DVD-RAM (8 cm) Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: The Hitachi DZ-BD10HA is the most hybrid of hybrid camcorders and still manages good video and photo quality. But it's also slow and expensive.

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Mini BD-R, Mini BD-RE, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), Hard disk drive, 17.6 oz

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic VDR-D310 produces good-looking home movies without much hassle.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: As a relatively inexpensive DVD camcorder with solid, though not remarkable, performance, the Panasonic VDR-D210 is a decent choice for video snapshooters.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 32 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), DVD-R DL (8 cm), 0.46 megapixels, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: Hitachi had a good idea--put both a hard disk drive and a DVD in a camcorder--but implements it poorly in the DZ-HS300A.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 15.3 oz

The Bottom Line: For a moderate price, you get the convenience of recording your video directly to DVD media, but the entry-level Hitachi DZ-BX35A offers only basic features and can't deliver the image quality of Hitachi's step-up DVD camcorders.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 25 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an inexpensive DVD camcorder and you don't care about stills, Hitachi's DZ-GX3100A is worth a look.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 15 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 14.8 oz

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: If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive DVD camcorder with decent image quality, the Hitachi DZ-GX3300A might be for you.

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

The Bottom Line: Rivaling its MiniDV competitors in a variety of shooting conditions, the Panasonic VDR-D300 doesn't force you to compromise video quality for the convenience of shooting directly on DVD.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), 20.6 oz

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm)