Containing a camera and video recorder in one unit, a camcorder is a portable electronic device (usually a digital camera) for recording video and audio images. Sony, followed by Kodak in 1984, first launched the camcorder in 1983. In its early stages, camcorders were large devices that required a sturdy tripod or strong shoulders to stably support the camera's bulk.

Following a continuous process of evolution, the camcorder in the late 1990s entered the digital era with the introduction of the miniDV. As its cassette media was even smaller than 8mm media, it became possible to reduce the size of the tape transport assembly. The digital nature of miniDV led to far better audio and video quality than the best of its analog counterparts.

When the camcorder was first launched, it was a bulky shoulder-operated luggable that more than $1,500. Today, an entry-level MiniDV camcorder costs less than $300 and fits in the palm of a person's hand.

A digital camcorder is the perfect tool to record your child