The HDR-FX1000 is a worthy successor to the FX1/FX7. It will make an ideal stepping stone into the world of professional video, as well as a solid secondary unit for established videographers.

Kogan has made a career out of undercutting big-name vendors with cheap hardware, but the Full HD 1080p Video Camera really takes the biscuit. Despite a cavalcade of flaws, it remains insanely good value for money. A full HD camcorder for under $400? Yes please!

The VX-5500 is a basic little webcam that offers decent sound and image quality. It’s not the most versatile webcam on the market, but it gets the job done for a semi-reasonable price. Of course, the same thing can be said of every other Microsoft model. A less than essential purchase.

If you already own the HF10, there is next to no reason to make the switch to the HF11. Everyone else, on the other hand, would do well to seek this camcorder out.

When judged on its own merits, the HG21 is an exceptional high-def camcorder that impresses on nearly every level — it even seems attractively priced. However, when compared to the near-identical HG20, its value for money is significantly diminished. Unless you absolutely must have 120GB of storage, go for its cheaper sibling instead.

The HG20 is an excellent high-def HDD camcorder that easily matches anything else on the market. Although the build quality could be better, its video performance more than makes up for any shortcomings. Highly recommended.

The VPC-CA8(EXBK) is a minor upgrade of Sanyo's previous waterproof model, the VPC-CA65 (EXW). Despite some improvements to image quality (particularly when it comes to still pictures), its limited underwater functionality remains unchanged.

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 is a cute standard-def offering that comes with some interesting modes and features. Unfortunately, its poor video performance and annoying control scheme are kind of hard to overlook.

The GZ-HD30 is unquestionably the best consumer-level HD camcorder that JVC has ever produced. Sporting 80GB of inbuilt memory, AVCHD/MPEG-2 TS recording capabilities and an impressive low-light performance, it is bound to put a smile on most videographers' faces.

Swann’s IP-3G ConnectCam 1000 provides a bevy of features. Although most of these features are implemented well, some minor functionality gaps and insecure live streaming diminish its appeal.

The Samsung VP-HMX20C might not be perfect, but for $1199 it ticks all the right boxes. Users will be particularly impressed by its Full HD resolution and extensive recording options. Without question, it's one of the best 'value choices' on the market.