Digital Camcorders

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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