Best Camcorders - AVC Recording Format, 200 to 700 x Digital Zoom, 5 to 7 in. Depth

'the main zoom is large and the record button comfortably placed for the more traditional HandyCam posture.'

'nice, large zoom rocker switch'

'The new GZ-HM1 HD Everio offers a full slate of technologies to optimize picture quality and an array of manual controls for creative flexibility. '

'Excellent set of manual features.'

'It's beautifully done overall, and Canon gets a tip of the hat for this new design, although nothing beats the accuracy of the joystick (it may not be as cool, but it works!). '

'Generally well-designed interface'

'The HF S21 also includes an electronic viewfinder, and it is Canon's only new camcorder to include such feature. '

'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.'

'Good range of manual controls. '

'I’ve seen other camcorders that are built more user-friendly than the HDC-HS300, which has some hard-to-press buttons and a main zoom toggle that’s too small to use comfortably.'

'solid all-around performer'

'Excellent set of manual features.'

'The HF S21 also includes an electronic viewfinder, and it is Canon's only new camcorder to include such feature. '

'Canon’s superlative proprietary imaging technologies'

'Nicely designed interface.'

'Excellent overall video quality. '

'While the HF S100 has a very crisp, sharp image, it is definitely rivaled by the Sony HDR-XR520V and the Panasonic HDC-TM300. '