HD DVD support is the big new feature, but the automated ad-removal tool and enhanced menu customisation make this a great app for the money.

HD camcorders enter the mainstream once and for all. With image quality like this, there’s little reason to spend more.

Some substantial new abilities, including support for the new wave of high definition optical discs.

Pocket-sized digital camcorders are becoming more capable all the time. We round up ten of the best

Excellent features and performance, but it’s pricey and you need a suitably powerful PC to make the most of it.

You still get a lot for your money, but HD optical burning only extends to data discs

Packed with features and closer to Adobe Premiere Elements, CyberLink PowerDirector 8 is close, but still not close enough.

Surprisingly powerful for the price, even if the best features are reserved for the more expensive Plus version.

Better HD image quality than you’d expect for such a small camcorder, but the price is still a little high.

A great next-generation camcorder, but it lacks editing support for the recording format

Key improvements over the SD5 make this a still more enticing pocket HD camcorder prospect

Great real-time performance, particularly with high definition footage. But the EDIUS Pro software still needs a few more features to usurp the competition.

AVCHD support and some useful new effects keep this as the leading entry-level video editor.

Canon grabs the crown for the most fully featured HDV camcorder for under $1500

The first Corel-branded VideoStudio adds one exciting new tool and lots of little improvements.

Support for latest video formats and a batch-media encoder, but supporting apps have seen little upgrading.

A great value camcorder that’s capable of some decent results.

Vegas has a huge array of editing features for the money, plus powerful bundled DVD authoring.

Refocusing on disc-related features makes Nero the top choice for optical disc authoring.

A new interface, smart albums, guided editing and photo merging keep Photoshop Elements ahead of the pack