Digital Camcorder Review

Standard-definition camcorder reviews

As high-definition (HD) camcorders steadily replace standard-definition (SD) camcorders, fewer expert sources bother to review SD models. CamcorderInfo.com has traditionally been the best source for exhaustive camcorder testing, but it has all but abandoned SD camcorders this year.

We found the best reviews at CNET, which tests all of the major pocket camcorders -- a big chunk of the SD market these days -- along with the latest full-featured SD camcorders from major manufacturers. ConsumerReports.org tests only full-featured SD camcorders (no pocket models), but it tests a lot of them. InfoSyncWorld.com tests fewer models, but it tests them very thoroughly. We found that British review sites -- including TechRadar.com, PC Advisor, TrustedReviews.com and Pocket-Lint.com -- have not ignored SD camcorders to the extent that U.S. reviewers have. HD camcorders are covered in our companion report on high-definition camcorders.

Many SD models are "gimmick" camcorders, such as pocket-sized, YouTube-friendly shooters or underwater camcorders. Manufacturers are still making a few mainstream SD camcorders, and people are still buying them for one major reason: They are still cheaper than HD.

But the price of HD plummeted in 2009 when the first HD-capable pocket camcorders hit the market. The top-rated SD camcorder, the JVC Everio GZ-MG670 (*Est. $390), costs as much as some HD camcorders with similar features. The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD (*Est. $160 to $230) starts at just $30 more than the standard-definition version.

Meanwhile, pocket SD camcorders have two new rivals from Apple -- the Apple iPhone 3GS (*Est. $200 to $300) and fifth-generation Apple iPod nano (*Est. $140) -- both of which do a lot more than shoot video. Some pundits predict that Apple will kill the Flip; see our Best Mini Camcorders section for more.