Camcorders

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

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

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

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

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

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10

Combining 10-megapixel still photos with 720p high-definition video, the Xacti VPC-CG10 aims to offer a killer combination of camera and camcorder for a reasonable price. Its ray-gun design won't appeal to everyone, but it's very pocket-friendly and extremely easy to operate

User rating 9.0

Editor's rating 6.0

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

Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1

Under the right conditions, the attractive and eminently portable Xacti VPC-TH1 is capable of shooting extremely rich and detailed 720p footage -- just don't shake it too much when filming. It's also very easy to use and won't put a massive dent in your wallet

Editor's rating 6.0

Canon Legria HF200

The flash-based, high-definition Legria HF200 compact camcorder is pricey compared to many of its rivals. But a relatively extensive feature set, top-notch performance and excellent video-quality go some way to justifying the extra cost. And it all comes in a functional, classy-looking package

Editor's rating 8.0

Canon Legria HF20

Compared to its competitors, the flash-based, high-definition Legria HF20 compact camcorder is pricey. But it goes a long way to justifying the extra expense by offering a relatively extensive feature set, top-notch performance and excellent video-quality in a functional, classy-looking package

Editor's rating 8.0

Canon Legria HF S100

Offering top-notch performance and video quality, the SD card-based Legria HF S100 is an excellent high-definition camcorder with a good, functional design. As long as you can live without an electronic viewfinder and internal memory, you'll find it provides a better shooting experience than many of its rivals

Editor's rating 8.0

Canon Legria HF S10

Offering top-notch performance and video quality, the flash-based Legria HF S10 is an excellent high-definition camcorder with a good, functional design. As long as you can live without an electronic viewfinder, you'll find it provides a better shooting experience than many of its rivals

Editor's rating 8.0

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

JVC Everio GZ-HD40

The reasonably compact Everio GZ-HD40 is a dual-format high-definition camcorder, shooting in both AVCHD and MPEG-2 TS, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. The menu system is convoluted, but the HD40 offers very good video quality and plenty of manual options

Editor's rating 8.0