Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 13 reviews

The Bottom Line: Its small size and attractive price might draw you to the Sony Handycam HDR-CX150, but this bare-bones camcorder just barely delivers on the promise of HD quality. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 7.4 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX150 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 2 in, 4.5 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: Typical for their price class, the no-frills Sony Handycam HDR-CX130, CX160, and XR160 produce generally subpar HD video, but if you're not picky you'll probably be fine. The CX130 is the best buy of the three, as long as you go cheap on the memory card. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in, 12.3 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.4 in, 2.6 in, 5 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Camcorder flash light, 19.6 oz, 6.5 in, 3.5 in, 4.3 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX760V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 17 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 has a good design and reasonable feature set for its price, but the video quality doesn't measure up to the rest of the package. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, None, 12.3 oz, 4.4 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 76 mm - F/1.8-4.1, 3 in, 3 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 is an excellent high-definition camcorder from a video perspective, but it's less satisfying if you're an audio control freak. Read review

Specs: 3 ClearVid CMOS, 1.04 megapixels, None, 3.1 lbs, 12.7 in, 5.7 in, 6.1 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 3.9 mm - 78 mm - F/1.6-2.8, Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: While it's a fine model, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX360V seems too expensive for the video quality and features it delivers. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 11.3 oz, 2.6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4, Sony Handycam HDR-CX360V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5 in, 2.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V fares well compared with the competition, though its video could be a bit sharper and the interface less cumbersome. Unless you absolutely need to store a lot of video on the camcorder--which I don't suggest--or if have large hands that could benefit from the extra grip that the hard drive provides, the CX550V is a better deal than its hard-disk-based sibling. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 15.5 oz, 5.6 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.9 in, 2.6 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: Its small size and attractive price might draw you to the Sony Handycam HDR-XR150, but this bare-bones camcorder just barely delivers on the promise of HD quality. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 10.6 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-XR150 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.2 in, 2.6 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 4.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Camcorder flash light, 1.2 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 4.2 in, 3.4 in, 6.4 in, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ710V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 7 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD650 offers an all-in-one, on-the-go way to capture standard-def video and burn it to a DVD, but hard-disk-drive and flash-memory models are otherwise a better option. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 13.8 oz, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD650 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, - DVD, 3.5 in, 5.1 in, 2.2 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: It's kind of an oddball -- a full-frame camcorder that requires an adapter for full-frame lenses -- but it's sure to garner some attention. Read review

Specs: Exmor HD CMOS, 1.8 lbs, 8.9 in, 4.3 in, Sony Handycam NEX-VG900 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5.1 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a simple shoot-and-share minicamcorder, the Bloggie Touch is a good option--that is, as long as you understand its limitations. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 12.8 megapixels, 4.4 oz, Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS10 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory, 2 in, Lens - F/2.8, 0.6 in, 4.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Sony's Bloggie Duo minicamcorder makes it easier to be part of your own movie clips and photos. But that's about all it does. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 4.9 oz, 0.7 in, Lens - 4.1 mm - F/2.8, 4.3 in, 2.2 in, Sony Bloggie Duo MHS-FS2 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Despite a perceived lull in the camcorder market, Sony announces 10 models at CES. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 16.2 oz, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-TD30V - Consumer - Flash card, 2.8 in, 10 x x, Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-3.4 G, 2.5 in, 5.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Camcorder flash light, 12.2 oz, 6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4 G, 3.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ580V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 3.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 11 reviews

The Bottom Line: If storage amount, zoom range, and easy operation are on your list of needs before video quality, check out the Sony Handycam DCR-SR47. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 10.6 oz, 2.7 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2.4 in, 4.4 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SR47 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 7.4 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ200 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.3 in, 4.5 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 14 reviews

The Bottom Line: Though their geotagging capabilities are mostly novelty and their interfaces could use a complete overhaul, the top-notch video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature sets of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V make them worthy camcorder options. Both are overpriced, but since 14 hours of recording time is plenty--especially if supplemented with flash media--the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the two. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 18 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 12 x x Zoom lens - 5.5 mm - 66 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.8 in, 5.4 in, 3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The most interesting thing about the new model is its ability to work with the new power zoom lenses. Read review

Specs: Exmor APS HD CMOS, 22.9 oz, 5.1 in, 8.8 in, 3.6 in, Sony Handycam NEX-VG30 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Sony's Handycam DCR-SX45, SX65, and SX85 standard-definition camcorders pack a megazoom lens at a reasonable price; one look at the standard-definition video, though, and you might regret not spending a bit more for an HD model. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 8.1 oz, Sony Handycam DCR-SX45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.9 in, 2.2 in, 2 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 4 reviews

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 13.6 oz, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 5.3 in, 2.4 in, 2.6 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX560V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a simple shoot-and-share minicamcorder, the Bloggie Touch is a good option--that is, as long as you understand its limitations. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 12.8 megapixels, 4.4 oz, 2 in, 4.2 in, 0.6 in, Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory, Lens - 5.3 mm - F/2.8

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 26 reviews

The Bottom Line: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 13.4 oz, 4.5 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 76 mm - F/1.8-4.1, 2.9 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 2.8 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Its small size and attractive price might draw you to the Sony Handycam HDR-CX150 and CX110, but these bare-bones camcorders just barely delivers on the promise of HD quality. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 7.4 oz, 2 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, Sony Handycam HDR-CX110 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.5 in, 2.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in, 16.2 oz, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-10, 2.8 in, Sony Handycam HDR-TD20V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.5 in, 5.6 in