Test results - standard definition models

Video quality (/10)close

Video under low light and bright light conditions.

Makes up 40% of overall score.

Ease of use (/10)close

Includes instruction manuals, user interface, start time and gap, data transfer to computer, transfer speed, supplied software, and portability.

Makes up 25% of the overall score.

Primary storage typeclose

The memory/format system for each camcorder. There are several options.

• HDD (hard disc drive) - These record to built-in memory inside the camcorder, usually 30GB to 120GB. In real terms this means you won't have to change tapes or DVDs while recording. A 30GB hard drive allows around 7 hours of high-quality recording or around 37 hours on low-quality settings. You can then copy this to computer or DVD.
• Mini DV - One of the most common camcorder systems. It uses a small cassette (not much bigger than a credit card, but a little wider). Most Mini-DV models have two audio tracks so you can record music or a voice-over as well as the original sound. You can choose between standard or long play mode - long play mode can affect the sound quality, but the image quality is unaffected. On the highest quality setting, you can record up to an hour of footage. A 60-minute tape costs about $10 for standard definition (SD) or around $40 for HD.
• DVD - These record on 8cm (3-inch) DVD-RAM, DVD-R(W) or DVD+R(W) discs. Since there's no tape to wind, it's easy to find scenes again after you've recorded them - and there's no risk of writing over existing footage. Virtually all DVD players will play the 8cm discs for easy reviewing.
  
  On the most economical low quality settings, a DVD can store about 60 minutes of video, but only around 20 minutes on the best quality setting. For high definition (HD) recordings onto DVD you'll only get about 15 minutes onto a disc.
• Memory card - MemoryStick Duo, SD, microSD and miniSD memory cards are used by some digital camcorders. These cards are small and light (an advantage), but are costly compared to other formats.
  
  On a 4GB memory card you can record around 50-60 minutes of top quality footage, or 3-5 hours of lesser quality. For HD recordings, you'll get significantly less.