JVC GR-D350 Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: Excellent outdoor video, 32x optical zoom, has both ez-mode and manual controls

Cons: Awful low-light recording, bad directional pad menu navigation, mostly average overall

The Bottom Line: Better than Sony. This time around, JVC is stuck in the middle whereas Canon and Panasonic have made the top of the budget-priced camcorders.

Review: The thing about inexpensive electronics is that they're likely to be cheap as well. Regardless of how well you take care of them, there is always that good chance that they will malfunction anyway.

Pros: Lightweight, easy enough for younger teenagers to use.

Cons: Low-light/night recording is minimal.

Review: The picture quality is awesome, in the right lighting. You can take still picutres with it. It is easy to use.