Best Camcorders
By David Elrich Check out the best camcorders, as rated by Digital Trends’ expert reviewers.
Deciding what to put on our “best camcorders” list is a tough one because your needs will vary as much as the next person’s. There are a mountain of features at various price points to choose from. Should you go for the small and lightweight camcorder that relies on flash memory, or something a little more robust and which might use an SSD hard drive? Picture quality will also vary a lot depending on how much you are willing to spend. We have compiled a list of our favorite camcorders based on features and value. We encourage you to click through and read our full camcorder reviews including the user reviews, before opening your wallet and making a decision. Best of luck!
Our best camcorders list is continually updated as we review new products that enter the market.
Sony Bloggie Touch
Considering what you get for the price, the Sony Bloggie Touch stands among the top of its competition.
Pros Responsive, bright touchscreen, Simple...
Cons No SD card slot, No audio output jack,...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Features 1080P Recording
Internal Memory 4 GB - 16 GB
Format Flash Memory
Optical Zoom None (Digital Only)
Form Factor PocketSony HDR-CX130
The Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 is an excellent tool for capturing video memories. It doesn’t have all the features in the world but it won't run you $1,000 either.
Pros 30x wide-angle lens, Excellent AVCHD v...
Cons Poor 3.3MP photos, Make sure you set L...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: Specifications
Features 1080P Recording
Optical Zoom 25x and Over
Format Flash Memory
Form Factor Full Sized
Internal Memory None (External Only)Kodak Playfull Ze1
The Kodak Playfull Ze1 rises above the pack with smart design, outstanding video quality and a price that’s downright reasonable.
Pros Compact, stylish design, Best-in-class...
Cons Slightly oversaturated colors, No mic ...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Format Flash Memory
Optical Zoom None (Digital Only)
Form Factor Pocket
Internal Memory Under 4 GB
Face Detection yesJVC Everio GS-TD1
We have to give JVC props for taking a huge step forward in home video, leaping from 2D to 3D with the GS-TD1.
Pros Records high-quality Full HD 3D video ...
Cons Expensive, Poor still quality especial...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: 
Specifications
Optical Zoom 10 - 15x
Features 1080P Recording
Internal Memory 64 GB - 128 GB
Format Flash Memory
Form Factor Full SizedJVC HD Everio GZ-HM1
If really high quality movies and photos are your aim, the JVC GZ-HM1 will deliver but definitely be aware of the drawbacks.
Pros Outstanding video quality, Built-in 64...
Cons Expensive, definitely not a Flip, LCD ...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Features 1080P Recording
Optical Zoom 5 - 10x
Internal Memory 64 GB - 128 GB
Format Flash Memory
Form Factor Full SizedCanon Vixia HF M40
If you’re looking for a camcorder that takes excellent videos, give Canon's Vixia HF M40 consideration, but look elsewhere if still photos are important.
Pros Quality Full HD video, 16GB onboard fl...
Cons Inferior 2MP still quality, Mic amplif...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Optical Zoom 10 - 15x
Features 1080P Recording
Internal Memory 16 GB - 64 GB
Format Flash Memory
Form Factor Full SizedJVC GC-PX10
The JVC GC-PX10 has some wonderful things going for it… and some serious drawbacks.
Pros Excellent video, Very good photos (bot...
Cons Difficulty focusing in low light, Nois...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Optical Zoom 10 - 15x
Features 1080P Recording
Internal Memory 16 GB - 64 GB
Form Factor Full Sized
Format ideo: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MP4) Audio: AAC (2ch) Still: JPEGJVC HD Everio GZ-HM860
If you’re serious about taking high-quality videos, check out the JVC HD Everio GZ-HM860. No question it’s expensive, but the results under the right conditions are quite good.
Pros Full HD video (1080/60p), 10.6-megapix...
Cons Expensive, No optical image stabilizat...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Optical Zoom 10 - 15x
Features 1080P Recording
Internal Memory 16 GB - 64 GB
Format Flash Memory
Form Factor Full SizedPanasonic HDC-SDT750
Panasonic's HDC-SDT750 HD adds a 3D lens to a solid 2D Full HD camcorder. While it was a worthwhile experiment, unfortunately the overall results are far from stellar—especially in 3D.
Pros Valiant attempt for 3D home video, 12x...
Cons 3D lens limits camcorder too much, 3D ...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Optical Zoom 10 - 15x
Features 1080P Recording
Format Flash Memory
Form Factor Full Sized
Internal Memory None (External Only)Flip UltraHD (Third Generation)
The third generation of the Flip UltraHD brings smoother video, more flexible battery options and the ability to add third-party accessories.
Pros Gyro-based anti-jitter, 60 fps smoothe...
Cons Less natural color, less contrast than...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Internal Memory 4 GB - 16 GB
Features 720p Recording
Format Flash Memory
Optical Zoom None (Digital Only)
Form Factor Pocket
