Group Test: HD Camcorders

Canon HF11

A Squat and ugly little device, the HF11 is nonetheless surprisingly lightweight. Its 32GB flash drive allows up to three hours of shooting at the top quality setting and if that's not enough you can increase storage up to 64GB via SD card. Aided by nifty shooting presets and autofocus, the 1920x1080 full-HD video is stunning, while a speedy 24Mbps data-save rate makes it ideal for sporting events or school nativities directed by John Woo.

The AVCHD video compression is now supported by Adobe Premiere and Final Cut, removing the editing hassles that once dogged it. However, although the HF11 is undeniably "one better" than the HF10, £150 is too big a price hike. Dunno if you've heard, Canon, but there's a recession on. It's raining bankers round our way.

Link: Canon