Everyone wants top-quality video, but nobody likes spending a fortune on a camcorder or lugging a fridge-size camera with a lens the size of a soda can. What sort of quality can you produce for under a grand in a camera that fits in a coat pocket or purse?

To answer this question, we reviewed eight consumer DV camcorders that cost $1,000 or less. Two are slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes, three others are just a tad bulkier, and two are traditionally shaped camcorders. We also tested the Sharp VL-Z7U: Its unique split-body construction delivers remarkable comfort during shooting.