There's no question that the MiniDV camcorder format is joining VHS-C and other tape-based formats in the proverbial dust bin of history. But according to Time Magazine, some people are still using it to film feature-length movies.

Some technologies that get passed over by the latest and greatest still manage to retain a following - mostly artistic types dedicated to keeping some old fashion techniques alive.  In the Time piece, it seems the film-makers went to MiniDV for budget reasons, not aesthetic ones. If you're in the market for your own budget camcorder, check out our list of the best.

(Photo via Wiki Commons under a GNUFD License.)

Everyone likes saving money, particularly during the worst recession since the Great Depression (perhaps you've heard of that?). Well, even in lean times, you still have memories to capture. And remember: every dollar you spend helps resuscitate our moribund economy. That's why we're pleased to present our list of the Best Budget Camcorders.

Bear in mind that this list, like the one for Pocket Camcorders, HD Camcorders and Flash Camcorders, are updated on a rolling basis to reflect model changes and new reviews.

Happy shopping!

(The JVC GZ-MS120. Image courtesy JVC)

Sony's HDR-TG5V is a high definition camcorder with a built-in GPS receiver and 16GB of flash memory. Encased in a sturdy titanium housing, it's pitched toward frequent travelers and the tech savvy, but with a price point of $1,000 does it deliver enough features to justify the cost? Read the review and find out, lest the suspense kill you.

Eye Fi is an SD card with a neat trick up its sleeve: it wirelessly transmits video from your camera or camcorder to your computer and, as of today, to a Facebook account. The Eye Fi video card is available in two configurations: the Eye Fi Share Video ($79) sends both JPEG photos and video files to a computer on a wireless network and to one of 25 sharing sites such as Kodak Gallery or YouTube. It's a 4GB card.

The Eye Fi Explore ($99) adds the ability to send photos over Wayport wireless hotspots (one year free, after that you'll need a subscription) as well as the ability to "geotag" (add location data) to the video files you're capturing.

Eye Fi caught people's attention for its wireless photo capabilities, but it only recently added video. I was a fan of the original Eye Fi card for still pictures and will be testing the video card shortly. The nice thing about the Eye Fi concept is that it automates two important functions - getting video off your camcorder and backing that video up to an online service (even though you should make a high quality backup on a DVD or external drive).

(Photo courtesy Eye Fi)

I've run out of clever ways to say that there's yet another pocket camcorder on the market, but fortunately it looks like Vivitar's new DVR 510  has a few new twists to talk about. It features an infrared night-shooting mode for filming in the dark. It is among the first - if not the first - pocket camcorder to offer such a feature. It also includes a waterproof casing for going under water. (The official specs don't say how deep.) It also features an 8x digital zoom (whereas most pocket models use a 2x). Bear in mind of course that a digital zoom isn't very useful.

At $50 it's also very inexpensive. But it's not a high definition model - it grabs VGA resolution video to SD cards up to 4GB. [Hat tip: Gizmodo]

(Image courtesy Vivitar)

Memorex provided additional details on their newly released pocket camcorders. The VGA model (pictured here) packs 2GB of internal memory, a 2x digital zoom, a 2-inch LCD display and includes Arcsoft Media Impression software (a variety of which is included with Kodak's pocket camcorders as well and is one of the best pieces of in-the-box video software on the market).

The HD model (black) sports 4GB of internal memory, an HDMI output, and records 1280 x 720 video at 30 frames per second with the option to switch to VGA quality video.  You'll get a tad more digital zoom at 3x and 5-megapixel photo capture.

A pretty basic feature set, which pits this more against Pure Digital's Flip UltraHD and Flip Mino HD than the Kodak Zi8 - but at a lower price than Pure Digital.

Sony added a pair of high-end camcorders to its line up this week. And by high end we're talking $20,000. So no, it's not for your backyard BBQ, unless you're George Lucas.

Still, film makers and studios need camcorders too, so here's the details. There are two new models - the PMW-350 ($22,500 with lens) and the PMW-EX1R which comes in at $7,790.

The shoulder-mounted PMW-350 camcorder features:

• three 2/3-inch Exmor full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensors
• timecode in/out, genlock in, and HD-SDI and HDMI out
• DVCAM recording
• the optional lens configuration includes a 16x HD lens with auto and manual focusing. Complete details here.

The PMW-EX1R builds off (and replaces) the EX1 by adding:

• DVCAM recording capability
• HDMI output
• a higher-resolution viewfinder
• cache recording
• one-push auto iris

Jeremy Stamas observes that many camcorder makers are slowing down the pace of their professional introductions in light of the economic downturn. Sony, at least, seems to have bucked that trend.

The Photo Marketing Association (PMA) has a study out that tracks consumer's camcorder buying behavior. Here's some insights gleaned from the study:

• Consumers spent on average $312 on their camcorder.
• Consumers bought their camcorders at consumer electronics stores (38%), discount stores (25%), the Internet (10%) and department stores (8.9%). The venerable camera shop only gets about 3% of all camcorder sales.
• Sales fell last year (no surprise).

The first bullet initially surprised me - many full featured camcorders cost well in excess of $312 - but when you think of the hot-selling success of pocket models, which sell below $300, it's no longer shocking.

If you're in the market for an SDHC card to compliment your flash camcorder, Lexar announced yesterday that they'll be bundling discounts and promotions for Adobe software with their Full- HD Video card (as well as their Memory Stick Pro Duo cards for Sony camcorders). Each card will include:

• Free 30-day trial of the photo-editing program Adobe Photoshop Elements 8
• Free 30-day trial Adobe Premiere Elements 8 video editing software
• Promotional offer for $30 off the purchase of the complete Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 software
• Promotional offer for $30 off the purchase of the complete Adobe Premiere Elements 8 software

Premiere Elements retails for $99 so $30 off is a pretty good deal.

(Photo courtesy Lexar)

It's getting difficult to keep up with the flood of entrants into the pocket camcorder market. Last week saw JVC jump in. This week, it's Memorex with the new MyVideo pocket camcorders.

There are two models: a standard definition product for $99 and an HD model for $129. Details are sparse at the moment, but Memorex says there's a built-in USB port, an HDMI output and software for sending videos to Facebook and YouTube. The price is certainly competitive, but without more details it's difficult to tell if that's truly a good bargain.