The Tech-pert: Get a Sanyo Xacti HD Camcorder Bundle for $149.99

We live in a high-definition world. That means it's time to replace that old low-resolution, tape-based camcorder with a model that can shoot all-digital HD video.

Perhaps you've been eyeballing one of those compact Flip Video models, and I can understand why: They're cute, easy to use, and small enough to ride around in a pocket. But those start at around $200. Let me make the case for spending less money on a camcorder that affords a lot more features.

Geeks.com has a Sanyo Xacti VPC-ZH1 720p camcorder bundle for $149.99, and around $10 for shipping. That's after applying this coupon code at checkout.

As you can see in the photo, the fire engine-red Xacti resembles a more traditional handheld camcorder. It won't fit in a pocket, but it will give you a lot more control over recording settings than you'll get from a Flip, Creative Vado, or the like.

For example, you can adjust things like exposure, white balance, and ISO. The camcorder features a 30x optical zoom, an SD/SDHC memory-card slot, an HDMI output (so you can connect it to your HDTV), and a 3-inch LCD.

In comparison, the Flip Mino HD has no optical zoom, no card slot, and a 1.5-inch LCD. Both models shoot video at up to 1,280 by 720 (a.k.a. 720p), but the Xacti can also snap 2-megapixel still photos.

I'm not saying Sanyo's camcorder is necessarily better than the Flip Video, simply that it does more and costs less. What's more, the Geeks.com bundle is pretty nice: it includes a 1GB SD card, a carrying case, and an HDMI cable.

I haven't found many reviews of the Xacti VPC-ZH1, but you can read a handful of overwhelmingly positive user reviews on Amazon's product page. Incidentally, this same bundle sells there for $159.95 (from a third-party reseller), but shipping adds another $13.

Most of my family movies were shot on a standard-definition camcorder. I cherish them, but I definitely wish I could go back and re-record everything in HD. With this camcorder, I could do it on the cheap.

Self-proclaimed cheapskate Rick Broida has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the Cheapskate blog for CNET, the Hassle-Free PC blog for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.