9. Sony HDR-HC7* (MiniDV)

Similar to the HDR-UX7, the HDR-HC7 offers a significant upgrade from its recent predecessors in that it features a larger, higher resolution sensor, larger still photos, optical image stabilization (vs. electronic IS in the HDR-HC5 and HDR-HC3), a microphone jack and a headphone jack. Priced at $1,399, these upgrades will cost you $400 more than the HDR-HC5, but being MiniDV/HDV-based and containing the larger sensor, the HDR-UX7 may provide the best HD overall image quality for under $2000.

Canon HV-10 (MiniDV)

Released last September, the Canon HV-10 is a compact "upright handheld" form factor camcorder with comparable image quality characteristics relative to Sony's traditional HD camcorders that are larger in size. The HV-10 is Canon's first consumer HD camcorder, and it features a large 1.3" 2.96MP CCD, optical image stabilization, and 3.3Mp still images. The Canon HV-10 is most comparable in image quality to Sony's DCR-HC3, and time will tell how it stacks up against the newly released DCR-HC5/7 models. However, the low light performance of the HV-10 is reportedly not as good as that of Sony's DCR-HC3.

Canon HV-20 (MiniDV)

Just announced on January 31st, the HV-20 shares some components with the HV-10, with some significant upgrades. The form factor is the more traditional 'horizontal-style' design, which means the HV-10 might end up being the only 'vertical-style' HD camcorder ever to have been made. The image sensor is the same as the HV-10, but video resolution now includes 24p 'film' mode, which is a feature that is not currently offered on other major consumer camcorders under $2000. The low-light rating has been improved from 5 to 3 lux, which may address one the primary gripes of the HV-10. Other upgrades include a proprietary hot shoe, HDMI port, mic and headphone out. Not surprisingly, the MSRP of $1099.99 is lower then the original MSRP of $1499.99 for the HV-10.

• Handycam HDR-UX5 Mini...
• • Usa-Camera-Outlet
  • $468.00