How does 16x9 mode work?
 

I remember reading somewhere that there were two ways to make 16x9 with these cameras - one was that the CCD simply uses fewer pixels to generate a full 720x480 image in 16x9 ratio, and the other way is to use all the CCD pixels to make a 720 x 480 image and then to stretch it vertically with software.

Which method does the Sony PD-150 use? Is it the same as the Canon XL/GL method? Is it good?

I think this may provide an answer...

http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-FAQ-etc.html#widescreen