MiniDV (DV) Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: Poor button layout and terrible movies make the Samsung SC-D372 camcorder a definite "pass."

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 34 x, Mini DV, 12 oz

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic PV-GS85 is a serviceable budget camcorder, but better choices are out there.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 32 x, Mini DV, 0.54 megapixels, 15.9 oz

The Bottom Line: Delivering high-quality MiniDV footage and decent still images, the Panasonic PV-GS320 should appeal to advanced amateurs searching for a tape-based camcorder.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 0.54 megapixels, 15.9 oz

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic PV-GS80 is a serviceable budget camcorder, but better choices are out there.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 32 x, Mini DV, 0.46 megapixels, 15.9 oz

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: 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: Sony's top midlevel MiniDV camcorder delivers quality video that is worth the step up from its less-expensive siblings.

Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 12 x, Mini DV, 0.69 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

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: 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