ProductCritic: Camcorder Reviews

Canon VIXIA HF10 (88)

Keep your memories in high definition. A great all-round video camera with excellent picture quality.

Canon VIXIA HF100 (88)

The HF100 is a fabulous product, and provides a clear sign of what's to come in the world of digital video.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 (77)

Excellent picture quality; Impressive handling; Good connectivity.

Sony HDR-HC1 (85)

Awesome high-definition video quality, particularly in good lighting, and for an unbelievably reasonable price

Sony DCR-DVD92 (56)

The 2005 Sony DCR-DVD92 is another camcorder in the line of Sony’s “record-straight-to-DVD” models. Cheap, innovative, easy-to-use, and just plain cool, the DCR-DVD92 not only makes a great camcorder, but a great toy too.

Sony DCR-TRV480 (52)

The DCR-TRV480 uses Sony's proprietary Digital8 camcorder format to record digitally to analog 8mm and Hi8 videotapes. More importantly, it is backward compatible, so users can continue to enjoy all of their old recordings stored on analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes.

Hitachi DZ-MV730A (71)

If you're looking for a DVD camcorder to put through the paces of everyday life, the Hitachi DZ-MV730A is a well-built solution. The easy controls and note worthy features will win over any hobbyist shooter and it won't set you back, either.

Canon Optura 50 (70)

Canon is renowned for their excellent lenses. Most of their middle and upper-end camcorders also feature the DIGIC DV processor, which uses separate color controls for video and stills. The result of all this engineering means great looking video, with very strong colors and above average crispness.

Canon Elura 80 (69)

The Elura 80 is a sturdy camcorder that is rugged enough to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. The unit's CCD delivers 690,000 effective pixels in 4:3 mode and 920,000 effective pixels in 16:9 widescreen mode.

Canon Optura 600 (78)

As of this date, this is the best iteration of combination camcorder/digital still camera I have tested. The quality of the MiniDV videos is very accurate, with nice contrast and lifelike colors.

Canon DC10 (63)

The DC10 is a decent first DVD cam showing from a reliable company. They’ve made some errors, but hopefully they will be corrected in the next generation. The first time is always the hardest.

Sony HDR-FX7 (77)

The new HDR-FX7 is a mid-range HDV camcorder with all the manual controls to suit any video producer working in the video production environment but is small enough and easy enough to operate to appeal to hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. Packed with 3 1/4-inch ClearVID CMOS sensors, the FX7 has picture quality that is vibrant and clear with bright vivid colors.

Canon HV20 (76)

anon's HV20 camcorder is a great choice for HD-happy amateurs, but its low-light performance could have been better.

Sony HDR-HC7 (80)

We are surprised to see what were previously pro-level features appear in such a small camcorder. Color bars, built-in spot meter, manual control of all basic functions, super slow-motion, zebras, external mic jack and manual control of audio levels and lens filter threads are just some of the many powerful options crammed into the HC7. Along with shooting in HD, that certainly makes it a camcorder worth your consideration.

JVC GR-DF550 (63)

For a street price of $500 the GR-DF550 offers what most camcorders at this price range cannot: a 1/4.5 CCD, decent still photo sizes, and a wealth of other features including auto gain controls and S-Video and mic ports in an extremely small yet comfortable package. The main (and significant) reservation with this camcorder is its low light performance. Without the automatic gain functions that it houses, the GR-DF550 cannot be used in low light.

Hitachi DZGX3300A (57)

The DZGX3300A could be more intuitive to use, but for the price you'll get a small, light device with excellent picture quality

Sony VPC-HD1A (69)

It's not often you sit down in front of a TV to watch a home video and find it's better quality than you can expect from your regular broadcasts. However, with this amazing High Definition (HD) camera from Sanyo, that's exactly what you get.

Canon XH A1 (83)

But to my mind the camera was designed to be a run’n’gun camera. And of the camera’s I’ve tested, it offer the best bang for buck for low-cost run’n’gun shooting. Certainly I’d choose it over the Sony Z1, a camera I have a huge amount of respect for. But it’s toughest competition is likely not to come from Sony’s Z1, but it’s brand-new HVR-V1, which achieves 1080p of three CMOS chips.

JVC GZ-MG37 (56)

JVC seems to have a hard disk camcorder for every occasion, with five models now on offer in the Everio range. The GZ-MG37 is the second lowest priced of the group, which is apparent when comparing the quality of its video and stills to its more expensive siblings. However, the image quality is still decent enough and the diminutive device actually packs a few features that are absent from the pricier models.

Hitachi DZBX35A (68)

There’s no question JVC had definitely made some progress with its hard-disc drive camcorders. By using three CCDs, annoying digital noise is greatly eliminated. The camcorder focuses quickly, is nicely designed other than a floppy lens cap but pure video quality leaves something to be desired. Colors really didn’t have much pop and in some cases were just plain off the target. And at this price, it’s tough to recommend.

Sanyo VPC-CA6 (74)

We reviewed the first incarnation of Sanyo's palm-sized solid-state camcorder back in 2004 and were fairly impressed. Back then, though, the SD cards it used weren't cheap. It's a different story now, making the new Xacti - complete with weather-proofing to the IPX4 standard - a much more interesting proposition.

Panasonic PV-GS39 (71)

The PV-GS39 is a low- to midrange unit in Panasonic's current line of compact MiniDV camcorders. The PV-GS39 is smaller and sleeker than its predecessor, last year's PV-GS31, and it offers an improved feature set over the current low-end PV-GS29. This camcorder has true widescreen recording and a bigger 2-7/10-inch widescreen LCD display. It also has a USB connection, something the less-expensive model lacks. This allows you to use the PV-GS39 as a webcam or video conferencing tool (optional ...

Panasonic AG-DVC30 (78)

A compact model with a wealth of features for its price, the Panasonic AG-DVC30 offers one of the best values in a three-chip MiniDV camera.

Canon DC40 (79)

Canon's DC40 is the company's top of the range DVD camcorder. As such it offers a good range of features and decent quality video to boot. The let downs come in the form of occasionally blurry stills, the lack of a microphone jack and a tendency to over-expose bright areas, but as far as DVD camcorders go, this is one of the best on the market.

Samsung SC-X210L (53)

If you need action video without hassle - and you aren't too fastidious about video quality, the Samsung SC-X210L will serve you well.

Panasonic SDR-S150 (79)

The biggest gripe about digital camcorders is the same problem users had with digital cameras just a few short years ago: getting files off the camera. With its SDR-S150 digital camcorder, Panasonic believes it has come up with a good answer: simply remove the memory card.

Sony CCD-TRV138 (80)

The Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi-8 Analog Camcorder has everything that most expensive camcorders have without the lack of quality.

Samsung SC-DC164 (54)

The SC-DC164 is Samsung’s entry-level DVD camcorder, and it looks every bit the part.

Canon ZR600 (70)

Overall, the ZR600's stills quality is fine for e-mailing or making small prints, but this camcorder will not replace your dedicated stills camera.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1a (68)

The world's smallest high definition camcorder is great for still pictures and range of features but less so for the quality of its video.

JVC GR-X5 (75)

The JVC GR-X5 offers both strong video and still capabilities in a small package while still maintaining a good feeling and easy to use design. The camera would be a great fit for an intermediate user who wants to step up to a camera with the improved image quality offered from the 3 CCD’s as well as some form of manual controls. I would definitely recommend the GR-X5 to anyone who is looking for a new camcorder with a small footprint and impressive optics.

JVC GZ-MG77 (65)

I personally like what I've experienced with the Everio GZ-MG77U. It is the future of camcorders, available today. No more long transfers of video into the computer, no more one hour tapes to switch out, and I get to choose what quality of MPEG-2 video to record to.

Panasonic VDR-D300 (78)

With the VDR-D300, Panasonic has successfully combined the manual features and image quality of a three-CCD camcorder with the convenience of DVD. You're paying a slight premium for the recording format, but in return you get the best combination of image quality and manual controls we've seen in a DVD camcorder.

Panasonic VDR-D100 (64)

It must be remembered that it's an entry-point camcorder which comes with a low price tag and is aimed at the beginner who seeks the convenience of recording direct to DVD rather than to digital tape (such as MiniDV). Whilst video clips are stored as compressed MPEG-2 video files rather than the higher specification DV stream of tape cams, this should deter the newbie from buying what is a good, basic camcorder for beginners and uncritical users who don't want any fuss.

Canon ZR700 (64)

Canon's latest entry-level camcorder, the ZR700, is easy to use, affordable, and ideal for wide-screen moviemaking, but low-light performance remains a problem.

Sony HDR-SR1 (88)

We're incredibly excited by this camcorder. We thought this was going to be a year of better developments on the low end, but, Sony suprised us with something truly amazing for a last minute holiday season push with these new models. Even on its own, the HDR-SR1 is something to celebrate.

Sony DCR-SR80 (64)

Sony's Handycam DCR-SR80 is a respectable hard-drive-based camcorder if you don't mind its touch-screen interface.

JVC GR-D350 (61)

In all, the D350 is not the well-rounded device that made the ZR500 such a favorite of ours, nor did it have the manual controls of the Panasonic models. True, the video performance was better, but a lot of other factors go into a great camcorder. We place the D350 smack in the middle of the entry-level spectrum, stronger than the Sony HC26 but weaker than several others.

Sony DCR-SR40 (62)

Sony's DCR-SR40 is a solid, midlevel, hard-drive-based option, though still-image buffs won't be impressed with this camcorder's submegapixel snapshots.

Sony HDR-UX1 (80)

The HDR-UX1 is potentially great for the prosumer who wants to get features like a large LCD screen, improved control, and more inputs and outputs that will allow them to make great videos.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 (61)

Sanyo’s Xacti VPC-HD1 is so very nearly the perfect camera, but many will be put off by its inconsistent image quality.

Canon HV10 (75)

The Canon HV10 HDV camcorder is a mixed bag with good overall video quality, fast focusing, OIS and solid stills. You’ll really like watching higher-quality home videos on your new widescreen HDTV. I had a problem with its form factor, lack of an HDMI output, annoying zoom switch and obtuse menus. And don’t forget about the total lack of video software support.

Toshiba GSC-R30 (0)

Bottom line: the Toshiba gigashot GSC-R30 is clearly Version 1.0 and you should look elsewhere to satisfy your HDD jones.

Samsung SC-D363 (62)

If you are looking for an inexpensive camcorder I think you would be better off saving your money and purchasing a camcorder with a better quality lens and CCD. While you may save a little money purchasing this Samsung, you will be disappointed with the video quality and could get a much better camcorder for just a few dollars more.

JVC Everio GZ-MG21 (57)

PROS: -Capacious hard drive -Fast transfer -Big, quiet lens -Video light CONS: -Average image quality and screen VERDICT: More attention to raw image quality would have helped, but it's still worth considering, especially if you have a tripod that can tame the massive zoom.

Panasonic PV-GS29 (78)

The PV-GS29 is a compact unit that feels comfortable in an average-size hand, and the unit offers digital image stabilization to remove unwanted camera shakes during handheld shooting. However, don't expect this to take the place of a tripod, especially when using the zoom. Overall, the PV-GS29 is an excellent digital camcorder value.

Sony DCR-DVD205 (76)

Simple, affordable, and convenient. It was Sony’s plan all along, and they pulled it off. Ladies and gentleman, the DVD205.

Sony DCR-DVD305 (59)

The good: Generally fast autofocus and autoexposure; can finalize discs while on battery power. The bad: Middling video quality; no windscreen filter for microphone; small LCD with impractical touch screen-based menu system. The bottom line: There are better choices than the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD305, a so-so DV

Canon DC100 (62)

What is more disappointing are the limitations placed on both audio and any connectivity options. With the former you are stuck with the built-in microphone that is positioned on the front of the DC100 with no external microphone input available. This built-in microphone has a tendency to pick up any extraneous noise emanating from the camcorder itself.

Canon ZR500 (79)

As I said earlier, this is one of the best ZR camcorders we've seen in years. Barring the ability to take stills, expect the ZR500 to be one of the best deals in the low-end market.

Sony DCR-HC36 (61)

At $400 (as of 5/2/06), the Sony DCR-HC36 is very affordable. But, unfortunately, it produced some of the lowest-quality video among recently tested MiniDV camcorders

Sony DCR-HC96 (76)

Despite what we've said about external mic and headphone output (which many users might not be bothered with anyhow) the DCR-HC96 is undoubtedly a great starter cam that's ideal for newbies and, of course, attractively priced.

Sony DCR-HC26 (63)

Sonys DCR-HC26 digital camcorder is a great inexpensive camcorder for families who are looking for something to take on vacation as well as a wonderful first camcorder for an aspiring film maker. The camcorder has a good mix of basic and professional features, and priced at under $350 its affordable as well.

Panasonic PV-GS300/NV-GS300 (77)

The standout feature of the GS300 is undoubtedly video quality, which is excellent for a camcorder in this bracket. A full range of manual controls and an intuitive interface round out the package, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned directors alike.

Panasonic PV-GS500/NV-GS500 (79)

The PV-GS500 is a great camcorder in its own right. At the top of the heap in Panasonic’s MiniDV line, it has all the features that consumers should have on their checklist for great video performance: 3 CCDs, optical image stabilization, a host of manual controls, and solid handling.

Sony DCR-TRV280 (62)

The DCR-TRV280 is a stripped-down version of the Sony DCR-TRV480. Both models use Sony's proprietary Digital8 format to digitally record to standard (analog) 8mm and Hi8 videotapes.

Sony HDR-HC3 (84)

What allows us to love this solidly built tiny camcorder, which has gorgeous video performance at incredibly high resolution, great low light performance, and other nice features, is the fact that it has a big sister which provides the manual control we need. The HC3 is going for a target market, losing many features in the process, and certainly has some design flaws. But you can't accuse Sony of not giving you the option for these controls --you'll just have to spend $700 more to get them o...

Sony DCR-DVD105 (61)

I liked: Touch screen, Camera has DC-in, which is used for charging battery, so there is no need for special battery charger, Burn videos and images right on the DVD, Video quality, Low price. I don’t like: No USB, and device can’t be used as WebCam, 800x Digital zoom is fake, only marketing trick, Only two digital effects.

Sony DCR-SR100 (77)

The SR100 is a great all-in-one, video and stills solution with 5.1 surround sound though it lacks greater manual control.

Sony DCR-HC46 (64)

This Sony Camcorder offers a tremendous advantage to other older Sony models. The Sony DCR-H46 is an excellent camcorder for the average family. The Sony DCR-HC46 comes with all the features you would expect from a Sony Camcorder in this price range.

Sony DCR-DVD505 (80)

Bottom line: The Sony DVD505 is a great DVD camcorder with top of the line still performance and decent class video performance, perfect for the ease of use DVD camcorder buyer. However, if you're spending this much on a camcorder, we recomend going with the Panasonic for it's slightly better performance and, more importantly, better manual control.

Canon Elura 100 (73)

The Canon Elura 100 is an outstanding solution for the point and shoot consumers. It's very easy to use, compact and has some powerful features as well. We couldn't help but wonder how much "camera" Canon can squeeze out of something so inexpensive, but we found that the results are definitely pleasing.

Sony DCR-DVD405 (74)

Pros: Great video and stills performance, very easy to use, widescreen recording mode Cons: Few manual controls, package does not include Memory Stick media