The Sony DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam is our Editors' Choice in the $501-to-$800 price range. It fits easily in a purse or large jacket pocket, produces very good audio and video, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It does have some minor usability issues, but those are offset by nice touches like an internal lens cover, an intelligent accessory shoe, and an external mic port.

On resolution tests, this camcorder produced 400 lines of resolution and generally bright and accurate colors. During indoor tests under fluorescent light, the HC40 produced bright videos with vivacious coloring and fine detail. Skin tones, in particular, were accurate, and low-light footage proved the camcorder to be resistant to visual noise (though the video wasn't particularly bright). In outdoor shots, the HC40 again produced superior detail and color accuracy. The HC40 also recorded a strong, clear audio signal with only moderate background noise.

On our still-image tests, the HC40 scored 465 lines of resolution and a mediocre pixel transition ratio of 5.1 percent. Predictably, our simulated-daylight still life exhibited some jagged edges and was soft in a couple areas, but details were present and exposure and colors were good.—JO