I have used this handycam for the past 1 year and it is a pleasure to use.it is a digital 8 camera recording digital images on normal 8 mm tape.or hi8(preffered)
it is fully loaded with almost all features you will ever need plus a host of other features.great optical zoom (20 x)
and digital zoom(480x).at more than 100x you will require a stand. the 0 lux shooting and infra red night shot are good features. however the image stabilizer is not upto the mark.
there is a fair amount of jitter.one feature that is sorely missing is a built in light.sony should incorporate it into such a beautiful camera.the stereo mics and the recording isexcellent. it even gives an option of 12 bit or 16 bit pcm recording and audio dubbing onto the existing soundtrack.great for professional use.
in india it is quite expensive. it will set you back Rs.59999/- so try to procure it abroad. it is US$ 800/-
and worth every penny you spend.