Best Camcorders - SP Recording Speed, 8 to 80 MegaPixels Memory Still Resolution, 5 to 7 in. Depth

'You press and hold the center button to select the dial's operation: manual focus, exposure compensation, aperture or shutter, mic level and automatic gain control limit--which caps the signal boosting in low light to minimize visual noise. '

'The new touchscreen system is intuitive and good for beginners, but we did find it a bit frustrating for navigating the camcorder's long menu system.'

'the display is clear and viewable even in quite bright conditions.'

'the main zoom is large and the record button comfortably placed for the more traditional HandyCam posture.'

'nice, large zoom rocker switch'

'The new GZ-HM1 HD Everio offers a full slate of technologies to optimize picture quality and an array of manual controls for creative flexibility. '

'streamlined user interface'

'The camera includes 32GB of built-in flash memory and supports SDHC cards, and it encodes the video as AVCHD files with data rates up to 24 mbps, the format's maximum capability. '

'The camcorder earned an audio score of Good, with noticeably better clarity and volume than rival camcorders offered. '

'impressively deep and professional manual controls'

'Excellent set of manual features.'

'It's beautifully done overall, and Canon gets a tip of the hat for this new design, although nothing beats the accuracy of the joystick (it may not be as cool, but it works!). '

'Generally well-designed interface'

'The HF S21 also includes an electronic viewfinder, and it is Canon's only new camcorder to include such feature. '

'Excellent set of manual features.'

'The HF S21 also includes an electronic viewfinder, and it is Canon's only new camcorder to include such feature. '

'Canon’s superlative proprietary imaging technologies'

'We have to note the GPS feature is very cool.'

'The icons are fairly straightforward, and simple to navigate.'

'Nicely designed interface.'

'Excellent overall video quality. '

'While the HF S100 has a very crisp, sharp image, it is definitely rivaled by the Sony HDR-XR520V and the Panasonic HDC-TM300. '

'Specs:.'

'It does stand up pretty well in direct sunlight, however.'

'Sleek aesthetic'

'audio clear and strong'