Shop for digital camcorders

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 4 reviews

The Bottom Line: They're cheap and capture video, but don't buy the Sony Handycam HDR-CX190, CX200 or CX210 thinking that you're getting a great bargain on a real HD camcorder. If you're going to buy one, get the cheapest; nothing on any of these is really worth the extra bucks. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 1.31 megapixels, 5.9 oz, 4.5 in, Camcorder - Memory stick Pro Duo, Sony Handycam HDR-CX190 - Consumer, 25 x x, Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2 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!

The Bottom Line: Despite a perceived lull in the camcorder market, Sony announces 10 models at CES. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 6.3 oz, 4.6 in, 26 x x, Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 5.7 mm - F/1.9-4.0, 2.2 in, 2.1 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-CX220 - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Samsung HMX-W300 rugged minicamcorder is a good traveling companion for capturing Web-friendly movie clips and photos of your next hike or beach trip. Read review

Specs: BSI-CMOS, 4.8 oz, Lens - 4.3 mm - F/2.2, 2.4 in, Samsung HMX-W300 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 4.4 in, 0.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 7.2 oz, 4.8 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX260V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 2.1 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 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, 7.4 oz, 2.2 in, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ230 - Consumer - Flash card, 26 x x, Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 57 mm - F/1.9-4.0, 2.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

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

The Bottom Line: The Sony Bloggie Live HD lets you wirelessly live stream all your life events with the ease of a shoot-and-share camcorder. But, not without a few caveats. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 12.8 megapixels, 4.8 oz, 4.4 in, Lens - 5.3 mm - F/2.8, 2.2 in, Sony Bloggie Live HD MHS-TS55 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory, 0.6 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: BSI-CMOS, 7.1 oz, JVC Everio GZ-EX310 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 2 in, 4.6 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8-6.3

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 1.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: The four sibling models--the JVC Everio GZ-HM300, HM320, HM340, and HD500--deliver subpar video for even their dirt-cheap prices. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 1.37 megapixels, None, 7.6 oz, 2.4 in, 4.5 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5, JVC Everio GZ-HM300 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: They're cheap and capture video, but don't buy the Sony Handycam HDR-CX190, CX200 or CX210 thinking that you're getting a great bargain on a real HD camcorder. If you're going to buy one, get the cheapest; nothing on any of these is really worth the extra bucks. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 6.2 oz, 2.2 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX210 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.5 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 23 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a simple shoot-and-share minicamcorder, the Bloggie Touch is a good option--that is, as long as you understand its limitations. Read review

Specs: Exmor CMOS, 12.8 megapixels, 4.4 oz, Lens - 5.3 mm - F/2.8, 4.2 in, 0.6 in, Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory, 2 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: Despite a perceived lull in the camcorder market, Sony announces 10 models at CES. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 7.4 oz, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ380 - Consumer - Internal flash memory, 30 x x, Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-4.0 G, 2.3 in, 2.2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: The ContourRoam finally matches the rugged construction and ultrawide field of view of the competition, while still excelling as a sports camera with its ease of use and low price. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 0.3 lbs, 1.3 in, 2.2 in, - microSD card, 3.9 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.4 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: For good-enough video for Web sharing and a 20x zoom lens, the Samsung HMX-QF20 gets the job done. Read review

Specs: BSI-CMOS, 6.3 oz, 1.7 in, 2.1 in, Samsung HMX-QF20 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 20 x x Zoom lens - 2.6 mm - 52 mm - F/1.8-3.9, 4.7 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 4 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, 4.4 in, 0.7 in, 2.3 in, Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, Lens - 5.5 mm - F/2.8

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: BSI MOS, 7.5 oz, Panasonic HC-V10 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.3 in, 2.6 in, 63 x x Zoom lens - 1.5 mm - 94.5 mm - F/1.9-5.7, 2.2 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: They're cheap and capture video, but don't buy the Sony Handycam HDR-CX190, CX200 or CX210 thinking that you're getting a great bargain on a real HD camcorder. If you're going to buy one, get the cheapest; nothing on any of these is really worth the extra bucks. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 6.2 oz, Sony Handycam HDR-CX200 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 4.5 in, 2.2 in, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.6 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The Samsung HMX-W300 rugged minicamcorder is a good traveling companion for capturing Web-friendly movie clips and photos of your next hike or beach trip. Read review

Specs: BSI-CMOS, 4.8 oz, Samsung HMX-W300 - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card, 4.4 in, 2.4 in, 0.7 in, Lens - 4.3 mm - F/2.2

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: The standard Ion Air Pro is a rugged sports camcorder that is easy to use with many thoughtful features, but the addition of Wi-Fi and app connectivity makes it a truly standout camera. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 5 megapixels, 0.3 lbs, 4.2 in, Fixed focus - f/2.8, 1.5 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: They're cheap and capture video, but don't buy the Sony Handycam HDR-CX190, CX200 or CX210 thinking that you're getting a great bargain on a real HD camcorder. If you're going to buy one, get the cheapest; nothing on any of these is really worth the extra bucks. Read review

Specs: Exmor R CMOS, 6.2 oz, 4.5 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX210 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 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: 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, zoom, 16.8 x x 2.9 mm - 48.7 mm - F/1.8-2.6, Panasonic HDC-SD40 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.3 in, 2 in, 2.3 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: BSI-CMOS, 7.6 oz, 2 in, JVC Everio GZ-E200 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 4.7 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8

• 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:
  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:
  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:
  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