And the second thing you need to know is that when it comes to video cameras, you get what you pay for.  That means a $1,000 camera will perform dramatically better than a $200 camera.

If you’re just starting out with video, I always recommend you go with a cheaper camera as having the “best” won’t give you any advantage…it’s like buying the world’s best golf clubs although you’ve never played golf.  They won’t help you play any better, you have to gain experience first.

And when it comes to entry-level cameras, most people go with the popular Flip style cameras.  The Flip and Kodak brands are the most popular in this arena.  The advantages of these cameras are that they are cheap and easy to use.

However, there are many drawbacks when it comes to image quality.  These cameras don’t give you any manual control over the image.  In a nutshell, that means if you’re shooting outdoors, the image is usually pretty good.  If shooting indoors, the quality can take a hit.  If shooting at night, the quality is poor.  And if shooting with any type of professional lighting, the quality is awful.

Click here to see a head-to-head comparison of footage from a Flip camera vs. a high-quality video camera.

Depending upon what you want to do with video, a better choice for an entry-level camera is the Canon ZR960.  While still an entry-level camera, it does provide much more control over image quality…which means you will get overall better video from it (please note this is a standard definition only camera).

Moving up the food chain to the higher-end (better quality) cameras, I recommend anything from the Canon Vixia line.

If you prefer to work with tape-based cameras, I specifically recommend the Canon Vixia HV40.  It’s an outstanding camera that shoots both standard and high-definition and is consistantly rated to best camera in it’s category.

If you prefer solid-state cameras, I specifically recommend the Canon Vixia HF S10 or Canon Vixia HF S11.  These are Flash based cameras that shoot only high-definition.  And they do so beautifully.  In fact, the HF S10 has even been used to shoot scenes in a $30 million dollar Hollywood movie.

Personally I use the Canon Vixia HF S10.  You can see my video review of the HF S10 by clicking here.

You’ll also notice that I almost always recommend Canon cameras.  As a result, I get a lot of questions like “why don’t you recommend Panasonic, JVC, etc.”?

Well here’s why.

Actually I recommend either Canon or Sony cameras.  These are the largest camera manufacturers and as a result, they are the most widely supported by video editing software.  That means you have the fewest headaches working with the footage from them.

These also happen to be the cameras that the pro’s use.  If you ever see a news or television show being made, 9 times out of 10 they’ll be using either a Canon or Sony camera.

I prefer Canon in particular because their focus is on video and photography only.  The products they make are only focused in those areas (much like Nikon is only focused on still photography).  As a result, the tend to produce the most innovative products.

The same can’t be said with other companies that make video cameras…where they may also be making vacuums, telephones, electric shavers and more.

That doesn’t mean you must buy a Canon or Sony camera…you are free to choose whatever manufacturer you like…don’t let me stop you.  I can only tell you that in general, you’ll never go wrong with Canon or Sony…and that the same can’t be said with other manufacturers.

Disclosure - I’m a compensated affiliate.  I gave you my honest review and opinion on these products.  But I am also an affiliate of these products.  That means if you order a product using the link I supply,I will be paid a commission on the sale.