Best Mini DV Camcorders - true Color Viewfinder, 30 to 200 x Digital Zoom

'On the left side of the body sit a few, slightly difficult to feel, controls: backlight compensation, display, and video light, plus a manual focus toggle and somewhat loose focus dial.'

'deplorable viewfinder'

'It's relatively big, weighing 1 pound, 5.4 ounces, though it fits into a large, loose jacket pocket'

'poorly located microphone.'

'It's a textured plastic that feels a bit like sandpaper – we're not huge fans.'

'sound quality is subpar'

'Unfortunately, like its competition, the PV-VM202 makes a lousy still camera.'

'it's harder to achieve a slow zoom with the variable zoom control'

'Menu navigation doesn't circle back.'

'disappointing low light performance'

'the audio support on this model is seriously underwhelming'

'While you're not likely to convert Elura footage to film'

'Manual focus is especially hard to gauge, and it's difficult to accurately select points for spot metering and focus.'

'Information is definitely added to the sides, but there is also some cropping on the top and bottom.'

'its low-light video quality and battery life were merely average.'

'dock required for video and image transfers.'

'The compact 1.1-pound Optura 600 has a vertical form factor that takes a bit of getting used to.'

'The camcorder may tend to slip when you use your thumb to reach for the record button'