The Canon HV10 HDV camcorder is a mixed bag with good overall video quality, fast focusing, OIS and solid stills. You’ll really like watching higher-quality home videos on your new widescreen HDTV. I had a problem with its form factor, lack of an HDMI output, annoying zoom switch and obtuse menus. And don’t forget about the total lack of video software support.

An affordable point-and-shoot solution that brings high-definition to the masses.

However, if you can afford it, the Canon will capture those priceless moments in crystal clarity with a minimum of hassle – and that’s something we can see people paying for.

In the meantime, by entering the high-def camcorder market a year and a half after its rivals, Canon has played the same conservative waiting game it once used with digital cameras and camcorders. Its goal, of course, is to watch and learn as the pioneers get all the arrows in their backs. If the HV10 is any indication, the company is off to a very good start.

Overall, we were expecting more from Canon’s first time out in the consumer HD realm. Their professional models are outstanding, but the strategy to make a camcorder as compact as possible clearly has to make concessions somewhere. We fear that they number too many.