When we decide to purchase a particular type of product, we frequently desire the best. If we're in the market for a computer, we might feel we must have the fastest computer or the one that has the largest storage capacity. For a special event, we may want the best tuxedo or gown that money can buy. If we find ourselves in great financial shape at retirement time, we may want the fastest, most luxurious automobile we can find. And if we're in the market for a camcorder, we may look for the best digital camcorder on the market. But what are the qualities that make one camcorder better than the rest?

Finding the best digital video camera will involve some subjectivity. For instance, it's virtually impossible to find one unit that all electronics experts would agree is best. It's also necessary to define what "best" means to you. Your search will most likely break down to the video camera that provides most of the features you feel you'll need in a certain price range.

Since digital camcorders vary widely in cost, the best way to begin the search is to break down the different models by price. These products are available in a wide range of prices, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The various models are distinguished by the various functions they can perform. A video professional will most likely use one of the most expensive models, while a beginner would choose one of the more basic, less expensive models. Since most amateur camcorder users are looking for something at the lower end of the price range, we'll focus on finding the best of the less expensive digital camcorders.