Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's quartet of entry-level HD camcorders--the HDC-HS60, TM60, TM55, and SD60--delivers a nice manual feature set and good performance, as well as solid video quality for their class. As long as you don't pay list price, the SD60 is a great value, and if possible, avoid paying the unnecessary price premium for the hard drive in the HS60. Read review

Specs: MOS, Built-in flash, 9 oz, 25 x x Zoom lens - 3.02 mm - 75.5 mm - F/1.8-3.3, 2 in, 2.6 in, 4.4 in, Panasonic HDC-SD60K - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's trio of prosumer camcorders, the hard-disk-based HDC-HS900 and flash-based TM900 and SD800, deliver generally excellent video quality and provide the full set of manual controls and features advanced users want. But you have to be willing to baby the white balance a bit. The TM900 is my top pick of the three for its EVF, but if you're on a tight budget the SD800 should suit just fine. Read review

Specs: 3MOS, Built-in flash, 13.9 oz, 2.6 in, Panasonic HDC-TM900 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3.45 mm - 41.4 mm - F/1.5-2.8, 5.7 in, 2.8 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, Built-in flash, 9.1 oz, Panasonic HX-WA03 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 3.8 in, 1.8 in, 5 x x Zoom lens - 6.8 mm - 34 mm - F/3.5-3.7, 5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 12 reviews

The Bottom Line: The flash-based Panasonic HDC-TM700 and its hard-disk sibling, the HDC-HS700, stand out for their low-light video quality and broad set of manual controls. However, while the TM700 is very attractively priced for its class, the HS700 is not, and not worth the price premium unless you absolutely need the hard disk. Read review

Specs: 3MOS, Built-in, 13.4 oz, 2.7 in, 2.6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3.45 mm - 41.4 mm - F/1.5-2.8, Panasonic HDC-TM700K - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic SDR-H80 has the zoom power of a telescope and a lot of storage in a compact body, but the video results are not nearly as thrilling. Read review

Specs: CCD, 10.6 oz, 4.2 in, 2.6 in, 2.1 in, Panasonic SDR-H80A - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 70 x x Zoom lens - 1.5 mm - 105 mm - F/1.9-5.7

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: The flash-based Panasonic HDC-TM700 and its hard-disk sibling, the HDC-HS700, stand out for their low-light video quality and broad set of manual controls. However, while the TM700 is very attractively priced for its class, the HS700 is not, and not worth the price premium unless you absolutely need the hard disk. Read review

Specs: MOS, Built-in, 15.9 oz, 2.7 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3.45 mm - 41.4 mm - F/1.5-2.8, 2.6 in, Panasonic HDC-HS700K - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 5.4 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

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, 9.3 oz, 2.5 in, Panasonic HDC-HS80 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.4 in, 37 x x Zoom lens - 2.38 mm - 81 mm - F/1.8-4, 4.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic SDR-H85 standard-definition camcorder is worth considering for its manual controls and powerful zoom lens in a very compact body--not video quality. Read review

Specs: CCD, 9.6 oz, 70 x x Zoom lens - 1.48 mm - 104 mm - F/1.9-5.7, 2.2 in, 4.2 in, Panasonic SDR-H85A - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: 3MOS, Built-in flash, 15 oz, 5.9 in, 2.8 in, Panasonic HC-X900 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.84 mm - 34.1 mm - F/1.5-2.8, 2.6 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 32 reviews

Specs: CCD, 12 oz, Panasonic SDR-H40 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 42 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 75.6 mm - F/1.9-4.3, 2.8 in, 2.6 in, 4.6 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 12 reviews

The Bottom Line: Combining the simplicity of SD recording, a roomy 30GB hard drive, a long zoom, and pleasing image quality, the SDR-H18 is a good choice for a standard-definition, hard-drive camcorder. Read review

Specs: CCD, 15.2 oz, 2.8 in, 5 in, 2.9 in, 32 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm - F/1.8-3.7, Panasonic SDR-H18 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic SDR-H85 standard-definition camcorder is worth considering for its manual controls and powerful zoom lens in a very compact body--not video quality. Read review

Specs: CCD, 9.6 oz, 70 x x Zoom lens - 1.48 mm - 104 mm - F/1.9-5.7, 2.2 in, 2.5 in, 4.2 in, Panasonic SDR-H85S - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - 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: 3MOS, Built-in flash, 15 oz, 5.9 in, 2.6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 2.84 mm - 34.1 mm - F/1.5-2.8, Panasonic HC-X900M - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, - Internal flash memory, 2.8 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: A very good prosumer HD camcorder, the Panasonic HDC-HS250 is the best deal of its product line, but has the same annoying touch-screen interface. Read review

Specs: 3MOS, Built-in flash, 14.9 oz, 5 in, Panasonic HDC-HS250K - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.9 in, 2.7 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4 mm - 48 mm - F/1.8-2.8

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 8 reviews

The Bottom Line: A solid SD-based camcorder, the Panasonic HDC-SD1 nevertheless suffers from a few performance issues and an annoying design. Read review

Specs: 3CCD, 1.5 megapixels, Built-in flash, 15.2 oz, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4 mm - 48 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 2.6 in, 5.4 in, Panasonic HDC-SD1 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.9 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: MOS, Built-in flash, 13.2 oz, 2.6 in, 2.7 in, Panasonic HDC-SDT750 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5.4 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 3.45 mm - 41.4 mm - F/1.5-2.8

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic SDR-H85 standard-definition camcorder is worth considering for its manual controls and powerful zoom lens in a very compact body--not video quality. Read review

Specs: CCD, 9.6 oz, 2.2 in, 2.5 in, Panasonic SDR-H85 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 4.2 in, 70 x x Zoom lens - 1.48 mm - 104 mm - F/1.9-5.7

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's quartet of entry-level HD camcorders--the HDC-HS60, TM60, TM55, and SD60--delivers a nice manual feature set and good performance, as well as solid video quality for their class. As long as you don't pay list price, the SD60 is a great value, and if possible, avoid paying the unnecessary price premium for the hard drive in the HS60. Read review

Specs: CMOS, Built-in flash, 9.1 oz, 25 x x Zoom lens - 3.02 mm - 75.5 mm - F/1.8-3.3, 2 in, 4.4 in, 2.6 in, Panasonic HDC-TM55 - 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: 3CCD, Built-in flash, 13.8 oz, 2.9 in, 3 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 30 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 5 in, Panasonic HDC-HS9 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: A very good prosumer HD camcorder, the Panasonic HDC-TM300 nevertheless has an annoying touch-screen interface. Read review

Specs: CMOS, Built-in flash, 13.6 oz, 5.6 in, 12 x x Zoom lens - 4 mm - 48 mm - F/1.8-2.8, Panasonic HDC-TM300 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.8 in, 2.8 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 7 reviews

Specs: 3CCD, 0.54 megapixels, None, 15.9 oz, 10 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 30 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 2.9 in, 4.8 in, Panasonic SDR-H200 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, 2.8 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's quartet of entry-level HD camcorders--the HDC-HS60, TM60, TM55, and SD60--delivers a nice manual feature set and good performance, as well as solid video quality for their class. As long as you don't pay list price, the SD60 is a great value, and if possible, avoid paying the unnecessary price premium for the hard drive in the HS60. Read review

Specs: MOS, Built-in flash, 11.5 oz, Panasonic HDC-HS60K - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.2 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 3.02 mm - 75.5 mm - F/1.8-3.3, 2.6 in, 4.4 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, Built-in flash, 8.4 oz, Panasonic HX-WA2 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 3.7 in, 5 x x Zoom lens - 6.8 mm - 34 mm - F/3.5-3.7, 1.7 in, 5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.4 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 16 reviews

The Bottom Line: With its extreme zoom range and low price, the Panasonic PV-GS35 is an excellent choice when you can't get close to your subject. Read review

Specs: CCD, 0.9 lbs, 30 x x Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-3.9, 4.5 in, 3.2 in, 2.5 in, Panasonic Palmcorder Multicam PV-GS35 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV

• 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, 3.1 in, 32 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm - F/1.8-3.7, 2.9 in, 5.4 in, Panasonic PV-GS80 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV