Shop for digital camcorders

• 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, 20 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 50 mm - F/1.6-2.4, 3.3 in, 3.9 in, Sony Handycam DCR-TRV460 - Camcorder - Consumer - Digital8, 5.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 23 reviews

The Bottom Line: The hard-drive-based analog of the HDR-HC7, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 finally delivers a cutting-edge HD video experience, complete with great video and compatibility frustrations. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.3 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.4 mm - 54 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 5.9 in, 3.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: 3CCD, None, 3.7 lbs, Panasonic AVCCAM AG-HMC150PJ - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 6.5 in, 13 x x Zoom lens - 3.9 mm - 51 mm - F/1.6-3.0, 6.1 in, 15.6 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, 5.9 in, 3.9 in, 3.3 in, Sony Handycam DCR-TRV280 - Camcorder - Consumer - Digital8, 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 6 reviews

Specs: CCD, None, 1.3 lbs, Panasonic Palmcorder PV-DV103 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 4.9 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - F/1.8, 3.4 in, 2.6 in

• 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, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD205 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 5.1 in, 3.5 in, 2.2 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 36 mm - F/1.8-2.5

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.4 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: The DCR-HC85 is easy to use and compact, but we expect better video quality from a camcorder in its class. Read review

Specs: CCD, Pop-up flash, 1.3 lbs, 3.5 in, 2.7 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 45 mm - F/1.8-2.1, 6.8 in, Sony Handycam DCR-HC85 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 7 reviews

The Bottom Line: The JVC Everio GZ-MG555 hard-drive camcorder offers lots of control over your videos--and its photos look nice--but its steep price has us reaching for the Pause button. Read review

Specs: CCD, Built-in flash, 16.6 oz, 2.9 in, 4.6 in, JVC Everio GZ-MG555 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 10 x x Zoom lens, 2.8 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.4 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 27 reviews

The Bottom Line: The TRV350 is a solid Digital8 camcorder. But if you don't need 8mm/Hi8 compatibility, opt for a MiniDV model instead. Read review

Specs: CCD, None, 1.8 lbs, Sony Handycam DCR-TRV350 - Camcorder - Consumer - Digital8, 4 in, 7.8 in, 3.5 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 50 mm - F/1.6-2.4

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 23 reviews

The Bottom Line: An uninspiring entrant in Sony's HD camcorder lineup, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR5's video quality and performance simply don't deliver for the price. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.2 lbs, Sony Handycam HDR-SR5 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 3 in, 5.5 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 3.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 48 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD403 is the first DVD camcorder we've seen that doesn't force you to compromise on features or quality--much. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, Built-in flash, 1.4 lbs, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD403 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 3.7 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 2.4 in, 5.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 6 reviews

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.3 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 3.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-HC5 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV), 5.3 in, 3.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 3 reviews

Specs: 3 ClearVid CMOS, 1.04 megapixels, 3.3 lbs, 20 x x Zoom lens - 3.9 mm - 78 mm - F/1.6-2.8, 17 in, 7.2 in, 5.7 in, Sony HVR-V1U - Camcorder - Professional - Mini DV (HDV)

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: 3CMOS, None, 2.2 lbs, 12 in, Panasonic AVCCAM AG-HMC40 - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 5.3 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4 mm - 48 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 5.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 26.1 oz, 5.9 in, Zoom Lens, 10 x x 2.9 mm - 29 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 3.4 in, 2.9 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-TD10 - 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, 2.6 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, Sony NXCAM HXR-NX30U - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, - Internal flash memory

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 13 reviews

The Bottom Line: For a moderate price, you get the convenience of recording your video directly to DVD media, but the entry-level Hitachi DZ-BX35A offers only basic features and can't deliver the image quality of Hitachi's step-up DVD camcorders. Read review

Specs: CCD, 1.1 lbs, 3.7 in, 4.8 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - F/1.8-3.3, Hitachi DZ-BX35A - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 2 reviews

Specs: Advanced HAD 3CCD, None, 2.2 lbs, 3.9 in, 3.7 in, 8 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3.6 mm - 43.2 mm - F/1.6-2.8, Sony DSR-PDX10 - Camcorder - Professional - Mini DV, - Mini DVCAM

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 5 reviews

Specs: 3CCD, Built-in, 4.4 lbs, Panasonic DV PROLINE AG-DVC20 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 10 x x Zoom lens

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 25 reviews

The Bottom Line: Overall, this is a solid camcorder, but we recommend it to DVD-recording diehards only. Read review

Specs: CCD, 1.5 lbs, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD300 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 3.7 in, 5.6 in, 3.1 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.7 mm - 37 mm - F/1.8-2.0

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Though the Canon HR10 is a decent camcorder, there are better choices for the same money because format performance and compatibility issues make it hard to recommend a DVD-based AVCHD model. Read review

Specs: CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.2 lbs, 5.2 in, Canon HR10 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 10 x x Zoom lens - 6.1 mm - 61 mm - F/1.8-3.0, 2.6 in, 3.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 18.7 oz, 3.2 in, 5.3 in, 3.2 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, Sony Handycam HDR-UX5 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 26 reviews

Specs: CCD, None, 1.1 lbs, 2 in, 3.5 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.3, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD201 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 5.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: There are better choices than the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD305, a so-so DVD camcorder. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 0.69 megapixels, Built-in, 1.1 lbs, 2.2 in, 3.5 in, 5.1 in, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD305 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 36 mm - F/1.8-2.5

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 4 reviews

Specs: 3CCD, Built-in flash, 1.5 lbs, Panasonic HDC-DX1 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 3.5 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4 mm - 48 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 3.6 in, 6.4 in