Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: CMOS, None, 2.2 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 4.25 mm - 42.5 mm - F/1.8-2.8, Canon XF100 - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 10.6 in, 5.5 in, 7.5 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, 2.8 in, 5.4 in, 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, 3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam HDR-XR550V 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 have large hands and therefore could benefit from the extra grip the hard drive provides, the cheaper and nearly identical flash-based CX550V is a better deal. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.1 lbs, 5.6 in, Sony Handycam HDR-XR550V - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.9 in, 2.8 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.1 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: As a scaled-down version of JVC's GZ-HD7, the GZ-HD3 ditches some of the fancier features, but its price is still higher than we'd like for this camcorder. Read review

Specs: 3CCD, 1.3 lbs, 6.1 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.4, JVC Everio GZ-HD3 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 3 in, 3.2 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: 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, 2.5 in, 10 x x, Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-3.4 G, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-TD30V - Consumer - Flash card, 2.8 in, 5.2 in

• 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, 3.5 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, Sony Handycam HDR-CX760V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.3 in, 6.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 38 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam HDR-SR1's combination of hard disk capacity, easy adapatability, great design, and a broad feature set make it the consumer HD model to beat for 2006. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, 1.6 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 3.1 in, 6.5 in, Sony Handycam HDR-SR1 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 3.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 13 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's Handycam HDR-SR11 and SR12 60GB hard-drive-based AVCHD camcorders deliver top notch performance and image quality. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.2 lbs, Sony Handycam HDR-SR12 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 3.3 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4.9 mm - 58.8 mm - F/1.8-3.1, 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!

Specs: Exmor APS HD CMOS, 1.4 lbs, 5.1 in, 3.6 in, 8.8 in, Sony Handycam NEX-VG20 - Camcorder - Consumer - 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, 1.9 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 11.7 in, 4.4 in, Sony NXCAM HXR-NX70U - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 4.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.1 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 17 reviews

The Bottom Line: Excellent video quality, a broad feature set, and decent photos make the Sony Handycam DCR-HC96 an excellent choice for those seeking a compact MiniDV camcorder. Navigating the small touch screen may encourage you to stick with its automatic features, however. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 2.05 megapixels, Built-in, 1.1 lbs, 2.8 in, 4.7 in, 3.6 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, Sony Handycam DCR-HC96 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: MOS, 4 lbs, 17 in, 16.8 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 48.7 mm - F/1.8-2.6, 8.5 in, Panasonic AVCHD AG-AC7 - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 8.8 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, 8.8 in, 3.6 in, Sony Handycam NEX-VG30H - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5.1 in, 11.1 x x Zoom lens - 18 mm - 200 mm - F/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

Specs: 3 ClearVid CMOS, None, 4.6 lbs, 7 in, 6.7 in, Sony Handycam HDR-FX1000 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV), 13.7 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 4.1 mm - 82 mm - F/1.6-3.4

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

Specs: CMOS, 1.5 lbs, 4.1 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.1, 2.8 in, 7.5 in, Sony HVR-A1U - Camcorder - Professional - Mini DV (HDV)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: A very good prosumer HD camcorder, the Panasonic HDC-HS300 still isn't as good a deal as the similarly featured but flash-based TM300 and has the same annoying touch-screen interface. Read review

Specs: 3CMOS, Built-in flash, 16.2 oz, 2.9 in, Panasonic HDC-HS300 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.8 in, 5.6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4 mm - 48 mm - F/1.8-2.8

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD205 is as middling as its sibling, the DCR-DVD305; however, it eschews the impractical features of the DVD305 for a lower price tag, making it a better bargain. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 0.69 megapixels, Built-in, 1.1 lbs, 5.1 in, 3.5 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 36 mm - F/1.8-2.5, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD205 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD

• 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, 6 lbs, 18.3 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 10 in, 88 in, Sony HXR-MC2000U - Camcorder - Professional - 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, Built-in, 16.2 oz, 2.5 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-10, 5.6 in, 2.8 in, Sony Handycam HDR-TD20V - Camcorder - Consumer - 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: 3 Exmor CMOS, 4.9 lbs, 13.5 in, Sony NXCAM HXR-NX5U - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 7.4 in, 6.8 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 4.1 mm - 82 mm - F/1.6

• 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, 6.14 megapixels, Built-in flash, 20.5 oz, 10 x x, Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 4.3 in, 6.5 in, Camcorder - Memory Stick PRO Duo, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ760V - Consumer, 3.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Though significantly cheaper than Sony's previous consumer HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 still offers superb HD video quality. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 19.8 oz, 3.1 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 5.5 in, Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV), 3.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 13 reviews

Specs: CCD, 2.9 megapixels, None, 1.8 lbs, Sony Handycam DCR-TRV280 - Camcorder - Consumer - Digital8, 3.3 in, 3.9 in, 5.9 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 50 mm - F/1.6-2.4

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.2 lbs, 15 x x Zoom lens - 3.1 mm - 46.5 mm - F/1.8-2.6, 5.1 in, Sony Handycam HDR-SR10 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 3.2 in, 3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.4 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 24 reviews

The Bottom Line: 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. Read review

Specs: CCD, None, 2 lbs, 3.3 in, 3.9 in, 5.9 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 50 mm - F/1.6-2.4, Sony Handycam DCR-TRV460 - Camcorder - Consumer - Digital8