Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 18 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you want the latest in cool toys, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 certainly has the right gadget quotient. Once you look at the image quality, however, its allure dims quite a bit. Read review

Specs: CCD, 5,100,000 pixels, Pop-up flash, 7.4 oz, 4.7 in, Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 10 x x Zoom lens - 6.3 mm - 63 mm - F/3.5, 3.1 in, 1.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

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, 3.5 oz, Kodak PLAYTOUCH - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, Lens - 3.9 mm - F/2.8, 2.3 in, 0.6 in, 4.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 33 reviews

The Bottom Line: Its compact size and great stills and videos make the PC350 a top choice for a double-duty camcorder. Read review

Specs: CCD, 2.04 megapixels, Built-in flash, 0.9 lbs, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 2.2 in, 4.2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-PC350 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 4.2 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: CMOS, Built-in flash, 9.5 oz, Toshiba CAMILEO X100 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.8 in, 2.4 in, 2.7 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - F/2.0-2.8

• 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: As a relatively inexpensive DVD camcorder with solid, though not remarkable, performance, the Panasonic VDR-D210 is a decent choice for video snapshooters. Read review

Specs: CCD, 0.46 megapixels, None, 1.1 lbs, 5.6 in, 2.6 in, 32 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm - F/1.8-3.7, 3.6 in, Panasonic VDR-D210 - 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: 3CCD, 3.1 lbs, 14.4 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.7 mm - 37 mm - F/1.8-2.8, JVC GY-HM150U - Camcorder - Professional - Flash card, 5.4 in, 7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam HDR-UX1 is a very nice camcorder; unfortunately, its myriad compatibility issues make it almost impossible to recommend over other similar models. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9, Sony Handycam HDR-UX1 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's HDC-TM40, TM41 and SD40 are some of the cheapest camcorders you can buy with a zoom lens and manual controls. If you care about video quality, spend a little more money on another model; if you don't, buy the cheapest one of these you can find, adjusting for the cost of memory for the SD40. Read review

Specs: MOS, 6 oz, 4.3 in, 16.8 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 48.7 mm - F/1.8-2.6, 2 in, 2.3 in, Panasonic HDC-TM41 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• 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, 2 in, 4.8 in, Hitachi DZ-BX35A - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 25 x x Zoom lens - F/1.8-3.3

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: If internal flash memory, zoom range, and a touch-screen LCD are on your list of needs before video quality, check out the Sony Handycam DCR-SX41. Read review

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 8.8 oz, 2.1 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2.3 in, 4.4 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SX41/R - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

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, 4.9 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SX65 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 1 review

Specs: CMOS, 2.2 in, Lens, 1.7 in, Oregon Scientific Action Cam ATC9K - Camcorder - Wearable - Flash card, 3.9 in

• 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, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.3, 2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD201 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 5.4 in, 3.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 17 reviews

The Bottom Line: With its redundantly named DXG-301V, digital camera newcomer DXG claims to have shattered price and functionality barriers by putting a 3.2-megapixel sensor inside a camcorder's body--all for $199! But the DXG-301V's video features are lacking, and its elongated shape makes it an awkward choice for point-and-shoot photography Read review

Specs: CCD, Built-in flash, 0.4 lbs, 2.8 in, 4.7 in, 5.58 mm, Lens - F/2.8, 1.8 in, DXG DXG-301V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• 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, Sony Handycam DCR-TRV460 - Camcorder - Consumer - Digital8, 3.9 in, 5.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  2.5 stars Average

  Overall score: 5.4 (2.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 17 reviews

The Bottom Line: 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. Read review

Specs: CCD, 0.68 megapixels, Built-in, 12 oz, 2.7 in, 2.7 in, JVC Everio GZ-MG21US - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 32 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm - F/2.0-4.5, 4.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, 10.6 oz, 2.4 in, 4.4 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2.7 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SR87 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic PV-GS80 is a serviceable budget camcorder, but better choices are out there. Read review

Specs: CCD, 0.46 megapixels, None, 15.9 oz, 5.4 in, Panasonic PV-GS80 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 3.1 in, 32 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm - F/1.8-3.7, 2.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 4 reviews

Specs: Advanced HAD CCD, None, 13.8 oz, 2.5 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, Sony Handycam DCR-HC62 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 4.5 in, 3.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 24 reviews

The Bottom Line: Unless you're so wedded to the Sony brand and the idea of DVD recording that you're willing to pay a premium--but not enough to jump to the DVD201--avoid this model. Read review

Specs: CCD, None, 1.1 lbs, 5.4 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 23 mm - F/1.7-2.3, Sony Handycam DCR-DVD101 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD, 3.5 in, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 8 reviews

Specs: CCD, 12.7 oz, 4.8 in, 34 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 78.2 mm - F/1.6, 3.4 in, 2.1 in, Samsung SC-DC173 - Camcorder - Consumer - DVD

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 18 reviews

The Bottom Line: Canon's new MiniDV top model, the ZR850, continues the ZR tradition of offering affordable, easy-to-use wide-screen movie-making, though low-light performance is still subpar. Read review

Specs: CCD, 1.07 megapixels, None, 13.4 oz, 2.2 in, 35 x x Zoom lens - 2.6 mm - 91 mm - F/2.0-5.0, Canon ZR850 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV, 4.7 in, 3.6 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: CCD, 7.5 oz, Panasonic SDR-T70 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.5 in, 70 x x Zoom lens - 1.48 mm - 104 mm - F/1.9-5.7, 2.2 in, 4.2 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: CMOS, None, 3.1 in, 1.6 in, Aiptek Pocket DV 5100M - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 3.3 in, Lens - F/3.0

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: Though the short battery life and mediocre image quality are frustrating, the JVC Everio GZ-MG30U's amazing recording capacity and tiny size still make it an enticing device. Read review

Specs: CCD, 6.8 megapixels, None, 0.7 lbs, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.2 mm - 50 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 4.3 in, 2.8 in, 2.6 in, JVC Everio GZ-MG30 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive