(Jul 02, 2009)
Lori Grunin
Senior Editor
HD's higher resolution, broader color space, and advanced compression algorithms have opened the door for a substantial improvement in video quality, even for the most prosaic of home movies. Though prices for consumer models hover well above the budgets of many wanna-haves, as more units trickle into the market in 2007 we expect the prices to drop into mainstream territory. And pros need HD capabilities to stay competitive: even if you're not quite ready to go HD-only, some of the entry-level pro models are priced reasonably enough to merit an educational investment.
Canon Vixia HF200
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 all-black body is a bit classier looking.
Price: $535.00 - $774.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 20, 2009
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HF S10
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.
Price: $1,079.00 - $1,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 6, 2009
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HG20
Like its cousin, the flash-based HF11, Canon's Vixia HG20 delivers excellent HD video quality and performance albeit in a slightly larger, heavier package. However, you do get more storage space and a lower price.
Price: $599.00 - $899.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 29, 2008
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HF100
One of a pair of Canon's first flash-based camcorders, the Canon Vixia HF100, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.
Price: $499.99 - $919.95 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 16, 2008
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HF10
Canon's first flash-based camcorder, the Canon Vixia HF10, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.
Price: $599.00 - $999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 3, 2008
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HV30
An extremely minor upgrade from the HV20, the Canon Vixia HV30 remains a quality HDV camcorder with a couple of performance issues.
Price: $499.99 - $849.95 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 25, 2008
Excellent
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Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V
Though the geotagging capability is more of a novelty than killer a app in this product, and the interface could use a complete overhaul, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-X520V's top-notch video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature set distinguish them--though consumers might justifiably want a lower price. Since 14 hours is plenty of recording time, especially if supplemented with flash media, the XR500V is the better deal of the two.
Price: $919.00 - $1,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 2, 2009
Very good
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Panasonic HDC-TM300
A very good prosumer HD camcorder, the Panasonic HDC-TM300 nevertheless has an annoying touch-screen interface.
Price: $1,167.15 - $1,299.95 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 2, 2009
Very good
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Sony Handycam HDR-CX100 (black)
You can tell where Sony cut corners on this compact, flash-based HD camcorder. While it's decent, there are better options for the money than the Sony Handycam HDR-CX100.
Price: $445.00 - $599.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 30, 2009
Very good
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JVC Everio GZ-HD40
JVC's CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers high-definition recording flexibility with very good results, but a few shortcomings keep us from giving it a full recommendation.
Price: $649.95 - $1,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 9, 2009
Very good
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