Sony Handycam HDR-XR550VDec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe Sony Handycam HDR-XR550V fares well compared with the competition, though its video could be a bit sharper and the interface less cumbersome. Unless you absolutely need to store a lot of video on the camcorder--which I don't suggest--or have large hands and therefore could benefit from the extra grip the hard drive provides, the cheaper and nearly identical flash-based CX550V is a better deal.
Canon Vixia HF S21Dec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmWhile they're an excellent trio of camcorders, the Vixia HF S21, HF S20, and HF S200 are significantly more expensive than their respective competitors, especially since the S20 and S200 lack electronic viewfinders. If you can forego some of the subtleties of its manual controls, you can probably get what you need with a cheaper camcorder.
Panasonic HDC-TM700Dec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe flash-based Panasonic HDC-TM700 and its hard-disk sibling, the HDC-HS700, stand out for their low-light video quality and broad set of manual controls. However, while the TM700 is very attractively priced for its class, the HS700 is not, and not worth the price premium unless you absolutely need the hard disk.
Kodak PlaysportDec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe Kodak Playsport is an excellent minicamcorder that can take some rough treatment and capture solid HD video.
Sony Handycam HDR-CX150Dec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmIts small size and attractive price might draw you to the Sony Handycam HDR-CX150, but this bare-bones camcorder just barely delivers on the promise of HD quality.
Flip SlideHD (4 Hours, white)Dec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe Flip SlideHD sets itself apart from the company's previous bargain camcorders by incorporating a unique sliding touch-screen.
Flip SlideHDDec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe Flip SlideHD sets itself apart from the company's previous bargain camcorders by incorporating a unique sliding touch-screen.
Panasonic SDR-T50, S50, and H85Dec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe Panasonic SDR-T50, S50, and H85 standard-definition camcorders are worth considering for their manual controls and powerful zoom lens in a very compact body--not their video quality.
Sony Bloggie MHS-CM5Dec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThe Bloggie CM5 isn't as compact as competing models from Flip Video and Kodak, but it delivers an above-average feature set and video for the money.
Creative Labs Vado HD 3rd GenDec 28, 2011 | 7:00 pmThough the Creative Vado HD 3rd Gen doesn't do quite enough to distinguish itself from the competition, it does offer some nice improvements over earlier Vado HD models that keep it relevant in the pocket camcorder space.
