Several new camcorders recently introduced are appealing to the online video production niche. With user generated content revolutionizing the web, manufacturers are developing camcorders that make life easier for online videograhpers. If you're considering a new camcorder purchase, you'll likely see many new models that are much smaller, and more user friendly, than ever before.



Up until very recently, most camcorder manufacturers had only a passing interest in online video and its potential for consumers. Now, these same manufacturers are releasing models with face detection technology, designed to produce high quality facial images, much like a digital camera. We suspect it won't be long before all new camcorders offer this technology.

Interestingly, even though more techology is being added, camcorders are becoming much smaller. Manufacturers are listening to consumers who have consistently asked for less cumbersome models. New camcorders are roughly half the size and weight of models from even five years ago.

High Level Video Capabilities

Do you enjoy sharing your video via web based applications like YouTube? You'll be pleased to know that camcorder manufacturers are trending your way. Expect the next wave of technology to feature plug in simplicity for video sharing. Basically, you'll be able to plug your camcorder directly into your PC and directly upload your video. Everything is built in to the camcorder, with no memory card needed. Some smaller electronics companies have already rolled out these upgrades, so expect to see the big companies following suit.

Within the past few months, companies like Panasonic and Canon introduced features that make it faster and easier to share video via the web. Canon recently lauched the Vixia series, which captures 30 frames per second on the image sensor, a significant quality improvement. Panosonic's SDR-S7 and SDR-S9 offer removable SD/SDHC memory cards, making it very easy to transfer video to the internet.

All of these enhancements will add up to a better experience for online videographers and end users. The viewing experience will be higher quality because playback will be much smoother and with much clearer resolution. Further, video will be much easier to download, with fewer compressions needed. Another advantage is that still frames will be clearer and easier to post as individual images or thumbnails.

Digital camera manufacturers began the online video movement several years ago, and camcorder manufacturers are catching up. Now, instead of sharing small movie clips, the technology is advancing to professional video levels. For now, new camcorder buyers will undoubtedly be pleased with these latest enhancements, but expect more to come. The manufacturing and technological emphasis is now on simple file transfer, smaller size, and web optimization. Most of these new models check in at the $800 to $900 price point, so comparison shopping is highly advised.