Standard Def 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8

The Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8 is a waterproof camcorder that's up to the challenge of holidays, adventures and wet weekends. Video quality isn't a top priority here, but it offers 'proper camcorder' features such as optical zoom and stills capture, and it's perfect for sharing your daring snowboarding clips on YouTube

Editor's rating 6.1

JVC Everio GZ-MG730

JVC bucks the trend for standard-def camcorders to have low-res sensors with the Everio GZ-MG730, its top-of-the-line hybrid camcorder. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it manages to cram in a 30GB hard drive plus microSD card expansion and a 7-megapixel sensor

Editor's rating 6.6

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

Canon FS100

At a budget price, the Canon FS100 is small, stylish and provides a reasonably expansive feature set for an SD card-based camcorder. It's a compact and convenient video camera with a hybrid zoom for very long shots

User rating 8.0

Editor's rating 7.4

Canon FS11

At a budget price, the Canon FS11 is small, stylish and provides a reasonably expansive feature set for an SD card-based camcorder. With 16GB of flash memory built in as well, it's a compact and convenient video camera with a hybrid zoom for very long shots

Editor's rating 7.4

JVC Everio GZ-MG330

High definition may be all the rage, but not everyone is ready to make the leap to shooting in HD. Some just want a small, unobtrusive camcorder that records good-quality footage and doesn't cost the earth -- JVC delivers that with the MG330 that offers a 30GB hard drive and 35x optical zoom for under £250

User rating 7.0

Editor's rating 7.0

Canon FS10

At a budget price, the Canon FS10 is small, stylish and provides a reasonably expansive feature set for an SD card-based camcorder. With 8GB of flash memory built in as well, it's a compact and convenient video camera with a hybrid zoom for very long shots

Editor's rating 7.4

Panasonic SDR-SW20

The novelty of waterproof gadgets takes a long time to wear off and we'll never tire of drop-testing products, which is why the shock and water-proof Panasonic SDR-SW20 camcorder certainly has the fun factor. It looks great too and is highly affordable for holidaymakers

Editor's rating 6.1

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