Sony DCR-HC90

Pros: compact size, video quality, ease of use

Cons: Small memory stick included, still photos

Summary: I also was surprised at the CNET rating on this camera. I reviewed dozens of cameras before deciding on the HC90..others I narrowed down to were the Panasonic GS250 (3CCD), Sony DCR-PC350 and Canon Optura 60. I went with the HC90 after much research for a number of reasons, many of which are personal preference. 1) Panasonic GS250 was not as compact as I would like and 3CCD didn't seem any better than large single CCD on HC90. 2) Sony DCR-PC350. This was mainly form factor, prefer the horizontal grip vs. vetical and didn't feel it offered enough over HC90 to justify another couple hundred bucks. 3) Optura 60 - good camera, but low light on the Sony beat this out. True the nightshot gives a more monochrome image, but it isn't slow shutter and it records in total darkness.

Have had the camera a week and am thus far very impressed, although still very early in my evaluation. I will say the 3MP still images are not anywhere near what you will get with a good quality digital camera, but they are okay. My old 3MP Olympus C-3040Z (6 years old) takes much better pictures but that is also a very good image even comapred to some of my newer cameras.

This is my first Sony camcorder (replaced a JVC) and the touch screen menu can be a little annoying as others have mentioned, but here is where personal preference really played in. I am a very avid digital video and still guy, I do quite a bit of video editing on a mac to produce DVD's for personal use. The truth is that although I would like to think I would use more manual controls, I don't. In the end my choice needed to be compact to take everywhere and deliver high-quality video in standard mode (turn it on and let it work). For those requirements, this was an excellent choice.

Accessories I bought:
Larger memory stick
Longer-life battery
Travel charger for battery
Lens filter