High-end cameras provide the same optical system used in professional video cameras. Higher-end cameras also use technologies that correct for some of the bouncing created by an unsteady filming hand. When you hold a camera for more than a few moments, your hands will inevitably shake due to small-muscle fatigue. Horizontal and vertical motion sensors help reduce these subtle vibrations. The main factors accounting for that whopping variation in price are color and sound quality.
Many newer camcorders can take still photos as well.
If you want both a digital video recorder and a digital camera, one of these combination models might be just what you're looking for. These cameras still feature a wide range of zoom capabilities and a pull-out color viewing monitor. Nearly all DV and Digital-8 camcorders have an IEEE 1394 port. If your computer has a matching connector, you can directly transfer video from your camcorder to the computer without dropping a single bit. Also, Lithium-Ion batteries do not contain any poisonous metals such as, lead, mercury, or cadmium.