The Sanyo Xacti VPC-C1 is a combination digital camcorder and digital still camera that takes reasonable still images and surprisingly good quality video.

The VP-MX10 offers an adequate (if somewhat average) performance for the asking price. If you’re after a bargain-basement camcorder that’s tiny and easy to use, the VP-MX10 should fit the bill. Otherwise, go for something a little more expensive.

A well designed camcorder that offers 32x optical zoom and an impressive 30GB of storage space, however it is let down by poor image quality.

The GR-D750 is a solid little performer that punches well above its weight; offering impressive image quality for entry-level users. If you're on the lookout for a cheap miniDV camera, you could certainly do a lot worse than this.

With only a 0.8 megapixel CCD sensor, the MD120 isn't a camera for those who want high quality images. However, it's ease-of-use and relatively low price should appeal to beginners.

Another solid digital video camera from Canon, the MD160 will do all the things you'd expect of an entry level unit and do them well.

Being almost identical to the cheaper GZ-MG135, this is a fairly pointless addition to the Everio family. When judged on its own merits however, it is a fairly solid introduction to HDD video, offering a slightly above average performance across the board.

The GZ-MG345 may lack some of the bells and whistles found on its pricier siblings, but it remains a solid performer nonetheless. If you require an affordable camcorder for fuss-free video, you could do a lot worse that this standard-def HDD offering.

Despite offering an average video performance, this is a fairly solid hybrid device that we have little hesitation in recommending to casual users.

If you really must own a DVD camera and don't have a tonne of money to spare, you could probably do a lot worse than this cute budget offering.

If you're on the lookout for a standard definition HDD camcorder, the GZ-MG465B is one of the more interesting options on the market. Provided you can get your head (and finger) around the unusual control interface, it won't disappoint.

The DC210 performs solidly for an entry-level, low resolution camera. However, it's difficult to recommend in the face of superior DVD models which are only slightly more expensive.