Consumer Reports just tested 14 HD camcorders from Canon, Panasonic, Sony and JVC. They cost anywhere from $700-$1,400.

To test for image quality Consumer Reports recorded images on a set using different lighting.

When deciding on which HD camcorder to get, a big part of the decision is how you want to record the images. Some record onto mini-DV tape, others onto mini-DVDs and some use flash memory cards. There are also HD-camcorders that use hard disk drives.

"We have four media formats to choose from which will affect how much you can record, how you want to edit on your P-C at home and each one has its plusses and minuses" says Consumer Reports' Elias Arias.

Among the H-D camcorders Consumer Reports recommends the $800 one from Panasonic, model HDC-SD-1. It records onto high-definition memory cards and has very good image quality. This camcorder also has an excellent three-inch LCD viewfinder.

But before you buy and HD camcorder, be sure you have an HDTV so you can fully experience the clarity of movies you're taking.