Best Camcorders under $200 in 2013

If you're looking for an affordable camcorder with full 1920 x 1080p high-definition recording, automatic and manual focus, image stabilizer, 42x optical zoom, and with a battery life longer than conventional cams, this Panasonic should be on the list.

It comes with the classic design and it is sufficiently lightweight to be carried around. It comes with a high sensitivity sensor so you'll get full HD 1080i, USB and HDMI ports. What is the difference between 1080i and 1080p? The ‘i’ stands for interlaced video. You don't have to worry about the difference because most users cannot perceive it. You will need to shop around in order to get the best deals for this camcorder. Most retailers will sell it around $200 whilst others charge a little more.

This Sony camcorder feels like a touch-screen mobile phone. It is designed with journalists or bloggers in mind. Anyone looking for a small camcorder that can be carried around with a nice LCD screen for playback, this is a nice option to look into.

It comes with full high-definition and 12.8 MP. The MP4 format allows you to quickly upload your videos online to sites like Youtube. The manufacturers of this hardware also give you a software that makes video sharing easier. You can connect this small device to your laptop or computer and also to your entertainment system using the HDMI interface. The 8 GB of internal memory is one of the many plus points of this appliance. It means you can film up to 4 hours of HD video.

There are times when you want to use your camcorder as a blogging device. The adjustable 180° TFT display  of this Toshiba Camileo will allow you to film yourself whilst being able to keep your image in focus. The USB port allows you to easily upload and edit your videos.

For those who want to connect their camcorder to their entertainment system or flat screen TV, the HDMI interface will allow you to do just that. You get your usual features like automatic focus, image stabilizing and the MPEG-4 compression. This camcorder comes with a limited 5x optical zoom. You can also use your camcorder as a digital camera by taking snapshots.

For those looking for stylish and inexpensive full HD camcorder, this 5 megapixel sensor offering from Samsung is worth considering. It comes with a limited 52x optical zoom and features automatic focus and image stabilizing.

As you would expect from most modern cameras, this one comes with a USB and HDMI ports for uploading videos and connecting to your home entertainment system. Most retailers offer this product just under $150.

If you are looking for a camcorder right for your 200 dollar budget, then this Sony HDR-CX210 should definitely be on the list. Features a 25x optical zoom and 30x extended zoom preserving the imaging quality even shooting from a distance.

Capture that important moment or event with full 1920 x 1080 high-definition recording to ensure you get every detail. Also works well in low-light with its back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor.

Preview is not a problem with its 2.7 inch LCD display that comes with a touch screen feature for more convenience in navigating through its menus.

For the adventurous-outdoor person, here is the perfect video camera for you if your budget is under 200 dollars. The Contour video camera is waterproof with no case needed and ready for action as soon as you start recording.

This camera was designed to be hands-free. This means you can mount it on anything for that special perspective or angle. Helmets, bike frame, motorcycle handle-bar, anywhere, as long as you secure a tight mount to ensure it doesn't fall out.

The 60fps capability gives you a smoother shoot even when it gets bumpy on the road. Ready for off-road, watersport, up in-the-air, video shoots anytime and anywhere. Very light and mobile.

Right of of the box, you get a 4 GB MicroSD card so you'll be ready to set it up and shoot in as soon as you get it.

Comes with a USB port for media transfer and laser light to ensure you get the correct line of sight. Records videos up to 1080p full HD and can shoot up to 5 MP still photos. All of these features for just under $200, now that is very good deal. Available in 4 colors, black, blue, red, and green.This is definitely one of the best hd video cameras for outdoors today for its significantly low price.