Canon Vixia HV40

Despite their inconvenience, some users still prefer recording HD footage to old-fashioned tapes: they're cheap, they form an instant archive and they work with older computers and editing software. For these users, reviews say the Canon HV40 is the best new camcorder on the market (although critics say you might look for the older Canon HV30 at a discount; it's largely the same camcorder). The HV40's footage is sharp and vibrant, but not quite as good as that of Canon's newer, flash-memory camcorders, such as the top-rated Canon Vixia HF S10 (*Est. $1,140). These newer camcorders can hold hours of footage in their internal memories -- no tapes to deal with -- and footage downloads to a computer quickly, rather than in tedious real time as with tapes. Critics say these newer camcorders also offer the most streamlined controls, something Canon has neglected to add to the HV40.

CamcorderInfo.com conducts the most extensive comparison tests of the Canon Vixia HV40, and editors offer advice on whether a tape-based camcorder is still a good idea. ConsumerReports.org and the U.K.'s PC Advisor also test the HV40 and rate it alongside other camcorders. About.com includes the HV40 in its best-camcorder list but does not test it. Owner reviews for this model at Amazon.com are unusually knowledgeable.