Features Comparison: The Big, the Small, and the Expensive

These digital camcorder models range from the light (but pricey) Sony DCR-IP1 and the feature-rich Panasonic PV-DV953 to the budget-price Canon ZR80.

Bryan Hastings

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Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Canon ZR80 Digital Camcorder 18X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen , No video-assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, Price when reviewed: $350 Bottom Line: This svelte and reasonably priced camcorder is hindered by awkward controls. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices
Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Canon ZR90 MiniDV Digital Camcorder 22X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, White LED video-assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD card, Price when reviewed: $520 Bottom Line: The ZR90 boasts some useful features, but the controls are awkward and take some time to learn. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices
Last Rated: April 30, 2004	JVC GR-DR72US 16X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, White LED video-assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD card, Price when reviewed: $450 Bottom Line: This attractive camcorder comes with lots of features for a low price, but quirky controls make it difficult to use. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices

Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Panasonic PV-DV73 10X optical zoom, 3.5-inch LCD screen, Infrared LED, white lamp video-assist lights, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD card, Price when reviewed: $580 Bottom Line: The PV-DV73 offers plenty of options for low-light shooting, but its battery life is short and the unit comes with a few quirks. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices
Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Panasonic Palmcorder PV-DV953 10X optical zoom, 3.5-inch LCD screen, No video-assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD card, Price when reviewed: $980 Bottom Line: Although it is on the expensive side, the PV-DV953 is a great choice for the serious videographer. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices
Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Sharp VL-Z800U 10X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, White LED video-assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD card, Price when reviewed: $650 Bottom Line: The VL-Z800U's innovative design makes it a flexible, easy-to-use camcorder. Full Review • Test Report •

Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Sony Handycam DCR-DVD300 DVD Digital Camcorder 10X optical zoom, 3.5-inch LCD screen, Infrared LED video-assist light, Records video and still images to MiniDVD disc, Price when reviewed: $900 Bottom Line: Although this camcorder's ability to shoot straight to DVD sounds attractive, the process is awkward. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices
Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Sony Handycam DCR-HC20 Mini DV Digital Camcorder 10X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, Infrared LED video-assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, Price when reviewed: $450 Bottom Line: This is a stylish, small, low-cost camcorder that is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices
Last Rated: April 30, 2004	Sony DCR-IP1 MicroMV Digital Camcorder 10X optical zoom, 2.0-inch LCD screen, No video-assist light, Records video to MicroMV tapes, still images to Memory Stick Duo, Price when reviewed: $950 Bottom Line: For users who seek small above all, the DCR-IP1 is a compelling choice that works well, but it costs twice as much as some MiniDV peers, and it uses pricey, hard-to-find media. Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices	Check Latest Prices