I'm in need of a small back up camera that I can easily take along during event shooting as an emergency back up should my XL-1 or DV 500 go down. I can't carry on my person another "full-size" camera all the time but also can't take the chance of missing a shot. I realize that the 200MC is a single chip camera and most likely won't compare to a 3 chip, but the optical image stablizer got my attention. Has anyone had any experience with the camera and how might it compare to the PDX 10 picture wise? 16x9,not required. Thanks for any input....Best, Craig Hollenback

The 200MC is a vertical-format camcorder in terms of ergonomics. You hold it like a can of beer. Some people prefer horizontal-format ergonomics. These are the camcorders you hold like a football. The right one for you is the one which feels best in your hands... no other feature, including O.I.S., is nearly as important. If you prefer footballs over beer cans, check out the Canon Optura 20. Longer optical zoom, larger LCD screen than the 200MC. It has a next-generation E.I.S., nearly as good as optical.

None of these will measure up to the TRV950 or PDX10. Those are 3-chip cams. You always get what you pay for.

P.S. For all you Euro's, Aussies and Canajians out there, I'm referring to those funny, strange, oblong American footballs. Hope this helps,

hey the CLF uses the same ball.

The Optura 200MC buzzes more than the Optura 100MC; the 100MC has a slightly larger CCD and lens than the 200MC.

P.S. For all you Euro's, Aussies and Canajians out there, I's referring to them funny, strange, oblong British Rugby balls, which Americans borrowed for their popular football game---no not soccer. Hope this helps. :)