(Nov 17, 2008)
Lori Grunin
Senior Editor
Here you go-- a list of the top camcorders, culled from the top models in each of our camcorder categories. As new camcorders hit the market and we review them, we'll be ready to update our picks. But, it's not easy to get on this list, so it'll take something very special to unseat any product from this page. Check back here every now and then to see if any new products have made the cut.
Canon XH A1
Have you ever wanted to be the next Ken Burns? Do you have an incredible independent film hidden away in the folds of your brain? If you want to unleash your cinematic vision upon the world, the XH A1 has the tools you need to get the job done and will leave your production budget in better shape than a lot of its competitors would.
Price: $2,699.00 - $4,212.59 (check prices)
Filed in: Best pro camcorders, Best HD camcorders
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Sony Handycam HDR-SR11
High definition camcorders can deliver very high quality video and this one is at the head of the pack for HD hard drive camcorders and delivers nice audio too.
Price: $724.00 - $1,099.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best home movie camcorders, Best HD camcorders
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Canon Vixia HV30
With all the talk of hard drives, flash memory, and DVDs, you might think that tape doesn't cut it any more. But, it's still one of the best ways to capture high-definition video and this Canon maintains the high video quality and comfortable design of its predecessor, the HV20.
Price: $569.00 - $998.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best home movie camcorders, Best HD camcorders
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Canon Vixia HF10
Recording video onto flash memory instead of tape or hard drives lets manufacturers create smaller, lighter camcorders. The main downside is that you need big cards and that can get pricey. This Canon delivers great video quality and makes the most of its flash-based design, while leaving a little room in your budget to buy some memory cards.
Price: $629.00 - $1,068.77 (check prices)
Filed in: Best home movie camcorders, Best HD camcorders
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Flip Video MinoHD
While direct-to-Web minicamcorders provide pretty lackluster feature sets, they can't be beat if you're looking to cheaply create viral cat videos for YouTube. And for that, the MinoHD goes to the head of its class.
Price: $194.96 - $232.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best budget camcorders
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