Best Camcorders - Built-In Memory Memory Card Type, 0.525 to 1.15 lb. Weight

'relatively healthy 12x optical zoom'

'The TM700’s on screen menu is fairly easy to navigate although it does require a bit of scrolling to get at some functions.'

'Good range of manual features.'

'You press and hold the center button to select the dial's operation: manual focus, exposure compensation, aperture or shutter, mic level and automatic gain control limit--which caps the signal boosting in low light to minimize visual noise. '

'The new touchscreen system is intuitive and good for beginners, but we did find it a bit frustrating for navigating the camcorder's long menu system.'

'the display is clear and viewable even in quite bright conditions.'

'The HDR-CX160 features several automated modes for better recording, including Optical SteadyShot for more stable videos, Tracking Focus to keep focus on a moving object, and Wind Noise Reduction. '

'The camera is so light it almost feels like there is nothing there.'

'The HF M31 has 32MB of flash memory built in, which is enough for three hours of footage at the top quality mode. '

'It is also capable of taking excellent looking video — especially in bright lighting. '

'Audio capture was decent--more than adequate for casual shooters, but in the middle of the pack among the camcorders we tested.'

'Audio capture was decent; more than adequate for casual shooters, but in the middle of the pack among the camcorders we tested.'