This year, Sony entered - or re-entered, some might say - into the ultra-compact budget camcorder market with the release of its Webbie HD camcorders-the MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 ($169 MSRP). This is the relatively new product category dominated by a ...

The MHS-PM1 records HD video at 30 frames per second (30p) and offers three video resolution options: 1440 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 640 x 480. The inclusion of a 1440 x 1080 resolution option is another feature unique to the Sony Webbie HD camcorders, ...

The Kodak Zx1 ($149.95 MSRP) is another entry in the ultra-compact camcorder market. None of these tiny, affordable camcorders offer much in the way of high quality video, but they are easy to use, easy to carry, and easy on the wallet. With the ...

. Perhaps the best feature of the Zx1 is its durability, with very few moving parts and two rugged covers that protect the USB, HDMI, and SDHC ports. This is a fashion accessory that you can throw in your bag without fear of damage

The GZ-HD300 is one of JVC's numerous mid-range HD camcorders that were released in 2009. Similar to other JVC camcorders in the same range, the HD300 is compact, relatively affordable ($700 MSRP), and well-suited for novice videographers. The ...

The best thing about the GZ-HD300 is its simple interface and easy-to-use menu system. All the camcorder's settings can be found under one menu, and it was courteously designed to explain what each option does. The HD300's automatic controls were ...

The Sony HDR-XR520V (MSRP $1499.99) is a camcorder that will delight some and disappoint others. Sure, most camcorders can't please every kind of user, but the XR520 is particularly divisive: its viewfinder and control dial are alluring to videophiles ...

Let's start with the features that might be an irresistable siren song for beginners. The built-in GPS lets you add a geo-tag to your video clip so you can keep track of exactly where you were at the time of filming. Most of the XR520's controls are ...

Packed with a 120GB internal hard drive, HD video capability, and a host of controls and features, the HDC-HS300 (MSRP $1399) represents Panasonic's top-of-the-line camcorder for 2009. The most surprising facet of the camcorder was its test results, ...

Panasonic implemented a new touchscreen LCD system on a number of camcorders this year, including the HDC-HS300. While touchscreens are often shunned by pro and advanced users, they are generally liked by amateurs. The touchscreen on the HDC-HS300 is ...

The Panasonic HDC-SD20 is an mid-level HD camcorder that should appeal to budget-conscious consumers. With an MSRP of only $549, the camcorder is a much cheaper alternative to the higher-end Panasonic HDC-TM300 ($1299) and numerous top-of-the-line ...

The HDC-SD20 records HD video to SD/SDHC memory cards, and one of the reasons the camcorder is so inexpensive is the fact that it offers no internal memory. The camcorder captures video using the AVCHD codec, which is essentially the standard for all ...

The HF S100 (along with its sister model, the HF S10) is Canon's new flagship HD camcorder for 2009. The camcorder has large shoes to fill, as it represents an upgrade over our winner of 2008 camcorder of the year-the Canon HF11. Canon has packed ...

The HF S100 records exclusively to removable SD/SDHC memory cards, which are sold separately. Its upgraded sister model, HF S10, is essentially the same camcorder as the HF S100, but with 32GB of built-in flash memory (for an extra $200). With ...

The HF20 ($899 MSRP) is a new high definition camcorder from Canon that can record either to its 32 GB of internal flash memory or removable SD/SDHC memory cards. The HF20 also comes with high hopes from consumers. It's more expensive predecessor, the ...

Canon didn't change too much with design on the HF20, so it looks very similar to past models. The hand strap is large and comfortable, but due to some awkward construction on the camcorder's right side, it can be a bit difficult to get a good grip on ...

The new "Webbie" series is Sony's attempt to steal back some of the thunder that Pure Digital's Flip camcorders have brought to an otherwise dull camcorder scene. The Flip, which now controls a healthy share of the under-$200 market, revitalized ...

There are a lot of things to like about the Sony MHS-CM1. The price makes it very accessible, the colors pop (there's a purple model in addition to the pumpkin-colored version seen here), and it's simpler to use than the average Sony camcorder. Those ...

If you don't know much about Sanyo's Xacti series of camcorders, blame the manufacturer's lack of popularity in the United States or perhaps the nontraditional upright body design. Their latest high definition model, the VPC-HD2000, is as worthy as ...

Sanyo has provided a number of features that will interest experienced videographers. There's no viewfinder, but you have a microphone input, headphone output, and accessory shoe. The manual controls are surprisingly robust, including an ISO/gain ...