Thanks to their excellent image quality and effortless operation, today's digital camcorders are the instruments of choice for both aspiring and experienced videographers. These models are available in a wide range of recording formats and prices, and you are sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. Here are a few digital camcorder models that stand out from the pack.


Panasonic PV-GS39

Panasonic is a leader in functional and affordable digital camcorders, and the Panasonic PV-GS39 is a great example. This MiniDV model has a budget price, but its feature list rivals that of more expensive camcorders. With widescreen recording, a host of manual controls and a menu system that is a breeze to navigate, the PV-GS39 offers a ton of bang for your buck.

The PV-GS39's sleek design includes a wide-format LCD viewscreen for framing shots. The generous 30X optical/1,000X digital zoom is backed up by digital image stabilization, so you can get close-ups without worrying about annoying camcorder shakes. Panasonic has improved the control menu for its current generation of camcorders, and the PV-GS39's navigation joystick allows quick adjustments on the fly. Unfortunately, the quality of the digital stills doesn't come close to matching that of a dedicated digital camera, but you probably aren't buying this camcorder to take snapshots anyway.

Although the video quality isn't top-notch, it will certainly match or exceed other models in this price range. With the Panasonic PV-GS39, you get a lot of digital camcorder for a very attractive price.

Canon ZR830 MiniDV Camcorder

The main purpose of a digital video camcorder is to record video and capture images. The Canon ZR830 MiniDV performs both functions with ease. Controls are simple and not confusing thanks to the joystick control of playback, exposure and focus functions. The presets also make this camera easy to handle. Eight different auto-exposures, four different white-balance options, as well as shutter and zoom speeds, have all been programmed into the ZR830. You are also given the choice of filming in standard and widescreen formats which can enhance your viewing experience.

As for saving your videos and pictures, the ZR830 uses a SD/MMC memory card or a MiniDV. With memory options, digital stills and JPEG motion clips can be taken and viewed at a later time. The standby mode allows you to keep your camcorder on and handy for quick use. A quick resume function goes hand-in-hand with the standby. Resume filming within one second and rest assured that you capture every moment.

Canon ZR830 MiniDV Camcorder

Sony DCR-HC96

For a step above your regular MiniDV camcorder, check out Sony's DCR-HC96. This top-shelf model delivers high-quality video coupled with point-and-shoot simplicity. The price tag is high for a MiniDV camcorder, but if you can swing it, the DCR-HC96 will certainly give you your money's worth.

The DCR-HC96 uses an advanced HAD (hole accumulation diode) imager that provides crystal-clear video, even in lower-light environments that cause other digital camcorders to struggle. This camcorder offers Sony's smooth and seamless automatic operation, but if you like exacting control over your recordings, the DCR-HC96 has several manual controls as well.

Unlike many other camcorders, Sony has removed most of the ports from the DCR-HC96 and placed them in a Handycam docking station. This makes downloading digital content to your computer a snap, as you simply place the DCR-HC96 in the dock without needing to connect video cables. If you are looking for an easy-to-use digital camcorder that produces excellent video, check out the Sony DCR-HC96.


Sony DCR-DVD405

For a technologically advanced digital camcorder that produces top-quality video with a minimum of fuss, take a look at the Sony DCR-DVD405. This model records directly to 3-inch DVD, which can then be played in any home DVD player. There is no need to download content to a computer or connect any wires. Instead, simply pop the disc out of the DCR-DVD405 and insert it in your DVD player, and you're good to go.

Like Sony's top-of-the-line MiniDV model, the DCR-HC96, the DCR-DVD405 uses an advanced HAD imager to produce sharp images with lifelike colors. You can record video in regular or widescreen format, and the DCR-DVD405 also functions as an effective digital stills camera. This unit is not a good choice if you want extensive manual controls, but with its Easy Mode, the DCR-DVD405 takes all the guesswork out of recording video.

This DVD camcorder even records in Dolby Digital surround sound, giving you rich audio to go with the stunning video. For top-quality recordings and the convenience of DVD, the easy-to-use Sony DCR-DVD405 is tough to beat.


Sanyo VPC-HD1

There are a number of HD digital camcorders on the market, but none is quite like Sanyo's VPC-HD1. This innovative model captures video at a high-definition 720p resolution, presenting family parties and kids' soccer games in stunning widescreen detail. In addition, by recording to memory card instead of DVD or MiniDV tape, it is more compact and maneuverable than virtually any other HD camcorder on the market.

Despite the diminutive size and a weight of less than 8 ounces, the VPC-HD1 still includes many of the features you'd find on a full-size camcorder. The 10X optical zoom is supported by digital image stabilization, and the bright 2-1/5-inch viewscreen rotates 285 degrees to give you great flexibility when framing shots. The VPC-HD1 also functions as a very effective 5.1-megapixel digital stills camera, and it even has a pop-up flash.

The VPC-HD1 is very affordable for an HD camcorder. Keep in mind, however, that the package does not include a memory card, so you should be prepared for the added expense. There are some drawbacks, such as lackluster low-light performance, but the ultra-compact design and HD capability make the Sanyo VPC-HD1 a unique digital camcorder.