Best HD camcorders
HD's higher resolution, broader color space, and advanced compression algorithms have opened the door for a substantial improvement in video quality, even for the most prosaic of home movies. Though prices for consumer models hover well above the budgets of many wanna-haves, as more units trickle into the market in 2007 we expect the prices to drop into mainstream territory. And pros need HD capabilities to stay competitive: even if you're not quite ready to go HD-only, some of the entry-level pro models are priced reasonably enough to merit an educational investment.
Canon Vixia HG20
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 9/29/08)
Like its cousin, the flash-based HF11, Canon's Vixia HG20 delivers excellent HD video quality and performance albeit in a slightly larger, heavier package. However, you do get more storage space and a lower price.
Read review of the Canon Vixia HG20
Canon Vixia HF100
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 4/16/08)
One of a pair of Canon's first flash-based camcorders, the Canon Vixia HF100, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.
Read review of the Canon Vixia HF100
Sony Handycam HDR-SR11
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 4/10/08)
Sony's Handycam HDR-SR11 and SR12 60GB hard-drive-based AVCHD camcorders deliver top notch performance and image quality.
Read review of the Sony Handycam HDR-SR11
Canon Vixia HF10
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 3/3/08)
Canon's first flash-based camcorder, the Canon Vixia HF10, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.
Read review of the Canon Vixia HF10
Canon Vixia HV30
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 2/25/08)
An extremely minor upgrade from the HV20, the Canon Vixia HV30 remains a quality HDV camcorder with a couple of performance issues.
Read review of the Canon Vixia HV30
Sony Handycam HDR-CX7
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 8/9/07)
As the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR7, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin.
Read review of the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7
Sony Handycam HDR-SR7
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 7/19/07)
The hard-drive-based analog of the HDR-HC7, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 finally delivers a cutting-edge HD video experience, complete with great video and compatibility frustrations.
Read review of the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7
Sony Handycam HDR-HC7
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 3/30/07)
A great HD camcorder for deep-pocketed leisure shooters, as long as you like the Sony Handycam HDR-HC7's touch screen interface.
Read review of the Sony Handycam HDR-HC7
Canon HG10
7.5 Very good (reviewed 8/10/07)
A solid hard-drive based HD camcorder, the Canon HG10 nevertheless has its share of annoying quirks.
Read review of the Canon HG10
Panasonic HDC-SD9
7.2 Very good (reviewed 3/17/08)
Despite its trio of CCDs, the video quality and performance of the Panasonic HDC-SD9 are a bit too inconsistent.
Read review of the Panasonic HDC-SD9