HD Camcorders

Although CNET's reviews are shorter than those at CamcorderInfo.com, they are easier to read and do a nice job in covering the latest camcorders' strengths and weaknesses. Most of CNET's best budget… camcorders are high-definition pocket camcorders, although a few standard-definition models remain. Each camcorder gets a rating and a full review. CNET calls the Kodak Zi8 "the best pocket camcorder we've reviewed to date" and specifically recommends it over the Pure Digital Flip, though both camcorders receive the same rating.

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Even though they are not very long, the camcorder reviews done by this British publication have lots of details. Editors are not bashful about pointing out flaws, and even the best camcorders don't escape… completely unscathed. Although camcorders are only rarely compared, 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. Most of the camcorders PC Advisor has reviewed recently are available in the U.S.

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Greg Scoblete, About.com's guide to camcorders, regularly conducts hands-on tests of the latest camcorders on the market and assigns each a star rating. He lists his top six HD camcorders here, including… both full-featured and pocket models. Written reviews are fairly short, but Scoblete does draw some comparisons between models, and he posts video samples shot with the camcorders. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

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TrustedReviews.com is another British site that reviews a variety of tech products, including digital camcorders. The articles are critical and well done, but all of the major new camcorders on the market… get the same rating of nine out of 10. The lengthy reviews do explain which camcorder is best for which purpose, but you must read them closely. Most of the top picks are available in versions sold in the U.S., but several of them have been discontinued.

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Laptop Magazine doesn't review as many new camcorders as some other sources, but the camcorders that editors pick tend to be very popular models. Reviews are balanced and appropriately critical. Each… camcorder gets a star rating, making it easy to compare models on your own, and the best are clearly marked as Editors' Choice selections. Some of the top picks have been discontinued, but two current high-definition models make the cut: the Pure Digital Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zi6.

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InfoSyncWorld.com tests camcorders in-depth, shooting with different modes in various light and color situations. Reviews are illustrated with lots of images captured by the camcorders. Models aren't tested… head-to-head, but each camcorder gets a numeric rating. The scores are close, especially at the top, but the Canon Vixia HF S10 edges into first place. However, InfoSyncWorld.com hasn't tested any camcorders since April 2009.

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