Sony DCR-DVD 205 records video directly to 8cm DVDs. These discs are small and are easy to use and share. After recording, you can pop out the finished product from the camcorder and insert it to any DVD player or transfer them to your computer. Make sure that your DVD player can play the different DVD format.

The Panasonic HDC-SD100 is the less expensive sister of Panasonic’s HDC-HS100. The lower price range is due to the absence of a large hard disk drive like in the HDC-HS100. The HDC-SD100 records exclusively on SD/SDHC memory cards. However, that is where the difference ends; comparing the two camcorders, almost all the features and capabilities are identical.

Sony’s HDR-XR520V, selling for roughly $1500, is a good travel companion, thanks to its new added feature – the built-in GPS mapping system. Moreover, it has much more to recommend it. From sharp video quality and a 240 GB hard disk drive to a wealth of video features, the HDR-XR520V is a worthy addition to Sony’s camcorder family. The design of external controls is a gleaming indication that this camcorder appeals to the advanced tourist crowd, rather than the budget filmmaker brigade.

The Panasonic HDC-HS300 is the company’s top camcorder for 2009 and easily fits in the first-class camcorder category. With a price range of $1200-$1499, the HDC-HS300 brims with features and manual controls and boasts an amazing video quality. The HDC-HS300 also features Panasonic’s intelligent Auto (iA) capability and the Advanced Optical Image Stabilization (Advanced OIS) which equips the camcorder with excellent shake-reduction capabilities.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, Panasonic has announced a new model of AVCHD pro camcorder added to its line-up, the AG-HMC70. Panasonic has tried to balance a professional look with affordability. Panasonic scheduled it to release in April of 2008, and they expected it to sell for less than $2000. It is similar to HDC-SD1 with a shoulder-mount design and upgraded audio options. It can store up to 32 GB in AVCHD video format to SD/SDHC cards.

Sony finally decided to seriously enter the flash-based camcorder market with two new camcorders designed for enthusiast videographers. While Sony has had the flash-based HDR-CX100 for mid-level consumers, HDV and hard disk camcorders have dominated the Sony’s high-end camcorder lineup. With the announcement of the Sony HDR-CX500V and Sony HDR-CX520V, Sony is finally acknowledging the customer demand for the advantages of flash-based camcorders over hard disk camcorders. The new camcorders will provide competition for the Canon HF S10 and Canon HF S100.
Both Sony and Canon’s camcorders …