Best cheap camcorders for Christmas

The best digital video camcorder deals under $300 from Sony, Panasonic, Kodak and more

Once upon a time, video cameras were a very expensive investment; especially if you wanted a high-definition model. These days, you can snap up a Full HD camcorder for under $200. Naturally, these budget models lack the advanced features and imaging capabilites of their premium stable mates, but they remain capable of taking great looking video. They are also a lot more beginner-friendly. In no particular order, here are the Top 10 budget-level camcorders currently available on store shelves. All models are under $300 and some even come from leading brands like Sony and Panasonic.

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Item:
9 / 10
Kodak ZI8 HD

The full-featured Zi8 captures the best HD pocket-camcorder footage we've seen, plus it has shooting options galore. Tere are some interface and key usability issues and digital zoom often get in the way.

  • Review Date:
  • Reviewer:
  • Manufacturer:
  • 16th Sept., 2009
  • Tim Moynihan
  • Kodak
  • Rating:
  • Price:
  • Pros:
  • Sharp 1080p video and shooting options, can use earbuds as external mic
  • Cons:
  • Controls are slow to respond, buggy, jumpy 4x digital zoom

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