If you plan to edit your video footage and add a sound track, a MiniDV camcorder is your natural choice (getting footage off of a mini-DVD disc for editing on your PC is a more cumbersome chore).
In addition, prices for low-end MiniDV camcorders have been falling--the least expensive one we tested costs $380, and other models cost less than $300. Some of the newer low-cost camcorders are incorporating sophisticated features usually found on higher-end units, such as multiple CCD sensors (one each for red, green, and blue) and optical image stabilization, which is more effective than electronic image stabilization at preventing blurry images.
Three of the models we tested, though not inexpensive, have three sensors, including our Best Buy, the $1000 Panasonic PV-GS500. The $700 Panasonic PV-GS300 and the $1300 JVC GR-X5US also have a trio of CCDs. These models all earned higher scores for video quality than camcorders with one CCD.
We tested seven MiniDV camcorders in conjunction with Macworld, our sister publication. We evaluated the quality of video captured in both normal and low-light situations, critiqued audio quality, and compared the camcorders' still images.
The Panasonic PV-GS500 earned our Best Buy because it provides the most controls, took the nicest-looking video and still shots, and is moderately priced considering all that it offers. Bargain hunters would do well with either the Canon Elura 100 or the Sony DCR-HC36: Both models cost just $400, and they come with enough features to keep most users satisfied.
Panasonic PV-GS500
The PV-GS500 earned top marks for its video quality in both normal and low-light conditions, displaying bright, accurate color and plenty of fine detail. It can capture video in 16:9 wide-screen mode; its wide-mode video looked as impressive as video shot in standard mode (which is the mode we evaluate in our lab tests). The excellent 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen makes it especially easy to see the footage you're shooting, because it doesn't letterbox your video by placing a black band above and below the picture.
The PV-GS500 feels very solidly constructed, with a tough metal frame--and at just over 1.3 pounds it is the heaviest model we tested. Commonly used controls (such as the zoom and record buttons) are located where most people's fingertips will fall comfortably, though the joystick that controls the on-screen menu is awkward to reach with your thumb.
The PV-GS500 offers a fully manual mode, shutter- and aperture-priority modes, and various scene modes. Best of all, this camcorder's manual focus employs a focus ring instead of requiring you to manipulate on-screen controls, making this feature much easier to use. Plus, you get optical image stabilization: An element in the lens moves to compensate for small camera movements.
It has no built-in light, but the LCD can double as a spotlight, which is fairly effective. The flash on the camera's front is for still images only.
Panasonic PV-GS300
The $700 Panasonic PV-GS300 is the least-expensive three-CCD camcorder we tested. Its video quality is impressive, and it offers a lot of features. Like its pricier cousin, the PV-GS500, it has optical image stabilization.
The GS300 captured video with bright, accurate colors and good detail. It outperformed all other camcorders except the two pricier three-CCD models, the PV-GS500 and the JVC GR-X5US. The GS300's low-light video did look a little pale, and some objects in our test video lacked the vivid color they showed under normal light. But the PV-GS300 shot 3.1-megapixel still images that showed impressive color and fine detail. The PV-GS300 lacks a focus ring and some of the PV-GS500's manual controls.
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