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Digital CamcordersYou are here: Photo & Video >> Digital CamcordersUpdated September 2007Types of digital camcordersStandard-definition digital camcorders have overtaken non-digital camcorders for both consumers and professionals. Unlike VHS and 8 mm camcorders, which can only record about 240 lines of video resolution, digital camcorders capture 400 to 500 horizontal lines of images -- that's about the maximum resolution of a regular TV. If you have a DVD recorder or a DVD burner on your computer, you can burn your digital video onto a standard DVD disc for playback in a DVD player. In addition, miniDVD camcorders record directly to DVDs that can be viewed on most DVD players. You can also copy digital video onto VHS tape, so friends and family can watch your movies on a VCR. New high-definition camcorders are now capable of recording even more image detail. Right now these camcorders are expensive, but as with most new technology, prices will probably drop in the next couple of years. We're covering these models in our separate report on high-definition camcorders. There are a number of competing digital camcorder technologies. While much of the excitement in the marketplace has moved to miniDVD and HDD camcorders, miniDV models continue to be available and offer some powerful advantages. Here's a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each major type. Some digital camcorders combine technologies.
Best digital camcorders: Under $500Good-quality entry-level digital camcorders can be found for between $200 and $500. While there are tradeoffs in features, more and more goodies -- such as optical image stabilization (which is very helpful in preventing jittery images, especially at long zoom settings) and three-CCD image sensors -- are finding their way into camcorders in this price range. In addition, digital video quality of all but the least expensive of these digital camcorders is far better than the analog quality of VHS camcorders. Still, reviews say you get what you pay for and, as you might expect, low-priced models don't compete well with more expensive cameras. But if you're looking for a first camera, or don't want to spend much on a piece of equipment that might only see 15 hours of use per year, there are many options in this price range. When it comes to image quality, miniDV retains an edge in critics' eyes. Among budget miniDV camcorders, we saw the best reviews for the Panasonic PV-GS320 (*est. $410) . It is one of the least expensive digital camcorders with three-CCD image sensors (most camcorders have only one). The major advantage of a three-CCD system is improved video performance. In tests by PC World, judges awarded the Panasonic grades of superior in both normal and low-light conditions. CNet.com concurs, calling video quality "impressive." To achieve its low price, the Panasonic skimps a few extras. For example, there's no headphone jack, external microphone input, flash for still images or video light. The Panasonic PV-GS320 does have optical image stabilization, which cuts down on jittery images. Reviewers have a few quibbles about awkward placement of some controls and inputs, but video quality coupled with value trumps those shortcomings in the view of most testers. Critics generally concur that the Panasonic PV-GS320 is the best miniDV camcorder currently being produced -- at any price. For less money, critics consider the Panasonic PV-GS80 (*est. $220) to be a decent performer, and easy to use with simple controls. However, we did read some complaints about audio quality, and CNet.com editors say that low-light performance is poor and that the still image mode is "effectively useless." The step-up Panasonic PV-GS85 (*est. $270) addresses those last two issues by adding a built-in LED video light and an SD memory-card slot for recording still images. Both budget Panasonic miniDV camcorders have optical image stabilization and 32X optical zooms, but neither have three image sensors. The closest competitor to the top-rated Panasonic PV-GS320 is the Sony DCR-HC96 (*est. $500) miniDV digital camcorder. However, the Sony's current street price is significantly higher than that of the Panasonic. The Sony camcorder's image quality for both video and stills is described as "impressive." In his review for CNet.com, Denny Atkin says the Sony DCR-HC96 camcorder produces video that is "very crisp, with rich detail evident in materials that many other cameras have difficulty with, such as hair, grass, and cloth." Rather than optical image stabilization, this Sony camcorder features digital image stabilization, which most critics consider to be less effective in reducing shake without compromising picture quality. The biggest difference between the Sony camcorder and the top-rated Panasonic camcorder is Sony's touchscreen. Rather than buttons, most controls are accessed through a touchscreen menu. Some testers aren't crazy about the touchscreen, saying it takes some patience to master. Sony's Easy mode is a preset that lets users avoid most manual settings, but if you do want to tweak controls, testers say it takes some time to master the touchscreen. Sony also produces a trio of entry-level miniDV digital camcorders. The Sony DCR-HC28 (*est. $260) is the least expensive of the three. Image quality is said to be solid on automatic by critics. This model also includes the hit-or-miss touchscreen. The step-up Sony DCR-HC38 (*est. $300) adds a 40X zoom, which Michael Perlman at CamcorderInfo.com says "may actually be the most compelling reason to buy it." The Sony DCR-HC48 camcorder (*est. $340) drops the zoom back to 25X, but adds a larger sensor for still images and a Memory Stick Duo slot for recording stills. Reports tell us that camcorder manufacturers are cutting back their miniDV offerings in favor of other technologies. One of the casualties of that trend is Canon's once-well-regarded Elura line, which disappeared this year. However, Canon has not completely abandoned miniDV and continues to offer a trio of entry-level camcorders that use that technology. The Canon ZR800 (*est. $240) is Canon's most basic budget miniDV camcorder. Image quality, according to reviews, is good for its class, with CNet.com's Philip Ryan saying that colors are relatively accurate, Other reviewers say low-light performance is fine. One nice extra is a microphone input. Experts say using an add-on microphone can really improve audio, since in-camera microphones tend to pick up camera noise. The slightly more expensive Canon ZR850 (*est. $280) adds a larger, 1-megapixel image sensor, which some say improves images a bit, but there's no microphone input. Reviews at PC World aren't exceptional, with some problems noted with noise, color and exposure. That said, PC World reviewer Brian Chen is somewhat forgiving of those shortcomings because the Canon ZR850 Camcorder is very easy to use, with great battery life. In this price range, most reviews say that miniDV will get you the best image quality. If you want the convenience of recording to miniDVDs, a few budget camcorders get decent reviews. The Sony DCR-DVD108 (*est. $350) is short on features, and has little to offer the shooter looking for something more than automatic control. However, reviewers say it is extremely easy to use and offers good image quality considering its price. On the downside, low-light performance is not exceptional, and we read some durability complaints. Still, owners posting comments to Amazon.com are very happy with the Sony DCR-DVD108, saying it's a simple to use, no-frills digital camcorder. Canon makes a trio of low-cost miniDVD camcorders. Unfortunately, reviews fall a bit short of the competition. Of the three, we've seen most feedback for the Canon DC220 (*est. $320) . CNet.com's Philip Ryan isn't overly impressed, but adds that while the "DC220 won't blow you away," it also "will not let you down." CamcorderInfo.com's Michael Perlman says that the Canon DC220 is easy to use, but performance -- particularly noise -- is disappointing. Even in bright lighting, Perlman says the image is "noisier than a brass band in a school gym." Other reviews also comment on low-light performance. Instead of fiddling with tapes or DVDs, hard-drive camcorders let you download video straight to your computer, where you can burn it to a DVD (provided your computer has a DVD burner). Many hard drive camcorders also have a slot for a removable memory card. Since there's no mechanical tape running or DVD spinning, there's no chance of recording internal camera noise, and since the storage device is smaller than a tape or miniDVD disc, the camera itself can be very small and light. Among budget hard drive camcorders, the Panasonic SDR-H18 (*est. $395) scores particularly well. It is the top-rated budget camcorder at CNet.com, where Philip Ryan says it is a good value. While Ryan is clearly grading on a curve, he says that image quality is impressive considering the small image sensor (460K), with plenty of detail and colors that are accurate but a bit washed out. We've seen mixed reports about low-light performance. Some say it's pretty good, but Bridget Johnson at About.com says that it is "limited." The 30GB hard drive stores about 7 hours of best-quality video, and the camcorder also supports removable SD memory cards. Optical image stabilization and a 32X optical zoom are also included. There's no macro model, so closeups are limited. In terms of ergonomics, Ryan says that the Panasonic SDR-H18 is comfortable to hold. In addition, it is compact enough to easily slip into a handbag, according to Johnson. Other models don't do quite as well. The entry-level JVC GZ-MG130 (*est. $400) fares fairly poorly at CamcorderInfo.com. Video performance was fine in bright light, but sensitivity was too weak at low light levels to make indoor shooting worthwhile in many instances. The digital image stabilization is described as "surprisingly bad." The one advantage this camcorder does offer is a fair amount of manual control. The step-up JVC GZ-MG155 (*est. $450) does somewhat better at PC World. John Poultney describes the camcorder as well designed and says that the video output is very good. Unlike the JVC GZ-MG130, this camcorder does much better in low light, aided by a low-light assist lamp. Automatic operation is intuitive. Still images aren't very good. A few digital camcorders exclusively record memory cards. While such camcorders are exceedingly compact, most are lackluster performers. However, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 (*est. $450) is earning some praise based on another feature -- the camcorder is waterproof. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 also takes still shots, but The New York Times' David Pogue writes that it's primarily a camcorder. Video quality on dry land isn't overly impressive, but it's also not awful. "If a camera phone is 1 on the quality scale and a digital tape camcorder is 10, the Sanyo's quality is about a 7," Pogue says. In his review for Laptop magazine, Mike Spitalieri is also impressed with the E1's performance, calling it "very good." Underwater, however, the video quality is called "startling" by Pogue, and audio quality is first rate, filling the sound track "with the sort of bubbly gurgles that you've heard before only on Jacques Cousteau specials." Still image quality is also very good -- better than with most camcorders. The E1 is available in a variety of colors. Though the camcorder is waterproof, there are some limitations, including a maximum depth of five feet. Best digital camcorders: Over $500As you move up in price, you can expect a wider range of features, better quality lenses, better low-light performance and more manual controls. We found great reviews for both hard drive and miniDVD camcorders in this price range. The choices here really come down to user preferences. DVD camcorders have limited editing possibilities, and are best for those who just want to shoot video and play it on a DVD player without editing. Hard drive camcorders store more video and are better for those who want more flexibility to download and edit, but video quality usually lags both miniDV and miniDVD. In the past, miniDV held a significant edge in video quality, but the best miniDVD camcorders have largely closed that gap. One great example is the Panasonic VDR-D310 (*est. $550) . CamcorderInfo.com's David Kender says that the VDR-D310 offers "almost all we could ask for." The Panasonic VDR-D310 combines the superior image quality of a three-CCD image sensor with the point, shoot and watch convenience of DVD. Its image quality in good lighting "is hard to beat" according to Kender, a finding that's also echoed in reviews at PC World and CNet.com. Color performance is excellent and video is described as crisp. Along with very good image quality, the Panasonic camcorder has a ton of manual controls, including white balance, aperture, gain and shutter speed. There is also a fully automatic mode and a number of specialized scene modes including sports, portrait, low light and others. Optical image stabilization is useful in reducing camera jitter, especially at the extreme telephoto end of the camcorder's 10X optical zoom range. Other extras include a microphone input, though critics say the built-in microphone is better than most. The camera can capture still images at a resolution of 2048 x 1512 pixels, but the omission of the flash in the Panasonic VDR-D310 makes that feature not very useful. However, the biggest disappointment noted in reviews is low-light performance. CNet.com's Will Greenwald says that "with no video light, indoor footage looked nice, but predictably muted." A MagicPix mode is supposed to enhance low-light footage, but critics say it hurts as much as it helps. Another miniDVD camcorder that's drawn some positive recognition is the Sony DCR-DVD508 (*est. $630) . At PC Magazine, where the camcorder is an Editors' Choice, Terry Sullivan says that the DCR-DVD508 "easily rises to the top of the miniDVD camcorder market by offering excellent quality, performance, and ease of use." Like most Sony camcorders, the DCR-DVD508 has an LCD touchscreen. Unfortunately, that screen is just 2.7 inches in size, making it difficult to use. On the positive side, the menu system is very good, with tabbed sections that allow access to features. Image quality is described as "stunning" when viewed on a standard-definition TV and "pretty good" when viewed on an HDTV. The 3-megapixel image sensor does a good job with still images, though it is slow compared to a digital still camera. The cheaper Sony DCR-DVD408 (*est. $530) is very similar, with the chief difference being a 2-megapixel image sensor in place of the DCR-DVD508's 3 megapixels. The Sony DCR-DVD408 is the top-rated camcorder at PC World. Tracey Capen notes that video quality is top notch, and that the camcorder earns good marks for audio quality as well. Digital image stabilization works pretty well. The Canon DC50 (*est. $550) is also drawing some positive notices. This miniDVD camcorder is feature packed and includes a flash for still images, a video light for low-light shooting, optical image stabilization, a 5.39-megapixel image sensor for stills and lots of automatic and manual controls. Critics say that the Canon DC50 is a great video performer. CamcorderInfo.com makes it the highest rated miniDVD camcorder on the site, largely on the strength of its video performance, and PC World notes it earned the top grades for video in a recent roundup. Opinions diverge, however, when it comes to low-light performance. Still-image performance is good, but not as good as with a 5-megapixel digital camera. Some have complained about poor audio quality. The biggest issue in reviews is ease of use, and some say the controls can be intimidating unless you're experienced. With nine camcorders, Sony is the current king when it comes to hard drive camcorders. Models range from the entry-level Sony DCR-SR42 (*est. $475) with a 30GB hard drive, to a whopping 100GB on its flagship Sony DCR-SR300C (*est. $1,200). Some of these Sony hard drive camcorders haven't received the best reviews. The 40GB Sony DCR-SR300 (*est. $745) and 100GB Sony DCR-SR300C are fortunate exceptions. These two Sony camcorders are identical save for hard disk drive size. The 40GB model can store about 9 hours of top-quality video, while the 100GB camcorder can record 24 hours of best-quality video. We've seen mixed reports on image quality, however, for the two Sony hard drive camcorders. CNet.com downrates image quality. Editors say although image quality is "good in some ways," it is marred by the kind of compression artifacts not seen in miniDV recorders. The feature set is decent and includes better optics than found on Sony's less expensive offerings, plus[D1] optical image stabilization. Sony's touchscreen controls and Easy mode are here as well, and given the limited manual controls that are available, critics say this camera is best for point-and-shooters. Everyone questions the value, noting that good tape-based high-definition camcorders don't cost much more than even the less expensive DCR-SR300, yet produce much nicer footage even when shooting in standard definition. According to reviews, image quality on the JVC GZ-MG555 (*est. $660) doesn't outclass Sony, but some reviewers prefer it over the Sony hard drive camcorders for its value and ease of use. Most say image quality is fine overall. However, PC World's John Poultney says the JVC GZ-MG555's image quality only earned a rating of fair from the magazine's judges. Cheap camcordersIn addition to the camcorders outlined above, there are also a few low-cost digital camcorders that can be purchased for under $150. While these have few features, and video quality does not even measure up to more mainstream entry-level camcorders, they are finding an audience among those who want to create videos for the Internet, young parents and users who want to experiment before investing in a better model. The Pure Digital one-time-use camcorder (*est. $30) is an option for those trying their hand at digital video, or for situations where you might not want to carry your expensive digital camcorder. The camcorder, which is sold at CVS stores under the CVS brand, is about the size of an iPod. It has a 1.4-inch LCD screen, but no viewfinder and no zoom. You can only shoot about 20 minutes of footage, and your only in-camera editing option is to erase the last scene shot. When you've finished shooting video, you return the camera to where you bought it for processing, which costs an additional $13. Once your footage is processed, you'll get a DVD, which you can then play in a DVD player or upload to your computer for editing. Although reviews say video quality is far behind that of ordinary DV camcorders, with muddy images and sometimes jerky video, the camera and resulting DVD are very easy to use. CVS makes it simple to upload and share your videos with others. Although $43 is expensive for 20 minutes of video, many reviewers were pleasantly surprised by this camera's easy interface and decent LCD screen. Consumers were also pleased with the camera, but many bemoaned the fact that they did not get it back after processing. In response, Pure Digital has now introduced a series of reusable point-and-shoot camcorders, the latest of which is the Pure Digital Flip (*est. $120) . As with the company's one-time use offering, you should not expect the best in terms of video quality, and Laptop magazine's Anthony Losanno says the Flip is about "on a par with those from most digital cameras -- decent colors and a little oversaturated." The Flip has 512MB of internal flash memory -- which is enough to store 30 minutes of good-quality video. You can transfer the video to your PC with the integral, flip-out USB connector. There is also a standard RCA video jack for displaying clips directly on a TV. Included software, which installs automatically the first time the Flip is connected to a PC, lets you edit clips, add music and upload your videos directly to sites like YouTube.com. RCA has licensed Pure Digital's technology and made it part of its own inexpensive camcorder called the Small Wonder EZ201 (*est. $110) . RCA has incorporated a number of improvements that critics say make the EZ201 a slightly better choice among inexpensive video cameras. According to CNet.com's David Carnoy, those improvements include "a more flexible and sharper LCD monitor and an expansion slot for SD/MMC cards, allowing you to shoot and store much more video if you buy an optional memory card." The LCD display flips out, which is great if you want to record videos of yourself. Also, RCA is scheduled to release its Memory Maker DVD docking and recording system for the camcorder in October. With that, users will not need a PC to put their videos on DVDs. Professional camcordersNot covered in this report are professional and semi-pro cameras that start at $1,500 on up into the thousands. These bring high-quality image sensors, better optics and myriad manual controls to the table. While these camcorders give you more than enough horsepower to shoot a Sundance-ready video, they are beyond the needs of typical consumers. We haven't included a pro model in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers for that reason, but if you're ready to make your own documentary film or start a wedding-photography business, you'll want to do a bit more research. While most of the new camcorders in this category are now high-definition camcorders, there are a few top-quality standard-definition models available. The Panasonic AG-DVX100B (*est. $2,930) is Panasonic's pro-level standard-definition three-CCD camera. It is named an Editors' Choice at CNet.com, where Ben Wolf says it might be "the last and best semipro DV camcorder ever built." Features include several progressive video modes, such as 24p, which is used to give video productions a cinematic look and makes for a better film transfer. The Panasonic AG-DVC60 (*est. $2,200) is another option. It, too, is a three-CCD miniDV camcorder that produces outstanding SD video. According to CNet.com, which names the AG-DVC60 an Editors' Choice, it is "an unrivaled value" among prosumer camcorders.” The AG-DVC60's biggest weakness is that it has controls Ben Wolf suggests would be more at home on a consumer camcorder and that could frustrate some advanced users. Important Features: Digital camcordersHere's what the experts say to look for when buying a digital camcorder:
You'll generally need a FireWire port on your computer for downloading digital video from your miniDV camcorder. If you have a Mac, FireWire ports are standard. For Windows users without a FireWire port, you can add one with a PC card. DVD camcorders and hard drive camcorders that use MPEG-2 compression use a USB 2.0 cable rather than FireWire. Hard drive camcorders also usually have memory card slots, and video can be transferred using removable memory cards. A relatively speedy computer will make the digital-video editing experience more enjoyable; be sure to check system requirements on any digital camcorder you buy.
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
* Also see our Comparison Chart.
Reviews say there are lots of great standard-definition camcorder choices. MiniDVD is an attractive option for those who want to view videos with a minimum of post-shooting fuss. The Panasonic VDR-D310 offers great image quality and lots of creative control, while the Sony DCR-DVD508 provides great-looking videos for those who just want to point and shoot. MiniDV provides great video quality and more flexibility when it comes to video editing. The Panasonic PV-GS320 provides the best image quality of all in this category, while the Canon ZR800 is a solid selection for those on a tight budget. Hard drive camcorders don't have miniDV's video quality but they bypass the hassles of dealing with tape, and videos are easier to edit than those recorded on miniDVD. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 is a unique underwater camcorder. The RCA Small Wonder EZ201 isn't the best when it comes to video quality, but is great for Internet videos.
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Most families don't fire up their digital camcorders more than 15 hours a year. Digital cameras, on the other hand, are used more often. Our report on digital cameras covers your options. Most digital cameras can also make short movies. Analog camcorders are pretty much a thing of the past. Analog models are unable to interface with a computer, and the only options you have for storing your footage are on the analog tapes themselves or through a VCR on a VHS tape. Analog camcorders can't transfer footage to a computer for editing or enhancing, so your editing options are limited to the resources in the camcorder or on your VCR. We still have a report on analog camcorders but with prices for digital camcorders starting at below $150, and better entry-level digital models available for $200 to $400, the price difference isn't as radical as it once was. High-definition camcorders are gaining a growing share of the marketplace, which is not a surprise given the growth of HDTV. Even if you are not ready to make the plunge to HD, many high-definition camcorders provide higher-quality SD footage as well. The biggest obstacle is cost, but those are dropping to the point where some are no more expensive than the more expensive SD camcorders. For more information, see the ConsumerSearch report on high-definition camcorders. CamcorderInfo.com is constantly updated with new information and reviews, along with industry news. Few websites are more comprehensive in coverage. PC Magazine, PC World and CNet.com don't update coverage as often as CamcorderInfo.com, but the reviews are less technical and easier to read than those at CamcorderInfo.com. Manufacturers' websites have detailed specifications and information: Advertisement
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© 2008 ConsumerSearch, Inc. A service from 
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
