Find The Right Digital Camcorders

Samsung HMX-H104

An interesting design doesn't offset the so-so video quality and performance, especially for the higher priced HMX-H106, H105, and H104. If you're set on this series, though, the no-memory-included Samsung HMX-H100 is probably the best deal of the bunch.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Flash card, 13.4 oz

JVC Everio GZ-HD40

JVC's CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers high-definition recording flexibility with very good results, but a few shortcomings keep us from giving it a full recommendation.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Hard disk drive, 2.68 megapixels, 16 oz

Canon FS11

Convenient, well-designed camcorders that look pricier than they are, models in the Canon FS series--FS11, FS10, and FS100--nevertheless deliver typical budget video in line with their budget price tags.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz

Canon Vixia HF100

One of a pair of Canon's first flash-based camcorders, the Canon Vixia HF100, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, 13.4 oz

Canon Vixia HF10

Canon's first flash-based camcorder, the Canon Vixia HF10, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, 13.4 oz

Sony Handycam DCR-SR42

Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 40 x, Hard disk drive, 13.4 oz

Sony Handycam DCR-SR80

Sony's Handycam DCR-SR80 is a respectable hard-drive-based camcorder if you don't mind its touch-screen interface.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 12 x, Hard disk drive, 14.1 oz

Sony Handycam DCR-HC36

Unless this camcorder's low-resolution, low-quality stills are important to you, you might as well go for Sony's less expensive DCR-HC26.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 20 x, Mini DV, 0.34 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

Hitachi DZ-GX3200A

Hitachi's DZ-GX3200A delivers decent video quality at a relatively inexpensive price for a DVD camcorder.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 15.9 oz

Canon DC40

The Canon DC40 definitely deserves a spot on your short list of DVD camcorders.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 16.9 oz

Panasonic PV-GS39

With its extreme zoom range and its low price, the Panasonic PV-GS39 is a good choice for shooting distant subjects.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, Mini DV, 14.5 oz

JVC GR-DF550

JVC's GR-DF550 midrange camcorder may not have any standout features, but it's a video workhorse that delivers solid results.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 15 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

Sony Handycam DCR-TRV480

With its ability to play and transfer your old tapes, the Sony Handycam DCR-TRV480 is an attractive choice if you're upgrading from an 8mm or Hi8 camcorder. But if you don't need 8mm or Hi8 compatibility, competing MiniDV cameras offer superior performance in much smaller packages.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Digital8, 1.8 lbs

JVC GR-D295

A budget camcorder that offers a lot of zoom for the money, the JVC GR-D295 is worth consideration if you shoot mainly in brightly lit situations.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

GR-D250 Mini-DV Camcorder

The JVC GR-D250 is a budget MiniDV camcorder with a big zoom range.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

Hitachi DZMV730A

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 16 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 1.1 lbs

Samsung DuoCam SC-D6550

It's a better still camera than most camcorders, but the SC-D6550 nonetheless forces compromises compared to individual products.

Specs: Camcorder / digital camera combo, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 690 g

ZR100 Digital Camcorder

Canon's bargain-basement camcorder provides home-moviemakers with the tools to shoot surprisingly high-quality video, but good lighting is essential.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Mini DV, 15.2 oz

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD101

Unless you're so wedded to the Sony brand and the idea of DVD recording that you're willing to pay a premium--but not enough to jump to the DVD201--avoid this model.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 1.1 lbs

Sony Handycam DCR-TRV460

The Handycam DCR-TRV460 offers an excellent upgrade from an 8mm or Hi8 camcorder, with digital video recording and the ability to view and transfer your old tapes. But if you don't need 8mm or Hi8 compatibility, competing MiniDV cameras offer superior quality in smaller packages.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Digital8, 2 lbs