Panasonic PV-GS59 Mini DV Camcorder

I used a Sony Hi8 camcorder for 8 years, but I finally had to replace it, and I did, with the Panasonic PV-GS59. The LCD screen provides a crystal clear picture, perhaps more clear than what actually gets laid down on the DV tape! Running the A/V out of this camera, and directly into a DVD recorder, makes an absolutely fabulous recording - more clear than what's actually on the MiniDV tape. Using the 4pin 'firewire' cable allows you to 'control' the recorder from your computer using the software program that Panasonic gives you for editing. Use a tripod for shooting with the extra-long 30x lens and you'll get decent results.