Best Reviewed
HD Camcorders
- Best pocket HD camcorder Samsung HMX-W200 *Est. $145
- Best HD camcorder overall Canon Vixia HF G10 *Est. $1400
- Best budget HD camcorder Canon Vixia HF M40 *Est. $475
- 3D-capable camcorder Panasonic HDC-TM900 *Est. $990
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- Good HD video overall
- Small and light
- 15x optical zoom
- Good features
- Low-light performance not the best
- HD video not as rich as pricier camcorders'
- Memory card not included
- Costs more than others in its class
If you want plenty of features and quality HD video -- but you don't want to spend $1,000 on a camcorder -- reviewers recommend the Canon Vixia HF200 over mid-priced offerings from Sony, Panasonic and Sanyo. The Canon is a bit more expensive, but reviewers say its sharp, vivid footage and extra features are worth it. At 14.1 ounces, the palm-sized Canon HF200 is easy to tote around, but includes a generous 15x optical zoom and an easy-to-see 2.7-inch LCD screen. Testers appreciate the HF200's accessory shoe and microphone and headphone jacks, which other mid-priced camcorders like the Sony Handycam HDR-CX100 (Discontinued) lack. Low-light performance isn't the best, however, and more expensive camcorders, such as Canon's flagship Vixia HF S10 (Discontinued) shoot video that's nicer overall. The HF200 records only to SDHC memory cards (not included). The otherwise identical Canon Vixia HF20 (*Est. $815) adds 32 GB of built-in flash memory.
CamcorderInfo.com and Videomaker.com both test the Canon Vixia HF20 instead of the HF200, but the two camcorders are identical except for HF20's inclusion of built-in memory. CamcorderInfo.com conducts its usual exhaustive battery of tests, while Videomaker.com's review is more concise. CNET and DigitalTrends.com report on the HF200 in helpful but not overly long write-ups. We also found useful owner reviews at Amazon.com.
Sony HDR-CX100 AVCHD HD Camcorder with Smile Shutter & 10x Optical Zoom (Black)
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Canon VIXIA HFS10 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL
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Canon VIXIA HF20 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 15x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL
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Our Sources
CamcorderInfo.com thoroughly tests the Canon Vixia HF20 (which is identical to the HF200, except it includes internal memory) and compares it directly against competing camcorders. Experts find plenty to like about the mid-priced Canon, but it performs poorly in low-light tests.
Review: Canon Vixia HF20 Camcorder Review, Jeremy Stamas, March 25, 2009
2. CNET
The Canon Vixia HF200 beats mid-priced rivals from Sony and Panasonic by providing more features, earning a spot on CNET's list of the best HD camcorders. However, the Canon is more expensive than its closest competitors, CNET's Lori Grunin notes.
Review: Canon Vixia HF200, Lori Grunin, April 20, 2009
The Canon Vixia HF200 is an Editors' Choice pick here. After testing the HF200, reviewer David Elrich calls it "probably the best HD camcorder you can buy in this price range."
Review: Canon Vixia HF200 Review, David Elrich, May 6, 2009
This magazine is aimed at video professionals, but reviewer Tom Skowronski finds the Canon Vixia HF20 (which is identical to the HF200 except for its memory capacity) perfect for the family videographer. The HF20 performs better in low-light tests here than at CamcorderInfo.com.
Review: Canon Vixia Camcorder Review: Vixia HF20, Tom Skowronski
5. Amazon.com
The Canon Vixia HF200 averages 4 stars (out of 5) from more than 60 users. A few are disappointed with the footage quality, but others have no problems, even in low light.
Review: Canon Vixia HF200 - 2009 Model, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Red (2nd Generation)
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Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Dark Gray)
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