ccds size is small to make camcorder small and big zooming size is small to keep camcorder small.

12X optical zoom is not small by my books. 1/6" CCDs are. :-))

ccd size is small to make lens small to make price cheap

Optura300 is small but ccd is big so (original price) was not cheap

ZR is small, CCD is small, lens is small, price is cheap but zoom is big (for some models)

FMV100 (Elura something) is small, ccd is fair, lens is fair, price is fair but zoom is big


For Pany, all ccds are small (but many), lens is VERY small, cam is getting more and more compact, and price is good

This is all true, small zooming and small ccds = small video camcorder.

If I am wrangler in training for Panasonic camcorders I will do a good job and post gs400 specs and more because I will have inside information about every thing. I am not a wrangle and I do not have inside information. :(