Demonstration mode Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: Sony's Handycam HDR-SR11 and SR12 60GB hard-drive-based AVCHD camcorders deliver top notch performance and image quality.

Specs: Camcorder, ClearVid CMOS, 12 x, Hard disk drive, 1.2 lbs

The Bottom Line: Canon's latest entry-level MiniDV camcorder is a great choice for anyone looking to create video on a shoestring budget.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 35 x, Mini DV, 0.68 megapixels, 13.2 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: Despite its relatively low price and big optical zoom range, the JVC GR-D370 does little else to distinguish itself in budget class.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 32 x, Mini DV, 14.1 oz

The Bottom Line: The budget-priced JVC GR-D650 performs surprisingly well for its class, in both bright and low light.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 15 x, Mini DV, 14.8 oz

The Bottom Line: JVC's GR-DF550 midrange camcorder may not have any standout features, but it's a video workhorse that delivers solid results.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 15 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

Editors' Take: The JVC GR-D250 is a budget MiniDV camcorder with a big zoom range.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

Editors' Take: The JVC GR-D270 is a budget MiniDV camcorder with a big zoom range.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, Mini DV, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD203 is a solid performer with many of the features that impressed us in the more expensive DCR-DVD403.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 12 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 0.9 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 16 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 1.1 lbs