Ask the expert: Memory card camcorder conundrum

Q. I’m thinking of getting a new memory card camcorder. Is this a good way to go? And what are the best options?

A. Camcorders that use digital memory cards are the most convenient you can buy. They’re fast, shock resistant, and make reviewing your footage dead quick, since there’s no reason to rewind fiddly tapes. Getting footage off them is super-simple too. Here are three of the best available in a trio of filming flavours.

Solution 1: High Definition handheld
Shooting video to a memory card is a great way of filming in HD, since you can quickly and easily add more memory when the hefty HD files fill up each stick. This Hi-Def version of the Sanyo Xacti shoots in 1080i. What’s more, it’s significantly cheaper than many HD models, while retaining the top quality pictures you’d expect. Plus, its palm-sized pistol grip dimensions make it one of the most pocketable point-and-shoot HD camcorders out there.
Best option: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 – £299.99

Solution 2: Hard drive combo
You don’t have to shoot solely on memory card. Camcorders that also pack hard drives mean your memory cards can be used either to quickly offload footage, or to pass it to friends. It means you get more storage too. This Toshiba squeezes in 100GB for masses of recording space, as well as memory card slots. Shooting at 1920 x 1080i Full HD, it’s no slouch in the resolution stakes. Plus it lets you get in close on the action with no loss of quality courtesy of a smooth 10x optical zoom.
Best option: Toshiba Gigashot A100 – £446.77

Solution 3: Charge of the light brigade!
Recording to memory cards (or in this case Memory Stick Pro DUO) means less bulk from tapes. The result is a slimmer camcorder that’s also ultra-light. This Sony Handycam is the lightest Full HD camcorder too at just 240g, made from titanium and with a whopping 10x optical zoom squeezed into its slender body.
Best option: Sony HDR-TG3 – £459

Get chatting about the latest camcorders over at the PriceRunner forum

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