About Video Cameras for Children And The Best Camcorders For Kids

Children are adventurous and love to play with gadgets. It’s possible that you have a budding filmmaker at home who is clamoring for his or her own video camera. This is not a problem because there are kids’ video cameras that are affordable, fun, durable, and easy to use. Toy companies like Mattel and Little Tikes now have digital video cameras for kids in their line of toys. For older kids, Kodak and other companies also offer camcorders designed for children.

The Most Popular Video Cameras For Children

  • Polaroid Pixie SD. Designed for younger kids, this durable kids’ video camera can withstand rough play. Its basic specifications and features make it perfect for the needs of young children who want to create their own video clips. The SD memory card slot allows you to add more memory for longer video recording.

  • Little Tike My Real Time Video Camera. This video camera is recommended for children 3 years and older. It’s simple to use and your kid will have it up and running right out of the box. The camera comes with 64MB of memory. It plugs into a TV or computer.

  • Children’s Digital Film Studio Movie Creator 3 by Digital Blue. Young moviemakers aged 8 to 12 years may be too young for a full-fledged video camera but they are also too old for a toy camera for toddlers. This model from Digital Blue is just the thing for your budding Spielberg. It can record natural sound and can be connected to a computer with a USB port.

Options To Consider When Buying A Video Camera For Kids

Before you go out and buy a kids’ video camera, there are a few things you have to consider when choosing a camcorder for children. Your budget is perhaps the first thing you have to think about when looking for a digital video camera for kids. Apart from this, there are other questions you must ask before purchasing a camera for your kid.

  • How old is the child? Manufacturers list an age range for each digital video camera and you want a camera in the range that fits your child. Sometimes reviewers provide age ranges different from what the manufacturers suggest. Try to find out the reason for the difference.

  • How careful is the child with his or her stuff? Some kids are careful with their stuff while others think nothing of throwing them around. If your kid handles his stuff roughly, look for a video camera that is labeled “kid tough.”

  • Is a digital camera that also takes video clips a better choice? Digital cameras are often better for young children. However, if your kid has his or her heart set on a video camera, you may have no choice but to get a camcorder.

  • How much memory is required? For very young children the video camera’s built-in memory may be sufficient. Older kids, however, may need extra memory to make longer videos.

 

Canon VIXIA HF S200 HD Camcorder Review

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Lots of features and high end qualities with the Canon VIXIA HF S200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder, and is also one of the most affordable and lowest priced of all Canon flash memory D camcorders.

Key Specs

  • Compact size1920 x 1080p full HD recording
  • Records HD video to SDHC memory cards

  • Comes with additional SDHC slot (or a total of 2 slots)

  • Large 3.5-inch high resolution screen

  • 8 megapixel still images

  • Microphone terminal with manual audio level control

  • Allows capture of videos and photos without switching modes

  • Optical image stabilization

  • Large 1/2.6-inch CMOS imager

  • Records in 24p and 30p

The Canon VIXIA HF S200 records in flash memory, using SDHC memory cards. It has one of the largest imagers, measuring 1/2.6 inch, and the largest lens in the consumer camcorder line. This improves the low light capabilities of the camcorder. In addition, the video camera shoots in full 1080p. The large 3.5-inch LCD screen provides a higher resolution than the previous model, making the display clearer and sharper. A new feature for the HF S200 is Touch & Track. This feature keeps focus and exposure on any subject, tracking it wherever it moves.

Great Design

The Canon VIXIA HF S200 is larger than other models of the HF S-series. It measures 3.0”x2.9”x5.8” and weighs about 18 ounces. Because of its size and weight it not comfortable to hold or use. The 10x optical zoom lens is not any better than the one on the older S100 model and pales in comparison to other models featuring 15x zoom. On the plus side, the lens is now equipped with an automatic cover that can help protect the lens when the device is switched off.

A control dial below the lens is used for setting manual adjustment controls. Built-in speakers allow the VIXIA HF S200 to record in stereo mode. Video recording is simple to do. Simply press the Start/Stop button on the back. The camcorder’s electronic viewfinder extends outwards so you can view the action. The large 3.5-inch LCD display now features touchscreen capabilities to help you navigate through the user interface. Opening the LCD panel exposes the terminals and the slots for the SD and SDHC cards. The 3.5” LCD display has a resolution of 922,000 pixels and is easy to view even under direct sunlight. It helps if you adjust the viewing angle.

Main Features

  • The touchscreen interface on the LCD screen is one of the main features of the Canon VIXIA HF S200.

  • The camera has a zoom type lens that can zoom up to 200x digitally and 10x optically. The focus can be adjusted manually or automatically.

  • The Canon VIXIA HF S200 features the Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. This stabilization technology is used for wide-angle focal lengths to eliminate unwanted shaking.

  • Smart Auto uses Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor to detect and analyze faces, color, distance, brightness, and movement to automatically select the best settings for the scene.

  • Face Detection allows up to 35 faces to be tracked automatically to ensure sharp focus and accurate exposure. Even faces that are turned sideways or downward can be recognized.

The Positive Aspects Of The Canon VIXIA HD Camcorder

  • Captures good video even under low light

  • Takes pictures while recording videos

  • Dual SD/SDHC card slots

  • Good set of manual features

  • Equipped with Image stabilization

  • Lightweight

The Negative Aspects Of The Canon VIXIA HD Camcorder

  • Poorly designed touchscreen menu

  • Touchscreen is not very responsive

  • Manual control interface could be better

  • Needs wider angle lens and bigger sensor

User Reviews for the Canon VIXIA HF S200

Although it is the most affordable of Canon’s line of flash memory video cameras, the VIXIA HF S200 does not come cheap with its price tag of about $650. However, many customers are more than happy with this camcorder, awarding it an average of 4-1/2 stars. There are many positive comments from customers about the quality of the videos, improved sound, sharp images, and vibrant colors. The two memory card slots allow more video recording time. The HF S200 is also loaded with amazing features.

 

Top 3 Affordable Canon HD Video Cameras

These days, people are no longer satisfied with still digital cameras.  They now want a camera they can also use to capture video clips.  For this reason, Canon has come out with compact cameras capable of taking HD video images.  As a leader in photographic and broadcast television cameras, Canon is also emerging in the forefront of HD video cameras. Canon offers a variety of compact and full size HD video cameras.  Not one to stint on features and quality, the company continues to deliver the high level of performance and premium quality that people have come to expect from any Canon product.  Just check out the affordable compact HD digital camcorders that Canon has to offer, while there are lots of cheap digital cameras and camcorders on the market, Canon does not sacrifice quality for a lower price.

Canon Vixia HF R100
The Canon Vixia HF R100 is one of the favorites in the below-$400 price range.  Its sleek, compact and lightweight design allows you to take the video camera with you anywhere. Canon uses an HD CMOS Image Sensor to capture HD video at 1920 x 1080p resolution.  The video camera is also fitted with Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor to capture the most vivid colors and sharpest images. Prices are kept at an affordable level with Canon’s use of the HD CMOS Image Sensor, which is easier and cheaper to produce than CCD image sensors. HD video is directly recorded to removable SD memory cards, greatly expanding the video camera’s memory capacity.

Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS
Selling for about $250, the PowerShot SD4500 IS is Canon’s first compact video camera to capture full HD video at 1080p at 30 frames per second.  This is made possible by the camera’s high speed CMOS image sensor.  The CMOS sensor also allows the video camera to create slow-motion video. With its 10x optical zoom and 10-megapixel image capture, this models is one of the most popular in the Canon line of camcorders.

Canon PowerShot SX130 IS
For a budget camera (about $230), the Canon PowerShot SX130 is loaded with amazing features.  Reviewers call it the perfect combination of a still digital camera and video camera.  It is equipped with a powerful 12x wide-angle optical zoom, allowing you to zoom in and out as needed.  The camera captures video in 720p HD with clear stereo sound.  Unlike most video cameras, you can use the zoom while recording in HD resolution.  An Optical Image Stabilizer keeps all your shots and videos steady and crystal clear.

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HD Camcorder Buying Options To Consider

Everyone loves the luxury of having advanced technology in their possession or in their hands. It has allowed us to do some of the simplest things and turn around and make them even better. Buying or owning an HD digital camera definitely makes taking pictures and making videos a lot easier than in the past. The term HD or high definition means when making a movie or taking pictures using a HD digital camcorder, it allows you to take brighter more gorgeous pictures or make a clearer and crisp movie with better graphics and resolution.

A high definition camcorder is one that allows you to shoot videos and edit them on your computer at a higher resolution with more pixels and better quality than you otherwise would not receive using a standard resolution camera. Something that you might want to consider also is what kind of format the HD camcorder has. Some camcorders use SD/SDHC cards while others may use a hardrive, a mini-DVD or flash storage. Depending on the format the camcorder takes can help you make a smart buying decision.


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If you are someone that doesn’t like big camcorders you can try buying a digital mini camcorder however there are some drawbacks that you might want to think about. One of which is low memory, let’s say that you have a ton of videos that you want to put on your computer, since your camcorder is so small it doesn’t have as much memory as regular HD digital camcorders so you wouldn’t be able to import some of your videos to your laptop computer. Another big factor is price on memory, because finding memory for a mini-DVD camcorder is difficult. The price for memory is going to be significantly higher than a normal size camcorder would require.

The demand for HD digital camcorders is very high therefore making them easy to find. Most technology based retail stores such as Best Buy, HHGregg, Target and Walmart sell digital camcorders at a reasonable price and they will also throw in a protection plan which may last anywhere from 1 to 3yrs depending on how much the camcorder is worth. For example Best Buy sells their new Polaroid high definition flip camcorder with up to 2 years worth of warranty if you so choose.

With the protection plan that most electronic retailers offer it covers any normal wear and tear of the product and it covers loss or theft. If you are looking for quality you may have to come out of pocket a least $300-400, but if you are looking for something a little more basic you might have to spend no more than $150-200. Then again it is determined by where you shop, what your looking for, and what you are using your camcorder for.

Camcorder Batteries Care

In recent years, manufacturers are striving to make the life of camcorder batteries longer. The newly available models of discount digital camcorders available today are manufactured with highly efficient batteries that give utmost satisfaction after usage to the end customer.

Many reputed digital camcorder manufacturing companies are competing to give a better power performance to the consumer. Miniaturization is giving rise to more problems, as it requires that a small battery remain charged for a longer time span. However, with the latest innovation and application of lithium ion chemistries, you can expect better results at cost-effective rates.

Most manufacturers do give a warranty of three years on their batteries. But the market is also crowded with less well-known but highly effective lithium ion battery providers with more life span. With increasing dependency on the original versions of lithium ion cells dying out, lesser-known brands are picking up pace in the market by maximizing efforts and revenue.

When purchasing a new digital camcorder, it is crucial to be aware of all the functions and parts of the device to avoid any future problems. On average, camcorder batteries costs fairly $40-$60 or possibly more if it has an extended life.

4 Types of Camcorder Batteries

1. Lead-Acid: Lead-Acids are reliable, inexpensive, and suffer from a number of drawbacks as they get discharged multiple times.

It''s necessary that lead-acids be fully charged or else they cease functioning if uncharged for long. Keep these in a cool, dark place and always recycle them properly as their content is extremely hazardous to the environment.

2. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd): These were among the most common type of camcorder batteries a decade ago. You can find them now in older models of digital camcorders. These have the capacity to handle higher loads and has long life with constant discharge pattern.

Nickel Cadmium delivers the same level of voltage throughout the entire discharge cycle and even let you know when the power is low. This type should be fully discharged before recharging, in order to avoid the memory effect that plagues this type of power cell.

It''s important to keep NiCds cool, dry and safe, though the contents are not dangerous but they are highly poisonous and bad for the environment.

3. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): NiMHs offer 10 to 25% greater capacity than the NiCds, but are also prone to memory effect like NiCds. It''s necessary to allow complete discharge of NiMHs before recharge.

4. Lithium Ion: These new innovations offer quick charge times, have longer life span, steady discharge, light weight and are available in small size. Lithium ions offer more charge capacity than NiCds, and do not suffer from memory effect.

Lithium Ions are the most expensive type available in the market. Unlike other types, it''s required that these are fully charged.

Keep these cool, safe and dry from shock and recycle them before it''s discarded.

Camcorder Care:

Learning to care for your camera after purchase is crucial to ensure performance and longevity. As any other electronic device, even a camcorder requires care and maintenance for effective functioning

* A slightly damp cloth should be used to clean the exterior. Avoid contact with water. It''s highly recommended to use cleaners suggested by the manufacturer.

* Protect from dust, dirt and scratches. Keep the lens covered with cap.

* Protect the lens. Avoid touching the lens with fingers as oil from person''s skin can gradually erode the protective surface. Avoid exposure of the lens to the sun and use ultraviolet lens filter for added protection.

* When operating, handle it gently. Tapes should not be forced in to facilitate loading.

* It''s important to remember that batteries shouldn''t be stored in the device itself. Allow to completely discharge before recharge.

* Do not overcharge.

Eventually all batteries complete their span of life and need a replacement sooner or later. As observed, no matter the brand or model, camcorder batteries do have issues of running down at the most crucial moment. So consider all factors with a careful understanding of the product requirements before purchase.

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