Whether it is your memories, your art, or your work on the line, what type of camcorder you buy is important. There is a wide variety of mini digital camcorders on the market. The one you buy will most likely depend on your price range, but if you need some additional help this article reviews three major brands: Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. This article splits the cameras into three different categories: common, decent, and professional.

The common are about the same quality as VHS or SVHS but are compact and lightweight. They most often have a few special features but nothing exceptional. One standard feature with most all digital cameras can switch back and forth between full and wide screen. They range in price between $500 and $1,000. The ZR series is Canon's version of the common mini DV camera. The ZR40, 45 and 50 are sleek light weight and come with average-sized color LCD displays. Panasonic is more on the lower end of the spectrum and the cameras are extremely reasonable, but none in their line could be considered professional. Sony, on the other hand, is more on the other end; their products are a little pricey but the cameras are durable and come with some extra features.

The "decent" category is where digital really begins to shine. The price range in substantial but still low enough to be worth saving for, between $1,000 and $2,000. Canon cameras in this category are generally stand-up with large color LCDs and advertise their photographic abilities about as much as their video. This is where Panasonic peaks out. Their highest camera, the PV- VM202, has many features including a 10X high definition zoom as well as a 200X digital. Sony's cameras in this category advertise their large LCD displays and internal "steady cam" feature. For those of you do not know, the 'steady cam' feature helps keep the image steady even if the camera is moving, so no more vibrating action shots.

The professional quality cost is over $2,000 and sometimes over $3,000. These cameras do not always have LCD displays, but for some not addicted to that feature it is not a big loss. These cameras do have great crisp, clear images, tons of special features and effects built in, as well as all of the features from the lower models such as the 'steady cam.' Sonys in this category are actually a little lower then Canons. In addition Sonys actually do come with the LCD displays. The Canons in this category, the GL2 and XL1S, are the cream of the crop, and perhaps even of a higher quality then your local television stations cameras.

In conclusion, if you have the money to spend, it is in my personal opiion that the Canon GL2 is your best deal. It offers the most for the least. But if you do not believe me look for yourself!