quality video quality. Moreover, it has a hot shoe for additional intelligent flash. It will also capture good quality stills at 1,152-by-864 resolution. It's downside: it doesn't provide the best low-light performance.
3. Canon Optura 30 - This solid, quality camcorder provides you with a good quality video shot, as well as a substantial set of features geared towards true video enthusiasts. Superior control is gained by the manual focus ring. Tripods are easy to use with this camcorder, since it's cassette design is top-loading. Its still-image capture ability is impressive, with a built-in flash. Lacking in this camcorder is an AF assist lamp, as well as audio gain control, and a headlight.