Launch year

Camcorders launched before 1995

The analog years, when a camcorder meant VHS, VHS-C, Video8 or Hi8. JVC had launched VHS-C in 1982, Sony its first Handycam in 1985 and Hi8 in 1989. Cameras from these years are the oldest here, so rubber parts in the tape transport and the original batteries have had the longest to age. Plan on a fresh battery or a working AC adapter, and ask for proof it plays a tape before you pay.

2 models we cover.