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TMCNet: HD camcorders less than $600

[January 27, 2010]

HD camcorders less than $600

Jan 27, 2010 (CNET.com - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- "Budget" HD camcorders don't dip into the most popular price range for camcorders _ at least on CNET, everyone's looking for a sub-$300 bargain _ but you can now get a good model for less than about $600. Here's a roundup of some of the least-expensive, better-rated models we've looked at thus far.

Compare reviews: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/4321-6500_7-6617259.html ___ JVC Everio GZ-HD40 _ CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good) _ The good: Excellent video quality; two HD format options; full manual controls.

_ The bad: No optical image stabilization; confusing menu system; some design quirks.

_ The cost: $499 _ The bottom line: JVC's CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers high-definition recording flexibility with very good results, but a few shortcomings keep us from giving it a full recommendation.

_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/jvc-everio-gz-hd40/4505-6500_7-33087272.html ___ Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 _ CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good) _ The good: Relatively fast start-up; comfortable design.

_ The bad: So-so video quality for HD; annoying touch screen and interface.

_ The cost: $499 to $899 _ The bottom line: While it's a perfectly serviceable HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR100 should deliver a little more of everything for the money.

_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-hdr-xr100/4505-6500_7-33485104.html ___ Canon Vixia HF200 _ CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent) _ The good: Broad manual feature set unusual in a camcorder its size; excellent video quality; attractive, functional design.

_ The bad: Relatively expensive.

_ The cost: $515 to $749.99 _ The bottom line: While it's more expensive than its sub-$600 competitors, the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 deliver a more extensive feature set for the extra money. The HF200, which lacks internal memory, is probably a better buy than the HF20, though the HF20's all-black body is a bit classier looking.

_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-vixia-hf200/4505-6500_7-33483231.html ___ Samsung HMX-H105 _ CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good) _ The good: Attractive design; comfortable rotating grip; manual shutter speed and aperture controls.

_ The bad: SSD adds unnecessary price premium; so-so video quality; slow, inaccurate autofocus.

_ The cost: $479.95 to $729 _ The bottom line: An interesting design doesn't offset the so-so video quality and performance, especially for the higher priced HMX-H106, H105, and H104. If you're set on this series, though, the no-memory-included Samsung HMX-H100 is probably the best deal of the bunch.

_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/samsung-hmx-h105/4505-6500_7-33577118.html ___ The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Senior Editor Lori Grunin, Senior Editor Joshua Goldman and Senior Features Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.

___ (c) 2010, CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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