Sony DCR-SX45

Sony's standard-definition (SD) camcorders sell for substantially less than Canon's, and the Sony DCR-SX45 is the cheapest in the lineup. It doesn't have any built-in memory -- you have to buy your own memory cards -- but Sony does sell two otherwise identical versions with built-in flash memory, the 16 GB Sony DCR-SX85 (*Est. $250) and 4 GB Sony DCR-SX65 (*Est. $220).

Experts say these Sony camcorders offer practically identical video quality, compact size and ease of use as the pricier Canon models -- including the top-rated Canon FS40 (*Est. $290) -- but the Canon camcorders shoot steadier footage, with longer battery life and an easier-to-see LCD screen (Sony's can be hard to see in bright sunlight). The Sonys do offer a longer optical zoom -- 60x versus 37x for Canon -- but testers say you'll definitely need a tripod to keep the Sony steady if you want to zoom in all the way. And although video from both Sony and Canon look good in tests (for SD camcorders), critics are quick to point out that it's fuzzier, grainier and blotchier than high-definition footage.

ConsumerReports.org does the best job showing how the Sony DCR-SX45 stacks up against other standard-definition camcorders, comparing it to 11 others in a handy chart. CNET doesn't compare the Sony with other cameras, but tester Joshua Goldman gives more narrative description than ConsumerReports.org does. Amazon.com has collected more than 20 owner reviews for this camcorder, both positive and negative.