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, 2.1 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.5 in, 2.2 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4

• 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, 2 in, 25 x x, Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2.2 in, Camcorder - Memory stick Pro Duo, Sony Handycam HDR-CX190 - Consumer, 4.5 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, 26 x x, Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 5.7 mm - F/1.9-4.0, 2.2 in, 4.6 in, 2.1 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-CX220 - 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!

The Bottom Line: The low-end HF R series announced at CES survives the annual purge for the slowly dying category. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 8.3 oz, 2.2 in, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF R400 - Consumer - Flash card, 4.6 in, 32 x x, Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm - F/1.8-4.5, 2.1 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: The low-end HF R series announced at CES survives the annual purge for the slowly dying category. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 8.3 oz, 52 x x, Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm - F/1.8-4.5, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF R42 - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 4.6 in, 2.1 in

• 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: As entry-level camcorders go, JVC's Everio GZ-EX250 is an OK option, especially if Wi-Fi functionality and a 40x zoom lens are at the top of your want list. Read review

Specs: BSI-CMOS, 8.3 oz, 4.7 in, JVC Everio GZ-EX250 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in, 2.2 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8

• 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, 2.1 in, 2.2 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, Sony Handycam HDR-CX260V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.8 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, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ230 - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 4.6 in, 26 x x, Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 57 mm - F/1.9-4.0, 2.3 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, Sony Handycam DCR-SX45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 4.9 in

• 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, Panasonic HDC-SD60K - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 25 x x Zoom lens - 3.02 mm - 75.5 mm - F/1.8-3.3, 4.4 in, 2.6 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-CMOS, 7.1 oz, 2.2 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8-6.3, JVC Everio GZ-EX310 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in, 4.6 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: The low-end HF R series announced at CES survives the annual purge for the slowly dying category. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 8.3 oz, 2.1 in, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF R40 - Consumer - Flash card, - Internal flash memory, 2.2 in, 32 x x, Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm

• 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, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX210 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in, 4.5 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, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam DCR-SX85 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in, 4.9 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, 2.3 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, 2.2 in, 4.6 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, 8.8 oz, Canon VIXIA HF R300 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 2.1 in, 4.5 in, 32 x x Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm - F/1.8-4.5

• 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, 2.3 in, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 5 in, 2.6 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: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

Specs: BSI MOS, 7.5 oz, 63 x x Zoom lens - 1.5 mm - 94.5 mm - F/1.9-5.7, Panasonic HC-V10 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.6 in, 4.3 in, 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, 4.5 in, 2.2 in, 2 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, Sony Handycam HDR-CX200 - 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 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, Sony Handycam DCR-SR68 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive, - Flash card, 2.2 in, 4.2 in, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, 2.6 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: 6.8 (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, 4.5 in, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, Sony Handycam HDR-CX160 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2.2 in, 2.1 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: CMOS, 9.5 oz, Samsung HMX-F90 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.7 in, 2.2 in, 2.1 in, 52 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 109.2 mm - F/1.8

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