Top DV Camcorders
MiniDV camcorders deliver features for novices and serious videographers--for as little as $400.
Edited by Richard Baguley
Bottom Line: LCD placement on the back gives a wide veiewing angle, but there's no viewfinder. Has three 0.22-inch CCDs.
PC World Rating: 74 (Good)
- 10X optical zoom
- 12.5-inch LCD screen
- No video assist light
- Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD Card
- Price When Reviewed: $1300 (5/2/06)
Bottom Line: Small unit offers long battery life and full 16:9 wide-screen video on the LCD, but lacks manual focus and S-Video output.
PC World Rating: 75 (Good)
- 20X optical zoom
- 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen
- White LED video assist light
- Records video to MiniDV tapes and SD Card
- Price When Reviewed: $400 (5/2/06)
Bottom Line: Light and easy to use, the DCR-HC36 offers a touch-screen LCD, but 16:9 wide-aspect video is letterboxed on screen.
PC World Rating: 81 (Very Good)
- 20X optical zoom
- 2.5-inch LCD screen
- No video assist light
- Records video to MiniDV tapes and Memory stick Pro Duo Card, still images to Memory Stick Pro Duo Card
- Price When Reviewed: $400 (5/2/06)
Bottom Line: This model has three CCDs and optical image stabilization, but lacks a focus ring and some of the PV-GS500's controls.
PC World Rating: 82 (Very Good)
- 10X optical zoom
- 12.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen
- LCD can also function as video assist light
- Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD Card
- Price When Reviewed: $700 (5/2/06)
Bottom Line: This unit has many controls, three CCD sensors, and optical image stabilization. It earned the highest video quality score.
PC World Rating: 84 (Very Good)
- 12X optical zoom
- 12.7-inch LCD screen
- LCD can also function as video assist light
- Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD Card
- Price When Reviewed: $1000 (5/2/06)
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