A List of Some of the Top Rated Digital Camcorders - HD Video

Sony Bloggie Touch 3-inch LCD 4GB and 8GB models Shoots 720p/30 and 60fps up to 1080p 30fps 4x Zoom 12MP still images

Buy Now Amazon - approx $198 Buy.com - approx $197

Ok, so who named this camcorder? In spite of it's somewhat silly name, the Sony Bloggie Touch is quite a good camcorder and a top contender to replace the Flip, which is ceasing production. It comes in 4GB and 8GB models. The video quality is terrific and you can shoot in a variety of resolutions (720p/30 and 60fps up to 1080p 30fps). There is 4x zoom, but it can be a bit jerky and you'll see some noise. It boasts a big, sharp 3-inch touch screen LCD for easy viewing. Audio is decent. In addition to video it shoots 12MP still pictures (but no image stabilizer or flash). The Sony Bloggie is easy to use with a simple drag-and-drop interface to get video and images onto your compute via flip-out USB port. While it supports HDMI you have to buy the cable separately. The design is sleek and small and it's thinner than the Flip MinoHD. The camcorder comes in silver, black, pink and blue.

Flip Slide HD Camcorder 4 Hrs Shoot up to 4 hours HD video, 16GB internal memory 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds 3-inch widescreen 400 x 240 resolution Sensor 1/4.5 inch, 1.6 megapixel CMOS sensor

Buy Now Amazon - approx $170 Buy.com - approx $146

Touted as the world's first "shoot and show camcorder," the new Flip SlideHD Camcorder can record up to 4 hours of HD video and you can display it instantly on a slide-out 3-inch wide touchscreen. It will store up to 12 hours of video and photos. Connects with a USB arm to your PC or Mac. Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

SlideHD comes pre-loaded with FlipShare software, which allows you to organize your videos, capture a still image from your video frame, create movies from clips and add your own music, share privately via email or upload directly to Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder 3rd Generation 120 Minutes (Newest model) Digital Zoom 1280 x 720 video 2 inch, 320 x 240 LCD screen 1/4.5 inch, 1.6 megapixel CMOS sensor Fixed-focus (1.5m to infinity) lens

Buy Now Amazon - approx $102 Buy.com - approx $99

The newest generation of the pocket-sized Flip UltraHD Camcorder is even slimmer than before and features image stabilization (newest feature), HDMI output, 120 minutes of HD-720 video (16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at double the frame rate -- 60 frames per second (fps) progressive scan, 8GB memory, 2X digital zoom, and a 2-inch screen. The user interface couldn't;t be easier. Push the big red button to start filming. The Flip Ultra shoots very good video and boasts vivid color. You can even get an underwater case for it. It has a wider angle for shooting than the Mino and has a very good microphone. It has premier AAC audio and a AA rechargeable battery pack. The Flip Ultra is very easy to use with touch-sensitive capacitive buttons for easy recording and digital zoom, instant playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, zoom, and delete functions. The slim design features an attractive brushed-metal front and rounded edges The built-in USB arm connects to PC or Mac and launches the Flip Share software. This lets you to organize and email your videos, edit clips, make custom movies, and direct upload to YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Sleek, light and easy to use.

Compare: Flip Ultra HD vs Flip Mino HD

Flip Mino HD Camcorder 3RD Generation Digital Zoom 1280 x 720 video resolution 2 inch, 320 x 240 LCD screen 1/4.5 inch, 1.6 megapixel CMOS sensor Fixed-focus (1.5m to infinity) lens

Buy Now Amazon - 8GB approx $90 Buy.com - The Flip Mino™8GB 1 hr approx $99.99

The Flip Mino 3rd Generation is slightly smaller than the Ultra and features image stabilization (newest feature), HDMI output, 120 minutes of HD-720 video (16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at double the frame rate -- 60 frames per second (fps) progressive scan. The Flip Mino, liken the Ultra, has 8GB memory, 2X digital zoom and a 2-inch screen. The lens is Fixed Focus 1.5m to infinity. The Mino has an internal Lithium-ion battery recharges through built-in USB. The Flip Mino is simple to use with one-touch recording and digital zoom, instant playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, zoom, and delete functions. Design features an attractive brushed-metal front and rounded edges The FlipShare software, which allows you to organize and email your videos, edit clips, make custom movies, and direct upload to YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Thin, light and simple to use.

Compare: Flip Mino HD vs Flip Ultra HD

Kodak ZI8 Pocket Video Camera HD Record HD video (1080p at 30 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio) Upload to YouTube with built-in USB and software Expandable SD/SDHC card slot up to 32 GB; Rechargeable battery and charger included 2.5-inch viewfinder Edit and share videos with included software

Buy Now Amazon - approx $169 Buy.com - $179.99

This new Kodak ZI8 Pocket HD video camera is a PC Magazine Editor's Choice. Reasonably priced at under $200, the Zi8 records 1080p video and has a 5MP still-image camera. Top features include 2.5 inch screen, 4x digital zoom, image stabilization, face detection, expandable memory, plug-in for external mic (one of a few cameras to feature this) and removable lithium ion battery. Image quality is excellent. The joy stick is a little over-responsive, which may cause you to accidentally record when you didn't mean to. Like with most other pocket video recorders, the built-in mic is mediocre so the plug-in for an external mic may come in handy.

Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (2nd Generation) Newest Model Shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof up to 10 ft Share button lets you choose your favorite sharing destination, e-mail address, or Kodak Pulse Display Full 1080p HD videos and 5 MP HD stills, with auto focus Built-in digital image stabilization 2-inch screen, On-camera editing

Buy Now Amazon - approx $105 Buy.com - approx $149 includes accessory kit Kodak - approx $179

A fun little pocket video camera that is perfect for summer beach vacations and a bargain at approx $179. Waterproof up to 10 ft. (3 m). Shoots nice quality video below and above water. Takes full 1080p HD video, features Electronic image stabilization and a brilliant 2.0 in. color display. Captures 5 megapixel HD stills (16:9). LCD Glare Shield feature gives you two filters to choose from that help you see your subject on the display screen in reflective outdoor situations. New macro mode and four capture effects (b&w, sepia, bright colors and 70s films style) added for this 2nd generation. Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Very user-friendly. Has simple 3-step sharing. Built-in software lets you share on Facebook, and YouTube and Twitter. This camcorder is sturdy and has a rubberized coating that helps you keep your grip when wet. Comes with HDMI cable. Available in a aqua, red and black. Cons: the control wheel is a little small, menu is only symbols.

Creative Vado Pocket Video Camcorder HD 120 min High definition 720P pocket video camcorder with 4GB of video storage capacity Fits easily in your pocket purse or the palm of your hand One touch recording with a 2 inch display and touch buttons Record up to two hour of HD video footage at 30 fps

Buy Now Amazon - approx $99 Buy.com - approx $85

The new, compact Vado has sleek styling and a 2-inch, bright LCD screen. It shoots 1280x720p HD video and features a 2x digital zoom. It can also take HD still photos and boasts a wide-angle lens. 8GB of memory and the removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery gives you about 4 hours recording time per charge via a built-in USB port.

A couple negatives: the memory is still not expandable and the zoom is only 2X. Still, this is one of the most popular mini video cameras on the market.

Sony HDR-XR160 Camcorder 1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/3MP still image 160GB HDD (up to 54 hours HD recording in LP mode) Wide Angle G lens 42x Extended Zoom Back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superb low-light video Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode 3.0-inch touch-screen Clear Photo LCD Plus display (230K)

Buy Now Amazon - approx $548 Buy.com - approx $548

The Sony features a 60GB hard drive and produces stunning 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Delivers high-resolution, excellent images, 12x optical image stabilized zoom and excellent audio. The interface is extremely simple. The HDR-SR11 features a 3.2-inch touch-screen LCD that flips out to the side and face detection software. The camcorder captures video at captures video at 1,920 x 1,080 at 60 frames per second and can hold approx. 7 hours of video at the highest setting. While the Sony Includes lots of fun extras, video-editing and Blu-ray-burning software is not included.

Although there is a newer version of this camcorder available (Sony HDRXR100 80GB), its ratings are not nearly as good. Stick with the HDR-SR11.