Camcorders

Sony Handycam DCR-SX30E

The Handycam DCR-SX30E camcorder is a good buy for those reluctant to make the leap to HD just yet. It offers a good feature set and decent standard-definition video quality for a reasonable outlay, while being far more configurable than similarly priced HD models

Editor's rating 6.9

Genius G-shot HD520

For £90 or thereabouts, you can't expect to get the pinnacle of video-capture performance, so it's no surprise that the G-shot HD520's 720p footage isn't the best we've ever clapped eyes on. But it's packed with features and worth a look for those who just want to capture the moment

Editor's rating 5.7

Kodak Zi8

If you're after broadcast-quality footage and full manual controls, the 1080p-capable Zi8 isn't for you. But if you're seeking an inexpensive, straightforward, pocket-friendly camcorder that produces relatively good video and photos, this device is likely to be right up your street

Editor's rating 7.5

Samsung HMX-H106SP

With a 64GB solid-state drive, as well as an SDHC card slot, the high-definition HMX-H106SP is a robustly built, compact camcorder. Its video quality isn't the best we've seen and its autofocus can be rather slow, but it benefits from an LCD touchscreen and well-organised menus

Editor's rating 6.4

Samsung SMX-F34

The straightforward SMX-F34 may not offer the best standard-definition video quality in the world, but it's comfortable to use and provides plenty of features for an affordable price. In particular, its 34x zoom lens and 16GB of internal memory are more than you'll get with most rivals

Editor's rating 6.6

Panasonic HDC-SD10

The Panasonic HDC-SD10 is a great pocket camcorder that manages to combine diminutive dimensions with good-quality, 1080p high-definition video. Beginners will have no problems using it, but there are plenty of options to keep more experienced users happy, too

Editor's rating 8.0

Toshiba Camileo P30

Easier to use than a toothbrush, the Camileo P30 is a decent pocket camcorder that manages to combine high-definition video with a small, lightweight body and budget price tag. The image quality won't blow your mind, but, for the price, the P30 packs some impressive specs

Editor's rating 6.5

Oregon Scientific ATC5K Waterproof Action Camera

Squeezing a full-colour LCD screen into its small, ruggedised body -- something that's unusual for an extreme-sports camcorder -- the ATC5K Waterproof Action Camera is particularly easy to use. Its low-light performance leaves something to be desired, but it should withstand most punishment meted out to it

Editor's rating 5.4

Oregon Scientific ATC3K Waterproof Action Camera

The ATC3K Waterproof Action Camera should be able to withstand most forms of punishment that you and Mother Nature can mete out. Its video quality suffers in dim conditions, but it's decent in sunlight. Overall, the ATC3K is worth considering for extreme-sports participants

Editor's rating 4.8

Sony Handycam HDR-XR500VE

Even though it's expensive and its user interface could do with a revamp, the Handycam HDR-XR500VE is a great camcorder, recording first-class video to its 120GB hard drive. It also sports a consumer-friendly feature set, including built-in GPS, and offers great performance

Editor's rating 7.9

Sony Handycam HDR-XR100

It's rather expensive, but the Handycam HDR-XR100 records decent 1080p video to its 80GB hard drive, and rectifies some of the problems suffered by the HDR-CX100. Sporting a simple and functional design, it's also comfortable to operate and quick to start up

Editor's rating 6.8

Sony Handycam HDR-XR520VE

Despite a relatively awkward user interface and a high price tag, the Handycam HDR-XR520VE is a great hi-def camcorder. It records first-rate video to an ample 240GB hard drive, offers great performance and sports a consumer-friendly feature set, including built-in GPS

Editor's rating 7.9

Sony Mobile HD Snap Camera MHS-PM1

Other mini camcorders may shoot slightly better video, but the Mobile HD Snap Camera MHS-PM1 has plenty going for it. Chief among its attractions are its ability to shoot video at a 1080p resolution, and an appealing and cleverly conceived design that includes a swivelling lens

User rating 7.0

Editor's rating 6.6

Canon Legria FS200

The Canon Legria FS200 is an attractive standard-def camcorder that packs a 37x optical zoom into an extremely compact body. It's simple to operate, films good-quality video and is a solid choice for those shooting movies for sharing on the Web or who just don't want or need HD video

User rating 8.0

Editor's rating 7.6

Panasonic SDR-H80

Whether you want to film the moon and stars or just someone very far away having a nosebleed, the compact Panasonic SDR-H80's 70x zoom will let you do it. Its standard-definition video won't blow you away, but it offers loads of storage and its price is reasonable too

Editor's rating 6.6

Panasonic HDC-TM300

The flash-based HDC-TM300 camcorder is pricey but shoots excellent 1080p high-definition video and offers solid performance, as well as a full set of manual controls. The touchscreen interface can be irritating at times, but this remains a very good HD camcorder

Editor's rating 7.9

Panasonic HDC-HS200

It may be expensive, but the Panasonic HDC-HS200 shoots truly excellent 1080p high-definition video, performing remarkably well in interior lighting conditions. It also takes great 10.6-megapixel still images, packs 80GB of built-in memory and boasts an intuitive touchscreen interface

Editor's rating 7.5

JVC Everio GZ-X900

The distinctive design won't be everyone's cup of tea, but the Everio GZ-X900 comes pretty close to being the perfect combination of camcorder and camera, shooting crisp video and sharp photos. You'll have to dig deep though -- this machine doesn't come cheap

Editor's rating 8.0

Toshiba Camileo H20

The attractive and solid Camileo H20 is an excellent 1080p compact camcorder for a reasonable price. Extremely simple to use, it also delivers generally good image and sound quality, making it remarkably easy for a camcorder novice to become a HD maestro in seconds

User rating 3.5

Editor's rating 8.0

JVC Everio GZ-MS120

With dual SD/SDHC card slots, the Everio GZ-MS120 can offer more storage than its rivals, at up to 64GB. It also boasts a comfortable and pleasing design, and, given the price, better-than-expected shooting options. Most importantly, though, it shoots satisfying video

Editor's rating 7.0