The mechanisms in small cassette camcorders always make me nervous but maybe unnecessarily. DSR 300 series Sony camcorders which take the large as well seem to be quite heavy duty, but when you get to the smaller formats like the A1U I recently purchased everything is smaller and even more light weight.

Do owners have the impression the HD-100/200 series mechanisms will be solid working and problem free for many hours?

I worked with the DSR-300 for 5 years, and now for 3 months with the GY-HD100 I believe its a good, solid professional camera (already recorded approximately 120 Hr), its seams to me its not as good as the sony.

But the VF and ear peas from the other end are delicate and built to be replaced many times