DSLR

Canon 5D Mark II
A DSLR with some famous credits

Canon EOS 550D Rebel T2i
Like the Canon 5D, but a lot less expensive

Canon EOS 60D
First with articulated LCD screen

Panasonic GH2
Micro Four Thirds with great features.

Panasonic GH3
Many new pro video features.

Tapeless HD Camcorders

Panasonic HMC-40
The Panasonic HMC-40 is a AVCHD camcorder with three 1/4 inch CMOS sensors.

Sony PMW-EX1
Records to two memory card slots.

Sony NEX EA50
Large sensor, interchangeable lenses, shoulder mount.

Standard Definition

Canon XL 1
Popular for its interchangable lenses and unusual design. No longer in production, but available used.

JVC GY-DV500
Many pro features in this JVC camera which has three 1/2″ Sony CCDs. No longer in production.

Sony VX 1000
The camera that started the DV revolution.

Sony VX-2000
Replaced the VX1000, this time with superior low light performance.

Sony DSR PD 170
The best low light performer in SD.

HDV or High Definition recorded on Mini DV

Sony HDR FX1 HDV
HDV, excellent in low light. Some call it the HDV VX 1000.

Sony HVR-Z1U HDV
The pro version of the FX1.

JVCs HD10U HDV
Just one chip, but this was the first HDV camcorder.

Sony FX7
HDV 3 CMOS camcorder which features 1080i HD, not great in low light.

Sony HDR-FX1000 and HDR-FX1000E HDV 3 CMOS camcorder

Sony HVRZ7U and Sony HVRS270U
Professional HDV camcorder shoots 1080p, either 24p or 30p. Can record to CompactFlash solid-state memory card, while simultaneously recording to tape.

Cheapest Camcorders

GoProHD Camera
Miniature, full auto only, used for sports, aerial work, and weddings.

FLIP Camera
Inexpensive HD, very simple to use, few features.