The videos I get from this are so much sharper than on my Canon XL1s/XL2 camcorders. I think it's because Canon's lenses just won't stay focused. This camcorder is awesome for my purposes (I shoot sports videos and weddings). It's easy to use it on full auto or on full manual. For rainy football or soccer nights, I just put my Kata Rain cover on it, and I'm good to go. It's been through several wet weathers, and it's still going strong. I'm very impressed by it, no matter what others have to say.

Large! Need a tripod.

If you can get this camcorder for a good price, get it. It shoots great standard def videos.

Similar Products Used:

XL1s, XL1, XL2, DVX100B

This is the worst camera I have seen in terms of design. The flimsy connection between the CCD block and the main board has no stress release thanks to the thin plastic housing. One good blow and its all over, because Panasonic has discontinued that board! This camera was obviously designed with whatever parts Panasonic had lying around, with not much thought for durability. Buy an XL1 or whatever, and get some 1/8" to XLR adapters, you will be better off!