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Top-Rated HD Pocket Camcorders

The Kodak Zi8 and the second-generation Flip Video MinoHD are neck-and-neck at the top of our chart. If you value video quality in bright light as well as extra features, go for the Zi8. If you want a durable, stylish device that captures good low-light footage, the new MinoHD is tops.

Edited by Tim Moynihan

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Kodak Zi8 HD Camcorder

Video quality: Superior; Low-light video: Very Good; Audio: Good; Storage: SDHC card; Price: $180

Bottom Line: The full-featured Zi8 captures the best HD pocket-camcorder footage we've seen, but its interface and digital zoom often get in the way.

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Flip Video MinoHD (Second Generation)

Video quality: Very Good; Low-light video: Superior; Audio: Good; Storage: 8GB drive; Price: $230

Bottom Line: The second-generation Flip MinoHD is the sexiest and most solidly built pocket camcorder we've seen yet, and it backs those refinements up with very good video quality.

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Flip Video Flip UltraHD

Video quality: Very Good; Low-light video: Superior; Audio: Good; Storage: 8GB drive; Price: $200

Bottom Line: The Flip UltraHD improves an already excellent line of pocket camcorders with a wider-angle lens, better low-light footage, more storage capacity, and an HDMI-out port.

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Creative Technology Vado HD Pocket Video Cam

Video quality: Very Good; Low-light video: Fair; Audio: Fair; Storage: 8GB drive; Price: $230

Bottom Line: Creative's high-definition pocket camcorder impresses with its features and performance.

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Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1

Video quality: Good; Low-light video: Fair; Audio: Very Good; Storage: Memory Stick card; Price: $170

Bottom Line: The flashy, well-priced Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 doesn't deliver outstanding video quality, but it does offer great features and versatility for a high-def pocket camcorder.

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Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera

Video quality: Good; Low-light video: Good; Audio: Superior; Storage: SDHC card; Price: $160

Bottom Line: The Kodak Zi6's features and frame-rate options are superb for a pocket camcorder, but video quality is a shade below the competition.

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Kodak Zx1 Pocket Camcorder

Video quality: Good; Low-light video: Good; Audio: Poor; Storage: SDHC card; Price: $150

Bottom Line: The Kodak Zx1 is a pocketable HD camcorder for the snowboarder set, with a slick, durable design to go along with its decent performance.

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Memorex MyVideo HD Camcorder

Video quality: Good; Low-light video: Good; Audio: Fair; Storage: 4GB drive; Price: $130

Bottom Line: The Memorex MyVideo HD pocket camcorder won't bowl you over with its performance or build quality, but its feature set represents good value for the price.

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JVC GC-FM1

Video quality: Very Good; Low-light video: Fair; Audio: Fair; Storage: SDHC card; Price: $200

Bottom Line: The JVC GC-FM1 HD pocket camcorder shoots some of the best bright-light video we've seen, but it's hampered by its plastic build, its finicky controls, and the execution of its marquee features.

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