Panasonic SDR-SW21

On dry land, the Panasonic SDR-SW21 can't compete with the best standard-definition camcorders, such as the JVC Everio GZ-MG670 (*Est. $390). But the SDR-SW21 can do one thing most camcorders can't: It can film underwater, to a depth of 6.5 feet. Unlike the bulky waterproof housings you can buy for some camcorders -- which can leak, users say – the SDR-SW21 is streamlined, easy to handle and truly waterproof in tests. It is also dustproof and can survive a drop of up to 4 feet. Reviewers appreciate the electronic image stabilizer and 10x optical zoom -- both features you won't find on a cheap pocket camcorder such as the Pure Digital Flip Mino (*Est. $130). However, the SDR-SW21 is far more expensive, and testers say it doesn't handle dim light well.

Two British sources -- TrustedReviews.com and Which? magazine -- have both tested the Panasonic SDR-SW21 on dry land, but not underwater. Two expert U.S. sources, CamcorderInfo.com and CNET, fully test the previous Panasonic SDR-SW20 and CNET outlines the SDR-SW21's upgrades. We found user reviews only for the older SDR-SW20 at Amazon.com.