Sony 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

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

Sony Handycam DCR-SR47

An entry-level standard-definition hard-drive-based camcorder, the Handycam DCR-SR47 isn't for hi-def fanatics. But, if plenty of storage, a 60x megazoom lens and a compact and lightweight body are on your list of priorities, the DCR-SR47 will be well worth investigating

Editor's rating 6.6

Sony Handycam HDR-CX100

The compact, flash-based Handycam HDR-CX100 has a boxy but pleasant design and shoots decent video, performing particularly well in low light. Whether or not it's right for you depends on how significant a factor size is, as you can get better-equipped but larger models for the same price

Editor's rating 7.4

Sony Handycam HDR-CX12E

The compact Handycam HDR-CX12E flash-based camcorder offers impressive high-def video quality, good still photos and a decent feature set. You might miss some of the perks that you get on larger rivals, such as an eye-level viewfinder and bigger LCD screen, but the CX12E is excellent all the same

Editor's rating 8.0

Sony Handycam DCR-SR85

The Sony Handycam DCR-SR85's 60GB of storage means you can take it on holiday without worrying about running out of space. Plus, you can save video and stills to Memory Stick Pro Duo cards up to 8GB, making it a 'hybrid' camcorder. It's easy to operate, too, thanks in part to a responsive, 69mm (2.7-inch) touchscreen LCD

Editor's rating 6.6

Sony TG3E

The Sony TG3E camcorder is perfect for people who are sick of making compromises -- either in quality in favour of size, or size in favour of quality. Though it isn't exactly mini at 240g, it's portable and, significantly, yields amazing HD footage with well-tuned features. If you ask us, that's the best of both worlds

Editor's rating 8.2

Sony Handycam HDR-SR12

There's a whole lot to like about the Sony Handycam HDR-SR12. Not only does this shooter capture beautiful video to its impressive 120GB hard drive, it also shoots excellent still photos. If you're in the market for a hard drive-based high-definition camcorder, you won't go wrong with this Sony

Editor's rating 8.0

Sony Handycam DCR-SR45E

The best thing about the Sony Handycam DCR-SR45E is the touchscreen -- and the compact size, and probably the price, too. It is still a basic camcorder, however, with only standard-definition videos that won't appear that sharp if played back on a full-size TV screen

Editor's rating 6.2

Sony Handycam HDR-SR11

There's a whole lot to like about the Sony Handycam HDR-SR11. Not only does this shooter capture beautiful video, it also shoots excellent still photos. If you're in the market for a hard-drive-based high-definition camcorder, you won't go wrong with this Sony

Editor's rating 8.0

Sony Handycam DCR-SR290E

Seeing is believing with Sony's Handycam DCR-SR290E. Its giant 69mm (2.7-inch) wide-screen touchscreen LCD allows you to see clearly through the Zeiss-branded 10x optical zoom lens. Along with Super SteadyShot image stablisation, you'll be looking at some excellent video

Editor's rating 7.4

Sony Handycam HDR-SR5E

The Sony Handycam HDR-SR5E is a bargain, with its HD video support, hard disk-based recording and Sony provenance. It feels solidly built, with some nice design touches and the controls in the places you'd expect to find them. With plenty of features, you're looking at the real deal

Editor's rating 7.0

Sony NSC-GC1

Closed, the NSC-GC1 net sharing cam looks more than a little like the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sony have jumped on the YouTube bandwagon with this pocket camera/camcorder. It's specifically tailored for video sharing, and don't worry -- you'll be in complete control

Editor's rating 6.0

Sony Handycam HDR-CX6EK

There are some great features squashed into the tiny body of the Sony Handycam HDR-CX6EK. It's small thanks to its AVCHD flash memory, and you can use the touchscreen interface to navigate a nice complement of controls, all through the sharp Zeiss T lens. Do you have room for a little 'un?

User rating 8.5

Editor's rating 8.0

Sony Handycam HDR-SR7E

The Sony Handycam HDR-SR7E delivers cutting-edge capabilities along with high-quality high definition video. Its great HD experience is buoyed by plenty of manual controls and with a comfortable experience through a touchscreen interface and small stature, you'll be floating along

Editor's rating 8.0

Sony Handycam HDR-SR8

Leading Sony's charge on to the high-definition battlefield is the gorgeous Handycam HDR-SR8, a camcorder that boasts a gargantuan 100GB hard drive, a 10x Carl Zeiss zoom lens and Sony's Super SteadyShot and Super NightShot systems

Editor's rating 9.2

Sony Handycam DCR-SR42

The Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 is a lightweight camcorder with a 30GB hard drive and has a bundled dock and built-in lens cover. It uses a touchscreen menu system on its 64mm LCD. It has decent stereo audio and its zoom is easy to control

Editor's rating 6.0