MJPEG Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: If you don't shoot in low light and don't plan on using it to shoot still images, this feature-rich camcorder is a bargain.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 35 x, Mini DV, 6.8 megapixels, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: Canon's new MiniDV top model, the ZR850, continues the ZR tradition of offering affordable, easy-to-use wide-screen movie-making, though low-light performance is still subpar.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 35 x, Mini DV, 1.07 megapixels, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: Canon's compact, capable ZR500 MiniDV camcorder is a dream come true for videographers on a shoestring budget.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, Mini DV, 680,000 pixels, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic PV-GS400 offers outstanding value in a camcorder for the discriminating consumer.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 12 x, Mini DV, 4.0 megapixels, 1.5 lbs

The Bottom Line: The compact Canon ZR400 camcorder performs beautifully in the great outdoors, but Canon continues to drop the ball when it comes to low-light shooting.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 14 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: A decent pocket camcorder that's also a makeshift snapshot camera, the Canon Optura S1 is not an optimal choice for indoor shooting.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 2.0 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Canon Optura 600 is a very good pocket camcorder that's also a reasonable snapshot camera.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 20 x, Mini DV, 3.4 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

Editors' Take: A feature-stripped version of the more expensive PV-GS250.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: Unless portability is your primary consideration, you can find better choices than this petite underachiever.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 3.4 megapixels, 0.7 lbs