Hitachi's VME565LA camcorder uses the 8mm tape format -- which has better resolution than VHS, and in a smaller cassette.The above-average optical zoo

Hitachi's VME565LA camcorder uses the 8mm tape format -- which has better resolution than VHS, and in a smaller cassette.The above-average optical zoom power of 22x is probably its most outstanding feature. To avoid the shaky "Cops"-style footage that even minor jostles can produce in telephoto shots, you can turn on the camcorder's electronic image stabilization system.A 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD monitor allows you to check out what you're shooting, while a black-and-white eyepiece viewfinder provides an alternative if it's too sunny to see the LCD clearly.A built-in light improves color accuracy when ambient illumination is low. Other video-enhancing features include program auto exposure modes and various digital effects/fades.