Camcorders

Flip MinoHD

MSRP $229.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

records in 720p high definition
rechargeable battery
lightweight

Cons

internal battery (not user replaceable)
no image stabilization - jerky hand motions are painfully reproduced
records only one hour of video

ProSCORE
5 reviews

62

Canon Vixia HF10

MSRP $99.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

Great video quality
Compact design
Internal memory is good size

Cons

No charging cradle
Awkward joystick placement on left of flip-out LCD screen
Video on internal memory is a pain to download, must be connected to AC or it does not let you download video over the USB??? SDHC cards are easier to deal with, and cost very little. The HF100 is the identical camera less the internal memory, save your money and the headaches, get the HF100 and a couple SDHC cards and good SDHC card reader for a few hundred dollars less.

ProSCORE
6 reviews

68

Toshiba Camileo H30

MSRP $310.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

affordable price
3" touchscreen display
records in 1080p full high definition

Cons

glossy enclosure - fingerprint magnet
slightly short battery time
no internal storage

ProSCORE
3 reviews

82

Samsung HMX-U10

MSRP $200.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

compact and lightweight
Full HD (i.e. 1080p)
records images and video to affordable, easy to find and capacious SDHC cards

Cons

no flash
no image stabilization - minute movements are observed, makes footage appear amateur and disorienting
no optical zoom

ProSCORE
5 reviews

56

Flip Ultra HD

MSRP $199.99 Released April, 2009

Pros

records in 720p high definition
rated for 2.5 hours of recording time
HDMI output

Cons

no optical zoom
poor in low light conditions
no image stabilization - you have to keep your arms quite steady

ProSCORE
5 reviews

76

Sony Handycam DCR-SX40

MSRP $300.00 Released February, 2009

Pros

affordable price
compact
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 60x optical zoom

Cons

low resolution screen (123k pixels)
records in standard definition only
utilizes higher cost Sony memory sticks

ProSCORE
3 reviews

57

Aiptek Action HD

MSRP $199.99 Released April, 2008

Pros

Excellent High Definition Video quality
afforadable price
60 FPS

Cons

auto focus system is poor
bundle pkg excluded, increase pricing.
microphone is way too sensitive

ProSCORE
4 reviews

65

Samsung HMX-H100

MSRP $579.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

includes remote control
uses cheap, easy to find and capacious SD/SDHC memory cards
compact and lightweight

Cons

no internal storage
poor low light performance
Records in 1080i (interlaced)

ProSCORE
3 reviews

79

Canon VIXIA HF S10

MSRP $1,299.99 Released February, 2009

Pros

records in full 1080p
32gb of built in storage (2 hours, 30 minutes at full quality)
solid state memory uses less power and is less prone to physical damage than spinning disk drive

Cons

no eye-level viewfinder
lens cover rattles when closed
Uses mini HDMI cable which is not included

ProSCORE
4 reviews

74

Sony Handycam DCR-SR47

MSRP $400.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

affordable price
60x optical zoom
hard disk drop protection

Cons

uses Memory Stick PRO Duo flash memory
poor photo quality - limited by standard definition sensor
poor battery life - around 1 hour and 30 minutes

ProSCORE
2 reviews

71

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1010

MSRP $799.99 Released July, 2008

Pros

HDMI output
Improved bitrate to 14 mbps; up from 12 mbps in the HD-1000
Face detection feature

Cons

poor image stabilization
Because of its light weight, video gets shaky when zoomed to 10x.
expensive for the average consumer

ProSCORE
7 reviews

77

Toshiba Camileo S20

MSRP $195.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

records in full 1080p high definition
HDMI output for easy playback
records to affordable, easy to find and capacious SDHC storage

Cons

no optical zoom
no internal storage
no image stabilisation

ProSCORE
2 reviews

72

Sanyo VPC-HD2000

MSRP $599.95 Released February, 2009

Pros

10x optical zoom (16x for video)
full 1080p video recording at 60fps
8MP still shots

Cons

no internal storage
expensive
better image quality can be had for the price

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Samsung HMX-H106

MSRP $899.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

integrated 64GB of SSD storage
up to 12 hours of HD video on internal storage (6 on a 32GB SDHC card)
HDMI output

Cons

expensive for the majority of consumers
does not include HDMI cable
Not 1080p .. 1080i

ProSCORE
3 reviews

62

Flip Video Ultra

MSRP $149.00 Released September, 2007

Pros

No software to install - built-in software is loaded in memory on the camera itself
Easy to transfer videos to your PC and share on YouTube and email
Built-in USB arm, so you don't need other cables

Cons

No cap or cover to protect the lens when not in use.
No way to upgrade memory capacity
Video quality is decent but not great

ProSCORE
11 reviews

60

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA8

MSRP $440.00 Released May, 2008

Pros

Fully waterproof; shoot underwater
8 megapixel CMOS for shooting stills
Very small

Cons

Only shoots at 640 x 480
Can only shoot underwater up to 1.5 meters deep
Only 44 MB of built-in memory

ProSCORE
4 reviews

71

Samsung HMX-H104

MSRP $649.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

utilizes easy to find, affordable and capacious SDHC cards for expansion storage
16GB of built in flash storage
optical image stabilization

Cons

poor low light performance
Battery drains quickly if stored in the unit
1.8GB file size restriction (15 minutes in highest quality setting)

ProSCORE
4 reviews

73

Sanyo VPC-WH1

MSRP $649.95 Released March, 2009

Pros

shoots in 720p high definition
waterproof
30x optical zoom

Cons

poor 90-day limited warranty
limited internal storage (43MB)
-Stability control not very accurate.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

67

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000

MSRP $1,000.00 Released September, 2007

Pros

Compact and lightweight
Includes cradle with many output options including HDMI
Decent battery life and recording times

Cons

1080i only - no 1080p
Still image quality is not that sharp
Slow autofocus

ProSCORE
18 reviews

57

Samsung HMX-R10

MSRP $500.00 Released May, 2009

Pros

records video in full 1080p high definition
compact size
affordable price

Cons

no internal storage
limited optical zoom
no lens cap

ProSCORE
4 reviews

75

JVC Everio GZ-MG630

MSRP $429.95 Released January, 2009

Pros

60GB internal HDD storage
can record to inexpensive and readily available microSD or SDHC cards
35x optical zoom
compact

Cons

records standard definition footage only
HDD storage is more prone to physical damage and not as energy efficient as SDD storage

ProSCORE
3 reviews

86

Kodak Zi6

MSRP $179.99 Released September, 2008

Pros

Very well priced
Takes SDHC cards (cheap, and high capacity)
Uses AA batteries - can be replaced on-the-go, rechargeable

Cons

Very poor low light capabilities
No wind noise cancellation
No microphone input

ProSCORE
4 reviews

62

Canon Vixia HF100

MSRP $899.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

37 mm lens makes using other attachments a breeze
Best-in-class video
Hundreds of dollars less than next up models with nothing lost but on-board memory

Cons

poor battery - about one hour of recording time
expensive for the majority of consumers
mediocre low light performance

ProSCORE
3 reviews

67

Samsung SMX-C20

MSRP $199.99 Released February, 2010

Pros

10x optical zoom
affordable price
compact and lightweight
shoots still images at 2MP
records to easy to find, affordable and capacious SD/SDHC flash storage cards

Cons

standard definition only

ProSCORE
1 review

91

Red One

MSRP $17,500.00 Released August, 2007

Pros

Amazing HD video footage that matches (or betters) 35 mm film
Modular design with many accessories available
Small camera body - 9 lbs
Much less expensive that Super 35mm film cameras without the cost of film

Cons

Too expensive for hobbyists and amateurs

ProSCORE
3 reviews

73

Toshiba Camileo S10

MSRP $181.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

good price
easy to use
records video in full 1080p

Cons

so light in weight it is difficult to get a steady recording.
no optical zoom
could not playback full HD on my Sony bravia TV.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

73

Kodak Zx1

MSRP $149.95 Released April, 2009

Pros

slim and attractive enclosure
weather resistant
720p at 60fps

Cons

no included SD storage
all plastic enclosure
poor indoor performance (very grainy)

ProSCORE
2 reviews

76

Flip Video Mino

MSRP $179.99 Released June, 2008

Pros

Compact design
Very lightweight
Improved battery life

Cons

Doesn't record HD
Not much video quality improvement over standard digital camera videos
More expensive than the Ultra

ProSCORE
4 reviews

70

Aiptek AHD 300

MSRP $179.99 Released May, 2008

Pros

-very good shots of still pictures 8mp max.
-good hd 720 and 1080 recording.
low price.

Cons

- it doesnt have an external mic input. It has a poor integrated mic. not good for hifi audio recording.
-still picture has ghosting effect if flash is not enabled while taking pictures. if enabled, it's ok though.
no optical zoom, of course. Not recommended for long distance target, digital zoom is quite ok.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

42

Canon Vixia HG21

MSRP $1,299.99 Released October, 2008

Pros

Very handy

ProSCORE
1 review

100

JVC Everio GZ-HM200

MSRP $579.95 Released January, 2009

Pros

available in three colours
lightweight and compact
20x optical zoom

Cons

no internal storage
Digital Image Stabilizer not as good as Optical image stabilizer
records interlaced video: 1080i

ProSCORE
3 reviews

55

Canon VIXIA HF20

MSRP $818.99 Released February, 2009

Pros

32GB of built in flash memory storage
HDMI output for outputting recorded content directly onto an HDTV
includes wireless remote control

Cons

no optical viewfinder
high price for the majority of consumers
poor in low light

ProSCORE
1 review

64

Creative Vado VF0570

MSRP $99.00 Released May, 2008

Pros

Great value for the price
Lightweight
Easy to transfer to your computer

Cons

No extended memory option
No Mac software
No optical zoom

ProSCORE
7 reviews

61

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD700

MSRP $600.00 Released October, 2007

Pros

720p recording in MPEG-4 AVH/H.264 format
Good price for its features
Included cradle has many output options including HDMI
Improved compression means more recording on a single SD card

Cons

Lens is a very small diameter and is only X5. Same lens as used to be on HD2 would fare much better.
Could do with a faster lens.

ProSCORE
4 reviews

89

Panasonic SDR-SW20

MSRP $399.99 Released February, 2008

Pros

waterproof
shock resistant
compact
dustproof

Cons

video quality

ProSCORE
2 reviews

83

Panasonic SDR-H90

MSRP $499.95 Released April, 2009

Pros

80GB internal storage capacity
70x optical zoom
SD/SDHC slot for cheap additional storage

Cons

not worth the extra $50 for 20GB more storage
standard definition
disk drive storage uses more power, creates more heat and is more prone to physical damage than solid state flash-based storage

ProSCORE
2 reviews

69

Sony Handycam HDR-XR200V

MSRP $1,000.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

2.7" touchscreen
records in 5.1 surround sound
records in full 1080p
built in 120GB storage capacity

Cons

HDD storage uses more power and is more prone to damage than a solid state flash drive
somewhat expensive for the average consumer

ProSCORE
3 reviews

78

Creative Vado HD

MSRP $229.99 Released December, 2008

Pros

affordable price
full 720p high definition video
8GB of built in capacity
easy to use, upload or playback

Cons

no expansion slots for further memory
no optical zoom

ProSCORE
2 reviews

83

RCA Small Wonder EZ209HD

MSRP $120.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

can take 8MP still shots
720p video at 60fps
affordable price
attractive enclosure
undercuts the price of many of its competitors

Cons

uses MicroSD instead of SD/SDHC

ProSCORE
2 reviews

88

Panasonic HDC-SD9

MSRP $799.95 Released March, 2008

Pros

3CCD recording
Very small and lightweight
HDMI output
Capable of recording FullHD 1080p @ 24 fps
58 hours record time on 32 GB SDHC memory card

ProSCORE
3 reviews

100

Samsung HMX20

MSRP $999.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

8GB of internal memory
large number of outputs
external microphone hookup
extremely compact

Cons

only 1 hour 20 minutes of filming time
poor manual controls

ProSCORE
2 reviews

88

Sony Handycam HDR-HC9

MSRP $1,099.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

HDV is a standard format that all video software recognizes
Plenty of manual controls
Good selection of outputs including USB2.0, Firewire, Component, HDMI
Great video capture quality
Internal, automatic lens cover

Cons

Still limited to proprietary Sony accessories

ProSCORE
4 reviews

86

Aiptek GO-HD

MSRP $299.00 Released May, 2007

Pros

Inexpensive HD camcorder
Very compact
HD recording - 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps

Cons

No built-in memory
Doesn't include built-in memory or an SD card
fits palm poorly

ProSCORE
5 reviews

72

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2

MSRP $700.00 Released January, 2007

Pros

Records 720p HD content
Small, light design (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.4", 0.5 lb)
HDMI interface
Uses SD cards as its storage media (includes 4GB)
Great macro capability especially with image stabilization

Cons

Questionable image quality (soft, bland)

ProSCORE
3 reviews

89

Canon HV20

MSRP $1,000.00 Released January, 2007

Pros

Great image quality
Image stabilization works well
Less expensive than Sony

Cons

Less features than the HC7
Poor low light performance
No night-shot mode

ProSCORE
3 reviews

62

Sony Handycam DCR-SX41

MSRP $330.00 Released February, 2009

Pros

60x optical zoom, 2000x digital zoom
8GB of internal storage
available in silver, red, and blue

Cons

does not record in high definition
uses Memory Stick Duo for external storage (more expensive and less capacious than other types of flash cards)
LCD Screen doesnt work in sunlight

ProSCORE
2 reviews

67

Samsung SC-HMX10

MSRP $799.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

Swivel grip allows the camera to tilt beyond the horizontal position
Excellent value budget HD camcorder
Touch screen LCD

Cons

Manual controls are basic at best and controlled via the LCD touch screen which can be finicky
Minimalist still photo capabilities
Fairly compressed H.264/MPEG-4 format; not as good as AVCHD

ProSCORE
2 reviews

81

Panasonic AG-DVX100B DV

MSRP $3,254.50 Released --

Pros

25fps progressive scan mode, means no interlacing which creates more of a "film" look to footage

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Aiptek A-HD 720p

MSRP $129.00 Released August, 2007

Pros

Hundreds of dollars less than competition
Strong flash
Video capture is actually pretty decent

Cons

No optical zoom
Annoying placement of record button
Records at 30 fps

ProSCORE
4 reviews

62

Canon VIXIA HF200

MSRP -- Released February, 2009

Pros

nice 1080p AVCHD video image quality
good 15x zoom lens

Cons

windows editing software sluggish

ProSCORE
1 review

67

Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1

MSRP $399.99 Released February, 2010

Pros

compatible with the latest SDXC storage standard
records to affordable, easy to find, and capacious SDHC and SDXC flash cards
records in full 1080p
takes 10MP still photos
compact size
mini-HDMI output

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Samsung HMX-M20SN

MSRP -- Releases September, 2010

The Samsung HMX-M20SN is a high definition camcorder set for release sometime in 2010. The camcorder will be able to record at full high definition resolutions for very high quality recordings as well as 12 megapixel still photographs. Additionally, the device can transfer video recordings directly to a display device that is compatible with...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

RCA Small Wonder EZ2000

MSRP $129.99 Releases March, 2010

The RCA Small Wonder EZ2000 is a new addition the company's series and is a stylish and compact choice for those looking for a standard camcorder. Considered to be a "point and shoot model", the camcorder has a 2-inch LCD display and can record HD video in 720p and HQ and WebQ. Along with...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Aiptek 12MP Digital Camcorder Camera

MSRP $133.00 Released January, 2009

This Camcorder Camera review and playback video clips and pictures in real time. It allows to take snapshots in darker environments. It works like a Removable Hard Disk and SDMMC Card Reader. 4x real time digital zoom allows to Zoom In-Out while recording video.

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

RCA Small Wonder EZ3000

MSRP $149.99 Releases March, 2010

The RCA Small Wonder EZ3000 is a new addition the company's series and is a stylish and compact choice for those looking for a standard camcorder. Considered to be a "point and shoot model", the camcorder has a 2-inch LCD display and can record HD video in 1080p and HQ and WebQ. Along with...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Sony Handycam DCR-SX60

MSRP $400.00 Released February, 2009

Pros

16GB of internal flash storage
2.7" touchscreen LCD
60x optical zoom, 2000x digital zoom

Cons

utilizes proprietary Sony memory sticks for external storage - more expensive, less widely available and less capacious than other types
shoots video in standard definition only

ProSCORE
1 review

60

RCA Small Wonder EZ5000

MSRP $169.99 Releases March, 2010

The RCA Small Wonder EZ5000 is a new addition the company's series and is a stylish and powerful choice for those looking for a standard yet useful camcorder. Along with a 2.4-inch LCD flip-out display, it can record HD video in 720p, has 5X optical zoom and an 8 megapixel still-photo function. The camcorder...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Canon VIXIA HF S100

MSRP $1,099.99 Released February, 2009

The Canon VIXIA HFS100 is an HD, flash memory camcorder offered by Canon as a part of there Vixia line of camcorders. It delivers brilliant videos and photos thanks to a Canon exclusive 8.59 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and the latest version of Canon's advanced image processor, DIGIC DV III. It is compact and lightweight in...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Samsung SMX-K40

MSRP $329.99 Released July, 2009

Pros

records to easy to find, capacious and affordable SD/SDHC flash memory
affordable price
52x optical zoom
records footage in 720 x 480px - higher than standard definition
includes optical image stabilization

Cons

does not record in high definition

ProSCORE
1 review

90

Sony Handycam HDR-CX520V

MSRP $1,300.00 Released August, 2009

Pros

shoots in high quality high definition
64GB of internal SSD storage - lighter, less power hungry and less prone to physical damage than physical drives
takes 12MP still images

Cons

not full 1080p, interlaced video - known to cause interlacing artifacts
expensive for the majority of consumers
uses less capacious, more expensive and more difficult to find external memory (proprietary Sony memory stick)

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Kodak Playsport

MSRP $149.95 Releases April, 2010

Pros

records in full 1080p high definition at 30fps
takes 5MP pictures
ruggedized design - waterproof to 3 meters
HDMI output (includes cable)
SD/SDHC card slot for use of easy to find, affordable and capacious flash storage

Cons

no external microphone jack (as found on the Zi8)

ProSCORE
1 review

91

Flip Video

MSRP $119.00 Released May, 2007

Pros

Cheap video camera (512 MB: $119, 1GB: $149)
Small, lightweight (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3", 4.8 oz.)
Very simple to use. Minimalist design
Seemlessly and simply upload videos to YouTube

Cons

Poor video quality (mobile phone < Flip Video < MiniDv)
USB may be awkward to connect to your computer

ProSCORE
2 reviews

67

Canon HV30

MSRP $1,000.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

30p mode is a very welcome addition
Same great recording performance as HV20
Much improved hot shoe cover that doesn't fall off

Cons

No focus ring
Worse than Sony for ease of use
Auto-Focus snaps to focus instantly

ProSCORE
2 reviews

60

Canon Pro XL2 Mini DV

MSRP $3,362.50 Released --

Pros

Lens options (including full manual)

Cons

Expensive peripherals

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1

MSRP $170.00 Released April, 2009

Pros

5 megapixel still shots
records in full HD at 30fps (greater than 720p)
100 minutes of operation on battery

Cons

no optical zoom
no built in memory
uses memory sticks which cost a fair bit more than regular SD/SDHC cards

ProSCORE
1 review

62

Optoma PK301

MSRP $399.00 Releases March, 2010

Pros

HDMI input
compact and lightweight - ideal for use on the go
affordable price point for such a fully featured mobile projector
standard VGA and component input

Cons

resolution is still somewhat restrictive - poor for use with a PC, far from HD capable
unimpressive battery life

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Vado HD 3rd-Gen

MSRP $179.99 Released December, 2009

Pros

records video and still images in 720p high definition resolution
attractive quality aesthetic
available in 5 colours

Cons

no optical zoom
relatively unchanged from the previous generation offering
half the internal capacity of the previous generation product (4GB down from 8GB)

ProSCORE
1 review

64

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG65

MSRP $400.00 Released January, 2006

Pros

H.264 encoding enabled smoother video at higher compression rates
MUCH improved low light sensitivity via superpixel sampling
Very long battery life

Cons

Digital image stabiliser robs camera of wide angle
Autofocus hunts in low-light conditions
Lens shows plenty of distortion

ProSCORE
1 review

73

JVC Everio GZ-HD620

MSRP $1,240.00 Released December, 2009

Pros

records in full 1080p high definition
can record to the onboard hard disk or an external microSDHC card
30x optical zoom lens
built in 120GB hard disk for storing footage - can store up to 11 hours at the highest quality, 50 at the lowest

Cons

high price
hard disk storage - heavier, uses more energy and is prone to physical damage compared to solid state flash

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Canon ZR950

MSRP $279.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

affordable
37x optical zoom
can record still shots to SDHC cards

Cons

records to MiniDV tapes
does not record in high definition
poor video quality compared to similarly priced competitors

ProSCORE
1 review

64

Panasonic AG-DVC62 Mini DV

MSRP $1,900.00 Released --

The AG-DVC62 is a mobile, shouldertype DV camera-recorder in a rugged yet lightweight carbon fiber alloy body with a Midnight Black matte finish. Designed for professional use, this highperformance workhorse stands at the top of its class in image quality, sensitivity, framing flexibility and functions. The oversized shoulder pad combines with a hand grip...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

VholdR ContourHD

MSRP $329.99 Released September, 2009

Pros

easy to operate - simply slide the slider forwards or backwards to record / stop
records to easy to find, affordable and capacious SDHC cards
good battery life of up to 3 hours

Cons

no still photo option
few options - SD or HD video recording only
too fragile

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Canon PowerShot TX1

MSRP $500.00 Released April, 2007

Pros

Records 720p HD content
Small, lightweight design (3.5 x 2.4 x 1.1 in, 0.58 lbs)
Takes 7.1 megapixel still photos

Cons

Awkward design; tough to hold
Noisy at high ISO levels
Mediocre image quality

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Sony Handycam DCR-SR67

MSRP $450.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

80gb of internal disk storage (up to 56 hours of footage)
60x optical zoom
HDD smart protection locks drive heads in place in the event the camera is dropped

Cons

standard definition
disk drive storage uses more power, creates more heat and is more prone to physical damage than solid state flash-based storage
Memory Stick PRO Duo costs more and is available in limited capacities compared to the far more popular SDHC option

ProSCORE
1 review

73

JVC Everio GZ-HD6

MSRP $1,399.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

Decent video quality
Good manual control options
Great image stabilization
3CCD sensor

Cons

Not using newest video format
Heavy

ProSCORE
2 reviews

57

Kodak Zi8

MSRP $179.99 Released September, 2009

Pros

records in full 1080p high definition at 30fps or 720p at 60fps (for smooth slow motion playback)
snaps 5MP still images
great image quality

Cons

glossy finish - fingerprint magnet
doesn't come with many extras - doesn't come packaged with a memory card, protective carrying case
basic handheld camcorder - lacks optical image stabilization, any type of zoom lens

ProSCORE
1 review

69