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

Other mini camcorders may shoot slightly better video, but the Webbie HD MHS-PM1 has plenty going for it. Chief among its attractions are its ability to shoot video at a 1080p resolution, and an appealing and cleverly conceived design that includes a ...

Attractive design ; captures video at 720p and 1080p &apos ; high-definition&apos ; resolutions ; memory-card expansion slot ; swivelling lens ; rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Price doesn&apos ; t include an optional memory card (on-board memory is limited to 12MB for capturing video) ; rechargeable battery doesn&apos ; t recharge via USB ; no integrated USB connector ; no protective carrying case included

The Webbie HD MHS-PM1 represents a step forward for Sony in the mini-camcorder arena, but a quirky interface and merely okay video quality prevent it from conquering the competition

Whether you want to film the moon and stars or just someone very far away having a nosebleed, the compact Panasonic SDR-H80's 70x zoom will let you do it. Its standard-definition video won't blow you away, but it offers loads of storage and its price ...

Full manual controls ; 60GB hard drive ; 70x optical zoom with stabilisation

Mediocre video quality ; USB and power input are located behind the battery

The Panasonic SDR-H80 has the zoom power of a telescope and offers plenty of storage in a compact body, but the video results aren't nearly as thrilling

The flash-based HDC-TM300 camcorder is pricey but shoots excellent 1080p high-definition video and offers solid performance, as well as a full set of manual controls. The touchscreen interface can be irritating at times, but this remains a very good ...

High-quality video ; solid performance ; electronic viewfinder ; full manual feature set

Touchscreen isn&apos ; t responsive enough

The Panasonic HDC-TM300 shoots excellent video and boasts a full set of manual features, but is let down by an annoying touchscreen interface. It's still a very good prosumer HD camcorder, though

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 excellent 10.6-megapixel still images, packs 80GB of built-in memory and ...

Great image quality, both in terms of video and photos ; loads of storage ; good touchscreen interface

No standard-definition mode ; heavy ; missing several crucial features for advanced users

For the price, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Panasonic HDC-HS200 in terms of picture quality, and it also features one of the better touchscreen menu systems out there. But a number of conspicuously absent manual features means it sits awkwardly ...

With dual SD/SDHC card slots, the Everio GZ-MS120 can offer more storage than its rivals, at up to 64GB. It also boasts a comfortable and pleasing design, and, given the price, better-than-expected shooting options. Most importantly, though, it shoots ...

Good video quality for its class ; manual controls ; small, comfortable design

No inputs ; no optical image stabilisation ; thin grip strap

The JVC Everio GZ-MS120 is a decent standard-definition camcorder. It's comfortable to use, looks good, offers better-than-expected shooting options, and shoots satisfying video

It's slightly let down by a rather annoying touchscreen interface, but the Panasonic HDC-HS300 compensates for that by shooting excellent 1080p high-definition video, recorded to its 120GB hard drive. It also offers solid performance and a full set of ...

Solid performance ; excellent video ; electronic viewfinder ; full set of manual features

Touchscreen isn&apos ; t responsive enough

The Panasonic HDC-HS300 is a very good prosumer HD camcorder, but it isn't as good a deal as the similarly featured but flash-based TM300, and it has the same annoying touchscreen interface

The distinctive design won't be everyone's cup of tea, but the Everio GZ-X900 comes pretty close to being the perfect combination of camcorder and camera, shooting crisp video and sharp photos. You'll have to dig deep though -- this machine doesn't ...

Good picture quality ; three slow-motion modes ; effective optical image stabiliser ; unusual but appealing design

Expensive ; fiddly menu system ; only 5x optical zoom

The JVC Everio GZ-X900 is a slim, light and handsome camcorder that doubles up as a very decent camera. At the top settings, video and still-image quality are both good, but, while the slow-motion modes and unique optical image stabiliser are ...

The attractive and solid Camileo H20 is an excellent 1080p compact camcorder for a reasonable price. Extremely simple to use, it also delivers generally good image and sound quality, making it remarkably easy for a camcorder novice to become a HD ...

Easy to use ; decent image quality in the right conditions ; good battery life

Picture quickly turns grainy in dim light ; no external microphone jack

The Toshiba Camileo H20 is a solid, reliable and extremely easy-to-use camcorder that delivers good results for the price. We'd like to have seen a microphone jack and protected case included though

Combining 10-megapixel still photos with 720p high-definition video, the Xacti VPC-CG10 aims to offer a killer combination of camera and camcorder for a reasonable price. Its ray-gun design won't appeal to everyone, but it's very pocket-friendly and ...

Reasonably priced ; simple to use ; small and light

Patchy video performance ; inaccurate colours ; no HDMI socket

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 has the potential to offer a killer combination of camera and camcorder at a budget price, but a range of performance issues and technical limitations mean that it falls some way short of being the ideal dual device