Brands
Sony dominates the camcorder market, offering multiple models in a number of formats. Other brands include Canon, JVC, Panasonic,
and Samsung, with Sanyo accounting for sales too. In pocket camcorders, Pure Digital and RCA have been leaders.
Canon
A key player in the camcorder market. This camcorder brand consistently produces good to very good high-definition and standard-definition
models, some of which have recently topped our Ratings. The Vixia line of camcorders is Canon’s high-definition models. Along with Sony, it still offers a high-definition MiniDV
tape model.
JVC
Among the first to offer a hard-drive camcorder. Consistently produces good high-definition and standard-definition models
in several different formats. Hard-disk models are known as Everio camcorders. They've also introduced some pocket camcorder
models.
Panasonic
Consistently produces good to very good high-definition and standard-definition models, some of which have recently topped
our Ratings. They’ve also often offered new technologies, such as models with face detection. Models tend to be very easy to use. They've
also introduced some pocket camcorder models.
Samsung
This brand has increased its presence in the product category by recently introducing a long line of new models. It offers
high-definition, standard-definition and pocket camcorder models.
Sanyo
A niche player in this market. Produces small, portable camcorders, although they generally have more features than pocket
camcorder models. The model lines include Xacti as well as other product lines. Known for introducing new technologies, such
as offering waterproof. They offer high-definition and standard-definition models.
Sony
Leads the camcorder industry in market share and offers the largest model selection of standard- and high-definition models,
some of which have recently topped our Ratings. They've also introduced some pocket camcorder models. Consumer models are known as Handycams. Along with Canon, it still
offers a high-definition MiniDV tape model.
Pure Digital
Up-and-comer offering inexpensive, easy-to-use camcorders. Camcorder lines are called Flip, FlipUltra and Flip Mino. Offers
standard-definition and high-definition camcorders. Although camcorders are convenient for sharing videos over the Internet,
the video quality is generally far below that of even the lowest rated standard-definition camcorders.
Kodak
Although they're a well-known name in digital cameras for many years, the company has recently introduced several HD and SD
pocket camcorders, including a full-HD pocket model.
RCA
Offers a wide range of inexpensive high-definition and standard-definition pocket camcorders.
Creative
Offers a limited line of high-definition and standard-definition pocket camcorders.
DXG
Offers a wide range of inexpensive high-definition and standard-definition pocket camcorders.