Digital Trends

Digital Trends readers know full well that when it comes to true high-def video, we believe nothing beats a “real” camcorder, not one of those funky small models (that means you Sanyo and Flip Video – or should we say Cisco). Although DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, just announced EOS Rebel T1i and Nikon D90 can record HD, they are more cumbersome, and have auto focusing issues that are problematic. Don’t get us wrong: every technology has its place. But if you just want to record top-quality home videos, HD camcorders are the way go. Until this year, they cost a ton, turning off lots of buyers. Now, Sony has broken the magic $600 level with the $599 AVCHD Flash Memory Handycam HDR-CX100. It offers a 10x zoom, a 2.3MP CMOS chip, 8GB of onboard flash memory and loads of other goodies. Let’s see how this one plays out, shall we?