Camcorders

JVC Everio GZ-MC500

Because of the MC500's 3CCD system, the picture recorded to the internal Microdrive is better than anything a single-CCD system is capable of. The most convincing reason to consider the MC500 is its size, though. Unlike most camcorders, it will fit in your pocket

User rating 6.0

Editor's rating 9.3

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

Canon XH A1

Canon's XH A1 uses the same technology as the company's professional-level XL H1, but trades in the interchangeable lens for a price that's far easier to stomach -- making it an appealing model for prosumers

Editor's rating 8.9

Canon XH G1

The Canon XH G1 model is the mid-range of choices for videographers. It uses the same technology as the professional-level XL H1, but uses an equivalent of the H1's JackPack and -- like its sister model, the XH A1 -- an interchangeable lens to drive down the cost, which will be attractive to budding filmmakers

Editor's rating 8.9

Canon HG21

Our main issue with the HG21, Canon's high-class, high-definition camcorder, is that it may be too good for its own good. Now that should tell you something. The HG21 comes with a whopping 120GB hard drive, a vast array of high-end features and produces video that is absolutely breathtaking. If you think you can make use of it all, this one's a winner

Editor's rating 8.6

Panasonic HDC-HS100

The Panasonic HDC-HS100 ticks just about every box for a camcorder. It's compact but still grippable, while boasting a roomy hard drive. It sports a number of high-end features while still being a piece of cake to operate and benefitting from effective automatic modes. And, considering all the features, its price is right

Editor's rating 8.4

JVC Everio GZ-MC200

We've seen small camcorders before, but the MC200 ushers in a whole new generation of handheld camcorders that you can almost enclose in your palm. These suckers are small, really small. If you've been reluctant to take a camcorder on holiday because of the size of the things, you might be swayed by the MC200 -- it's the same size as a rolled-up pair of socks

User rating 8.7

Editor's rating 8.3

Samsung VP-HMX20

Samsung is coming into its own on the camcorder front, with the Samsung HMX20. It's a sleeker, more confident beast, and impressed us with the quality of its video even in low light, making this more than just a good-looking model. It's lacking a few things, but its ease of use more than makes up for it

Editor's rating 8.3

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

JVC Everio GZ-MG20

While casual users will find the MG20's nine-hour footage capacity is more than enough for general use, compulsive videographers will be better off opting for a removable hard-disk camera. But the overwhelming reason to opt for the MG20 is its tin-can size

User rating 8.0

Editor's rating 8.1

Sony HDR-FX1

Sony's first HDV camera, the HDR-FX1, has some very well-thought-out features that make it an ideal vessel for riding out the transition to hi-def

User rating 9.5

Editor's rating 8.0

Panasonic NVGS250B

User rating 9.0

Editor's rating 8.0

Canon HV30

The Canon HV30 is an upgrade to last year's top-notch HV20. This model features a sleeker-looking black body and much longer battery life, making it a well-designed prosumer camcorder with a useful feature set, great performance and excellent video quality

Editor's rating 8.0

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

Canon HG20

We're loving the Canon HG20 HD camcorder, if not just for its bigger 60GB hard drive compared to Canon's comparable HF11's 32GB of internal flash memory. But that's just where it starts -- the HG20 is cheaper at around £720 and has excellent lens performance, not to mention superb video quality and understated design

Editor's rating 8.0

Canon HF100

Aside from price, there are only a few minor differences between the Canon HF100 and its brother, the HF10. Cosmetically, the HF100 is a sleek, matte-grey instead of black. Plus, it lacks the HF10's internal memory, relying on SDHC cards. Still, it produces great video

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

Canon HF10

The Canon HF10 definitely deserves a spot on your short list of potential home-movie camcorders. This dual flash memory combines 16GB of built-in flash memory and a slot for SDHC. Its performance is above average for its class, and footage retains a significant amount of detail

Editor's rating 8.0

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

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