#1 Best Camcorder – Canon Vixia HF M31

We selected the new (2010) Canon Vixia HF M31 as the best all-round mid-level video camera – camcorder based on actual user reviews and professional evaluations.

Recognizing that no camcorder is going to have all the characteristics that make it perfect for everyone, we looked for the camcorder that had the best balance of quality, performance, price, features, and ease of use that the average video camera buyer would want.

It is not the lowest cost, low-featured pocket camcorder, nor is it the highest cost professional model. It’s in between, at an in-between price but with many high-end features and outstanding performance. This camera is the newest version of similarly priced Canon cameras that buyers have rated very highly in the past. With even better performance and additional capabilities, they love this new model even more. It’s hard to find anything significant to complain about the Canon Vixia HF M31.

Although Canon sells a lower priced model, the M30, with the same specifications except it only has 8GB of internal memory while the Vixia HF M31 has 32GB, which means you must buy extra-cost memory cards to extend the M30′s internal memory. There is also a higher priced model, the Vixia HF M32, with 64GB internal flash memory. We feel the better option is the M31 and as many extra memory cards as you think you might need for those LOOOONG video outings or trips.

Here’s what owners/users are saying about the Canon Vixia HF M31:

“I normally wouldn’t give something a 5 star rating, but this camera has so far exceeded all my expectations ….

“I personally love the touch LCD screen, and found it a major selling point ….”

“I’m very happy with this camera and would highly recommend it ….”

“I bought and own the M31 and I am absolutely excited about it. It’s to the point where I actually think of it when I wake up. It’s really that good and that fun to use ….”

“ I took the camcorder to a New York City club, and put it to a rigorous test of thunderous bass and super hi frequency. The camcorder sounded fantastic with no distortion. The video looked sharp, crisp and vivid ….”

“Great image, plenty of options/settings. The camera is so light it almost feels like there is nothing there ….”

Watch the following video review of the Canon Vixia HF M31

Buying a Camcorder

Selecting a best camcorder or video camera is like trying to pick a best car. There are just too many choices — makes, models,options,features, and prices — to say that there is one that is best for all.

However, if we assume an "average" buyer who wants a camcorder that has good quality, produces good video, provides desirable features and ease of use at a good price, we can narrow down the field and make some some recommendations based on what actual buyers and reviews of those products tell us.

The best camcorders or video cameras that meet these criteria are neither the inexpensive low-end pocket camcorders nor the expensive high-end professional video cameras.

The best camcorders have built-in digital memory with an option for additional memory cards, have batteries that last at least as long as your longest recording session (and have optional high capacity batteries available), have good low-light performance, records colors accurately, have a good stereo microphone (many don't), have at least 10X optical zoom, have image stabilization that actually works (some don't), be able to take high-resolution Photos (so you don't need to carry two cameras), have the ability to record both HD and SD videos, have both auto and manual modes, and be able to easily transfer videos to a computer and send to YouTube.

When reading camcorder reviews, make sure it's about the latest version, not last year's model. New video camera models come out every few months.

Our recommendations include the latest models, with the best performance and the best features — for the average camcorder buyer — based on user reviews and professional evaluations.

In short, the best new mid-level model camcorders are from Canon (Vixia HF series) and Sony (HDR series). Other makers can't seem to compete.

Best Video Camera – Camcorder | Reviews

We read and analyze actual customer user reviews and pro evaluations from all over the Web — so that you don't have to — and show you the top-rated products.

#1 Best Camcorder – Canon Vixia HF M31

Buying a Camcorder

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