DCRDVD403 DIGTL VIDCAM

Pros: Very easy to use; touch screen; AWESOME performance in low light!

Cons: sony Picture Package Software; does not allow you to use memory stick for stills.

Summary: After intense research on camcorders, i narrowed down my choices to the Panasonic GS250 and the Sony DCR-DVD403. Since the prices are quite the same, it is even more crucial to compare the two camcorders and their features.

[Number One being most significant, and last number being least significant]
Reasons i would choose GS250:
1. Editor's choice at http://www.CNET.com
2. 3 [seperate] chip CCD. This produces a more vibrant colors compared to 1 chip CCD's.
3. More options for users.
4. Decent still pictures.

Reasons i would choose the DVD403:
1. MUCH Easier to use DVD's than Mini-Dv's (with Mini-Dv's becoming obsolete, much better to stick to dvd's). VERY easy to make copies while retaining original quality.
2. Widescreen LCD (Touchscreen)
3. Analog to Digital recordings in a few "touches". {this allows you to record movies directly from your VCR/DVD RCA/S-video output to the camcorder A/V input}
4. 3 MegaPixel still picture digital camera.
5. Very Good Sony Online live chat customer support as well as 24 hour live phone support!

It is clear why i went with the Sony DCR-DVD403 over the Panasonic GS250. The reason i give this camcorder a 10 is simply because i think this is so far the best camcorder in the market (although it isn't perfect in some ways). I have taken about 10 hours of video, and only have had to use 3 mini DVD-RW's. The Picture Package software provided with the camera is aweful, but the way to get around is by using a 3rd party software (just click and drag). This way you can combine 3 mini-dvd's into a regular size dvd disc and have upto 1.5 hours of recording on each along with the stills. It is true that Mini dvd+/-rw's are expensive, but you'd only need to buy like 6 (3 hours of video), for regular use.