| Digital camcorders that record directly to | | | | to inexpensive mini DV tapes, and the DV |
| DVD discs are called DVD camcorders. Rather | | | | format is much easier to edit on a computer |
| than recording to mini DV tapes, these models | | | | than the Sony's MPEG -2 format. |
| burn video to 8-centimeter DVD-RAM, DVD-R or | | | | |
| DVD-RW discs. DVD-R and DVD-RW media can be | | | | Plus, the Panasonic has a bunch of features |
| read in most home DVD players, but DVD-RAMs | | | | missing on the Sony, like a remote control, |
| are readable only in a few home players. | | | | manual focus ring, an accessory shoe for an |
| | | | external flash unit, optical image |
| Reviewers say there are some drawbacks to | | | | stabilization and a voice recorder for |
| recording straight to DVDs. Because of | | | | narration. The whole package is comfortable |
| frustrating incompatibilities between the | | | | to hold, with well-placed controls. |
| various DVD formats and DVD editing software, | | | | |
| reviews say you shouldn't plan to do much | | | | Canon isn't known for making big innovations |
| editing on your computer. In addition, | | | | when it comes to camcorders; rather, reviews |
| although you can select different quality | | | | say Canon consistently and quietly offers |
| levels to maximize storage on a mini DVD | | | | sturdy, reliable, consistently good video |
| disc, you'll only be able to record about | | | | cameras. The Canon Elura 90 gets high scores |
| twenty minutes of top-quality footage. | | | | for image quality (though it falls a bit |
| | | | behind the Sony and Panasonic above), and has |
| There's no question that digital camcorders | | | | a bunch of useful, basic features, like a 20X |
| will eventually be the only camcorders | | | | optical zoom, digital image stabilization, |
| available. Still, reviewers express surprise | | | | responsive autofocus and intuitive menus. If |
| at the resilience of analog models, which | | | | you want something more than the very |
| still fit the bill for those who don't own | | | | cheapest camcorder, but don't need something |
| computers and just want a simple, inexpensive | | | | as cutting edge as the Sony or Panasonic |
| VHS-compatible camera. | | | | above, the Canon Elura 90 is a great value. |
| | | | |
| This Sony digital camcorder records to | | | | This is one of the cheapest miniDV digital |
| miniature DVD discs, and once finalized, the | | | | camcorders you can buy, and reviewers say the |
| discs are immediately playable in most home | | | | Panasonic outclasses similarly priced |
| DVD players. Reviews say the Sony DVR-DVD403 | | | | camcorders from Sony and JVC. It performs |
| is easily the best DVD camcorder, with image | | | | much better in low light than its budget |
| quality that competes with the best mini DV | | | | competition. Included are a handful of manual |
| camcorders, such as the Panasonic PV-GS250 | | | | controls. Although reviews say the Panasonic |
| below. | | | | camcorder's menus can be a bit clunky, this |
| | | | is the best cheap digital camcorder you'll |
| While recording to mini DVDs is convenient, | | | | find, with better features and performance |
| it's not as easy to edit footage on a | | | | than its competitors. |
| computer, so the Sony is best for those who | | | | |
| don't care much about editing their video. | | | | The majority of digital camcorders are 'DV' |
| Since the Sony doesn't have many manual | | | | camcorders, which record video to widely |
| features, the Panasonic is better for those | | | | available DV tapes. Some new models, however, |
| who like to fiddle with settings. | | | | are looking to push tape into obsolescence. A |
| | | | small handful of digital video cameras can |
| Reviews say image quality is comparable | | | | record to memory cards or an internal hard |
| between this Panasonic mini DV camcorder and | | | | drive. Still others record to miniature DVD |
| the Sony DVD camcorder above. Both get high | | | | discs called mini DVD. |
| scores in reviews, but the Panasonic records | | | | |