Digital Filmmakers

The mini camcorder is all about size. How can you cram the most functionality into a small box and still have a useful product? Count only the key features: ease of use, low weight (under 2 pounds), hi-res digital video, decent battery life, and durability. If you find all that, consider the sound.

SPLURGE
Panasonic PV-DV851 (pictured)
This 1.2-pounder is a rarity in the nano-size DV world — a product you can hold comfortably and use with one hand. The minicam records good color, even in low light, and there's never any awkwardness when accessing the controls. The hi-res PV-DV851 has a 100X digital zoom, slick movie quality, and standard battery life (80 minutes). Bonus: a still-camera mode with 640 x 480 resolution.

$1,600, www.panasonic.com.

BEST BUY
Sharp VL-NZ150U
One look at the NZ150U, and it's obvious that single-handed operation wasn't the goal of its engineers. Its pivoting body and the absence of a viewfinder mean you'll need both your mitts - and it's actually the smartest way to manipulate the 1-pound machine. This utilitarian DV cam has standard still-picture functionality and color, controls, and battery life.

$800, www.sharpusa.com.

OVERRATED
Sony DCR-PC120BT
This 1.25-pound camcorder is billed as a one-handed wonder, yet critical controls, like zoom, are almost impossible to use without a second hand. The Bluetooth connectivity is the biggest bummer: Two 15-second MPEG videos take a ridiculous 30 minutes to transfer to the Web. Bummer number two: Color washes out under low light.

$2,000, www.sonystyle.com.

PLAY

Blonde Ambition
Maxed Out
Geek vs. Geek
Boy Toy
Ben Kenney, The Roots
Life Imitates Star Trek
Read Me
The Republic of AI
Talking Fashion
Containment Strategy
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Gusgus
Elvis Presley
Sonic Youth
SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals
UFC Throwdown
Toxic Grind
All About Lily Chou-Chou
One Hour Photo
fetish
Free-Range Sound
Digital Filmmakers
Debug It Yourself
Plug-and-Play Camp
Hi-Fi, Lo-Effort
One Suite Fits All