Ask Camcorders

When you’re a bit tight on cash or just need a quick camcorder to get things done, you also probably want the quality to remain while the price drops. Forget all of those other camcorders that have low prices but can’t record even a still rock. The best camcorders under $300 today are usually the ones produced by major brands like Sony and Canon. Look to these top-tier companies for quality and affordability at the same time. In fact, the Sony DCR-HC52 and the Canon ZR950 are both known to have the highest value while remaining well under the $300 mark.

The Sony DCR-HC52 offers a zoom of up to 40x, a 2.7-inch touchscreen, an Easy Handycam button for beginners, and even a battery management system. This camcorder is one of the best for both beginner and a little more experienced consumers. Those features, coupled with a manual focus option, make this camcorder exactly what a camcorder should be. However, it’s surprising that this device is only around $250. From the specifications, you might expect a pricetag of over $400. In any case, the DCR-HC52 is a bit heavier at 2.4 pounds, while some other camcorders barely even scrape the one pound mark. Sony probably had versatility and ease of use in mind while developing this camcorder, because the developers included an i.LINK interface that speeds up the process of transferring files from the camcorder to other devices. Consider the DCR-HC52 for an easy to use camcorder that also performs at a high level while retaining a high value as well.

Top of the ZR series, the Canon ZR950 introduces a variety of features that make recording with this thing easier and more enjoyable than ever. With a 48x optical zoom, the ZR950 resides at the top of the market among the best of the best. Like the DCR-HC52 has the Easy Handycam for beginners, the ZR950 offers a Quick Start function that puts the camcorder to standby until you want to use it again. It weighs 13.3 ounces, considerably less than the Sony camcorder. The ZR950 has a 2.7-inch screen as well, but this screen is widescreen instead of touchscreen, so you know exactly how this video will look on both the TV screen and the camcorder screen. You can find a ZR950 for as low as $150, a great price for an excellent camcorder.

If you’re looking for a camcorder within your budget, chances are that both the DCR-HC52 and the Canon ZR950 will fit exactly what you’re looking for. Both offer great features that make the camcorder extremely easy to use and a low price that won’t break the bank. These two are simply the best camcorders under $300 today.