Videomaker Magazine has chosen the best consumer video production products of 2006. Among that list are the picks for camcorders of the year.

Best Consumer Camcorder - Canon Elura 100 ($399)
Best High Definition Consumer Camcorder - Canon HV10 ($1,299)
Best Hard Drive Camcorder - JVC Everio GZ-MG505 ($1,300)
Best Prosumer Camcorder - Sony HDR-FX7 ($3,500)
Breakthrough Camcorder of the Year - Panasonic AG-HVX200 ($5,995)

There are quite a few other products on the list besides camcorders, one that caught my eye was the Manfrotto 560B Monopod that features retractable feet and a “fluid foot” that allows smooth pans. Very interesting and unique concept, seems like it would be very handy. You can read a review of the 560B at Videomaker also. You can find the innovative monopod at B&H for $150.

(Via DCN)