Camcorder: Sony DCR-PC109 E
July
2004: I bought this one a few weeks ago.
I don't have much to say about the camera, except the placement of the buttons (record and zoom) are less than intuitive for someone who prefers LCD use. It's something you need to try out for yourself and see if you can live with it. Alternate grips etc. The buttons are placed so they can be reached when you're using the viewfinder.
The clerk in the store had a good tip. He said those small cameras are really hard to handhold without introducing camera movemet. He was right. I used to be almost rock steady with a full size VHS camera. But with this one it's hard to hold it still. He recommended a mini tripod. I had one back home, and when I tried it, the camera was stock still compared to just holding it in my hands. Heartily recommended!
Screw the camera on the tripod. Fold the legs out, and then place the legs on your chest, positioning the camera in front of you (and slightly below your eyes), using the LCD screen for monitoring. I haven't tried using it with the viewfinder this way. Do your own testing.
This page was created by Ann Elisabeth Nordbo
and has its home at http://www.annelisabeth.com/
Updated 12.26.2004
Created August 8th 2000