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

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: While it's got a great shooter feature set and good video quality, the Canon Vixia HF G10 still feels a bit expensive for what it offers. Read review

Specs: HD CMOS Pro, 19.2 oz, 3.1 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 4.25 mm - 42.5 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 3 in, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF G10 - Consumer - Flash card, 5.9 in

• 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, 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, 2.2 in, 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, 2.2 in, 2.1 in, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-CX220 - Consumer - Flash card, 26 x x, Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 5.7 mm - F/1.9-4.0

• 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, 32 x x, Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm - F/1.8-4.5, 2.1 in, 2.2 in, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF R400 - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: A fine follow-up to last year's M3xx series, the Canon Vixia M4xx series should please most home-movie-oriented videographers despite its relatively high price. If you don't need the EVF, the M400 is your best buy, but if you'll be shooting a lot in sunlight, it's worth it to step up to the M41. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 12.3 oz, 5.2 in, 2.8 in, 2.9 in, 10 x x Zoom lens - 6.1 mm - 61 mm - F/1.8-3.0, Canon VIXIA HF M400 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 21 reviews

The Bottom Line: An extremely minor upgrade from the HV20, the Canon Vixia HV30 remains a quality HDV camcorder with a couple of performance issues. Read review

Specs: CMOS, Built-in flash, 1.2 lbs, Canon HV30 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV), 10 x x Zoom lens - 6.1 mm - 61 mm - F/1.8-3.0, 3.2 in, 5.4 in, 3.5 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: 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, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF R42 - Consumer - Flash card, 52 x x, Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm - F/1.8-4.5, 2.2 in, 4.6 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, 2.2 in, 2 in, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8, 4.7 in, JVC Everio GZ-EX250 - 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!

The Bottom Line: A larger sensor and longer lens are among the improvements Canon incorporates into its top-of-the-line consumer and compact pro models. Read review

Specs: CMOS, 27 oz, 20 x x, Zoom lens - 3.67 mm - 73.4 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 4.3 in, 3.3 in, 7.2 in, Camcorder, Canon XA20 - Professional - 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 Vixia HF G20 announced at CES incorporates a new sensor and lower price. Read review

Specs: HD CMOS Pro, 1.3 lbs, 6.3 in, 10 x x, Zoom lens - 4.25 mm - 42.5 mm - F/1.8-2.8, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF G20 - Consumer - Flash card, 3 in, 3.1 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, 60 x x Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 108 mm - F/1.8-6.0, Sony Handycam DCR-SX45 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 2 in, 4.9 in, 2.2 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, 2 in, 2.6 in, Panasonic HDC-SD60K - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.4 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 3.02 mm - 75.5 mm - F/1.8-3.3

• 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, 2.2 in, Sony Handycam HDR-CX260V - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4, 2.1 in, 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: A larger sensor and longer lens are among the improvements Canon incorporates into its top-of-the-line consumer and compact pro models. Read review

Specs: HD CMOS Pro, 27 oz, 4.3 in, 7.2 in, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF G30 - Consumer - Flash card, 20 x x, Zoom lens - 3.67 mm - 73.4 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 3.3 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, 26 x x, Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 57 mm - F/1.9-4.0, 2.2 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ230 - Consumer - Flash card, 2.3 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, 4.9 in, 2 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: HD CMOS Pro, None, 1.7 lbs, 6.3 in, Camcorder, Canon XA10 - Professional - Flash card, 3 in, Zoom lens, 10 x x 4.25 mm - 42.5 mm - F/1.8-2.8, 3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.9 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 19 reviews

The Bottom Line: Canon's XH A1 and XH G1 are excellent camcorders for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers, with hard-to-beat prices for what they offer. Read review

Specs: 3CCD, None, 4.7 lbs, 7.4 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 90 mm - F/1.6, 6.4 in, 13.8 in, Canon XH A1 - Camcorder - Consumer - Mini DV (HDV)

• 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, 32 x x, Zoom lens - 2.8 mm - 89.6 mm, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Canon VIXIA HF R40 - Consumer - Flash card, - Internal flash memory, 2.2 in

• 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, 2 in, 20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5, JVC Everio GZ-HM300 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.5 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, Sony Handycam HDR-CX210 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 4.5 in, 2 in, 25 x x Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 62.5 mm - F/1.8-3.2, 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, 7.4 oz, 30 x x, Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 57 mm - F/1.8-4.0 G, 4.6 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ380 - Consumer - Internal flash memory, 2.2 in, 2.3 in

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

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

Specs: BSI-CMOS, 7.1 oz, 40 x x Zoom lens - 2.9 mm - 116 mm - F/1.8-6.3, 4.6 in, 2 in, JVC Everio GZ-EX310 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card, 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, Camcorder flash light, 20.3 oz, 2.9 in, 3.3 in, 5.4 in, Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-PJ790V - Consumer - Flash card, 10 x x, Zoom lens - 3.8 mm - 38 mm - F/1.8-3.4