David Kender

Kodak Zi6 Camcorder Review

Panasonic SDR-H60 Camcorder Review

The Panasonic PV-GS85 was our winner for 2007’s Best Camcorder Under $300, making it a true bargain for the budget shopper. At this price, you wouldn\'t expect many frills, but prepare to be surprised. Panasonic packs in the manual controls, optical image stabilization, and a surprising low light performance.

Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Camcorder Review

The Sony HDR-HC5, a high definition camcorder using the tape-based HDV format, is a key model in the company’s lineup. While the HDR-HC7 ($1,299 MSRP) is the flagship HD camcorder, the HC5 is priced at $999, just below that magical $1,000 point at which consumers can still credibly consider the purchase. A casual glance through the big-box store Sunday circulars points to the fact that camcorders priced over $1,000 rarely get play. Even compared to the HC7, the HC5 is one of the best HD camcorders on the market. While it lacks the bells and whistles that make other Sony HD models more alluring, the performance is outstanding.

The Panasonic HDC-HS100, though it was announced only a few weeks ago, is an anticipated camcorder. Many years ago, Panasonic ruled the roost for power users and budget videographers. The Panasonic PV-GS400 was the king of them all, so loaded with features that it stayed at the top of our ratings list until we had to recreate our rubric. Then, of course, the medium of tape began to die off. Camcorder bodies shrank, and with it, room for the features we loved like viewfinders, rings, and certain ports. Panasonic, in fact, became the de facto leader of that movement towards shrinkage. While it maintained a high degree of manual control, the interface began to suffer, particularly when the joystick was moved from the back to the LCD cavity on the last generation HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9.