The DMC-GF1 ($900 with kit lens) is an enticing video-capable DSLR from Panasonic that uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount system. The camera is roughly the same size as the Olympus E-P1, and the two cameras perform very similarly—both topping out with a 1280 x 720 maximum video resolution.

The HDR-CX500V (MSRP $1099) from Sony is a high-end HD camcorder that records to 32GB of internal memory or Memory Stick cards. The camcorder did quite well in our testing, and its compact design is certainly striking, but Sony missed the target with its re-designed control wheel and updated menu system—not to mention leaving out several features that are commonly found on high-end models.

As far as mid-range HD camcorders go, the JVC GZ-HM200 ($579 MSRP) is a solid product. The sister-model to the GZ-HD300, the HM200 includes dual SD/SDHC memory card slots and offers a fairly straightforward shooting experience. The camcorder has some handling issues—marred by cheap construction and a flimsy hand strap—but, overall, it's a good mid-range model from JVC.

October 20, 2009 – Sony announced today the release of two new models to their XDCAM EX line of professional camcorders—the PMW-350 and the PMW-EX1R. The PMW-350 is an entirely new camcorder from Sony and it is the company's first memory-based camcorder to include a 2/3-inch CMOS chip. The PMW-EX1R, on the other hand, is an upgrade to the company's previous XDCAM model, the PMW-EX1.

October 14, 2009 – A new version of the widely popular Flip MinoHD camcorder was announced today. The new camcorder features double the storage capacity of the previous Flip MinoHD (8GB  vs. 4GB), and it comes with a larger, 2-inch LCD—the same size screen found on the Flip Ultra and UltraHD models. This new, larger capacity MinoHD is available now and retails for $229.99.

October 13, 2009 – Sanyo announced that it will release the VPC-HD2000A and VPC-FH1A in North America. These two high definition camcorders have been available since early this year, but have yet to see a wide release on this side of the globe. The HD2000A and FH1A will have the same exact specs as their previously released cousins, but with one extra feature: compatibility with iFrame, a "next-generation" video format developed by Apple to make video files smaller and easier to edit.

The newly announced JVC Picsio GC-FM1 (MSRP $199) arrives on the camcorder market with a bit less glitz than the metallic surface it sports. At first glance, the Picsio is just another Flip clone, trying to carve a piece out of the ultracompact camcorder marker. Beneath the surface, the Picsio provides some impressive quality video that is, unfortunately, accompanied by a body design that lacks durability and reliability.

The tape-based HV40 ($999 MSRP) isn't exactly a flashy, cutting-edge camcorder from Canon. It is one of only a few HDV models—from any manufacturer—that's new for 2009, but it represents only a minor upgrade over last year's HV30. These improvements include a native-progressive 24p mode as well as some slight design alterations.

In most ways, the Sony HDR-TG5V ($999 MSRP) is a very minor upgrade over last year's HDR-TG1. It has the same sensor and lens, but has been outfitted with a new menu system, a redesigned LCD touchscreen, and includes 16GB of internal flash memory. Sony also changed the color scheme a bit and made the new TG5V slightly more compact than the HDR-TG1.