Best Camcorders - 0.525 to 1.15 lb. Weight, AVCHD Recording Format, 5 to 7 in. Depth

'relatively healthy 12x optical zoom'

'The TM700’s on screen menu is fairly easy to navigate although it does require a bit of scrolling to get at some functions.'

'Good range of manual features.'

'It's similarly comfortable to hold, especially with the slight upward curve toward the back that makes the zoom switch and photo button easy to reach.'

'Colours were bright and accurate, while the 35mm wide-angle lens did a good job of keeping everything in shot.'

'The zoom switch has a nice feel and it's pretty easy to maintain a steady rate with it.'

'Huge 240GB hard disk'

'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. '

'Audio capture was decent--more than adequate for casual shooters, but in the middle of the pack among the camcorders we tested.'

'Audio capture was decent; more than adequate for casual shooters, but in the middle of the pack among the camcorders we tested.'

'(For serial videographers a Memory Stick slot is also included, though we can’t imagine anyone needing the additional space.) '

'Image quality is exceptional'

'sharp video quality'