Decent video for a VGA budget mini camcorder ; easy to use ; 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 battery included

Flip Video has made some modest improvements to the original Ultra--but it's only worth buying at a reasonable discount off its list price.

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

Somewhat 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 cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.

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

Somewhat 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 cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.

Attractive design ; captures video at 720p and 1080p "HD" resolution ; memory-card expansion slot ; swiveling lens ; component video cables ; rechargeable lithium ion battery

Price doesn't include an optional memory card (onboard memory is limited to 12MB for capturing video) ; rechargeable battery doesn't recharge via USB connector ; no integrated USB connector ; no protective carrying case included

The MHS-PM1 Webbie HD represents a step forward for Sony in the minicamcorder arena--but some quirks and only OK video quality prevent it from being compelling enough to best the competition.

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

Relatively expensive

While it's more expensive than its sub-$600 competitors, the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 deliver a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy than the HF20, though the HF20's ...

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

Relatively expensive

While it's more expensive than its sub-$600 competitors, the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 deliver a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy than the HF20, though the HF20's ...

Full set of manual controls ; EVF

Middling video quality ; some annoying design quirks

Though it has a nice feature set for the price, the Panasonic HDC-HS100 doesn't deliver the quality of video you expect from an HD camcorder in its price segment.

Full set of manual controls ; EVF

Middling video quality ; some annoying design quirks

Though it has a nice feature set for the price, the Panasonic HDC-SD100 doesn't deliver the quality of video you expect from an HD camcorder in its price segment.

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

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

An excellent flash-based prosumer HD camcorder, you may nevertheless pass on the Canon Vixia HF S100 because it lacks an eye-level viewfinder. It's probably a better buy than the identical--but more expensive, because it has 32GB built-in memory- ...

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

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

An excellent flash-based prosumer HD camcorder, you may nevertheless pass on the Canon Vixia HF S10 because it lacks an eye-level viewfinder. And the identical--but cheaper, because it has no built-in memory--Vixia HF S100 may also be a better buy.