F/1.8-2.3 Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: Although Panasonic has produced one solid MiniDV camcorder after another, the feature-strapped, DVD-based VDR-M75 just doesn't measure up.

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

The Bottom Line: The Hitachi DZMV780A is a budget DVD camcorder that visibly compromises on video quality.

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

The Bottom Line: The DCR-HC40's touch screen can be inconvenient to use, but this affordable compact camcorder's footage in automatic mode isn't likely to need many adjustments.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Mini DV, 1.0 megapixels, 0.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The SV-AV100 shoots better MPEG-2 movies than most cameras this small, but overall video quality and storage limitations disappoint.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Flash card, 0.4 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, Micro MV, 0.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: This well-constructed and -designed camcorder fits into a coat pocket, but it delivers less than stellar low-light video.

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

Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, 10 x, Flash card, 10.2 oz

Specs: Camcorder, ClearVid CMOS, 10 x, Flash card, 8.5 oz

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 10 x, DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), 690,000, 1.3 lbs