Chart Missers
Two models didn't make our chart (below): The Canon Optura 600 and the JVC GR-D396.
Canon's $1100 Optura 600 is very portable, easy to use, and has a good selection of buttons; however, its high price kept it off the chart. It can shoot video in 16:9 wide-screen mode and also has a wide-screen CCD sensor, but the video is letterboxed. Its 0.36-inch image sensor is bigger than those in some cheaper camcorders, but we saw no boost in video quality over models with a smaller sensor.
Despite being the least-expensive camcorder we tested, the $380 JVC GR-D396 also missed the chart. It earned only a Fair for its video in our tests and a Poor for its still images, and it lacks advanced controls. Though the 32X lens is the longest optical zoom of the tested camcorders, it's something of a waste: At longer zoom settings, the edges of images became rather fuzzy and indistinct; and because the electronic image stabilization doesn't seem to be very effective, the smallest camera movement can lead to jittery, unattractive video.
Bargain hunters and videographers in need of a lightweight camcorder would do well with the Canon Elura 100 or Sony DCR-HC36: Both cost just $400 and offer enough features for most users.
See the August 2006 "Top MiniDV Camcorders" chart.
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