CamInfo Select 2005

by Camcorderinfo.com Editorial Staff
Published on Nov 9, 2005 6:00 AM



2005 has been one of the most interesting and eventful years in the history of the camcorder industry. New formats and features from all manufacturers have tested our definitions and expectations of what a camcorder should be. We’ve seen the introduction of many new non-tape based formats, the rise in the popularity of HD, and price drops that would have seemed unthinkable only a short while ago. We’ve been working hard to review all the camcorders that have come to market this past year, and now it’s time for us to announce the best of the best: the CamInfo Select 2005!

Best Camcorder Over $2,000:
Sony HDR-FX1
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High-definition HDV camcorder with great color, manual control, and a professional design.

We’re including the Sony HDR-FX1 in the 2005 CamInfo Select because it shipped too late in 2004 to make the 2004 consideration. The HDR-FX1 is truly revolutionary as the first camcorder to bring high-definition in the HDV format to prosumers and high-end consumers. While JVC had the first HDV camcorder, Sony’s FX1 brought the performance and features that high-end users demand.

Honorable Mention: Canon XL H1 (Specs, Recent News, $7947.89)
While we haven’t had a chance to review Canon’s new high-definition update on the popular XL2, if previous experience has anything to say about it, the XL H1 is going to be an amazing camcorder. It has upgrades in all the right places. It features three native 16:9 CCDs, each measuring 1/3”. Video is recorded at 1080i lines of resolution. The XL H1 has a 20x zoom, with the same interchangeable lens system that has made the XL2 so popular.

But the XL H1 is not without its cons. It’s bound to drop with time, but the $8999 MSRP is a bit steep. Of course, if Canon’s 24P feature turns out to be what they say it is, the XL H1 could be a killer cam. We look forward with unabashed anticipation to the XL H1. Until then, we have no choice but to place it behind the HDR-FX1 in this category.

Best Camcorder Under $2,000:
Sony HDR-HC1 (Specs, $2295)
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The HDR-HC1 delivers high-definition at a revolutionary price.

This award was perhaps the easiest to give out. If you read our review of the HDR-HC1 you’ll immediately know how floored we were by this model. The gorgeous, sharp video, with its vivid colors, knocked our socks off. Better still, the inclusion of manual controls made us feel comfortable shooting with a Sony once again. No camcorders in the $1,250 - $2,000 range even come close to the HDR-HC1 in quality or anything else.

We could go on about the HDR-HC1’s virtues, but we’ll save that for later. This cam makes one more appearance before the awards are through.

Best Camcorder Under $1,250:
Canon Optura 600 (Specs, $1099)
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This compact cam packs all the features into a portable form and produces quality video.

The Optura 600, Canon’s 2005 top of the line Optura, wowed us with its sharpness and clarity. The huge 1/2.8” CCD was a major component of its success, boosting up the camcorder’s low light performance beyond what we usually expect from a Canon model. Our only issue with the 600 was its handling. The matchbook-style body means that designers have to scramble to find a place for all those buttons. In the end, the real estate got a little tight and we found ourselves doing finger gymnastics to access some of the controls. Happily, we can say that the Optura 600 is undoubtedly the best consumer camcorder that Canon has put out this year, and worth the money for those looking to combine both performance and portability.

Special Honors: Panasonic PV-GS400 (Review, Specs, $1099)
The PV-GS400, you may remember, took home last year’s CamInfo Select Best Overall, and with good cause. We loved it so much we couldn’t bear to let it pass this time around without mention. If you love manual control and want a more “serious” camcorder, then we might recommend the GS400 over the Canon, but they are hard to find nowadays. We don’t feel that the Optura 600 has surpassed the PV-GS400, but since the PV-GS400 isn’t really a 2005 model we didn’t think it was fair to let it rank in this listing. The GS400 combines amazing manual control and handling to give a truly professional feel in a small, inexpensive package. Its popularity has caused Panasonic to continue its production rather than replace it, and it remains a highly sought-after model. For this reason, we felt that the GS400 at least deserved a second round of accolades.

Best Camcorder Under $1,000:
JVC GR-X5 (Review, Specs, $958)
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Although it comes in an odd shape, the 3 CCD system in the JVC GR-X5 works wonders to create great looking video and stunning stills.

Will wonders never cease? When we took this cube-shaped contraption out of the box, we were ready to write it off as all sizzle and no substance. With a rear-mounted LCD, no viewfinder, and a shape like a tissue box, the GR-X5 does not scream professionalism. Furthermore, this was the first higher-end camcorder that we’ve seen out of JVC's consumer division in a long, long time. A look under the hood will start to give you a sense of why we were so impressed. The GR-X5 features three CCDs, each measuring 1/4.5” with 690K effective pixels. All these numbers added up to a rich color treatment and stunning sharpness. The JVC blew us away by scoring amazingly in our resolution test. Why JVC chose such an unusual design for their top MiniDV cam is unknown, but with video quality like this, we can’t deny a winner when it bangs on our door.

The GR-X5 performs excellently in low light thanks to JVC’s Auto Gain Control. It is not quite an adjustable gain function like you’ll find on a lot of Panasonics, but it gives dim pictures a huge boost with minimum noise. The GR-X5's capacity as a digital still camera is among the best we’ve seen yet, with 1.23 effective MP with a boatload of features, including manual ISO. Even the JVC GZ-MC500 (Review, Specs, $669.99) Everio could not match the X5’s color performance.

Potential drawbacks of the GR-X5 mainly involve its handling, portability, and some odd control features. The unusual shape is bound to turn some people off. We were surprised at how good the zoom control felt, but most of the buttons are unnecessarily small. Hiding this cam away in a small bag or purse may not be an option, since the roughly cubical shape gives it equal dimensions all around. Finally, the battery is oddly placed inside a hollow on the left, and an extended life battery might set your shots off-balance.

But any problems we had with the GR-X5 were far outweighed by our accolades. This is truly an amazing camcorder from JVC, and it proves that they still know how to make a great MiniDV cam.

Best Camcorder Under $800:
Panasonic PV-GS250 (Review, Specs, $1299.99)
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The Panasonic PV-GS250 lives up to the reputation of previous Panasonic 3 CCD camcorders and adds an improved navigation system we love.

A contender for Camcorder of the Year, the PV-GS250 finished just below the Sony DCR-HC1 in our ratings for 2005. That’s right: a camcorder for under $800 finished just after a $2,000+ high-definition model. We have to hand it to Panasonic; they do make a good camcorder.

With three 1/6” CCDs, each producing 640K effective pixels, the PV-GS250 was able to provide stunning sharpness and color reproduction. Like the PV-GS120 (Review, Specs, $479) and other Panasonic 3 CCD camcorders before it, the PV-GS250 upholds a tradition of great Panasonic consumer camcorders. It’s not quite as good as the PV-GS400, but the sizable $450 price gap does not equate directly to the size of the performance gap – the two cams are quite close.

Panasonic's real strength is manual control, and the PV-GS250 is no exception. The manual control set is great. The PV-GS250 comes equipped with more than any camcorder in its price range: aperture, shutter speed, white balance, gain (in 7 settings!), a focus ring. While Panasonics of the past have been criticized for poor handling on all these controls, the PV-GS250 has responded with a handy joystick that makes one-handed operation a viable option.

The PV-GS250 is one of the best choices for serious hobbyists and users focused on manual control. On top of all this, the camcorder also has all the jacks and ports you’ll need, and it's one of those rare camcorders that grow with you. Beginners will appreciate its automatic controls, and as they learn more, they will be able to take advantage of the wealth of manual features.

Runner-Up: Sony DCR-DVD403
Did we ever think a DVD camcorder would rank right next to a MiniDV camcorder? Somehow Sony managed to make it happen for just under $1000 with the DVD403, an incredible performer that took our breath away.

The DVD403 combines ease of use and compactness, the big DVD cam draws, with incredibly rich video. While some might complain that the colors appear too saturated, we all agreed that the saturation made for an aesthetically pleasing picture. Sony also managed to sidestep some of the blue noise issues that plagued the images of the DVD203 (Review, Specs, $587.65) and their middle and low-end MiniDV cams. Sharpness suffered a bit, due to the DVD compression process. Compare this to the relatively uncompressed MiniDV footage, and you’ll see why we picked the PV-GS250. Sony also didn’t offer much in the way of manual control, something we definitely like to see included in a camcorder of this price. But the DVD403 managed to redeem DVD cams as a whole and save them from an outright toss into the junk pile, and we hope to see more of the same performance from more DVD camcorders next year. Word on the street is that the DVD403 is one of the best selling camcorders of the year among more knowledgeable users, and this honor is well deserved!

Best Camcorder Under $600:
Panasonic PV-GS150 (Specs, $449.95)
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The Panasonic PV-GS150 delivers vibrant images at an affordable price.

Taking after its older PV-GS250 sibling in all the right ways, the PV-GS150 takes home its own gleaming, platinum trophy for the Under $600 category. It’s not surprising that both camcorders took prizes because so many good features are shared between them! Though the imager specs are a bit less impressive than the PV-GS250 (the PV-GS150 has the same 1/6” CCDs, but the effective pixel count drops from 640K to 440K), the PV-GS150 had almost the same outstanding video performance. You’ll also find the same incredible array of manual controls, with the one rather disappointing exception of a focus ring. The PV-GS150 also employs a digital image stabilization rather than the optical stabilization found on the PV-GS250.

Still, for under $600, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of performance and manual control. This camcorder is truly a great buy. It also managed to retain a decent amount of color information in low light, which makes this an incredibly versatile camcorder. Oh, how I love that cam!

Runner-Up: Canon Optura 50 (Specs, $449.99)
The Optura 50 works with a 1/3.4” CCD and 1.23 effective MP. The colors were a bit washed compared to the PV-GS150, but the sharpness was impressive. The focus ring is a nice touch, but the Optura 50 lacks a full manual mode. Instead, it features Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. Beginners might find priority modes helpful because they offer a small degree of control, but advanced users might balk at the lack of total control.

While the Optura 50 has its strengths, its low light performance leaves something to be desired (as is the case with most Canons). Add to this the incomplete manual control set, and the Optura 50 becomes a runner up, but not a close one.

Best Camcorder Under $400:
Panasonic PV-GS19 (Review, Specs, $244.74)
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The PV-GS19 packs more features and quality than many other more expensive models.

Panasonic continued its dominating streak from the Under $800 and Under $600 categories right on down to the Under $400 category, taking home the prize with the remarkable little PV-GS19. Some people might question how we can let one manufacturer sweep so many awards. We just wonder what they’re feeding those Panasonic people.

This inexpensive cam proves to the world that, despite what other manufacturers’ pricing structures suggest, it is possible to pack manual control features into a lower-priced cam. Exposure (in real F-stop numbers), shutter speed, white balance, focus, gain, and more are all easily controlled with a joystick, making one-handed operation a cinch.

It may not have the feel of an expensive camcorder, but the PV-GS19 delivers. With a 1/6” CCD, the picture in bright light was sharp and relatively vivid. The picture may not look as sharp as one on the GS150, but for the price, this is a real knock-out. Low light performance was also better than the norm for an Under $400. The PV-GS19 performed identically to its older sibling, the popular PV-GS35 (Review, Specs, $359.95) (Review, Specs, $283.25). Even in very low light, it retained most of the color information.

The low price comes at the cost of some ports (no audio, no S-Video, no headphone, and no shoe) and a video light. There are also some questions beginners might have about the menu navigation; the iconography can tend to get a little confusing. But Panasonic must be applauded for giving their customers the credit they deserve. If manual controls are included, the user is sure to someday find a use for them.

Runner-Up: JVC GR-DF550 (Review, Specs, $349)
Handing over the crown to the PV-GS19 was not an easy choice. The JVC GR-DF550 has a lot going for it. It features a larger, 1/4.5” CCD, and an undoubtedly more solid feel. The deciding factor was manual control; while the GR-DF550 has shutter speed, focus, white balance, and exposure, it lacks the professional edge of the PV-GS19’s F-stop adjustments and manual gain. Also, though the menu interface is bit more clear cut, the one-hand adjustments on the Panasonic can’t be beat.

The picture quality on the GR-DF550 was good overall. The colors were nice and vivid for a cam in this price range, but the focus could have been sharper. This proved to be the case for the still pictures as well. Of course, the DF550 benefited from the Auto Gain Control feature in low light, but the picture suffered from more noise than the AGC pictures in the higher-end JVCs.

 

Best Camcorder Under $300:
JVC GR-D270 (Review, Specs, $379.99)
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JVC packed the GR-D270 with features that can't be matched in this bargain basement price category.

Finding any camcorders under $300 is a challenge. Finding a good camcorder for that price is a rarity only pearl divers and talent scouts can truly appreciate. The GR-D270 is among those rare and pleasant surprises. It features a 1/6” CCD with 340K effective pixels, which are specs that make for a bright (though not particularly sharp) image. The cam was able to retain its low price tag largely due to the absence of JVC’s 3D Noise Reduction. This did seem to cause the D270 to display some bluish blotches during low light testing.

The D270 hits most of the sweet spots that a bargain cam should. It’s easy to use, but has enough manual controls to keep you from getting bored. Shutter speed, white balance, exposure (in a limited functionality), and even simple gain on/off are included. Handling is great, particularly the straightforward menu system and coated LCD screen, which cuts down on glare. And if none of these features ever lure you into trying them, perhaps you’ll find some fun with the 25x optical zoom.

Best High-End DVD Camcorder:
Sony DCR-DVD403
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Sony's highest-end DCR-DVD403 is the only DVD camcorder that can compete with MiniDV models.

No contest. The DCR-DVD403 could find no equal this year, or any year, in the oft-maligned world of DVD camcorders. You can read above to find out why it was runner-up for the Under $800 category, but we can’t say enough about this surprise performer from Sony. The ultra-rich colors and great low light performance rightly make this one of the biggest shocks of the year.

What we really like about the DCR-DVD403 is that it has all the good points that we want to see in a DVD camcorder: ease of use, good video / still hybridization, the simple-to-view DVD format, and a nice body design without the baggage of poor quality, among other things. Hats off to the Sony engineers on this one. They’ve managed to develop a great package that gives users what they need without sacrificing quality. If you think that’s easy, you need only take a look at the DVD market, littered with failed attempts.

Best Low-End DVD Camcorder:
Hitachi DZ-MV780 (Review, Specs, $499.99)
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Despite its low price, the DZ-MV780 produces a great image and is easy to use.

Hitachi’s middle-of-the-road DVD cam, the DZ-MV780, seems to be the top of the heap among low-end DVD cams. We will admit that this designation is not awarded without a little sting. DVD camcorders almost invariably perform more poorly than comparably priced MiniDV cams, due to the high compression rate. They also tend to fall short of what we consider an acceptable amount of manual control and make editing more difficult. DVD cams are designed for ease of use and portability, with little else in mind. Notwithstanding, DVD cams are big sellers, and their market share is increasing every year. Who are we to invalidate them?

The DZ-MV780 is capable of producing a fairly vibrant image, working off of its 1/4.5” CCD and 690K effective pixels. The low light performance was disappointing, virtually dropping off the map after a certain light level (15 lux). It’s a very easy camcorder to use, which is fortunate, as it has little to offer in the way of manual controls, and adjustments are cumbersome to make. The MV780 is also highly portable, hitting at least some bright spots.

The MV780 uses the frequently criticized DVD-RAM format, which can cause difficulties in playing back the discs on standard DVD players. Be sure to check your compatibility in the manual before purchasing one of these camcorders.

The DZ-MV780 is the choice for the budget-conscious who have their hearts set on a DVD camcorder purchase. We recommend either switching to MiniDV or upgrading to the Sony DVD403, but if you must, the DZ-MV780 is the best of the bunch.

Runner-Up: Panasonic VDR-M75 (Review, Specs, $669.99)
Very similar in most respects to the GZ-MV780, the VDR-M75 lacks much of the manual control and performance that makes Panasonic such a strong presence in the MiniDV scene. This camcorder had a decent picture, but weaker low light performance. The Naked Disc DVD-RAM is yet another renovation in a format that should be put to rest. The VDR-M75 produced a marginally sharper picture, but we found the MV780 much easier to use, which should factor heavily into the criteria for a DVD cam. The M75 also runs over a hundred dollars more, making it a dubious value against the MV780.

Best Non-Tape Camcorder:
JVC GZ-MC500
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The GZ-MC500 pushed the barrier in quality for a non-tape based camcorder, delivering crisp stills and great video in a tiny package.

JVC takes home its third prize this year with the outstanding performer, the GZ-MC500. This ultra compact camcorder, which records video directly to a 4GB removable MicroDrive, has taken a huge step forward in flash media technology. The first 1 CCD Everio models were a big step in the removable media camcorder market, but the GZ-MC500 has finally legitimized this format for us.

Not only can the MicroDrive hold a good amount of video (60 minutes of Ultra Fine quality and 300 minutes of Economy), the stills are amazing. The great picture quality is driven by three CCDs, each measuring 1/4.5” with 1.33 MP. These specs are superior to those of the PV-GS250 and GS400. While the picture was sharper, the colors were washed out when compared to these MiniDV champs.

One of the MC500’s greatest strengths is its still performance. With an advertised 5 MP available, we can attest to the brilliant colors and crisp definition. There are also a slew of manual controls, including ISO, shutter speed, F-stops, and more. Considering this, along with its extreme portability, we might call this the first true hybrid camcorder/camera.

We’ll admit that the GZ-MC500 is not without its faults. The main obstacle is the $1,500 price tag, which places it out of reach for many consumers. When you compare that $1,500 to the HD Sony HDR-HC1, it becomes hard to justify the Everio. The second drawback is the MPEG-2 compression rate, which gives the footage a good squeeze before you see it, resulting in lost information and a less sharp picture than the comparable MiniDV cams could produce. Also, the MC500 lacks an audio input jack and the battery is tucked within the body of the camcorder, preventing the possibility of expansion. You may only know how detrimental this can be after you’ve taken a cam on a long trip, only to run out of power two hours in.

Even with the weaknesses, the MC500 was a joy to play with. The tilting lens barrel and lack of viewfinder take some getting used to, but the camcorder handles well. The menu system is clear and understandable, though the joystick that controls it may be too small for some fingers. As it stands, we love it. Because much of the MC500 is new technology, the price is bound to drop in replacement models. But this camcorder speaks of great things to come from JVC’s solid-state line.

Runner-Up: Panasonic SDR-S100 (Specs, $1199)
In terms of performance, the diminutive SDR-S100 from Panasonic is an outstanding camcorder, with a sharp, bright picture, flash media or otherwise. The SDR-S100 records to SD cards, the most ubiquitous and inexpensive media available, and is even shipped with a 2GB card. The video is beautiful and doesn’t appear to suffer from the MPEG-2 compression as much as that from other flash media cams. Panasonic chalks this up to a new and improved compression engine with variable bit rates and a wider-range motion search engine.

The non-expandable battery and lack of audio input indicate that both of these camcorders need some serious redesign. But they sure are fun.

Best Ease of Use Line:

Sony Reviews - Shop & Compare Prices
Features like touch screens, an "Easy" button, and a very friendly navigation make Sony camcorders great for the point-and-shoot market.

Sony rules the roost once again in the Ease of Use category. Nearly every camcorder they released this year, barring the HDR-HC1 and higher, came equipped with a big, fat EASY button on the side, announcing to even the most inexpert consumer that they too could be on the road to Hollywood. While Sony didn’t make many changes to their easy to use control system, they’ve maintained their ground while other manufacturers have tried to copy them. Automatic adjustments on virtually all Sonys are quick and accurate, from the most inexpensive MiniDV, the DCR-HC21 (Review, Specs, $329), on up, making simplicity the hallmark upon which Sony has built its audience. If you want an easy to use camcorder, and are willing to sacrifice manual control and sometimes a bit of quality, Sony camcorders are the best choice.

Best Manual Control Line:

Panasonic Reviews - Shop & Compare Prices
Panasonic camcorders give you more manual control than any other camcorder line, even in their lowest-end models.

Panasonic has proven yet again that owning a camcorder can be an education. Yes, most Panasonics have good automatic controls, but the area in which they truly strut their stuff is manual control. The least expensive MiniDV cam, the PV-GS19, has nearly all the manual control features that you will find on the PV-GS250, their most expensive model this year: a huge range of shutter speeds, aperture settings in F-stops, white balance, and gain control of up to seven increments. Panasonic is the only manufacturer to include a microphone-in jack on their sub $500 model, the PV-GS35. In fact, the only reason the PV-GS35 didn’t win an award was because its bigger sister, the PV-GS150, beat it out.

Only focus is a problem on the lower-end models, unsolved until the appearance of the focus ring on the PV-GS250. Panasonics grow with you as your knowledge about camcorders increases. A full manual control suite gives you room for experimentation, a means of exploring the interplay of light, lens, and circuit board. We love ‘em, and hope they continue to make camcorders just like they do now. We wish more manufacturers would include as many control options as Panasonic does.

Camcorder of the Year:
Sony HDR-HC1
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The HDR-HC1 made progress for the home camcorder industry, building a bridge to the world of HD.

There was a good amount of debate at CamcorderInfo.com headquarters about which model would take the all-important Camcorder of the Year award. We considered many models, some because they broke new ground and some because they performed so incredibly well. However, there was only one model that did both and did it so well that we fell head over heels for it: Sony’s HDR-HC1 high-definition camcorder.

Sony’s HDR-HC1 is the first high-definition camcorder that is truly for the consumer. Its $1500 price tag brings high-definition video recording to a whole new group of people. When we got our hands on it and tested it we were floored by the stunning beauty of the pictures it produced. The colors were rich and well defined, and had a sharpness that seems to set the visible world in relief.

We’ve had issues in the past with Sony and their push towards ease of use over manual control, but they didn’t forget us serious camcorder users when they designed the HDR-HC1. The inclusion of a zoom ring / focus ring, dedicated iris control, and more make for an impressive feature set. However, what makes the control on the HDR-HC1 even more remarkable is that Sony managed to include their best ease of use features too, making the HDR-HC1 a camcorder that appeals to multiple markets.

With all the amazing features, you’d expect the HDR-HC1 to be at an astronomical price. But Sony shocked the camcorder world when they introduced it for under $2,000. Now that a few months have passed, the street price has dropped as low as $1,500-$1,700. While there were many great models this year that made big steps in camcorder technology, the highest quality and cutting edge innovation at a truly affordable price have made the HDR-HC1 win Best Camcorder of the Year.

Last year’s Panasonic PV-GS400 won Best Camcorder of the Year because it had all the things we like most: manual control and quality with lots of usable features. But the HDR-HC1 has done something even more impressive: Sony’s made a revolutionary camcorder that innovates technologically, yet still gives the control to satisfy serious hobbyists and the ease of use that will satisfy the greater public. Not only is the HDR-HC1 a camcorder you should buy if you can afford it, it’s a camcorder which you should save up for because it’s so great and valuable.

Of course, all these technical terms don’t speak to the greater impact of the HDR-HC1 - the delivery of high-definition video to the homes of consumers everywhere. The video world is moving rapidly towards high definition, with 16:9 widescreen TVs and an increasing amount of broadcast high-definition content. The world is waking up to the beauty of HD, and now any home user’s own videos can be shot with that same quality. High-definition video that truly embodies the format for $1,500 isn’t just a good buy; it’s a revolution in technology.

Runner-Up: JVC GR-X5
This little cube of a camcorder took us all by surprise with its outstanding video and still performance. The crisp color definition and sharp detail was a thing of beauty, making it the best looking non-HD MiniDV cam this year, which is no small feat when you consider its competition. The JVC GR-X5 is the best hybrid camcorder we’ve ever seen, and one of the few that provides stills that are not simply just “usable” but good. What’s even better is that overall video performance isn’t sacrificed.

Runner-Up: Panasonic PV-GS250
The PV-GS250 has nearly every element of a pro cam, all for an unbelievable price that made it the undisputed winner of the Under $800 Award. With superior manual control, including a focus ring, and very good video, this is the best choice for the budget-minded serious hobbyist or amateur with aspirations. We love the PV-GS250 because of what it brings for the cost, but while it maintained Panasonic’s great 3 CCD system it didn’t innovate like the Sony HDR-HC1.

Runner-Up: Sony DCR-DVD403
Are we serious? A DVD camcorder up for Best of the Year? Hell better put down the storm windows, because the DVD403 brought some serious credibility to the format. We considered bestowing the DCR-DVD403 with our Camcorder of the Year award because of the strides that it has made for the DVD format, which shows an increasing dominance each year. The colors in both video and still mode were as lush as you’ll find in a camcorder. This is the point-and-shooter’s best option for under $1000. It came close to winning the Under $800 Award, but lacked the manual controls and editing capacity of its PV-GS250 competition. It’s also hard for us to give a DVD camcorder Best Camcorder of the Year because of the heavy amount of compression that occurs when fitting video onto a DVD disc. Still, this is an amazing feat for Sony, who is still blushing for winning Best overall.

Special Honors: Panasonic PV-GS35
We cannot close this year’s competition without pausing to recognize a very special little camcorder whose odd price point kept it from effectively competing in our categories. The PV-GS35 from Panasonic offers an incredible amount of picture quality control and image performance for the amazing price of just over $400. It features everything that the PV-GS19 (Under $400 winner) has, plus an audio input, S-Video, an additional shutter speed of 1/30, and a huge 30x optical zoom. This is the perfect camcorder for beginners and those with thin wallets.

The Wrap Up 
2005 has been a great year in the camcorder industry. We’ve seen more innovation in this year alone than in many past years combined. It’s certainly been a tough and confusing year for consumers with the proliferation of so many new formats. We hope that our reviews here at CamcorderInfo.com have helped guide you through your camcorder purchases, and for those of you who are just making a camcorder purchase for the holidays, we hope this guide has helped. Good luck and here's hoping that your videos turn out great!