F/1.6-2.4 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: The Handycam DCR-TRV460 offers an excellent upgrade from an 8mm or Hi8 camcorder, with digital video recording and the ability to view and transfer your old tapes. But if you don't need 8mm or Hi8 compatibility, competing MiniDV cameras offer superior quality in smaller packages.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Digital8, 2 lbs

The Bottom Line: This three-chip camera offers excellent video quality to amateurs, but it's not ready for professional prime time.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 12 x, Mini DV, 3.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The TRV350 is a solid Digital8 camcorder. But if you don't need 8mm/Hi8 compatibility, opt for a MiniDV model instead.

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

The Bottom Line: The Sony DCR-VX2000 is a lightweight prosumer camera that offers heavyweight performance and a wealth of features.

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 12 x, Mini DV, 3.1 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Digital8, 2.9 megapixels, 1.8 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 12 x, DV, 3.3 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 16 x, Mini DV, 1.1 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Hi8, 2.0 megapixels, 1.8 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 20 x, Hi8, 3.2 megapixels, 1.8 lbs