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Top 10 DVD and HDD Camcorders

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

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DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam PCW Rating: 84.0PCW Rating: 84.0PCW Rating: 84.0

Last Rated: May 17, 2007

 BEST BUY!

1. Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam

10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD touch screen, Built-in video assist light, Mini DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL, Memory Stick Pro Duo card, Price when reviewed: $630

Bottom Line: This sturdy, well-designed model offers easy one-handed operation and a touch screen for menu navigation, but it lacks white-balance calibration.

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DC50 Mini DVD Camcorder PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: May 17, 2007

2. Canon USA DC50 Mini DVD Camcorder

10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, Built-in video assist light, Mini DVD-R/-RW/-R DL, Mini SD Card, Price when reviewed: $720

Bottom Line: The DC50 supplies optical image stabilization, top-notch image quality, and many specialized controls, though operation isn't always intuitive.

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JVC GZ-MG155 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: May 17, 2007

3. JVC JVC GZ-MG155 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder

32X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, Built-in video assist light, 30GB hard drive, SD Card, Price when reviewed: $600

Bottom Line: This model delivers high video quality and has dedicated buttons for burning DVDs without a PC and for copying files to a computer. Photos were disappointing, however.

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VDR-D310 Mini DVD Camcorder (10x Opt, 700x Dig, 2.7 PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0

Last Rated: May 18, 2007

4. Panasonic VDR-D310 Mini DVD Camcorder (10x Opt, 700x Dig, 2.7

10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, No video assist light, Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW/-R DL, SD/SDHC Card, Price when reviewed: $630

Bottom Line: This three-CCD DVD-baased model has optical image stabilization, supports DVD-RAM, and comes with a microphone jack, but it lacks a full manual mode and a video light.

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GZ-MG555 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder (10x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.7 PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0

Last Rated: May 18, 2007

5. JVC GZ-MG555 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder (10x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.7

10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, Built-in video assist light, 30GB hard drive, SD Card, Price when reviewed: $900

Bottom Line: Dedicated buttons make DVD burning and file copying a breeze, and you get a microphone jack.For the high price, however, video quality was subpar.

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SDR-H200 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder (10x Opt, 700x Dig, 2.7 PCW Rating: 76.0PCW Rating: 76.0PCW Rating: 76.0

Last Rated: May 18, 2007

6. Panasonic SDR-H200 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder (10x Opt, 700x Dig, 2.7

10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, Built-in video assist light, 30GB hard drive, SD/SDHC Card, Price when reviewed: $720

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.

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DCR-SR42 30GB Hard Drive Digital Camcorder (0.68MP, 40x Opt, 2000x Dig, 2.7 PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0

Last Rated: May 18, 2007

7. Sony DCR-SR42 30GB Hard Drive Digital Camcorder (0.68MP, 40x Opt, 2000x Dig, 2.7

40X optical zoom, 2.5-inch wide-aspect LCD touch screen, No video assist light, 30GB hard drive, Memory Stick Pro Duo card, Price when reviewed: $540

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.

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VDR-D210 DVD-RAM CAMCORDER (SILVER) PCW Rating: 72.0PCW Rating: 72.0PCW Rating: 72.0

Last Rated: May 19, 2007

8. Panasonic VDR-D210 DVD-RAM CAMCORDER (SILVER)

32X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, No video assist light, Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW/-R DL, Price when reviewed: $380

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.

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DZHS300A DVD-HDD 8GB Hybrid Digital Camcorder (25x Opt, 1200x Dig, 2.7 PCW Rating: 72.0PCW Rating: 72.0PCW Rating: 72.0

Last Rated: May 19, 2007

9. Hitachi DZHS300A DVD-HDD 8GB Hybrid Digital Camcorder (25x Opt, 1200x Dig, 2.7

25X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, Built-in video assist light, 8GB hard drive, Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW, SD Card, Price when reviewed: $570

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.

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VDR-D210 DVD-RAM CAMCORDER (SILVER) PCW Rating: 72.0PCW Rating: 72.0PCW Rating: 72.0

Last Rated: May 19, 2007

10. Panasonic VDR-D210 DVD-RAM CAMCORDER (SILVER)

32X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, No video assist light, Mini DVD-RAM/-R/-RW/-R DL, Price when reviewed: $380

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.

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We tested the camcorders in a variety of lighting situations; the normal-lighting score combines results for both indoor and outdoor lighting tests. In the low-light test, we used the mode suggested in the manufacturer's manual. The camcorder's built-in lights were not used.

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