which hd camcorder to buy

Shopping for a camcorder can be hard work. That task is made even more difficult when you're shopping for one capable of full HD. I've listed 3 HD camcorders that have caught my eye because of price, features and reviews. 

Don't just take my word for it though. This is what the experts at CNET had to say:


Canon Vixia HF11 32GB Full HD camcorder

The good: Excellent video quality; fast focus; compact, attractive, and comfortable design.

The bad: Wind filter not as dependable as previous Canon models; manual focus pretty useless.

The bottom line: Likeits sibling the HF10, Canon's flash-based Vixia HF11 delivers excellentHD video quality and performance in a tiny package. However, the HF11delivers a bit more value for its lower price.

Canon Vixia HG20

The good: Excellent video quality; 60GB hard drive; attractive, understated design.

The bad: Wind filter not as dependable as previous Canon models; manual focus pretty useless.

The bottom line: Likeits cousin, the flash-based HF11, Canon's Vixia HG20 delivers excellentHD video quality and performance albeit in a slightly larger, heavierpackage. However, you do get more storage space and a lower price.

Sony Handycam HDR-SR11

The good: Excellent video and performance;impressive still photos for a camcorder; adequate manual controls; niceCAM CTL dial; docking station included.

The bad: No wind filter; doesn't include mini HDMI cable.

The bottom line: Sony's Handycam HDR-SR11 and SR12 60GB hard-drive-based AVCHD camcorders deliver top notch performance and image quality.

I was shopping around for one myself to bring on vacation, and after numerous reviews and suggestions, I found a great one.  Here are the top 3 that I discovered ... I am positive you will be happy with any of them!  It also depends on your budget, but I have included ones at different pricing levels.  Hope I am of help!  

• $600+ .  Go for the Sanyo Xacti HD2.
• 300-600. Go for the Sanyo VPC-HD1000
• less than 300.  Go for the Creative Technology Vado HD HDD Camcorder.

Good luck.