Panasonic's SDR-H80 60GB Standard Definition Camcorder is an entry-level option for the budget-minded. This lightweight camera features hybrid recording to both the 60GB hard disk drive and to removable SD/SDHC memory cards, while the included VideoCam software ensures easy uploading to YouTube.

If you're intimidated by menus and numerous functions, the Intelligent Auto (iA) mode keeps things simple. iA mode automatically adjusts the H80's settings depending on the scene, allowing features like Face Detection and Scene Detection to take over, making sure you get the best shot possible.

The SDR-H80 also boasts Panasonic's Optical 70x Ultra Zoom lens for zooming in on far off subjects with little to no loss in image quality. Advanced O.I.S., another useful tool, corrects for blur caused by motion and hand shake.