Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The rugged Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is a very good minicamcorder, but falls just shy of improving on last year's model, despite being more durable. Read review

Specs: CMOS, None, 4.4 oz, 2.3 in, Lens - 5.5 mm - F/2.8, 4.4 in, 0.7 in, Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're looking to shoot great HD video on the cheap, keep looking; the Canon Vixia HF R series delivers decent video at best, even for its modest price. But for a low-priced model with mic and headphone jacks, the HF R100 is a pretty good deal. Read review

Specs: CMOS, Built-in, 11.3 oz, 20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.6, 4.8 in, 2.4 in, 2.7 in, Canon VIXIA HF R100 - 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: BSI-CMOS, 7.6 oz, JVC Everio GZ-E10 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.7 in, 2.2 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8, 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 55 reviews

The Bottom Line: This outstanding performer raises the bar for prosumer MiniDV camcorders. Read review

Specs: 3CCD with Pixel Shift, None, 2.6 lbs, 20 x x Zoom lens - 4.2 mm - 84 mm - F/1.6-2.9, 5.4 in, 12 in, 4.6 in, Canon GL2 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 52 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, 5.4 in, 3.3 in, 3 in, Sony Handycam HDR-SR11 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4.9 mm - 58.8 mm - F/1.8-3.1

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 18 reviews

The Bottom Line: 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. Read review

Specs: CCD, 9.2 oz, 2.3 in, Canon FS100 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.4 in, 4.9 in, 37 x x Zoom lens - 2.6 mm - 96.2 mm - F/2.0-5.2

• 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, 5 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.6 in, 2.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Contour GPS sports camera is the sweet spot in Contour's sports camera lineup, offering most of the features that most owners will find useful, and at an affordable price. Read review

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

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 7 reviews

The Bottom Line: Panasonic has listened. The third incarnation of the AG-DVX100 offers unrivalled bang for the buck in a prosumer standard-definition MiniDV camera. Read review

Specs: 3CCD, 3.8 megapixels, None, 3.7 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 45 mm - F/1.6, 14.3 in, 6.3 in, 5.5 in, Panasonic AG-DVX100B - Camcorder - Professional - Mini DV

• 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: An excellent flash-based prosumer HD camcorder, you may nevertheless pass on the Canon Vixia HF S100 because it lacks an eye-level viewfinder. It's probably a better buy than the identical--but more expensive, because it has 32GB built-in memory--Vixia HF S10. Read review

Specs: CMOS, Pop-up flash, 15.9 oz, 10 x x Zoom lens - 6.4 mm - 64 mm - F/1.8-3.0, 2.7 in, 5.4 in, Canon VIXIA HF S100 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.8 in

• 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, 2.2 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 5 in, 2.6 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX360V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Kodak Playfull minicamcorder is a pocketful of video fun, but it might be just too "mini" for some. Read review

Specs: CMOS, None, 3.4 oz, Lens - 3.9 mm, 1.6 in, 0.6 in, Kodak PLAYFULL ZE1 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 3.9 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, 7.2 oz, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.4 in, Sony Handycam HDR-XR260V - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 5 in, 2.6 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: Mediocre video quality and a couple design issues keep the Kodak PlayTouch from being a top-notch minicamcorder. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 4.3 in, Kodak PLAYTOUCH - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 0.6 in, Lens - 3.9 mm, 2.3 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: 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, 5.1 in, 4.3 in, Sony Handycam NEX-VG900 - Camcorder - Consumer - 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, 5.7 in, 6.1 in, Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV), 20 x x Zoom lens - 3.9 mm - 78 mm - F/1.6-2.8, 12.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 42 reviews

The Bottom Line: While it has its flaws and is a bit expensive, the ultrasimple Flip Video MinoHD produces impressive video for a camcorder of its size. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 3.3 oz, 0.6 in, Lens - F/2.4, Flip Video MinoHD F460 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory, 2 in, 3.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: MOS, 6.5 oz, 4.4 in, 2.4 in, 34 x x Zoom lens - 2.38 mm - 81 mm - F/1.8-4.0, Panasonic HC-V100M - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: The rugged Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is a very good minicamcorder, but falls just shy of improving on last year's model, despite being more durable. Read review

Specs: CMOS, None, 4.4 oz, 2.3 in, Lens - 5.5 mm - F/2.8, Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 4.4 in, 0.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: A functional trio of camcorders, the Panasonic HDC-SD80, TM80, and HS80 are notable for their manual exposure controls (unusual for their price class) and well-designed touch-screen interface, but otherwise you can find better options. Of the three, the SD80 is the best choice simply on price. Read review

Specs: MOS, 6.8 oz, 34 x x Zoom lens - 2.38 mm - 81 mm - F/1.8-4, 2 in, 2.3 in, Panasonic HDC-TM80 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.3 in

• 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, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 4.5 in, 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: BSI MOS, 6.5 oz, Panasonic HC-V201 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.5 in, 38 x x Zoom lens - 2.35 mm - 89.3 mm - F/1.8-4.2, 2.1 in, 2.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 26 reviews

The Bottom Line: Canon returns to the state of the art in DV but doesn't set a new standard. Read review

Specs: 3CCD, None, 7.7 lbs, 8.7 in, Canon XL2 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 20 x x Zoom lens - 5.4 mm - 108 mm - F/1.6-3.5, 19.5 in, 8.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: While its video quality doesn't quite match up to that of the Flip Video MinoHD, the Kodak Zx1 does win points for its stylish, rugged design. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 3.2 oz, 2 in, Lens - 4.1 mm - F/2.8, Kodak Zx1 Pocket - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 4.2 in, 0.8 in