In terms of cost, you'll likely find it the least expensive of those types listed. In terms of the recording time possible, however, hard drives offer the most, while Hi8 tapes generally offer the least.
The difference would be about the same as the jump from VHS to DVD (if it's a miniDV camcorder) or from VHS to bluray (if it's a 720p or better digital camcorder.)
Digital zoom takes what the camera is capturing and artifically enlarges the image to give you a zoom effect. Optical zoom, however, is actual physical magnification of the picture, ensuring that your footage is as good as it can be.
Compare models, features and prices before you invest in a Sony camcorder. If you can get by with a smaller camcorder, their Bloggie model is only around $150, whereas the bigger Handycam can run into several hundred dollars, depending on the exact model. Check out the "techbargains" site to find if the purchase will qualify for any promo codes or discounts.
Sony handycam dcrs are generally a little higher in price than other brands, but for the quality of the handycam, you get what you pay for. The sony handycam is good for its price.
You can compare prices of digital cameras at pricegrabber.com and type in digital cameras.
Bestbuy.com allows you to compare all the kodak cameras that they offer. You can also go directly to the kodak website and compare their cameras.
Some specifications someone should compare when buying a camcorder include the megapixels that are included with the camcorder. Also the optical zoom as well as digital zoom should be compared as well.
SONY and Foray make pink camcorder accessories. You can read reviews and compare prices at www.nextag.com/pink-camcorder/products-html
HDD camcorders do not have as sharp of an image as a digital camcorder. Digital camcorders usually come with an HD feature. HDD camcorders are old school for anybody these days.
Sony cybershot cameras compare to the rest of the sony line of cameras in that they are much more expensive and have much more advanced functionality.
Many hardware / technology review sites have the facility to compare multiple cameras side-by-side. There are also websites that let you compare cameras before you buy them. Some of the best ones offering these services would be Which and Price Runner.
You can specifically go on some technology sites that will help you. From there, you can have the option to compare them to other products that are similar.