They really need to improve support for an apparent design problem, and service availability is a big negative.


Best bang for the buck!   August 29, 2001
 26 out of 27 found this review helpful

I have been using this camcorder for the last three months overall am impressed with the features and performance. Most of the websites do not have exact picture- including this one (it has in-built light and 3" LCD screen) Plus points =========== * Very rich set of features (AE functions like low light perform well - great for indoor) * Good collection of external interfaces (Firewire - cable not provided, USB, AV jack, external microphone, serial out?) * Web-quality Digital photo in smart card * Slide in EVF makes it compact * Simple but feature filled IR remote * Reasonably responsive lens * pressure sensitive zoom operated with two fingers reduces strain * Ergonomic feel * Reasonable clear audio pickup without noticeable distortion * Simple software and fast digital image upload using USB Negatives ========= * To turn on light, menu navigation is required, which is not possible while recording - a switch should be provided * Video clip download using USB is painfully slow (should be happy that the option is available as most of the competitors do not have this ;-)) * Lens cover does not accomodate well with filters * Digital photo shoot takes about 7-10 seconds for processing (not sure how others perform) Suggestions =========== * Get an extra 3hr battery as the standard one lasts less than an hour (even less with LCD and constant Zoom usage - typical of such camcorders) Recommendation

============== I spent over a month (part-time, ofcourse!) researching camcorders and i found this particular one to have all the core features i was looking (DV, 20X+ optical, 3"+ LCD, Smartcard, light, USB, Zerolight) with tons of enrichments! So, go for it if your needs are similar!