High Def Camcorders

Panasonic HDC-TM700

The HDC-TM700 will appeal to a limited audience due to its high price, but it's truly packed with features and its 1080/50p video is often stunning. You'll need to ensure your playback and editing hardware and software is up to the task of handling the camcorder's raw footage, though

Editor's rating 8.0

Samsung HMX-R10

The HMX-R10 is a respectable compact camcorder. Its 1080p video can be jittery, but it delivers decent performance at a 720p resolution and is brimming with shooting options. For those underwhelmed by pocket camcorders, like Flip Video's offerings, it could well fit the bill

Editor's rating 7.0

Sony Bloggie CM5

Larger than some rivals, the 1080p Bloggie CM5 mini-camcorder nevertheless compares well to its competitors in terms of picture quality. It also offers a useful feature set, including a 5x optical zoom, swivelling display, memory-card slot and the ability to shoot impressive close-ups

Editor's rating 7.4

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

User rating 2.0

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

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

User rating 1.0

Editor's rating 6.5

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

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

User rating 6.0

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

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

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

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