If the CCD is the brain of a digital video camera it is logical that three should be better than one. A single CCD has to deal with all colours together while a 3-CCD system divides the primary red, green and blue (RGB) colours to individual CCDs to give a much more precise and accurate picture. The result is a high quality image that is as good as any of the cameras tested - including the Sony DVD201E, which provided the benchmark for most of the others.

Hitachi pioneered the idea of consumer cameras capable of recording video direct to DVD. The early models were large and relatively expensive but high quality. It has taken a while for the idea to take off but it is certainly gaining momentum with a number of competitors now coming into the market. Hitachi has responded by progressively making its cameras more compact and adding extra features such as a SD memory card for storing still images or compressed video clips.

Hitachi pioneered the concept of recording digital video direct to DVD . Now into its third generation of DVD cameras, a few competitors have appeared on the horizon with its first generation models

The fundamental design of the hard drive remains unchanged since the 1960s, but smaller = better in the new age.

A decent machine with plenty of power, but it’s not earth shattering in terms of features and value.

Burn straight onto a disc or choose the hybrid HDD model.

A month's worth of HD news in digest form.

HITACHI DZ-MV208E

Hitachi DZ-MV100A

Hitachi VM-D965LE Video

Hitachi DZ-MV100E

Hitachi, Canon and Matsushita join forces.

DVD is said to be to movies what CD was to music. Well-filmed DVD movies are better in all respects than those recorded on VHS, so the idea of a digital video camera recording direct to DVD disc would appear sound.

The tools for home movie-making have become far more accessible and functionally more versatile. While truly broadcast-quality images are still the domain of 'prosumer' and professional video cameras

There is not a huge difference between this and the MV550E. In fact, if you put them side by side you have to look closely to see the difference in looks, which is model number in small print on one side.

Panasonic claims this to be the world's smallest palm-type DV camera, and who am I to argue?

Buying a digital video camera is a tough task, but you’ll be well prepared with our comprehensive guide.

At just on $4,400, the 500A cannot really be considered a consumer DV camera, however, it is no doubt a camera a lot of consumers would like to own. However, the price and some annoying little problems stopped this camera from being the Labs Winner this month.

3D TVs, 3D cameras, 3D webcams, 3D movies – the world is adding a new dimension to its technology. Here’s what you need to know to pass the pub conversation test...