8. Sony HDR-UX5* (DVD)

Introduced alongside the HDR-UX7 at CES 2007, the HDR-UX5 replaces the recently released HDR-UX1 with the major improvement being a $400 reduction in retail price from $1,399 down to $999. Other improvements include smaller size/weight, better battery life and a lower lux rating. Perhaps to cut costs, the HDR-UX5 has a smaller LCD compared to the HDR-UX1 and also no longer has a manual function ring. Both the HDR-UX5 and HDR-UX7 should be available in February, 2007.

Sony HDR-UX7* (DVD)

The HDR-UX7 was introduced last month with the HDR-UX5 and both replace the HDR-UX1. The HDR-UX7 is priced at $1,299 and the HDR-UX5 at $999, both of which are less than the original price of the HDR-UX1 at $1,399. The HDR-UX7 retains the 3.5" LCD of the HDR-UX1, but improves upon it with a larger 3.2MP 1/2.9" sensor compared to the 2.1MP sensors in most other Sony HD camcorders. This upgrade allows for larger 6.1MP still photos and should also result in improved video quality compared to the HDR-UX1 or HDR-UX5. Another upgrade from the HDR-UX5 is the addition of optical image stabilization (vs. electronic IS in the HDR-UX5 and HDR-UX1)

Sony HDR-HC3 (MiniDV)

Replacing Sony's first sub-$2,000 HD camcorder, the HDR-HC1, the MiniDV/HDV based HDR-HC3 was released early last year and features a smaller form factor and a more consumer-friendly design relative to the HDR-HC1. Features include a 2.7" LCD, standard 10x optical zoom, 1080i resolution, and 2.0MP still photo resolution. However, some sacrifices were made compared to the HDR-HC1, including the removal of a full-sized zoom/focus control, microphone jack and headphone jack. Originally priced at $1,399, this was Sony's first HD camcorder with consumer mass-appeal.

Sony HDR-HC5* (MiniDV)

Similar to Sony's "UX" line, the HDR-HC5 and HDR-HC7 were introduced at CES 2007 and replace a single, previously released model (HDR-HC3). The HDR_HC5 retain the same sensor and resolution as the HDR-HC3, but feature longer battery life, a better low light rating, larger 4MP still photos, and a reduced price of $1099 (compared to $1399 for the DCR-HC3). All the 'HC' models do have a manual volume control, which is a nice feature missing on many other HD camcorders.