Best Camcorders - false MPEG Movie Mode, 1 to * CCD Quantity, 200 to 700 x Digital Zoom, 2 to 3 in. LCD Panel Size

'I found it difficult to judge the camcorder's focus, even with the image magnification tuned on.'

'The zoom switch, however, is the worst control on the camera and is difficult to manipulate with any finesse.'

'LCD is average'

'no built-in flash'

'The PV-GS320's hand strap is hung so low that the camcorder flops to the side of the palm of the hand at an awkward angle.'

'Another questionable design decision puts the FireWire and USB ports for transferring video to your PC under the battery.'

'Another questionable design decision puts the FireWire and USB ports for transferring video to your Mac under the battery.'

'This cam is 4:3 only (it has Cinema mode for fake widescreen).'

'rather limited zoom range'

'lack of a photoflash'

'Video performance in bright light was decent, but hardly what you should expect from a 3 chip camcorder.'

'the viewfinder is also tiny and inflexible'

'Images may also show trailing when shooting in this slow shutter mode.'

'Last year's DC20 was much lighter and smaller.'

'Over-exposed images.'

'Small LCD screen.'

'The resulting small wide-screen image lacks the necessary detail for precise operations such as manual focus'

'relatively small LCD screen'

'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'

'The considerable size and bulk of the PowerShot S1 make it a camera more suited for static, homebound situations.'