If you're after broadcast-quality footage and full manual controls, the 1080p-capable Zi8 isn't for you. But if you're seeking an inexpensive, straightforward, pocket-friendly camcorder that produces relatively good video and photos, this device is ...

Amazingly cheap ; easy to use ; small and light ; included HDMI cable

Auto functions vary in their effectiveness ; few manual options ; poor built-in microphone ; no optical zoom

The Kodak Zi8 might not look much like a camcorder, but you'd be wrong to write it off as just a toy. While you're never going to get broadcast-quality video out of it, the Zi8 is compact, straightforward and capable of producing some relatively ...

With a 64GB solid-state drive, as well as an SDHC card slot, the high-definition HMX-H106SP is a robustly built, compact camcorder. Its video quality isn't the best we've seen and its autofocus can be rather slow, but it benefits from an LCD ...

Attractive design ; comfortable rotating grip ; manual shutter speed and aperture controls

Solid-state drive adds unnecessary price premium ; so-so video quality ; slow, inaccurate autofocus

The Samsung HMX-H106SP's interesting design doesn't offset the so-so video quality and performance. If you're set on a camcorder in the HMX series, the no-memory-included HMX-H100P is probably the best deal of the bunch

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 ...

Comfortable, compact design ; 34x zoom lens ; 16GB of internal memory ; good audio quality ; relatively easy to operate

Slow autofocus ; long zoom lens lacks optical image stabilisation

The Samsung SMX-F34 is a serviceable and inexpensive standard-definition camcorder, but the money goes more towards storage and the 34x zoom lens than towards video quality

The Panasonic HDC-SD10 is a great pocket camcorder that manages to combine diminutive dimensions with good-quality, 1080p high-definition video. Beginners will have no problems using it, but there are plenty of options to keep more experienced users ...

Small and light ; welcome balance between simplicity and advanced features ; pleasing video picture quality

Weak photo quality ; some construction issues ; over-eager autofocus

If small size and low weight are important considerations, but you don't want the poor-quality video that's typical of pocket camcorders, you should consider the Panasonic HDC-SD10

Easier to use than a toothbrush, the Camileo P30 is a decent pocket camcorder that manages to combine high-definition video with a small, lightweight body and budget price tag. The image quality won't blow your mind, but, for the price, the P30 packs ...

Small and light ; comes with some useful accessories ; very easy to use

Cheap look and feel ; limited menu options ; below-par video and photo quality

High-definition camcorders tend to be expensive, complicated beasts. Toshiba's Camileo P30 is a brave attempt to buck this trend by delivering high-definition video in the form of a small, simple, budget camcorder. But buyers will have to weigh cost ...

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, ...

Colour LCD screen makes it easy to use in the field ; useful webcam and live monitor functions ; waterproof, shockproof design

Front-heavy design makes the unit difficult to mount in a stable fashion ; abysmal low-light performance

The Oregon Scientific ATC5K Waterproof Action Camera is easy to pick up and start using, and can take bumps and splashes in its stride. Unfortunately, it falls flat when it comes to video and photo quality

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, ...

First-rate video quality and performance ; geotagging videos is fun

Annoying menu system ; no wind filter ; no manual shutter-speed, iris or audio controls ; relatively big and heavy ; expensive

Although its geotagging capabilities are mostly a novelty, its interface could use a complete overhaul and it's overpriced, the top-notch video quality, performance and consumer-friendly feature set of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520VE make it a worthy ...

It's rather expensive, but the Handycam HDR-XR100 records decent 1080p video to its 80GB hard drive, and rectifies some of the problems suffered by the HDR-CX100. Sporting a simple and functional design, it's also comfortable to operate and quick to ...

Relatively fast to start up ; comfortable design

Average hi-def video quality ; annoying touchscreen and interface

While it's a perfectly serviceable hi-def camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 should deliver rather more of everything for the money

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 ...

Ultra-compact design ; 37x optical zoom ; mic, headphone jacks

No optical image stabilisation ; no extended-life battery option

Although its video isn't perfect, the Canon Legria FS200 is one of the better standard-definition consumer camcorders available. We'd like to see mechanical image stabilisation included, but, as long as you don't expect hi-def video quality from a ...

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 ...

Easy to use ; decent video for a VGA budget mini camcorder ; good low-light performance ; 4GB memory holds 2 hours of video ; FlipShare software is compatible with both Mac and Windows machines

No memory card slot ; no rechargeable batteries included

Flip Video has made some modest improvements to the original Ultra, but the UltraHD is a better buy if you can stump up the extra cash