A camcorder is an electronic device which contains both video camera and video recorder in one unit. Since a single unit serves both the purposes, the name camcorder came into place. Earlier, camcorders were put into use and the recording was done with the help of a video tape. Starting from early 2000, the usage of video tape is slowly becoming obsolete and tapeless solutions like optical disks, hard disk drives and flash memory are now in use

All tape based camcorders have removable media in form of video cassettes. Solid state camcorders can have either removable media in form of memory cards, or built in memory, or both. HDD based camcorders usually have non removable media in form of a hard disc drive. Camcorders which do not use magnetic tape are often called tapeless camcorders. Camcorders which use both the magnetic as well as tapeless solution are called hybrid camcorders.

Camcorders can be used for various purposes. They can be used by the media for their various activities. All the forms of camcorders can be used by the media for generating their news. It can be used for all kinds of uses by media for recording those activities in which a proper distribution infrastructure cannot be put up. Camcorders can be used for the purpose of recording official press conferences where proper infrastructure cannot be installed .It can be used for recording political rallies in which a proper recording mechanism cannot be installed.

Camcorders can be used for domestic usage too. For recording birthday parties, wedding or anniversaries, the best recording tool is a camcorder. It comes at a very affordable price than and it can be used very easily. Various other memorable events like kids growing up, graduation ceremonies and other day to day life can be recorded by a camcorder. The best reason for using a camcorder is because of the user friendly nature of the camcorder and the convenience of having a portable video camera with you.

Camcorders can be used for the purpose of making movies too. Various movies made in camcorder perspective have been proved to be box office successes too. Examples are the Blair Witch Project and 28 Days Later. Many producers have moved to shooting movies in camcorder perspective as it reduces the cost of the project and is very user friendly. Moreover, it is much easier to do the editing with the footage from a camcorder. Some camcorder manufacturers cater to this market, particularly Canon and Panasonic, who both support "24p” (24 frame/s, progressive scan; same frame rate as standard cinema film) video in some of their high-end models for easy film conversion.

There are many uses of camcorders in our everyday life. With a camcorder in their hand, anyone can make their own movies and videos. Camcorders allow us to capture our memories for the future so we can enjoy them at a later point in time, or to record something that is important to us. Camcorders are great travel companions as well, and will record any event or place we see – just the way we see things. It's a great gadget to have and own!