Hard Drive 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 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

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

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

Sony Handycam HDR-SR11

There's a whole lot to like about the Sony Handycam HDR-SR11. Not only does this shooter capture beautiful video, it also shoots excellent still photos. If you're in the market for a hard-drive-based high-definition camcorder, you won't go wrong with this Sony

Editor's rating 8.0

Sony Handycam HDR-SR12

There's a whole lot to like about the Sony Handycam HDR-SR12. Not only does this shooter capture beautiful video to its impressive 120GB hard drive, it also shoots excellent still photos. If you're in the market for a hard drive-based high-definition camcorder, you won't go wrong with this Sony

Editor's rating 8.0

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

Sony Handycam HDR-SR1

Sony's sturdy, adaptable camcorder is a pleasure to use. Hard disk capacity, a great design and a broad feature set -- including AV, component and HDMI output jacks and a manual control ring for adjusting exposure, focus and white balance -- make this the consumer HD model to beat for 2006

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-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

JVC Everio GZ-MG505

JVC's Everio GZ-MG505 is a hard-disk-based 3CCD camcorder that follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the GZ-MC500, which remains an extremely impressive camcorder, even by today's standards. The MG505 adds a larger hard disk and improved optics, but it still records to proprietary video format, which may not please more professional users

User rating 7.3

Editor's rating 7.7

Canon HG10

The Canon HG10, the hard drive-based, AVCHD-compatible camcorder, takes some chances. For starters, it has one of the most comfortable zoom switches in its class. Plus, upping its low-light performance, both focus and video quality, means it goes beyond other models to produce sharp photo and video

Editor's rating 7.5

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

Sony Handycam DCR-SR100

Sony may not be the first manufacturer to enter the hard drive camcorder market -- that distinction goes to JVC's Everio models. But with excellent video quality and fluid operation, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR100 puts all but the more expensive JVC 500 series models, as well as Sony's own DVD-based models, to shame

User rating 8.0

Editor's rating 7.4

Sony Handycam DCR-SR290E

Seeing is believing with Sony's Handycam DCR-SR290E. Its giant 69mm (2.7-inch) wide-screen touchscreen LCD allows you to see clearly through the Zeiss-branded 10x optical zoom lens. Along with Super SteadyShot image stablisation, you'll be looking at some excellent video

Editor's rating 7.4

Sony Handycam DCR-SR80

If you're the type of videographer that puts the camcorder in Easy mode and concentrates on pointing the lens in the right direction and zooming when appropriate, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR80 should be great for you. Performance is pleasing and image quality is impressive -- you could definitely do a lot worse

Editor's rating 7.1

Sony Handycam DCR-SR40

Sony's Handycam DCR-SR40 is a decent choice for an entry-level hard-drive-based camcorder. Tweakers and still-image buffs will probably want to move up the line, but casual shooters, such as those who just want to document birthday parties and the occasional holiday, should enjoy the convenience of being tape and mini-DVD free

Editor's rating 7.0