Editors' Top Camcorders
updated June 5, 2006

If you want a little more control and better video quality than the typical consumer camcorder delivers, but don't need the myriad controls or cutting-edge features that a pro requires, one of these models should fit your profile. They've got larger--and sometimes multiple--sensors and better lens systems to produce better-than-average videos, plus offer enough creative options to keep you happily experimenting. -- Lori Grunin, senior editor

Editors' Top Camcorders:

Budget camcorders | Home-movie camcorders | Pro and semipro camcorders | Compact camcorders |

Prosumer camcorders

Prosumer camcorders

Camcorders	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Panasonic AG-DVC30 Released: 04/15/2004	8.1 Excellent	Email me when product is available	A compact model with a wealth of features for its price, the Panasonic AG-DVC30 offers one of the best values in a three-chip MiniDV camera. Specs: Camcorder , 3CCD , 16 x, Mini DV , 2.4 lbs

Canon GL2 Released: 07/15/2002	7.9 Very good	$1849-$2129 from 4 stores	This outstanding performer raises the bar for prosumer MiniDV camcorders. Specs: Camcorder , 3CCD with Pixel Shift , 20 x, Mini DV , 2.4 lbs

Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 Released: 01/01/2004	7.7 Very good	Email me when product is available	This three-chip camera offers excellent video quality to amateurs, but it's not ready for professional prime time. Specs: Camcorder , 3CCD , 12 x, Mini DV , 3.3 lbs

Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 Released: 07/05/2005	7.2 Very good	Email me when product is available	The Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 is a good first effort at a consumer HD camcorder, but only HD fanatics should consider it. Specs: Camcorder , CMOS , 10 x, Mini DV (HDV) , 1.9 megapixels, 1.5 lbs