Reviews for Camcorders around $500

"Two, the FS22 and the FS21, offer media options of internal flash memory and a card slot, along with a 1.07-megapixel CCD, and the return of a 48x Advanced Zoom (37x optical zoom...The three new camcorders will replace last year's models, the FS10, FS11, and FS100, and include several new features...The FS22, FS21, and FS200 are all equipped with a 1/6-inch CCD..." read more »

"Excellent zoom > Stylish finish > Responsive auto modes...Gimmicky You Tube function > Low levels of detail > Protruding battery...That's why Panasonic has introduced the new SDR-H80: the HDD cam that goes that little bit further...Compact and slimline, the H80 sits comfortably in the palm with perhaps just one rather ugly caveat – the protruding battery at the back end...It's no surprise Panasonic has been talking up the H80's 70x optical zoom:..." read more »

"The Sony DCR-SR47 is a great standard-definition camcorder that will satisfy most casual users...If we had to pick the product highlight of the Sony DCR-SR47, it would probably be a tie between its 60GB hard drive and 60x optical zoom (the numbers are the same, see...This means you will rarely need to transfer data to a computer or DVD — although it’s still a good idea to occasionally backup your footage in case the camcorder gets damaged or lost..." read more »

"The GZ-HD300 is one of JVC's numerous mid-range HD camcorders that were released in 2009...Similar to other JVC camcorders in the same range, the HD300 is compact, relatively affordable ($700 MSRP), and well-suited for novice videographers...As with all new JVC camcorders, the HD300 offers the mildly outdated-sounding "Laser Touch," a touch-sensitive strip on the left side of the LCD panel...Overall, we found the Laser Touch strip to be more frustrating than helpful...The video performance of the GZ-HD300 was often lackluster, especially in low light, but there were some positives..." read more »

"The SW21 is shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof...You can freely adjust the angle of the LCD monitor for comfortable viewing no matter how you're holding the camera...With one-touch navigation, just press the center of the joystick to display an operating menu..." read more »

"Samsung’s latest model camera – Samsung HMX-H100 that offers a broader range of features like full HD 1080p, 10x optical zooming and 37mm wide-angle Lens either...Thus HMX-H100 is a step forward in that direction...This latest H100 cam is employing SD/SDHC card-based storing capacity, whilst other series like H106 attaches along 64GB SSD storing capacity, H105 attaches 32GB SSS capacity, and H104 attached 16GB SSD capacity, likewise price differs from series to series...Gravatars are small images that can show your personality..." read more »

"This isn't the only area where Sanyo surpasses Panasonic with the WH1, either...The locking screws on the SW21 still inspire slightly more confidence, but we tried very hard to jog the WH1's doors open, and failed miserably...The WH1's internal specification is also relatively modest..." read more »

"The CX100 is very small, and will fit on any helmet camera mount system...Cookie Composites has announced they'll offer a box for the CX100 around the same time the camcorder ships...The CX100 offers EIS, or Electronic Image Stabilization...Weaknesses are found in the potential "oops" factor of leaving a lens cover on while using a remote, and in the opportunity to miss menu options in a hurry..." read more »

"The GZ-HD320 ($799 MSRP), GZ-HD300 ($699 MSRP), and GZ-HM200 ($579 MSRP) all feature the same 1/4.1-inch 3.05-megapixel CMOS sensor, a new 20x lens, 24Mbps AVCHD recording, a new processor, and face detection...All of JVC's 2009 camcorders announced today, including HD and standard definition models, are encased within the same compact body, which is both an engineering feat and likely a smart financial decision for JVC...Archiving footage is easy when the camcorders are connected to an Everio Share Station DVD burner..." read more »

"The GZ-MG630 ($429 MSRP), GZ-MG670 ($479 MSRP), and GZ-MG680 ($549 MSRP), all feature a 40x zoom and 1/6-inch 800,000-pixel CCD, as well as a number of new features for data management and sharing...The GZ-MG630 is equipped with a 60GB hard drive, for over 14 hours of video in the highest quality...The GZ-MG630 retails for $429 (MSRP) and the GZ-MG670 for $479..." read more »