JVC GR-DVL505U

i am somewhat pleased with the performance. it's small, easy to use, and easy to access the camera's features.

Of course the digital video quality and ease of use. i also liked the software that it came with to download not only the preset pictures but the capability of jlip pictures also.

If you are trying to pick up sounds in a quiet room, the camera often picks up itself recording (similar to an annoying high pitched whir). the light built in also does no good...except to eat up your battery. the digital picture also doesn't do much except record low res pictures (might as well save your time and download directly from the video later on-it'll be the same set-up to download to your pc).

canon zr10

?

Awesome quality & features!!! Easy to use, don't need to study a manual forever to use it- controls are easy to use. Video & sound quality is excellent, still camera pictures are decent quality, better than I expected. but don't buy this if you are looking for a still camera, it lacks a flash and expandable memory. If you are looking for great camcorder buy this & think of the still camera as a nice added bonus!

Size
Features
Price
Ease of use
Quality

Didn't come with a blank tape.
Software could be a little more advanced, it's easy to use and would be great for beginners.

Reviewed several others on the web.

No problems yet.

This camcorder has a nice set of features and it seems to be a good value - can be found for
around $620 from some Internet stores.
However, the deal you really get is not so great given the quality of audio and snapshots.
The three models that I looked at had fairly noisy tape transport. The camcorder microphone
easily picks the noise up and records it on the tape.

good video, color balance

noisy tape transport
disapointing snaphot qulity: not really sharp and some color bleeding

panasonic 900
canon zr-10

This is my first video camera. Purchased to capture the birth of our baby. I wanted a camera with snap shot capabilities, but didn't want to capture on tape. This camera has 2mb build in storage which is great. It holds 30 high res or 60 regular res snaphots. The camera came with photo & video software that's easy to use. High res snaps are still only 680k, so don't expect megapixel quality. But, it's very good. Better than the Cannon at 460k that stores only on the tape!!. The Sony was nice, but $$.
The camera is extreemly easy to use. Buttons are right where they should be. The menus are easy to get to & scroll thru. The video effects are easy to use. Nice 3" LCD. Only a B&W viewfinder, but don't use it except for outside anyway.
This camera has a lot of great features for the $$. You won't be disapointed.

2M internal memory for snaphots. Built in light. CDRom with photo & editing software. Lots of cool video features.

Haven't found one yet!

demo: Cannon ZR-10, Sony DCR-TRV10

Great web site (www.jvc.com). Can purchase accessories for a great price there. 90 days labor, 1 year parts.