Video Resolution

Any worthwhile digital camcorder these days is capable of recording in HD, most in 1080p resultion, but that’s only part of the story. A good camcorder features 1080/60p recording, meaning a 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. 3D recording is even an option now; however, you shouldn’t consider it a deciding factor. Image sensor size is also something to consider. A 1/4-inch is a popular choice, and many camcorders, like the Sony HDR-TD10 and Panasonic HDC-HS900, use a group of ¼-inch sensors for a better image. It’s best not to go any smaller than 1/6-inch in sensor size.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder

As the primary method to view your subject through the camera, the LCD screen and viewfinder are important features to consider. LCD screens vary in size, and while large screens look much better, they also use much more power. When battery life is key, a viewfinder is useful option. Touchscreens can also be useful, especially on cameras with many features. When buying a camera without a viewfinder, make sure the screen performs well in sunlight and other bright conditions.

Zoom (Optical vs. Digital)

As a general rule of thumb, optical zoom is much more desirable over digital zoom, though it doesn’t mean you can’t have both. For casual filming, a 10x optical zoom is generally sufficient. Camcorders with 50x zoom and greater are available, but without a tripod or steady cam rigging, it just isn’t practical.

Image Stabilization

Some form of image stabilization is absolutely necessary for a digital camcorder. Typically optical image stabilization (OIS) is preferred over electronic (EIS). OIS counters vibrations and movement naturally within the lens, while EIS attempts to detect vibration by processing the image itself and then correcting for it. The EIS method doesn’t always detect motion correctly; however, it’s far better than having no stabilization at all and simply trying to hold your hand as still as possible.

Recording Media

Camcorders use a wide array of storage types, from Mini DVDs to SD cards. It’s best to stay away from any storage formats that involve moving parts, such as disks or digital tapes. Most modern camcorders use some form of flash memory, such as Compact Flash, SD cards, or internal storage. Ideally, you’ll want a camcorder that is compatible with SDXC cards. This will allow you to use standard SD cards, SDHC cards, and SDXC cards (currently up to 128GB). Full 1080/60p will typically require anywhere from 2GB to 6GB per hour of video.

With all of these features in mind, here are a few of alaTest’s top ranked digital camcorders:

Sony HDR-TD10 – Perfect for 3D enthusiasts (features dual ¼” image sensors and lenses and 3D LCD display).

Panasonic HDC-HS900 – Full-featured camcorder that excels in nearly all lighting conditions. 3D capable as well.

Canon Legria HF M41 – Feature rich and affordable, it too shoots very well in adverse lighting conditions.

Samsung HMX-Q10 – A very affordable entry-level camcorder. It features only 1080i recording and lacks many features, but still a good value.

Panasonic HDC-SD80 – A middle ground between entry-level and mid-end camcorders, it’s a little pricier, but offers features not found in other entry-level camcorders.

Keep in mind, too, that you don’t necessarily have to choose between getting a new camcorder as a gift and using it to film your holiday adventures. You can use some of the smaller models as a stocking stuffer or wrap one up as a gift to be opened first. Just remember to make sure the batteries are fully charged or that the camera allows you to operate it while plugged into the charger.

The FlipHD and Sony Bloggie Touch

These digital camcorders are affordable, simple, and portable. They’re perfect for web-related videos (like Youtube and Facebook) and quick clips. Their cheaper price tag does come with a few sacrifices though. For starters, you’re limited to the built-in memory, which is only 4GB to 16GB (giving you only 1 to 4 hours of video) depending on model.

In order to accommodate the smaller form factor, the lenses lack any form of optical zoom. These limitations make these small camcorders less than ideal for those exciting and epic adventures, but they still make a great and affordable middle ground.

The Flip comes in a couple of different versions, all of which are capable of recording in 720p and have HDMI output. The Flip MinoHD is one of the most popular of the Flip line, with its smaller size, 60 frames per second recording, and image stabilization. For those who would like a bit more internal memory, the Flip SlideHD comes with 16GB of built-in storage and a slightly larger battery. Unfortunately, it lacks image stabilization and only records at 30 frames per second.

The Sony Bloggie Touch Camera gives you a great bang for your buck. Not only does it record in 1080p (unlike the Flip line) it also doubles as a 12.8MP digital camera for still images. Don’t get too excited though. Its camera lens isn’t much more than a glorified Smartphone camera; it has no optical zoom, limited focus, and small image sensor. Just like the Flip line, the Bloggie’s short battery life, restrictive storage space, and average picture quality will be your greatest limitations.

Sony HDR-CX110

When it comes to the more full-featured HD camcorders, there are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from, and they can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. The Sony HDR-CX110 provides an excellent balance in price and features. It offers all of the standard features you’d expect from an HD camcorder and comes with 16GB of built-in storage with expansion slots for Memory Stick Pro Duo or SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. This keeps it very affordable and allows you to customize the amount of memory you need through the expansion cards.

The CX110 also offers some of the best image stabilization available as well as a great intelligent auto mode to make shooting simple for even the most novice of novices. To top it all off, it comes with an admirable image sensor and high-quality lens complete with 12x optical zoom.

The entire HDR-CX line actually makes a great place to start when searching for a new HD camcorder. While the CX110 offers an affordable middle ground on quality, features, and storage, spending a bit more on the CX550V (one of our highest rated products), for example, gives you a larger image sensor and a bit more storage.