Optical image stabilization helps minimize shakes in your video when you’re zooming in on something far away. This video shows the optical image stabilization feature in the Panasonic SDR-H40 HDD camcorder when the camcorder is zooming in to its maximum 42x.

The Panasonic SDR-H40 is a standard definition hybrid camcorder that can record video onto its built-in 40GB hard drive or onto SD/SDHC memory cards.

• Panasonic Standard Definition Camcorders
• Compare prices for the Panasonic SDR-H40

Do you have questions about a recent camcorder purchase? Still trying to decide which camcorder is right for you?

The camcorder forum is a great place to ask questions about everything thing from picking out the right camcorder to getting the perfect lighting for your podcast.

The Sony SR11 records full 1920x1080 HD video onto a 60GB hard drive. The camcorder uses Sony's new face detection technology, and has Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The SR11 has a 10 megapixel built-in camera and 3.2-inch touch-panel LCD.

• Compare prices for the Sony SR11
• Sony High-Definition Camcorders

The Canon VIXIA HF10 and VIXIA HF100 are now available to purchase.

The Canon HF10 is an AVCHD camcorder that has 16GB of internal memory and can also record video onto flash memory cards. The camcorder has a 3.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization, and a 2.7-inch LCD.

The Canon HF100 is an AVCHD camcorder that also records video onto flash memory. The camcorder has a 3.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 12x zoom lens, and optical image stabilization.

• Compare prices for the Canon HF10
• Compare prices for the Canon HF100
• Canon HF10 Video Walk-Through
• Canon 2008 Camcorder Announcements

Boris has added seven new transition plug-ins to their Final Effects Complete 5.0 package. The new plug-ins are free to existing Final Effects Complete 5.0 users and include: Blur Dissolve, Lens Wipe, Spherize Wipe, Griddler Wipe, Pin Wipe, Slant Wipe, and Rain Wipe. Read about more about the new additions to Final Effects Complete 5.0 in this article Boris adds new plug-ins to Final Effects Complete 5.0.

White balancing your camcorder whenever you move into a different lighting situation can be a good way to ensure your video turns out perfectly. Many camcorders have an auto white balance feature, but if your camcorder does give you the ability to white balance yourself then it can be a good idea to do so.

If you’ve never white balanced before here are some quick instructions on how to white balance your camcorder.

Not all the accessories you need to purchase with your camcorder are going to come included in the box.

Things like tapes for MiniDV camcorders, DVD's for DVD camcorders, and a case will need to be purchased separately. Check out a full list of all the accessories you'll need to purchase with you new camcorder in this list of Must-Have Camcorder Accessories.

Your camcorder will base all of the other colors it records off what it thinks the color white looks like. When you white balance your camcorder you tell your camcorder what is white in the scene and enable it to portray other colors in your scene accurately as well. Learn how to white balance your camcorder here.

Learn more important camcorder terminology in the Camcorder Glossary.

The viewfinder is the eye piece on a camcorder usually attached to the top of the camcorder used to view what you are recording.

Learn more important camcorder terminology in the Camcorder Glossary.

At CES this year Wired Magazine did a hands-on with the Sony HDR-SR12. This video walk-through gives you an idea of some of the features you’ll get with the camcorder.