Top 10 DVD and HDD Camcorders

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Though they record in the same file format, the optical disk-based models we tested delivered better video quality for the price than competing hard-disk drive models.

PC World Staff
VDR-D210 DVD-RAM CAMCORDER (SILVER)
Bottom Line: This novice-friendly model offers optical image stabilization, but its battery life is weak, and the lack of a USB port and a memory card slot limits its appeal.
PC World Rating: 72 (Good)
  1. 32X optical zoom
  2. 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen
  3. No video assist light
  4. Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW/-R DL
  5. Price when reviewed: $380
  6. Last Rated: May 19, 2007
Hitachi DZHS300A
Bottom Line: This hybrid camcorder allows you to dub video from its hard drive to a mini-DVD disc without a PC. Low photo quality and mediocre battery life hurt its standing, however.
PC World Rating: 72 (Good)
  1. 25X optical zoom
  2. 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen
  3. Built-in video assist light
  4. 8GB hard drive, Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW, SD Card
  5. Price when reviewed: $570
  6. Last Rated: May 19, 2007
Panasonic VDR-D210
Bottom Line: This novice-friendly model offers optical image stabilization, but its battery life is weak, and the lack of a USB port and a memory card slot limits its appeal.
PC World Rating: 72 (Good)
  1. 32X optical zoom
  2. 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen
  3. No video assist light
  4. Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW/-R DL
  5. Price when reviewed: $380
  6. Last Rated: May 19, 2007
Sony DCR-SR42 Handycam
Bottom Line: This HDD camcorder has a touch screen and a powerful zoom, and it delivers long battery life; however, you don't get a video light or white-balance calibration.
PC World Rating: 74 (Good)
  1. 40X optical zoom
  2. 2.5-inch wide-aspect LCD touch screen
  3. No video assist light
  4. 30GB hard drive, Memory Stick Pro Duo card
  5. Price when reviewed: $540
  6. Last Rated: May 18, 2007
Panasonic SDR-H200
Bottom Line: Another three-CCD model, the SDR-H200 scored well with optical image stabilization and a good software package, but it carries a hefty price tag.
PC World Rating: 76 (Good)
  1. 10X optical zoom
  2. 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen
  3. Built-in video assist light
  4. 30GB hard drive, SD/SDHC Card
  5. Price when reviewed: $270
  6. Last Rated: May 18, 2007

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CONTINUED: Top 10 DVD and HDD Camcorders
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