A new trend in the camcorder category is the ability to shoot video straight to hard disk. Yes, that's right, no more tapes to worry about or to possibly lose!
These hard disk camcorders store your memories on internal 30 or 60 GB non-removable hard disk drives. The capacity is for up to 40 hours of video (60 GB drive, Long Play mode). So, you can record an entire vacation before you need to offload clips to your PC.
Hard disk recording has other benefits. One benefit is instant access to any scene without having to fast forward or rewind (essentially the camcorder makes a timeline of the video you have shot, which enables you to jump right to a particular scene). This feature can save a lot of time.
You can also play back your shots, then return to shooting without stopping to search for the end of the last clip. This is pretty neat. The camcorder automatically finds and records on the blank spaces.
After you fill up the internal hard disk, it's easy to copy your memories onto your PC, DVD burner or VCR and clear the drive for the next occasion.
Additionally, you can give your memories the professional touch by editing them on a PC with compatible software.
Mario Armstrong is a technology talk show host, writer, consultant and public speaker that explores how technology impacts the way we work, live and play. He is heard on NPR, XM radio and seen on WMAR-ABC2 TV. More online at: www.MarioArmstrong.com. 
