(Nov 17, 2008)
Lori Grunin
Senior Editor
HD's higher resolution, broader color space, and advanced compression algorithms have opened the door for a substantial improvement in video quality, even for the most prosaic of home movies. Though prices for consumer models hover well above the budgets of many wanna-haves, as more units trickle into the market in 2007 we expect the prices to drop into mainstream territory. And pros need HD capabilities to stay competitive: even if you're not quite ready to go HD-only, some of the entry-level pro models are priced reasonably enough to merit an educational investment.
Canon Vixia HG20
Like its cousin, the flash-based HF11, Canon's Vixia HG20 delivers excellent HD video quality and performance albeit in a slightly larger, heavier package. However, you do get more storage space and a lower price.
Price: $557.80 - $899.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 29, 2008
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HF100
One of a pair of Canon's first flash-based camcorders, the Canon Vixia HF100, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.
Price: $527.00 - $899.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 16, 2008
Excellent
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Sony Handycam HDR-SR11
Sony's Handycam HDR-SR11 and SR12 60GB hard-drive-based AVCHD camcorders deliver top notch performance and image quality.
Price: $724.00 - $1,099.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 10, 2008
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HF10
Canon's first flash-based camcorder, the Canon Vixia HF10, delivers excellent HD video quality and performance in a tiny package.
Price: $629.00 - $1,068.77 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 3, 2008
Excellent
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Canon Vixia HV30
An extremely minor upgrade from the HV20, the Canon Vixia HV30 remains a quality HDV camcorder with a couple of performance issues.
Price: $569.00 - $998.99 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 25, 2008
Excellent
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Sony Handycam HDR-CX7
As the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR7, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin.
Price: $549.99 - $829.95 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 9, 2007
Excellent
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Sony Handycam HDR-SR7
The hard-drive-based analog of the HDR-HC7, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 finally delivers a cutting-edge HD video experience, complete with great video and compatibility frustrations.
Price: $999.00 - $1,108.95 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 19, 2007
Excellent
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Sony Handycam HDR-HC7
A great HD camcorder for deep-pocketed leisure shooters, as long as you like the Sony Handycam HDR-HC7's touch screen interface.
Price: $799.95 - $1,599.55 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 30, 2007
Excellent
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Canon HG10
A solid hard-drive based HD camcorder, the Canon HG10 nevertheless has its share of annoying quirks.
Price: $499.99 - $819.00 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 10, 2007
Very good
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Panasonic HDC-SD9
Despite its trio of CCDs, the video quality and performance of the Panasonic HDC-SD9 are a bit too inconsistent.
Price: $499.97 - $799.95 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 17, 2008
Very good
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