MPEG EX Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: With its ability to play and transfer your old tapes, the Sony Handycam DCR-TRV480 is an attractive choice if you're upgrading from an 8mm or Hi8 camcorder. But if you don't need 8mm or Hi8 compatibility, competing MiniDV cameras offer superior performance in much smaller packages.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Digital8, 1.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: Attractive and compact, the Sony Handycam DCR-PC1000 MiniDV camera offers excellent image quality for its class and brings CMOS technology to the world of camcorders. But its overly clever user interface doesn't do its feature set justice.

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

The Bottom Line: Like many lower-end camcorders, the Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 has trouble keeping noise out of the picture. But that's the only real problem with this affordable, feature-packed model.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 20 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, 0.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: If you're ready to make the move to 16:9 videography or want to shoot a lot of romantically lit scenes, look no further than Sony's top-of-the-line single-chip Handycam.

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

The Bottom Line: The DCR-HC85 is easy to use and compact, but we expect better video quality from a camcorder in its class.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 1.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: Its compact size and great stills and videos make the PC350 a top choice for a double-duty camcorder.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 2.04 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The DCR-HC30 makes a decent and very compact choice for a budget camcorder, but if you can afford to spend another $100, the DCR-HC40 will give you better video quality.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 6.8 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: This pocket MiniDV camcorder excels outdoors, and back home, you'll love the Handycam Station dock.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 1.0 megapixels, 1.1 lbs

Editors' Take: A promising basic three-chip MiniDV camcorder aimed at video enthusiasts.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 12 x, Mini DV, 6.9 megapixels, 1.8 lbs