1. Best Portability
PANASONIC HM-TA1
Even smaller than the Flip, this 93g camcorder offers full HD at 30ftp with mono sound and 8 mega pixel pictures. In regards to the video capability, it could be sharper.
The Panasonic HM has a standard AV connector to your TV, USB port, a clear 2 inch 153 600 pixel screen, which can be difficult to compose shots on, however with iFrame included it's simple to edit your footage with a Mac. There is no internal storage or HDMI, but there is an SD slot.
Best thing about the HM-TA1 is the size, its tiny with Full HD and includes the iFrame mode. Battery life is 2 hours.
2. Best Zoom
TOSHIBA CAMILEO SX900
This is a chunkier more sophisticated camcorder and offers 1080p video at up to 30fps or 1080i at up to 60fps complete with stereo sound. It also takes 8M still composed pictures using the flip-out 2.7inch LCD and abetted by a 9x optical zoom.
It has a very good video quality with colours well defined. The battery lasts an hour, while storage is provided through an SD card slot. Negatives of the SX900 would be its overly sensitive mic which picks up operational background buzz and the picture quality is less than pristine.
It is brilliant for video though, has a Handy Zoom, and comes with an HDMI cable and case.
3. Best Ease Of Use
FLIP VIDEO ULTRAHD
The new UltraHD is 25% smaller than its predecessor but it retains its big red button that you use to shoot in 720p at up to 50fps. Although still footage still seems to lack a certain punch. The large lens allows for more light for best results, Digital stabilisation discourages blur and you also get a fabulous stereo sound.
The Flip Video UltraHD has a tiny 2 inch LED screen at 320x240 pixels, HDMI port, USB arm and 8GB worth of storage.
Overall, its very easy to use with good connectivity and storage.
4. Best 3D Capture
AIPTEK 3D 12
This is the worlds first pocket sized 3D camcorder and even with dual fixed -focus lenses, it still weighs just 120g.Regular 720p HD video shot at up to 30fps is good, but it really shines in 3D, with footage having excellent depth.
You also get 3D software for your PC with this purchase, an HD cable and a set of 3D glasses.
The Aiptek 3D 12 has a 2.4 inch 480x240 screen with a joystick as the control. The flip style USB arm makes uploading very easy.
The battery lasts only an hour and you get 124MB worth of internal storage plus an SD slot.