Here's the list of the top 10 camcorders. They are all under $1,000; in some cases, well under. This list will be updated regularly as what is "the best" today becomes obsolete tomorrow. There are amazing camcorders on the horizon that will one day drop below a thousand dollars and which will supplant many of the cameras on this list.

1) Panasonic PV-GS250
The Panasonic PV-GS250 features professional level performance due to its Leica Dicomar Lens and 3CCD technology, among other things. (Yes, you read that right: 3 CCD. Most camcorders in this range have 1 CCD.) Three CCDs means you have one CCD (charge coupling device, just think: thing that captures the video image) for each primary color in the spectrum (Red, Green,and Blue: RGB), just like the pro's use.its's the same 3CCD technology used in Panasonic professional broadcast equipment
 
 
2) Canon Optura 60
Canon Optura 60 has won many awards in its category (under US $800 digital camcorder) and is simply and excellent camera loaded with features. Canon just makes great stuff and this camera is no exception. The Optura 60 captures video at 2.2 Megapixels and has a wide range of automatic settings, including something the Canon folks call "9-point Auto Intelligent Autofocus."
 
 
3) JVC Everio GZ-MG70
The JVC Everio GZ-MG70 is one of the first hard-disk camcorders for consumers and enthusiasts and gives you a 30 GB hard drive attached directly to the camcorder to record your videos. While the video quality isn't as high as that as with tape (the compression ratio is a bit higher) who can complain with this much convenience
 
4) Sony Handycam DCR-DVD403
The Sony DCR-DVD403 records directly to DVD discs, so when you are done shooting you can pop the DVD disc into your computer's drive and edit with your favorite desktop editing package or into your DVD player and watch it on your TV: No lines, no waiting! While camcorders that record directly to DVD are, at this point, more expensive then their tape-based counterparts, the Sony DCR-DVD403 is well worth the cost, and unlike many DVD camcorders, the picture is crisp and clear.
 

5) Panasonic PV-GS150
The Panasonic PV-GS150 is, amazingly, another great 3CCD camcorder from the folks at Panasonic. It features a 2.5” LCD screen that opens wide for easy access to the controls and to make it easy to share the view. It features a 24x optical zoom and even a zoom microphone, which is unusual and a great feature. A simple-to-use camera with, I find it necessary to repeat: 3 CCDs!
 

6) Panasonic D-Snap SV-AV50
The Panasonic SVAV50 is a camcorder that can also capture digital photographs. But wait, there's more! You can also use the SVAV50 as a digital audio player, voice recorder, and image viewer through your TV (using the included cradle). The SVAV50 uses no tape; everything is stored on an SD memory card. The small size of MPEG4 files (320 x 240 or 176 x 144) are only meant for posting video to the Web or e-mailing.
 
7) Hitachi DZ-MV580A DVD Camcorder
The Hitachi DZMV580A records directly to DVD-R in standard and widescreen (16x9 aspect) modes. The camcorder feature high quality optics and a powerful chip for great results.
 
 

8) Samsung SCD107
The Samsung MiniDV camcorder features a 20x optical zoom and an oversized 3.5" LCD screen. It records digital still pictures to the SD memory card and has many easy-to-use functions. A very inexpensive camcorder that's light and easy to carry around.
 
9) Samsung SCD-103
The easy-to-use Samsung MiniDV camcorder captures digital videos and stills and has a built-in video light. The Power Nite Pix function lets you take videos in low light. Digital image stabilization helps keep your videos steady, as well. A winner.
 
 
 

10) Aiptek Pocket DV4500
The Pocket DV4500 recprds in the new MPEG4 format to store video clips and can record much longer (3 times) than traditional AVI format devices. MPEG4 lets you retain video and sound in TV-quality while keep file sizes small. The DV4500 lets you create and enjoy videos, photos, and MP3.