Creative's high-definition pocket camcorder impresses with its features and performance.

Good white balance Includes HDMI connector

Some video pixelation

The Vado HD is a pretty slick package. It lacks the sex appeal of some other camcorders in its class, such as the Flip Mino series, and it lacks a Mac-compatible video-management app. Nevertheless, good overall image quality, a user-replaceable battery, a...

This Panasonic high-def camcorder offers great usability and control, but its image quality is merely decent.

Best-in-class handling and manual control

Flawed low-light performance Oversaturated color

On the software side, Panasonic bundles HD Writer 2.6E, a limited but functional Windows-only editing application. Mac users can edit the HS100's AVCHD video with iMovie '08. On either platform you'll want to use a computer built around a 2-GHz Intel Core...

The $100 Vado pocket camcorder lets you shoot and upload YouTube clips with ease. Just don't expect great video quality.

Tiny, easy to use, and fairly feature-packed, Quick and easy uploads to YouTube

Mediocre video quality, Plastic build doesn't feel very durable

Despite the Vado's drawbacks, it's a really well-priced device that's good for capturing off-the-cuff video clips. If video quality is important to you, opt for the Flip Mino. If you want to save $80, Creative's pocket camcorder is a serviceable alternati...

This high-definition camcorder is a bit heavy and bulky, but it's a good performer with lots of features.

Many features, including accessory shoe, Very good battery life

Some tiny controls, A bit bulky and heavy

Since the HDV format demands less computing power than the AVCHD format does, I would steer clear of AVCHD models unless I had an extremely powerful PC. And the HV20 one of the better HDV models on the market, at a pretty good price to boot

This high-definition camcorder is a bit heavy and bulky, but it's a good performer with lots of features.

Small size, High still-photo quality

Subpar video quality, Few features and controls

This camcorder is small enough to slip into a pocket, but its video doesn't live up to high-definition expectations.

Easy to use, Has several shooting modes

Mediocre video and photo quality, Joystick is inconveniently placed

Low-end MiniDV camcorder is ideal for home videos.

Impressive video and photo quality, Flexible controls

Poor microphone placement, Low battery life

This high-definition camcorder delivers delightful video, but its sound quality is subpar.

Wide-screen LCD touch screen, Very good standard-light video quality

Mediocre low-light performance, Dock required for file transfers

This MiniDV unit takes 3-megapixel still shots.

Very small size, High video and photo quality

Few features and controls, Short battery life

This small, inexpensive camcorder slips into a pocket and delivers high-quality video, though its features are basic.