Technology is changing so fast these days that the new camcorder you bought only a year ago has now become obsolete. Utterly confused by this rapid technological progress, the most you can do is rely heavily on product reviews to make a decision as to which brand and model of camcorder you are going to buy. But unfortunately, all of them cannot be trusted, as not all sources of information for consumers to make a choice between, say a Sony and a Panasonic digital camcorder are unbiased. What you need is an unbiased review, which can be found in consumer camcorder magazines or web sites that discuss in detail each camcorder's relative merits and demerits.

As analog camcorders are now an almost extinct species, you have to choose from the selection of digital camcorders that are available. For making the right choice from so many fiercely competing brands, you should closely consider the following things: price, charge couple device (CCD), media choice, LCDs and playback.

Be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars for entry-level digital camcorders, and thousands for top-of-the-line versions. If the size of a CCD is large and they are more in number, the camcorder will be more costly. You must decide whether you need a camcorder that records onto tape. You need a camcorder with an LCD screen if you want to view your recording straightaway. Once you have considered these things, choose the brand accordingly.

Sony camcorders have long been viewed as leaders in the field, and Sony's current crop of models offers options for movie makers on many different budgets. Popular for their ease of use, Sony camcorders are a favorite among point and shoot consumers. On this site you can compare prices and find reviews on selected Sony digital camcorders.

Sony DCR-DVD403 DVD Handycam Camcorder

Sony DCR-TRV80 Mini DV

Sony DCR-HC40 Mini DV Camcorder