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 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

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 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

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

Flip Video UltraHD

The Flip Video UltraHD follows its other mini-camcorder brethren in getting simplicity right. Although it's lacking in style, the UltraHD makes up in ease of use and good 720p HD video quality. It delivers the best video yet from these budget, Web-friendly camcorders

Editor's rating 8.0

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

Flip Video Ultra (2nd gen)

The second generation of the Ultra standard-definition mini camcorder offers some modest improvements on its predecessor, with better video, a bigger LCD screen and more storage. It's a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward device for shooting Web-destined video

Editor's rating 6.6

Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera

The easy-to-use Zx1 Pocket Video Camera HD mini-camcorder offers a relatively rugged design, good video quality and expandable memory. A flip-out USB connector is sorely missed and we'd like a bundled memory card, but this speedy performer still represents decent value for money

Editor's rating 7.6

Flip Video MinoHD

The MinoHD isn't without its drawbacks, most notably a high price tag and its lack of a memory-expansion slot, but it's a great mini-camcorder nonetheless. Considering its size, this ultra-simple device shoots solid 720p video, and uploading your recordings to the Internet couldn't be much easier

Editor's rating 8.0

JVC Everio GZ-MS100

The big YouTube sticker on back of this camcorder's LCD and the YouTube branding on the box are kind of a giveaway: JVC's Everio GZ-MS100 is a compact, budget SD-card-based camcorder capitalising on the trend of one-touch video upload to the Internet

User rating 8.0

Editor's rating 6.4

Samsung VP-MX20

If you're after the camcorder experience but don't need high definition, the Samsung VP-MX20 is an affordable standard definition shooter with 34x zoom. Good battery life and long recording times combined with the convenience of SD cards make this a worthwhile Web-sharing option

User rating 4.7

Editor's rating 6.6

Kodak Zi6

While bigger than most of its competitors and high priced for a mini camcorder, the Kodak Zi6's attractive design and decent video quality adequately compensate for some usability drawbacks. Most notably, we wanted an optional memory card to make up for the mere 30MB of storage

User rating 9.0

Editor's rating 7.0

Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam

Creative has done a nice job with its first entry into the straight-to-Web mini camcorder market. With its small form factor and a rechargeable battery, this camcorder has an extremely low price tag to keep you sweet and away from point-and-shoot cameras

Editor's rating 6.8

Flip Video Mino

The Flip Video Mino's more compact design makes it more pocket-friendly than its predecessor, the Ultra. Its 2GB of memory is decent, it uploads videos to YouTube with ease and this version has an integrated rechargeable battery, which will save you money. And you'll need it, too, at this price

Editor's rating 7.8