An entry-level standard-definition hard-drive-based camcorder, the Handycam DCR-SR47 isn't for hi-def fanatics. But, if plenty of storage, a 60x megazoom lens and a compact and lightweight body are on your list of priorities, the DCR-SR47 will be well ...

Simple operation ; 60x zoom lens ; 60GB hard drive ; small size

Soft video ; noticeable purple fringing

If high storage capacity, zoom range and easy operation are above video quality on your list of needs, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR47 will be well worth a look

The Flip Video UltraHD follows its other mini-camcorder brethren in getting simplicity right. Although it's lacking in style, the UltraHD makes up in ease of use and good 720p HD video quality. It delivers the best video yet from these budget, Web ...

Shoots 720p HD video ; high-quality video for its class ; easy to use ; uses rechargeable AA battery pack ; FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows

Pricey ; no memory card slot ; no cable included for HD output to HDTVs

The Flip Video UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini-camcorder out there, but it offers a respectable feature set and some of the best video we've seen from this type of bargain, YouTube-friendly camcorder

Under the right conditions, the attractive and eminently portable Xacti VPC-TH1 is capable of shooting extremely rich and detailed 720p footage -- just don't shake it too much when filming. It's also very easy to use and won't put a massive dent in ...

Competitively priced ; small and light ; easy to use

Slow autofocus ; image quality deteriorates with camera motion ; some odd artefacts in images

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1 certainly looks the part, and has an attractive price to boot. Combined with a healthy, no-nonsense approach to filming, it has the potential to be the ideal budget hi-def option. Unfortunately, technical limitations and slow ...

Compared to its competitors, the flash-based, high-definition Legria HF20 compact camcorder is pricey. But it goes a long way to justifying the extra expense by offering a relatively extensive feature set, top-notch performance and excellent video ...

Broad manual feature set is unusual in a camcorder of this size ; excellent video quality ; attractive, functional design

Relatively expensive

While the Canon Legria HF20 is more expensive than its competitors, it delivers a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which is almost identical to the HF20 but lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy, but the HF20's all ...

Offering top-notch performance and video quality, the flash-based Legria HF S10 is an excellent high-definition camcorder with a good, functional design. As long as you can live without an electronic viewfinder, you'll find it provides a better ...

Excellent video quality and performance ; nicely designed interface ; fast battery charging

No eye-level viewfinder ; expensive ; lens cover rattles when closed

The Canon Legria HF S10 is an excellent flash-based, prosumer, high-definition camcorder. The lack of an eye-level viewfinder may put some off though, while others will find the almost identical, but cheaper, S100 a better buy

The compact, flash-based Handycam HDR-CX100 has a boxy but pleasant design and shoots decent video, performing particularly well in low light. Whether or not it's right for you depends on how significant a factor size is, as you can get better ...

Compact and attractive ; above-average low-light video

Not terribly great lens ; occasionally awkward design

You can tell where Sony has cut corners on the compact Handycam HDR-CX100. It's decent enough but there are better options for the money

The MinoHD isn't without its drawbacks, most notably a high price tag and its lack of a memory-expansion slot, but it's a great mini-camcorder nonetheless. Considering its size, this ultra-simple device shoots solid 720p video, and uploading your ...

Shoots solid 720p high-definition video ; ultra-slim yet functional design ; easy to use ; one-touch video uploading to YouTube and MySpace ; integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery ; FlipShare software is compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs

Pricey ; no SD/MMC expansion slot ; rechargeable battery isn&apos ; t removable or replaceable ; can&apos ; t output HD to HDTVs

While the ultra-simple Flip Video MinoHD has its flaws and is rather expensive, it produces impressive video for a camcorder of its size and represents another step forward for mini-camcorders in general

The easy-to-use Zx1 Pocket Video Camera HD mini-camcorder offers a relatively rugged design, good video quality and expandable memory. A flip-out USB connector is sorely missed and we'd like a bundled memory card, but this speedy performer still ...

Relatively rugged, attractive design ; captures video at 720p resolution ; decent video quality ; memory-card expansion slot ; runs off AA batteries ; bundled HDMI cable ; relatively zippy performance

No bundled memory card ; batteries don&apos ; t recharge via USB connector ; software isn&apos ; t Mac-compatible ; poor connectivity

While the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera's video quality doesn't quite match up to that of the Flip Video MinoHD, it does benefit from a stylish, rugged design and zippy performance, making it a likeable mini-camcorder

The reasonably compact Everio GZ-HD40 is a dual-format high-definition camcorder, shooting in both AVCHD and MPEG-2 TS, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. The menu system is convoluted, but the HD40 offers very good video quality and plenty ...

Excellent video quality; two hi-def format options; full manual controls

No optical image stabilisation; confusing menu system; some design quirks

JVC's CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers hi-def recording flexibility with very good results, but a few shortcomings, including a lack of optical image stabilisation, prevent us from giving it a full recommendation

The compact Handycam HDR-CX12E flash-based camcorder offers impressive high-def video quality, good still photos and a decent feature set. You might miss some of the perks that you get on larger rivals, such as an eye-level viewfinder and bigger LCD ...

Excellent video performance ; impressive still photos for a camcorder ; decent manual controls

No wind filter ; USB on dock only, not on camcorder ; no viewfinder ; relatively small LCD

The Sony Handycam HDR-CX12E, the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR11, serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin. Some trade-offs have been made to achieve such a compact design -- for example, the LCD ...