Movies Made Easy

By Jeremy Caplan

Digital video cameras now come in more flavors than ever, ranging from $30 disposables from CVS drugstores to pricey models that record to DVD instead of digital tape. But for artful documentation of family fun this summer, the sweet spot belongs to midrange cams, priced as low as $300. Thanks to tech advances--and kickin' free editing software--any kid or parent can indulge a filmmaking jones at modest cost, with great results. Our director's guide:

STICK WITH SIMPLICITY

Basic models from top brands like Sony, Canon and JVC deliver color quality that's just as good as higher-end alternatives. Forget costly features like internal storage or manual audio controls. For the price of an iPod, you get an excellent lens, powerful zoom and bonus goodies like picture stabilization and night vision.

EDIT LIKE A PRO

The software that now comes with most computers--iMovie HD for Macs, Movie Maker 2 for PCs--is truly amazing. With iMovie even a novice can reorder scenes, add titles and set up a sound track. Mix in photos and music from iTunes and iPhoto or deploy sound effects from Skywalker Sound. Movie Maker boasts similar features (if not as elegant an interface).

SHARING

When your video is done, you can burn it to a DVD or share it online. At streamload.com you can also store videos--no need to buy an extra hard drive for your video library--and easily e-mail them to family members and friends. The basic service is free, or $100 annually for heavy users.

SHORT TAKES

CHEAP AND COMPACT At less than a pound, the JVC GR-D250 is 30% smaller than previous models. It has a handy digital battery monitor and is just $300

THE MAGIC BUTTON On top of its Super NightShot feature for low light, Sony's DCR-HC32 (about $400) has an "easy" button that switches the cam into automatic mode

LOOKING SHARP For about $300, Canon's ZR100 includes a widescreen recording mode and an advanced optical zoom for effective close-ups

GET MIKED UP To boost sound quality, pick up an add-on microphone. Basic models from Sony can be had at amazon.com for about $50. At the higher end, try the Rode VideoMic, which yields rich sound for $149

STAND UP FOR YOUR SIGHTS It's hard to film a long event while steadying a camera with your hands. For $30, the Sunpak 7001 DX Tripod (bhphoto video.com helps simplify and stabilize your shots--and save those tired arms