Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 9 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, 8.8 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 4.5 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.1 in

• 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, 2 in, 2.2 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, Sony Handycam DCR-SX45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.0 stars out of 7 reviews

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-SX85 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2 in, 4.9 in, 2.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 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, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SX65 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2 in, 4.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's Handycam DCR-SR68 (and larger-capacity SR88) offers up ample storage and 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, 9.9 oz, 2.6 in, 4.2 in, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SR68 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: You're paying a couple hundred extra for the projector in the otherwise frills-free Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 over its identical twin, the CX160. But if you regularly show off your vacation videos in the homes of friends and family then it's worth it. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 10.9 oz, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.3 in, 2.6 in, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 6 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, 8.8 oz, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 4.5 in, 2.1 in, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX160 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Camcorder flash light, 12.2 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX580V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 3.5 in, 3.2 in, 6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4

• 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, 12.2 oz, 2.4 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ430V - Consumer - Flash card, 4.8 in, 2.6 in, 30 x x, Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-4.0 G

• 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, 2.6 in, 5 in, 2.4 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card

• 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, Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 3 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, Sony Handycam HDR-CX360V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.6 in, 5 in, 2.2 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4

• 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, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.6 in

• 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, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 3.5 in, 5.1 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, Camcorder flash light, 12.2 oz, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 34.8 mm - F/1.8-3.4 G, 3.2 in, 6 in, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ580V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 3.5 in

• 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, 4.5 in, 2.6 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-XR150 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card

• 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, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2.7 in, 4.4 in, 2.4 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SR47 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - 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, 4.9 in, 2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SX45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 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: 4.5 stars out of 4 reviews

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

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, Built-in flash, 13.9 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX700V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5.4 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.4 in, 2.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 11.3 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX430V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.3 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-4.0 G, 4.8 in, 2.6 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: You can tell where Sony cut corners on this compact, flash-based HD camcorder. While it's decent, there are better options for the money than the Sony Handycam HDR-CX100. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 9.9 oz, 2.2 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.2, Sony Handycam HDR-CX100 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.4 in, 4.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 12 reviews

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, Sony Handycam DCR-SX40 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.3 in, 4.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: While it's a perfectly serviceable HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 should deliver a little more of everything for the money. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 11.6 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 5.1 in, 2.7 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.2, 2.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 16 reviews

The Bottom Line: As the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR7, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin. Read review

Specs: ClearVid CMOS, Built-in flash, 15.9 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5.1 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.4 mm - 54 mm - F/1.8-2.9, 2.6 in, 2.7 in