Find The Right Digital Camcorders

Samsung HMX-H105

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

Sony Handycam HDR-XR100

While it's a perfectly serviceable HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 should deliver a little more of everything for the money.

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor CMOS, 10 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 11.6 oz

Canon Vixia HF200

While it's more expensive than its sub-$600 competitors, the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 deliver a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy than the HF20, though the HF20's all-black body is a bit classier looking.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 15 x, Flash card, 2.99 megapixels, 12 oz

Canon Vixia HF20

While it's more expensive than its sub-$600 competitors, the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 deliver a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy than the HF20, though the HF20's all-black body is a bit classier-looking.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 15 x, Flash card, 2.99 megapixels, 12 oz

Canon FS100 (garnet wine)

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 HV30

An extremely minor upgrade from the HV20, the Canon Vixia HV30 remains a quality HDV camcorder with a couple of performance issues.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Mini DV (HDV), 1.2 lbs

Canon HG10

A solid hard-drive based HD camcorder, the Canon HG10 nevertheless has its share of annoying quirks.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Hard disk drive, 2.07 megapixels, 1.1 lbs

Sony Handycam DCR-SR42E

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, 12 oz

Panasonic VDR-D310

The Panasonic VDR-D310 produces good-looking home movies without much hassle.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 1.1 lbs

JVC Everio GZ-MG57

Though small and well designed, the JVC Everio GZ-MG57's performance and video quality can't match the competitions'.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 15 x, Hard disk drive, 1.33 megapixels, 14.5 oz

Hitachi DZ-GX3300A

If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive DVD camcorder with decent image quality, the Hitachi DZ-GX3300A might be for you.

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

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD405

The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD405 is a solid DVD camcorder, as long as you don't mind fiddling with a touch-screen interface on a too-small display.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 2.05 megapixels, 1.3 lbs

JVC Everio GZ-MG21

The JVC GZ-MG21 is a nice idea, but its poor video quality and irritating control scheme make conventional camcorders seem a lot more appealing.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 32 x, Hard disk drive, 0.68 megapixels, 12 oz

JVC Everio GZ-MG27

The JVC GZ-MG27 is a nice idea, but its poor video quality and irritating control scheme make conventional camcorders a lot more appealing.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 32 x, Hard disk drive, 0.68 megapixels, 12 oz

Sony Handycam DCR-HC26

The Sony DCR-HC26 provides impressive size, zoom power, and features for a bargain-basement camcorder, but its substandard video quality is disappointing.

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

Sony Handycam HDR-SR10 - camcorder - hard disk drive, flash card

Specs: Camcorder, ClearVid CMOS, 15 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 16.9 oz

LED Battery Video Light HVL-LBP

Hitachi DZ-BD70AF BluRay 5.3MP DVD High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Sony DCR-DVD301

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 690,000, 1.3 lbs

Sony DCR-TRV38

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 1.5 lbs