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Digital Camcorders: Ratings of Sources
Total of 27 Sources
1. CNET
Oct. 12, 2009
Best Budget Camcorders
by Lori Grunin
Our Assessment

CNET's camcorder tests are expert and thorough. Camcorders aren't usually tested head-to-head, but a ratings system makes it easy to see which models are the best. Though most of the cameras named in this review shoot high-definition footage, four current standard-definition camcorders make CNET's list of the best budget camcorders. JVC and Canon camcorders earn slightly higher ratings than Sony camcorders. These are the cheapest decent camcorders you can buy without stepping down to a bare-bones pocket model, according to CNET.

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2. CNET
April 30, 2009
YouTube Camcorders
by Lori Grunin
Our Assessment

CNET includes five standard-definition pocket camcorders on this list, all rating at least three stars (out of five). Two models from Pure Digital -- the Flip Mino and Flip Ultra -- earn slightly higher ratings, with 3.5 stars. Each camcorder gets both written and video reviews. CNET also tests the video capabilities of the new iPod nano and iPhone 3GS, but editors say a dedicated pocket camcorder still delivers better quality.

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3. ConsumerReports.org
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorder Ratings and Reliability
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment

ConsumerReports.org tests 33 full-featured, standard-definition camcorders (no pocket models). Experts rate each camcorder's picture quality in regular and low light, ease of use, image stabilizer and audio quality, culminating in an overall score. A chart ranks the camcorders from best to worst, and editors pick four that they especially recommend. The chart is clogged with discontinued models, but all of the top picks are current.

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4. InfoSyncWorld.com
As of Nov. 2009
Standard-Definition Camcorders
by Editors of InfoSyncWorld.com
Our Assessment InfoSyncWorld.com has tested a half-dozen standard-definition (SD) camcorders from Canon, Panasonic and Sony, evaluating each one's design, video quality and features. The Canon FS22 tops the ratings, beating a new SD model from Sony. The Pure Digital Flip Mino is the only current SD pocket camcorder reviewed here, and editors stop short of recommending it.
5. CamcorderInfo.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorder Ratings
by Editors of CamcorderInfo.com
Our Assessment

CamcorderInfo.com offers the most detailed, comprehensive camcorder reviews, but editors now concentrate mainly on high-definition (HD) models. Only one current standard-definition (SD) camcorder has been reviewed here: the JVC Everio GZ-MG670. Testers say it's been stripped of a lot of its features, but the video is strong. They compare it with last year's models from Sony and Panasonic. Experts here have tested several pocket camcorders, both SD and HD, but they actually prefer the video-capable Apple iPhone 3GS smartphone over all of them.

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6. PCMag.com
As of Nov. 2009
Reviews: Digital Camcorders
by Editors of PCMag.com
Our Assessment

PCMag.com has reviewed three current standard-definition camcorders: the Creative Vado, Pure Digital Flip Mino and RCA Small Wonder EZ205. Testers draw comparisons among the three models and with the Mino's stablemate, the Flip Ultra. The Creative Vado scores slightly better than the other two, but none of the models are highly recommended, thanks to choppy video quality and other drawbacks. PCMag.com says you'll get better performance from the video camera on the fifth-generation Apple iPod nano.

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7. PC Advisor
As of Nov. 2009
Product Reviews: Camcorders
by Editors of PC Advisor
Our Assessment

This British publication offers detailed, concise reviews of new standard-definition camcorders from Panasonic and Sony, as well as pocket models from Pure Digital and Creative. Testers don't usually compare the camcorders directly, but an objective overall rating (as well as sub-ratings for build quality, features and value) makes it easier to see where each stands relative to the competition. The Panasonic SDR-S26 earns a Best Buy rating. All of the pocket models get the same score (3.5 out of five), but testers say the Pure Digital Flip Mino has a slight edge over the others. Experts here test the Apple iPod nano and like it, but they say dedicated pocket camcorders (and the new iPhone) shoot better video.

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8. TrustedReviews.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Our Assessment

TrustedReviews.com is another British site that reviews a variety of tech products, including digital camcorders. The articles are critical, and some limited comparisons are made. Objective scores are given for features, image quality and value, as well as an overall score. Testers have reviewed several current standard-definition camcorders, but they don't highly recommend any of the full-featured ones. Among pocket cams, the Pure Digital Flip Ultra and Pure Digital Flip Mino score better than the Creative Vado.

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9. TechRadar.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorders
by Editors of TechRadar.com
Our Assessment

Although TechRadar.com is extensively a British site, many of the camcorders covered in its reviews are available in U.S. versions. The well done and appropriately critical reviews are only occasionally comparative, but a star rating system shows where the camcorders stand in the eyes of the editors. However, testers have reviewed only a few standard-definition camcorders recently. Among these, the Creative Vado rates highest.

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10. Pocket-lint.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorders Reviews
by Editors of Pocket-Lint.com
Our Assessment Reviews at this U.K. site are thorough and easy to read. Testers tend to tackle less expensive camcorders, the vast majority of which are popular in the U.S. Among current standard-definition camcorders, the Pure Digital Flip Ultra and Creative Vado both earn a rating of eight out of 10. The pricier Pure Digital Flip Mino lags behind, with a rating of seven out of 10.
11. Gizmodo.com
Sept. 11, 2009
iPod nano 5th Gen Review
by Dan Nosowitz
Our Assessment This test pits the Pure Digital Flip Mino pocket camcorder against the video camera on the new iPod nano. Reviewer Dan Nosowitz posts identical footage shot with each camcorder in regular light, low light and extreme close-up. The Flip camcorder is clearly better, Nosowitz concludes, but he predicts that the convenient, all-in-one nano will still take a bite out of Flip's market.
12. PC World
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorders
by Tim Moynihan
Our Assessment PC World posts a test of one dedicated standard-definition camcorder here: the Pure Digital Flip Mino. Reviewer Tim Moynihan discusses performance, usability and value.
13. PC World
Sept. 10, 2009
Head-to-Head: iPod nano Video vs. Pocket Camcorders
by Tim Moynihan
Our Assessment PC World's Tim Moynihan tests the new video-capable iPod nano against three other pocket video shooters: the iPhone 3GS, Pure Digital Flip Mino and the high-def Kodak Zi8. He says it's great that the nano now shoots video, but all of the other tested models offer better video quality.
14. Laptop Magazine
As of Nov. 2009
Digital Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Our Assessment Laptop Magazine's reviews are balanced and appropriately critical, but editors have reviewed only a few current standard-definition camcorders. The Pure Digital Flip Ultra and JVC GR-D850 earn Editors' Choice designations.
15. Gizmodo.com
June 5, 2008
The Ultimate Cheap Camcorder Battlemodo
by Benny Goldman
Our Assessment Reviewer Benny Goldman tests six pocket camcorders (mostly standard-definition models. He posts video clips shot with each camcorder, as well as a comparison chart and letter grades for each. Although this is an older review, the winner is a current model: the Pure Digital Flip Ultra.
16. DigitalTrends.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of DigitalTrends.com
Our Assessment Reviews at DigitalTrends.com are easy to read and provide plenty of details, but the site has reviewed only two standard-definition camcorders in recent months: the Pure Digital Flip Mino and the JVC Everio GZ-MG670. Although the stripped-down Mino is easy to use, DigitalTrends.com prefers JVC's more feature-rich model.
17. The Wall Street Journal
March 17, 2009
Upgrading to a Flip Video Camera. Is It Worth It?
by Marisa Taylor
Our Assessment This review at The Wall Street Journal compares the Pure Digital Flip Mino with a video-capture Canon digital camera. Although the Mino is fun and convenient, reviewer Marisa Taylor finds the Canon shoots better video. Taylor also posts a video review showing footage from both devices.
18. Wired
June 17, 2008
Pure Digital Flip Mino
by Steven Leckart
Our Assessment Wired tests the Pure Digital Flip Mino and Flip Ultra side by side, with video clips to show the very slim difference in video/audio quality. The sleeker Mino is more fun, reviewer Steven Leckart says, but not enough to make it worth the higher price.
19. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorders
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment

Amazon.com allows camcorder owners to share their experiences with prospective buyers. The top-selling models here get enough reviews to make visiting this site useful. Readers can sort the camcorders by user rating; the Pure Digital Flip Ultra and Sony Handycam DCR-DVD850 are the best-rated pocket-sized and full-featured standard-definition camcorders, respectively. Users also like the waterproof Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2. Of course, like most nonprofessional review sources, the quality and usefulness of the information is inconsistent.

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20. All Things Digital
Sept. 14, 2009
The 'Good Enough' Test: Flip vs. Apple iPod nano
by Peter Kafka
Our Assessment Peter Kafka at All Things Digital (an affiliate of The Wall Street Journal) doesn't test the iPod nano's video capabilities himself; instead, he relies on head-to-head test footage of the nano and the Pure Digital Flip Ultra shot by NewTeeVee. Kafka judges that the nano's footage is "good enough" to replace the Flip, especially since the nano plays music, movies and games as well.
21. Macworld
July 30, 2008
Review: Flip Mino
by Christopher Breen
Our Assessment

If you have a Mac, this is the best site to find out which camcorders will be most compatible with your computer -- as long as you're looking for a high-definition pocket camcorder. Macworld has tested only a few full-featured camcorders, and only one current standard-definition camcorder: the Pure Digital Flip Mino. Reviewer Christopher Breen rates it only 3.5 out of five for its lackluster video quality, but he says its convenience factor actually makes it a good buy.

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22. The New York Times
March 20, 2008
Camcorder Brings Zen to the Shoot
by David Pogue
Our Assessment New York Times technology columnist David Pogue gives an expert's insight into why the cheap, stripped-down Flip Ultra is such a "blast" to film with. Pogue's hands-on test reveals plenty of shortcomings with the Flip Ultra, but he also finds plenty to praise. Note: ConsumerSearch is part of The New York Times Company, but does not share an editorial affiliation with The New York Times.
23. The Wall Street Journal
June 4, 2008
Flip Video Mino Takes Aim at the Cool Set
by Katherine Boehret
Our Assessment The Wall Street Journal technology columnist Katherine Boehret tests the Flip Mino in several different settings, from a candlelit restaurant to a windy golf course. She draws comparisons between the Mino and previous Flip models, but not other brands. This review does a good job describing the pros and cons users will likely find with the Flip Mino and its included software.
24. The Washington Post
June 26, 2008
Do One Thing, and Do It Okay
by Rob Pegoraro
Our Assessment Reviewer Rob Pegoraro tests the Flip Mino at a pro baseball game (he posts his video alongside the review) and passes judgment on its image quality, usability and web friendliness. He does not compare the Mino directly with any other camcorders, but he does describe how it stacks up against video-capture cell phones in general.
25. Consumer Electronics Net.com
July 2, 2008
Pure Digital's Flip Video Mino
by John Virata
Our Assessment

Reviewer John Virata doesn't compare the Pure Digital Flip Mino against specific competitors, although he notes that its software is better than "its competition." Virata does, however, mention the differences between the Mino and the Flip Ultra. The review is illustrated with screenshots showing how the software helps the user share videos via email or online sites such as YouTube. Readers can also view a YouTube clip that was shot with the Mino.

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26. Walmart.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorder Reviews
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Our Assessment Walmart.com sells camcorders, and invites its buyers to rate them on the site. Most camcorders have collected a few reviews or none at all, but some have more than 100 reviews. The Pure Digital Flip Mino and Sony Handycam DCR-DVD650 both average almost a perfect five-star rating.
27. YouTube.com
As of Nov. 2009
Camcorder Reviews
by Contributors to YouTube
Our Assessment Hundreds of people have posted video reviews of their camcorders on YouTube. Although these users aren't usually experts, some of their reviews are quite helpful. If you want to see how a certain camcorder's footage will look online, this is a good place to start.

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