F/1.8-3.4 Digital Camcorders

The Bottom Line: Though their geotagging capabilities are mostly novelty and their interfaces could use a complete overhaul, the top-notch video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature sets of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V make them worthy camcorder options. Both are overpriced, but since 14 hours of recording time is plenty--especially if supplemented with flash media--the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the two.

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 18 oz

The Bottom Line: Though their geotagging capabilities are mostly novelty and their interfaces could use a complete overhaul, the top-notch video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature sets of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V make them worthy camcorder options. Both are overpriced, but since 14 hours of recording time is plenty--especially if supplemented with flash media--the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the two.

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 18 oz

The Bottom Line: The compact, comfortable Elura 85 is a worthy alternative to the more expensive Elura 90 if you don't need that camera's more versatile lens and stronger night shooting mode.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 18 x, Mini DV, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: Compact and full-featured, the relatively inexpensive Elura 80 is an excellent choice if you don't shoot often in low-light situations.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 18 x, Mini DV, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: A good but undistinguished home-movie camcorder for people on a budget.

Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 18 x, Mini DV, 1.1 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, 12, 13 oz

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, 12, 13 oz

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 1.1 lbs

Specs: Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 1.1 lbs