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Many firms turn out SD-based camcorders in compact designs, just because the flash-based technologies make allowance for much smaller models than those based primarily on tape, hard disks, and mini DVDs.

Still, it is no featherweight, and whilst I fit it into a loose jacket pocket it’s not extremely compact.

With just a few exceptions, the video recorder has a pleasant, functional design, with cleverly laid out controls and a streamlined user interface. The bigger size makes it more snug to carry and operate too. Having a look at the mpeg recorder head-on, one of the 1st things you notice is the weird built-in lens cover that uses a closing-eye type instead of aperture-blade kind of design we often see.

It would not be notable except that when closed, the 2 plastic pieces have a tendency to rattle against one another ; since the video recorder is off it isn’t a difficulty, merely a minor irritation.

Rather than putting the video light in the common location on the side of the lens, Canon put it on the pop-up flash. The stereo mics sit on either side of the lens barrel. Whilst they could be more subject to wind noise in that location, it allows for bigger mics with better separation than the common positioning above or below the lens. If that is not satisfactory, you can fasten a mic thru the mini accessory shoe on top of the video recorder.

There is a 3.5mm mic input on the grip side of the unit, and the other connectors–USB, component, and miniHDMI–sit in a covered compartment beneath the strap. The strap does get in the way a little when you are hooking stuff up.

To the side of the lens Canon placed a new Custom dial, which looks, feels, and operates similarly to the control dial on Sony’s prosumer models. We like it in the Sony’s and here as well ; it is a snug interface for adjusting options like exposure and focus, though I am not keen on it for cycling through the Zebra and topping options.

The power connector and 3.5mm headphone jack flank the mode button. One of the 2 record buttons lies under your thumb on the back. To the left of the zoom switch is the tiny, recessed power button which is a little to not easy to manipulate.