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In this report

See Also

Digital Camcorders: Ratings of Sources
Total of 25 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. CamcorderInfo.com
As of Sept. 2008
Camcorder Ratings
by Editors of CamcorderInfo.com
4 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Reviews at CamcorderInfo.com are lengthy, detailed and comparative. The site has recently reviewed more than two dozen standard-definition camcorders, ranking them not only against each other, but also… against high-definition camcorders. Standard-def does not fare well in the rankings; no current SD camcorder finishes in the top 20. However, if you are in the market for an SD camcorder (including the popular Pure Digital Flip Mino), CamcorderInfo.com is a good place to get an expert opinion on current models.

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2. ConsumerReports.org
Updated July 2008
Camcorders
by Editors of Consumer Reports
4 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Although Consumer Reports last reviewed SD camcorders in November 2007, a mini-update in July 2008 replaced out-of-date models with current ones. The magazine rates two to six camcorders in each of several categories: miniDV, DVD, hard disk and combo-memory models. Individual write-ups on each camcorder are brief, and you must be a subscriber to read the report.
3. Laptop Magazine
As of Sept. 2008
Digital Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Laptop magazine reviews several of the latest SD camcorders on the market. Reviews are balanced and appropriately critical, but they do not compare camcorders head-to-head. However, each camcorder gets a star rating, making it easy to compare models, and the best are clearly marked "Editor's Choice."
4. CNet.com
As of Sept. 2008
Best Budget Camcorders
by Editors of CNet.com
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

CNet's one-page reviews are easy to read and do a nice job covering each camcorder's strengths and weaknesses. Though the site reviews many new HD camcorders as they hit the market, this listing is… dominated by older models. One exception is the Canon FS11, which gets only a middling review thanks to video quality that's in line with the camcorder's budget price. Elsewhere on the site, the Pure Digital Flip Mino actually scores a notch better in terms of video quality, and is called "the best mini camcorder for straight-to-Web video currently available."

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5. Choice.com.au
June 2008
Camcorders: HD & SD video cameras
by Editors of Choice.com.au
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Choice is an Australian site similar to Consumer Reports. It provides expert reviews for a wide variety of products, rejecting all advertising to remain unbiased. Choice tests 14 SD camcorders, scoring each… on its picture and sound quality, battery life and more. Each model gets an overall score, and the camcorders are ranked accordingly. One of Choice's top two SD picks, the Sony DCR-SR220, is currently available in a U.S. version.

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6. TechRadar.com
As of Sept. 2008
Camcorders
by Editors of Techradar.com
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

This extensive British site conducts its own expert reviews of consumer tech products. The single-product camcorder reviews are well done and appropriately critical. Many of the camcorders covered are also… available in U.S. versions. Reviews are only occasionally comparative, but a star rating system shows where the camcorders stand in the eyes of the editors. Of recently reviewed camcorders, the JVC GZ-MG330 and Creative Vado rate highest.

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7. Videomaker.com
As of Sept. 2008
Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of Videomaker.com
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Videomaker's camcorder coverage is aimed at the professional and serious hobbyist. While the magazine tests several HD camcorders, it has reviewed only two current SD camcorders. The reviews are critical and well done, but cameras are not compared to each other nor is an objective rating system used. Testers like the waterproof Sanyo Xacti E-1, but the JVC Everio MG330 doesn't fare so well.
8. PCMag.com
As of Sept. 2008
Reviews: Digital Camcorders
by Editors of PC Magazine
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

PC Magazine has reviewed only two SD camcorders in recent months: the Creative Vado and the Pure Digital Flip Mino. Testers don't compare these two basic YouTube models head-to-head, although they do… compare prices. Testers instead compare the Creative Vado and the Flip Mino itself with the Mino's predecessor, the Flip Ultra. The Creative Vado scores slightly better, but none of the models are highly recommended, thanks to choppy video quality and other drawbacks.

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9. Macworld
As of Sept. 2008
Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of Macworld
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

If you have a Mac, this is the best site to find out which camcorders will be most compatible with your computer. Macworld mostly tests new high-definition camcorders, but editors have tackled a few SD… camcorders within the past year. The ratings are revealed only within each individual review, which makes it impossible to see how camcorders stack up against one another unless you read all of the reviews. However, the written reviews concisely evaluate the camcorders' performance and provide clear buying advice, making this a useful review source.

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10. PC World
As of Sept 2008
Camcorders
by Editors of PC World
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment PC World has reviewed only two SD camcorders lately: the Pure Digital Flip Mino and the Creative Vado. Reviewer Tim Moynihan does a good job comparing these two made-for-YouTube cameras' performance, usability and value, based on his hands-on testing.
11. ConsumerGuide.com
As of Sept. 2008
DV Camcorders Reviews and Prices
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Consumer Guide continues to improve as a destination for camcorder reviews. It is clear that hands-on testing is being conducted and many of the most recent reports show more critical evaluation than we've… seen in the past. However, the site is a little slow to update its listings, and while a number of current camcorders are reviewed, all top picks listed are discontinued. Some reviews, especially older ones, still rely a little too heavily on manufacturer supplied information for us to rank this site among the best, at least for now.

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12. TrustedReviews.com
As of Sept. 2008
Camcorder Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Trusted Reviews 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. However, the site has reviewed only two SD camcorders in recent months: the compact, YouTube-friendly Creative Vado and the Pure Digital Flip Ultra. Although the Flip Ultra delivers slightly better image quality in tests, neither is highly recommended.

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13. The New York Times
July 12, 2007
Cameras That Swim With the Fishes
by David Pogue
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment This article focuses on still cameras that are suitable for underwater use, but the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 is also profiled. New York Times technology columnist David Pogue is impressed. The design is very attractive, and the video quality on dry land is fairly good, though not as good as that from a miniDV camcorder.
14. The Wall Street Journal
June 4, 2008
A New Flip Mino To Hook More Fans of Video
by Katherine Boehret
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment 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.
15. The Washington Post
June 26, 2008
Do One Thing, and Do It Okay
by Rob Pegoraro
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment 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-ready cell phones in general.
16. DigitalTrends.com
June 12, 2008
Flip Mino
by Matt Aalto
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Reviews at DigitalTrends.com are easy to read and provide plenty of details, but the site has reviewed only one SD camcorder in recent months: the Pure Digital Flip Mino. Although tester Matt Aalto finds the Mino easy to use, he is unimpressed with its video and audio quality.
17. InfosyncWorld.com
July 5, 2008
Pure Digital Flip Mino tiny camcorder review
by Philip Berne
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment The Flip Mino records better video than a cell phone does, editor Philip Berne concludes on this tech review site, but he stops short of recommending it. Berne tests the Mino and evaluates its design, video quality, features and software, but there is no overall score. Berne does not compare the Mino with any other camcorders.
18. Consumer Electronics Net.com
July 2, 2008
Pure Digital's Flip Video Mino
by John Virata
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Consumer Electronics Net tests all kinds of electronics, but it has tested only one camcorder lately: the Pure Digital Flip Mino. Reviewer John Virata doesn't compare the Mino against specific competitors,… although he notes that its software is better than "the competition." Virata does compare the Mino with its predecessor, the Flip Ultra. The review is illustrated with screen shots showing how the software helps the user share videos via e-mail or online sites like YouTube. Readers can also view a YouTube clip that was shot with the Mino.

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19. DV Format
March 17, 2008
Panasonic SDR SW20 camcorder
by David Hague
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment This single-product review is brief, but it is based on testing. Reviewer David Hague calls the waterproof, inexpensive Panasonic SDR-SW20 an "ideal 'fun' camera" but notes problems it exhibited during tests. For example, he found dampness in the battery compartment after the camera was accidentally submerged beyond its maximum 1.5-meter depth.
20. Mobile Magazine
Jun.16, 2008
REVIEW: RCA Small Wonder Traveler EZ210 Digital Camcorder
by Michael Kwan
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment This single camcorder review of the RCA Small Wonder Traveler EZ210 pulls few punches. Despite some nice features, reviewer Michael Kwan says it comes up short in terms of both ergonomics and performance. The camera's software is fine for beginners, but will frustrate even intermediate users, Kwan says.
21. Amazon.com
As of Sept. 2008
Camcorders
by Contributors to Amazon.com
2 stars Credibility Rating
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 Mino was the best-rated SD camcorder when we checked. Of course, like most nonprofessional review sources, the quality and usefulness of the information is inconsistent.

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22. J. D. Power and Associates
2007
Camcorder Ratings
by Editors of JDPower.com
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

J.D. Power and Associates says it bases its ratings on feedback from product owners. It rates five camcorder lines in each of two SD categories. The Sony DCR-DVD series is top-rated in the "standard… definition" category, and the Sony DCR-SR series is the top-rated "premium standard definition" camcorder line. The product lines are scored on performance/video quality, operation and appearance/styling, and then each is given an overall score. No individual models are rated.

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23. Which.co.uk
Not dated
Camcorders
by Editors of Which.co.uk
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Which? is the UK contemporary of Consumer Reports. It accepts no advertising, and so its expert tests of a wide variety of consumer products are unbiased. Which? tests 54 camcorders, rating and ranking them based upon clearly explained criteria. The ratings are not dated, and none of the "Best Buys" are available in the United States. You must be a subscriber to read the report.
24. About.com
As of Sept. 2008
Digital Camcorders
by Editors of About.com
1 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment This landing page contains a scattered list of articles and reviews for some digital camcorders. Unfortunately, most of the reviews are little more than product announcements and expanded discussions of features, and few, if any, camcorders appear to have been actually tested. (Note that ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com.)
25. Epinions.com
As of Sept. 2008
Digital Camcorder Ratings
by Contributors to Epinions
1 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Epinions invites owners to rate their own camcorders. Unfortunately, the models garnering the most reviews are usually outdated. While this is useful if you're looking for a used camcorder, it's not as helpful in identifying today's best choices.

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