JVC Everio GZ-HM200 (Blue)

Pros: Small and light weight
Cheap
Space for two memory cards
20x optical zoom
Quick boot time
OK video quality under normal light
Good picture quality
Good image stabilisator
Good and easy menus
One button upload to youtube

Cons: Missing nightvision
Missing nightshot
Missing firewire
Missing jack for extern microphone
Can't set maual settings for light sensetivity, exposure time or focus
Low light environments give a little static
Exstralight should be a little stronger

Summary: I bought this camera for about three weeks ago so I have tested the camera quite well. There is alot thet I like with this camera and the cons are not that heavy anyway. The first thing that surprised me was the small size of the camera. I have thought that the camera was a bit bigger. Its also quite light so you might think that the picture becomes unstable, but the image stabilisator does a great job at keeping the picture stable. The quality of the picture and audio is above average, I would rate it 4 of 5. There is a bit static in the picture when you film in low light enviroments, but overall this is no problem. However it has no night functions at all, its missing nightvision and nightshot. Not a big problem though, normal filming in the dusk will suffice.

I found one "problem", when I connected my camera to the pc with usb the two diskes appear to be readonly. This results in a little hassle as you cant delete or move files. There might be some other way to do this, but I did not see it in my three weeks.

I believe thet the quick boot time will come in handy for many users. It uses about 4 sec to boot when it is poweres down and under 1 sec from standby. This increses the chance to film stuff even when you where not very prepared.

This camepa is defently worth the money, but remember that you will need two SDHC cards as well and they also cost a little.

I give it total rating 4,5 of 5.