$400 - $500 Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: An interesting design doesn't offset the so-so video quality and performance, especially for the higher priced HMX-H106, H105, and H104. If you're set on this series, though, the no-memory-included Samsung HMX-H100 is probably the best deal of the bunch.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Flash card, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 15 x, Flash card, 2.99 megapixels, 12 oz

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Hard disk drive, 2.68 megapixels, 16 oz

The Bottom Line: Convenient, well-designed camcorders that look pricier than they are, models in the Canon FS series--FS11, FS10, and FS100--nevertheless deliver typical budget video in line with their budget price tags.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 37 x, Flash card, 9.2 oz

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: Canon's first flash-based camcorder, the Canon Vixia HF10, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 40 x, Hard disk drive, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: Unless this camcorder's low-resolution, low-quality stills are important to you, you might as well go for Sony's less expensive DCR-HC26.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 20 x, Mini DV, 0.34 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: Hitachi's DZ-GX3200A delivers decent video quality at a relatively inexpensive price for a DVD camcorder.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 15.9 oz

The Bottom Line: The Canon DC40 definitely deserves a spot on your short list of DVD camcorders.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 16.9 oz